Palm Springs a Unique Vacation Area
By Bobbie Green 
Since its inception Palm Springs, the California desert oasis has been a unique vacation area. Nestled against the San Jacinto Mountain range its first residents were the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, they settled there because of the hot healing mineral waters that sprang from the ground.. Their name for the place was “la palma de la mano de Dios”, The palm of God’s hand. The natural hot springs are still there although the site is now the Spa Resort Casino. In 1877 the U.S. Government gave the railroad title to odd-numbered parcels of land for ten miles on either side of the tracks to be built through the desert around Palm Springs. The Chauilla Indians owned the even number parcels, but without the rights to sell or make a profit from the land. In 1884 Judge John Guthreie McCallum seeking health for his tubercular son became the first permanent non-Indian settler. He purchased land from the railroad and brought water to the area for agricultural by building an aqueduct. The railroad of course brought more white settlers and services to the area. The village of Palm Springs was incorporated in 1938. By this time the village of Palm Springs had become a winter playground for the Hollywood stars and remains so today.
During World War II the surrounding desert became a training ground for General George S. Patton’s Troops. The site of today’s Desert Regional Medical Center served as Torney General Hospital, treating U.S. wounded and Italian prisoners of war were also housed there. The airfield built to handle military cargo became today’s Palm Springs International Airport. After the war and with the advent of air-conditioning the beautiful little town so close to Los Angeles began to flourish with the development of resorts, convention centers and year around residents. In 1959 President Eisenhower signed the Equalization Law allowing the Indian tribes to realize profits from their lands and develop the 99-year lease. The city fathers have protected the beauty and integrity of the city’s growth and today the now year-round playground offers something for every ones preference of hotels, resorts, villas and boutiques Inns, including accommodations for gay, lesbian and naturist’s travelers.
Today’s Palm Springs is a vivacious, picturesque, entertaining and welcoming visitor’s town that caters to all visitors’ preferences. The town features many small Historic Boutique Inns from yesteryear, all refurbished to meet the modern visitors’ needs, yet allowing their nostalgic past to add atmosphere. We were fortunate guests of the Andalusian Court. Located in the historic Tennis Club district and within walking distance to all of the downtown area restaurants and attractions, we found these villas to be beautiful and very convenient. Each of these historic inns have their own history and list of famous people who have stayed there. Some are very private and some invite socializing. Our villa at Andalusian Court was a one bedroom with 2 baths, kitchen and living room with fireplace, all handsomely decorated keeping with the Inn’s Spanish-style theme. All their units feature a private outdoor whirlpool spa. Lucy and Desi Arnaz often stayed here and it is said Little Ricky took his first steps in the courtyard of unit #4. There is a huge pool and a lovely yard to relax in.
The Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism has a book of Historic Inns of Palm Springs, check out your options.
If a larger hotel/ resort type property is you style, again there are many choices, The impressive Hotel Zoso on South Indian Canyon Dr, again in the heart of town offers a trendy modern style resort with excellent 
group conference facilities, or Palm Springs newest the legendary refurbished Riviera Resort & Spa, where “retro meets contemporary style”. Be sure and check it out. There are 130 hotels from which to choose.
.No one is at a loss for entertainment in Palm Springs, there is night life everywhere in the hotels and restaurants and of course the Fabulous Follies runs from the last week in Oct through May each year. Be sure to pick-up and read the free Desert Entertainer magazine as soon as you arrive in town, not to miss some surprising entertainment that may be performed only once per week.
The Palm springs Art Museum exhibits the highest quality visual arts and is conveniently located downtown near the follies. An uncommon attraction is the Palm Springs Air Museum located by the Palm Springs airport. They have a large exhibit of early airplanes and WWII planes along with later models. The unique feature is each plane has a docent who flew in these models or was a mechanic for them. They have stories 
to tell and can answer all kinds of question about the aircraft. One can go inside a WWII cargo plane, a B-17 and C-47. They have an extensive WWII library on site for research. I especially enjoyed browsing through the old 1940’s Life Magazines. The air Museum is quite different from most attractions, I would add it to my not to be missed list.
Everything you have ever heard about dinning in Palm Springs is true, from pizza parlors to gourmet $ to $$$$. If you are looking for something light Ruby’s has a great Cobb salad. If you are wanting a expertly prepared meal served in a trendy atmosphere try Spencer’s Restaurant at the Mountain in the Racquet Club $$$. The patio dinning is very romantic. They have an extensive and pricy wine list along with a California Casual dress code.
Do not forget the “Villagefest” on Thursday evenings in downtown Palm Springs for food, fun and crafts.
Palm Springs is a fun place to visit with a variety of things to do or a retreat to privacy, sun and a pool. It is about a 5.5 hours drive from Mesquite but you can cut off some time by taking 274 out of Barstow and going through 29 palms.
If you go
Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism
760-778-8415
Andalusian Court.
888-947-6667
Fabulous Follies
760-327-0225
Palm Springs Air Museum
760-778-6262
