Palm Springs Real Estate Blog

Taking place in the southwest desert, framed by the beautiful Santa Rosa mountains is the location of the La Quinta Arts Festival. Home to one of the most notorious art displays in the southwest United States. Boasting the beauty of the surrounding desert adding to the attraction of the location as well as a splendid view of the mountains, locals swear almost no where else on Earth is quite as lovely.

The beauty of the desert is captured by the artists that have chosen to draw, paint, and create lovely works of art for display and sale, offering you a rare experience of seeing the world through their eyes. See the beauty of a pottery display that takes on a new meaning once you have

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It is very easy to see that one of the very simplest ways to make money is in the Palm Springs real estate market by “flipping” properties. “Flipping” a home can be a very fast and effective way to earn a nice profit in a very short amount of time and can be done by just about anyone no matter what their real estate knowledge might be.

The real trick to “flipping” a home is looking for a home that needs to have some basic repairs done to it. You want to make sure that any repairs that need to be done to the home that you are looking to flip are only cosmetics so that you are not investing a ton of money into the property as that would eat away at your potential profit. You then make all the repairs yourself or locate a contractor that will (more…)

PALM SPRINGS, CA…February 6, 2008 -The Palm Springs Food & Wine Festival, a benefit for the Culinary Institute of America’s Endowed Scholarship Fund is presented by Wells Fargo and will be one of the most prestigious food and wine festivals in Southern California. Located at the Spa Resort Casino in downtown Palm Springs, this event will be uniquely educational in focus showcasing Palm Springs as a culinary destination.

This Festival is the only one of its kind on the West Coast as it benefits the premier culinary school in America, the Culinary Institute of America. Locally, the Festival also benefits the Desert AIDS Project whose mission is to provide crucial services for those with HIV & AIDS. In the spirit of these two organizations and their mission of education, the Festival and all of its partners will have educational components in each of the venues while the attendees experience the finest cuisine and wines from around the world. As an earth friendly event, the producers will be making every effort to use recycled products, biodegradable material, and limited power draw from the grids while being constantly aware of its overall footprint on the environment.
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With the myriad of astounding architectural designs used in and around Palm Springs, it is obvious that some of the most notorious architects have lived or designed there. One of the more noteworthy ones being William Krisel, AIA of the firm Palm & Krisel which began it’s reign in 1924. Since 1954 William Krisel has been invariably building his fame and notoriety, literally, as a landscape architect and winning the hearts of many with his intriguing designs that have lasted over a duration of time. Some of his more popular designs have been used world wide as models for studies and instruction in the intricacies of modern architecture.

Over the course of his fifty-one year career, he is personally responsible for having designed well over thirty thousand domestic units in and around the Southern half of California. This incredible career began when he responded to an invitation from a close friend to design some houses in modern style which were to be named Royal Desert Palms. These distinguished homes are now referred to as Twin Palms due to the pair of Palm trees that accompanied each home. His resume contains such professionally designed buildings such as the Las Palmas Estates, the Sandpiper condominiums in Indian Wells and Palm Desert as well as numerous others. His reputation was rightly earned and it’s reach was far.

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“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder”, and here at the McCallum Theatre you find this statement true as no other place on earth. From the beautiful stone decor outside with lovely pillars and expertly placed lighting to the breathtaking interior, this is a theatre house like no other and ever since opening their doors twenty years ago, January 2, 1988, these walls have seen thousands of different people come and go. Viewers from different generations, different backgrounds, all drawn to one place out of a love of the arts and the beauty of dance, acting, or singing.

Along with the vastly teeming crowds that have graced this amazing establishment have been notorious actors,singers, and famous members of society and government. Brought together under one roof to explore the world of arts and entertainment, some of the past performers include Julio Iglesias, Harry Connick Jr., Barry Manilow, Johnny Cash, Chris Botti. (more…)

Boasting some of the most famous names in history, this golf tournament promises viewing of some of the most famous people alive today. Begun in 1989 as a way of focusing the world on giving aid to worthy causes, this tournament began it’s history raising money to benefit the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center that is attempting to raise the awareness of individuals of the concerning child abuse among other related topics.

