Nearly 100 miles east of the heart of Orange County lies an expanse of sand, palm trees and windmills. It’s a place where the mayor who once crooned “I Got You Babe” chased off college spring breakers. It’s where movie stars once flocked on vacation to get away from Hollywood, and where the 38th president called home later in his life.
Today, the Palm Springs area is a haven for snowbirds seeking refuge from the cold northern weather and for Southern California residents who don’t want to make the trek to Las Vegas, but do want to try their luck at the slot machines and card tables closer to home.
From the gateway of the Coachella Valley in Cabazon to Palm Springs, there are plenty of activities for people of all ages. And if you’re not a fan of triple-digit temperatures, then late winter to early spring is the time to visit, whether you’re heading out for a day or for the weekend.
HADLEY FRUIT ORCHARDS
Operating since 1931, Hadley Fruit Orchards, in Cabazon near Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, is a jewel of the desert. Visitors will find myriad dried fruits and vegetables, jams and jellies, baked goods and made-to-order sandwiches.
The establishment – part roadside fruit stand, part farmers market and part delicatessen – is best known for its date shakes, which come in two delicious varieties. California-grown Deglet Noor dates are chopped and smashed, then blended with vanilla ice cream and milk. Add banana for a sweet and fruity kick on the classic. Shake prices range from $3.75 to $4.95.
While visitors sit at the counter for a spell, they can munch on ostrich, buffalo or beef burgers, egg salad sandwiches or a bowl of steaming chili. They can also admire the signed celebrity portraits on the walls.
“Saturday Night Live” alum Kevin Nealon liked Hadley Fruit Orchards so much, his photo is up there twice.
Inside the market, visitors can shop for dried and roasted nuts, fresh nut butters, old-fashioned sodas and juices, candied fruits and a variety of trinkets. There is also wine tasting with local wines for sale, and a well-stocked gluten-free area.
Information: 48980 Seminole Drive, Cabazon; 951-849-5255, hadleyfruitorchards.com
OUTLET SHOPPING
At Desert Hills Premium Outlets, along I-10 in Cabazon, there are more than 180 outlet stores, including designer brands that rival the offerings of Orange County shopping centers. Whether you’re in the market for new designer duds, handbags, high-end cookware or children’s clothing, there is something for just about everyone.
Shoppers stroll the sun-drenched, palm tree-dotted corridors armed with shopping bags from Coach, Michael Kors and Versace. The outdoor mall was remodeled last year to include 50 new stores in a new wing, as well as a parking garage. The expansion made room for designers such as Helmut Lang, Fendi, Belstaff, Alexander McQueen and Valentino. Several stores, including Coach, Prada and Armani, moved to larger spaces with wider selection.
Neighboring mall Cabazon Outlets features 16 stores, including Brighton Collectibles, Merrell, Tommy Bahama, Under Armour and Le Creuset.
In addition, there are several eateries at both malls, including Blaze Pizza, Chicken Now, Wetzel’s Pretzels and Starbucks.
Information: Desert Hills Premium Outlets, 48400 Seminole Drive, Cabazon, 951-849-6641, premiumoutlets.com; Cabazon Outlets, 48750 Seminole Drive, No. 100, Cabazon, 951-922-3000, cabazonoutlets.com
MORONGO CASINO RESORT & SPA
At night, Cabazon is illuminated by the 310-room tower at Morongo Casino Resort & Spa. The hotel has the usual slot machines and table games, but also offers a variety of dining options, including the Cielo restaurant on the 27th floor.
Guests who are looking to cool off and spend some time with the kids can enjoy the lazy river. There is even a bowling alley on the resort property.
Information: 49500 Seminole Drive, Cabazon; 951-849-3080, morongocasinoresort.com
CABAZON DINOSAURS
Before the Morongo Casino towered over Cabazon, there wasn’t much to see while driving along I-10 toward Palm Springs aside from windmills – and, of course, a 150-foot-long dinosaur.
Made famous in the cult film “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure,” the Tyrannosaurus rex named Mr. Rex and an apatosaurus named Ms. Dinny were created by former Knott’s Berry Farm sculptor Claude Bell, and have made this area off the interstate home for more than 30 years.
Visitors might not be able to enjoy the sunset from inside the mouth of the T. rex as in “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure,” but they can still check out the view from four stories up at the T-Rex Museum, which features exhibits on creationism. Admission is $8.95 for adults, $7.95 for children.
If you’re not interested in seeing what it’s like in the mouth of a T. rex, stop by the gift shop, located in Dinny’s belly.
Speaking of “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure,” the restaurant where Large Marge sent him is right by the feet of the dinosaurs. The Wheel Inn restaurant closed in late 2013 and may be facing demolition. But for now, you can still cue up your Tears for Fears cassette in the car and speed away like vocalist Curt Smith. Yes, the music video for “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” was shot in front of the restaurant.
Information: 50770 Seiminole Drive, Cabazon; 951-922-0076, cabazondinosaurs.com
PALM SPRINGS AERIAL TRAMWAY
When most people think of Palm Springs, they think warm weather year-round. That is, unless they’re taking a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, where temperatures are normally 30 degrees cooler than on the desert floor.
Starting at the Valley Station at 2,643 feet, visitors can enjoy the 10-minute, 21/2 mile ride with 80 of their new closest friends as they ascend to the Mountain Station, which sits 8,516 feet above sea level. And don’t worry about not being able to see everything – the tram rotates while in motion, giving you picturesque views of the desert.
If steep heights, claustrophobia and spinning rooms aren’t your thing, keep in mind that five towers connect the cables, and when you get to each tower, the tram car dips just a bit. The kids will love it.
Once you get to the top of the mountain, there are a gift shop, restrooms and restaurants. You might even find snow on the ground. There are trails for hiking and snowshoeing and plenty of areas for sledding. You can bring your own sled or purchase one at the gift shop.
If you get hungry on top of the mountain, Peaks Restaurant at the Mountain Station provides a nice sit-down environment, while Pines Café offers cafeteria-style dining. The tramway also has Ride ’n’ Dine specials after 4 p.m. for those who are just looking for something different for dinner.
Information: 1 Tram Way, Palm Springs; 760-325-1449, pstramway.com. Cost is $23.95 general, $21.95 seniors 62 and older, $16.95 children 3-12.
