My Week in Greater Palm Springs

I spent my week at the Holiday Inn in Palm Desert. As usual, I disinfected the table tops, handles, and enclosed my remote control in a sealed Ziploc bag (just to be safe during Covid). I also bring my own pillow and sheets. Am I over doing it?

Hadley's is a must if you want to try a date shake. Try an original first, then ask them to add unsweetened peanut butter if you want to try a different variation.

I enjoyed this grilled cheese sandwich at Hadley's. If you like grilled cheese sandwiches, you must try this panini version.

Lappert's became a favorite. I visited 4xs. Their Dole Whip is fluffy and creamy!

This was in Beaumont on debate night. The following day, it was gone.

I wanted to experience the "Palms to Pines" drive so I drove from Beaumont to Idyllwild for a burger. Am I crazy?

Lumber Mill's Wild Western burger. They recommend this or the No Way Jose burger.

This is the scenic viewpoint from teh drive back down to Palm Desert.

Bombay Beach. I heard some loud rumblings while on the beach. I was alone on the beach and didn't stay too long. I heard they have been having some earthquakes.

Bombay Beach

Salvation Mountain. I really didn't want to stop by this area popularized by Instagram, but it was on the way to East Jesus.

East Jesus was interesting as they repurposed "junk" into art.

Sunnylands. I've heard about it as the vacation hideaway of presidents, but didn't know you can visit it. Only the garden was open at the time, but very worth the visit. The art gallery is opening on October 15, 2020. Check out their website to book a tour which I hear is booked months in advance.

I finally made the visit to Shield's. I tried their date shake and didn't like the date crystals in it. I much prefer the date shake at Hadley's.

Ever since my visit to the original site of McDonald's now a museum owned by the Japanese owner of the Juan Pollo chain, I've wanted to try his rotissertie chicken. The chicken exceeded my expectations -- especially his potato salad. If you see one when you're in San Bernardino County, you'll have to try it.

I haven't had an apple fritter this good since my visit to a Portland, Oregon. Swiss Donuts is a must while in Greater Palm Springs.

Another Palm Springs must is a popular local chain called Bill's Pizza. Ask for their recommendations.

Living Zoo and Gardens. I struggle with my zoo visits and seeing animals in captivity, but you're pretty limited in things to do. There's hiking, but it's hot right now in the desert. There's a hiking trail you can attempt when the weather is cooler. For $25 for my visit, I wouldn't go back. I still remember my visit with my friends taking a picture with sign back when I was 18. Glad to finally make it inside to check it out.