This tournament has included a roster that mimics an A-list party or function involving all the most famous and important people from the surrounding areas. These attendees are given a wonderful week and weekend of experiences not to be forgotten. Beginning on February 21, activities include a concerto karaoke, followed by Frank’s favorites, (more…)

Located on North Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs is the epitome of heaven for an exotic car buyer. For the past 22 years, English legend, Keith McCormick has made available some of the most highly sought after exotic cars and trucks. Best known and respected for his immaculate record for honesty and success, he has held a Palm Springs Exotic Car Auction twice a year, in November and February, in the hub of activity for Palm Springs — downtown. Set on the grounds of the fabulous Spa Resort Casino, the auctions draw a myriad of attendees from curious onlookers simply there to enjoy the people, location, and electricity in the air from the upbeat crowds to the serious die hard fans of exotic cars. Whatever you desire, there is something there for everyone.

Although Keith McCormick had achieved a level of notoriety in his homeland of Great Britain in 1981, it clearly was not enough for the hard driven self-made entrepreneur, he needed something more and his dream was to live in Palm Springs, California while focusing his attention on his family and exotic cars. Knowing far more than the average person about these vehicles, Keith went up against enormous odds (more…)

Boasting as the origin of some of the most fantastic history of Palm Springs, is the famed and renowned Racquet Club of Palm Springs. As a historic part of this scenic town, visiting the Racquet Club is a definite must for those of you that share a love of the past, and a desire to see into the private lives of some of the most famous actors of all time.

Set in the lonely desert, surrounded by the awe inspiring mountains lies the Racquet Club, founded by actors as a safe haven for themselves and others of their kind, to get a rare break away from the limelight even if only for a short while. The outside world received rare glimpses of the happenings and visitors inside through newspaper clippings, and stories passed through the old grapevine, but as for being allowed entry into this world of fun, relaxation, and tennis — it was a club for actors only.

Reading a list of the members of the Racquet Club was like reading a list of guests attending an A1 party or premiere show. All the biggest names were there, to name a few (more…)

Abruptly rising from the floor of the desert and located east of Los Angeles are the majestic San Jacinto mountains. A short range running south by southeastward approximately 30 miles, these mountains are closely surrounded by the San Gorgonio Pass and the northern point of the Santa Rosa Mountains. Recognized as the back drop to the city of Palm Springs, they are not only beautiful to behold, but also necessary as a storage area for water of all the surrounding areas.

Giving those located nearby as well as visitors, a chance to engage in some outdoor activities offering recreational fun and the chance to meet fascinating travelers since the mountains attract tourists quite frequently. Some of the outdoor fun to be had includes mountain biking as an excellent way of finding your endurance level and just how tough you really are. Another option for exercise, fun, and sport is the trail hiking. Taking a trek through some of the most beautiful mountain ranges known to man, you may find yourself enthralled to the point of amazement and wonder at the beauty of the surrounding desert. Offering a respite from the often triple digit heat on the desert floor, this mountain range boasts the Mount San Jacinto State Park, and a division of the San Bernardino Mountains. The view from the mountains gives you a breathtaking and panoramic look at (more…)

Offering year round pleasant weather, posh resorts and the chance to rub shoulders with the rich and famous, Palm Springs, California is the destination for nearly half a million people annually. Joining those who have strolled down historic Palm Canyon Drive and immersing yourself in the luxury of the natural mineral hot springs are only a couple of options that promise a visit filled with fun and relaxation is a hub of activity nestled at the eastern base of the San Jacinto Mountains.

With an awe inspiring view of the mountains to the west and the beauty of the stark desert all around, the Coachella Valley has been home to Palm Springs since the early 1800’s. During this initial time period, the Cahuilla Indians, known as the Agua Caliente Indians, were the primary inhabitants, living around the hot springs in the winter months and moving to the (more…)

Are you searching for some of the most spectacular cities located in the West? Your search may have just ended. You see, we have some exceptional properties available and some rock bottom prices too. I am confident that once you read about some of the fabulous cities in here in the California Desert you will fall in love. In the Coachella Valley, there are many great neighborhoods, in our most favorite area cities: La Quinta, Indian Wells, and Historic Palm Springs to name a few. In this series, I will spotlight some of the cities located here in the Coachella Valley.

The activity is here, and in the surrounding cities; where you will find some of the most fantastic entertainment ranging from weekly to annual festivals, read on to learn about some of these prize California towns have to offer you. Let’s take Palm Springs for example. Glorious Palm Springs is the hub of activity for most of the West, here you will find some history of our country that is truly amazing. Palm Springs began its existence as a residential living area around the late 1800’s after being growing to be a prevalent rest stop for the stagecoach lines. Halfway between New Mexico, and Los Angeles, this location was made famous in later years by renowned Hollywood actors and (more…)

If you enjoy a great festival that gives a huge presentation but manages to keep the small, home town feel to it then here in Indio, California you will find exactly that. At the annual Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival, hosted by the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, there is something for everyone. From the lure of the games and activities to the food and fun it is one non-stop joy ride lasting for ten days in February. It’s coming soon and runs, February 15th -24th in 2008!! Hosting some of the biggest names in the music industry, the festival has managed to book entertainment by some of these top stars such as Leann Rimes, country music singing sensation joined by Banda Novillo and Heart. If that does not seem sufficient to draw in the crowds, you can also see an amazing performance by Gerardo Fernandez and (more…)

Here’s a peek at some of the Modern Architecture that is everywhere here in Palm Springs. Palm Springs had an abundance of world famous architects who worked in the 50’s such as Albert Frey, Donald Wexler, Richard Neutra, as well as others. There are many home owners who have done extensive restoration projects all over the city to return these homes to their original condition. I found this video on YouTube, please enjoy it!

Bravo TV’s Bryan Thompson take you off the beaten path in the desert around Palm Springs to show some great Modern architecture new and old.

Every nation has attempted at some point in time, in some way, to keep the spirit of their past alive in their hearts and the hearts of their people. Here in Indio, California this is one of the top priorities. Some years ago, there was an idea brought forward to assist in preserving the past of the inhabitants and people of Indio, but as with any new idea, without proper attention and stimulation it fails to grow and for a season there was no activity.

It was not until 1996, when David Hernandez visited Indio and the Riverside County Date Festival was in action, that the idea was brought up once again to paint murals to impact the city and it’s residents. These murals would draw attention to the small city of Indio, drawing visitors, commerce and economic relief. Aid was requested from local residents as well as local businesses. Everyone was given a chance to become a part of something bigger than themselves, and to help preserve a piece of history that would define their city.

As a way of earning the much needed income to produce the murals, an idea was born of (more…)

Nestled in the awe inspiring foothills of the San Jacinto and San Gorgonio mountains, lies the Morongo Indian Reservation. As one of nine reservations set in 1865 by President Grant, the Morongo Indians have since built their homes, and their fathers, after them. Generation after generation has passed through those 32,000 acres and have lived, loved, breathed, and died culture, freedom, and a determination to make a better way of life for each new generation.

September 28, 29, and 30 were prime examples of some of this culture and heritage we know so little about. The 17th annual pow wow of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians involving some of the most amazing displays of courage, beauty, sportsmanship and a willingness to allow us a view of their private world.

What is a pow wow, you may ask? These pow wows (more…)

Imagine the noise, the crowd is going wild, the smell of fresh cooked hot dogs, roasted peanuts, and popcorn is everywhere! Where are you? Palm Springs Stadium is where you should be, completely losing yourself in the joy of one of America’s favorite past times — baseball. Palm Springs Power Baseball has formed teams annually, with returning players helping to earn the love of fans all over. They play baseball and collect toys among many other things. Most recently was their “Christmas in July” game that requested the help of fans to gather loads of toys to be sent to Toys for Tots for Christmas. With the help of their mascot, Rocky the Ram, and all the “power fans”, dozens of toys were gathered to give. The Palm Springs Power compete in the Southern California Collegiate Baseball Association, which consists of six teams - East L.A. Dodgers, So Cal Bears (Fontana), California Glory (Ontario), Fire (Orange County), and Saints (Dominguez Hills).

This power baseball reaches out to the community at large, and offers (more…)

Are you searching for a new way to liven up your life? Maybe experience something you have never done before? Desert Adventures’ Red jeep tours is waiting to take you on a truly amazing journey, located mainly within 15 minutes from most Palm Springs resorts. Whether you are the company CEO, and looking for a way to build your employees’ team work rating, or you are on holiday at one of the fabulous resorts located around Palm Springs, Indian Wells, or La Quinta, to name a few, Desert Adventures’ Ranch has something to keep everyone content.

The desert may seem plain and somber to an outsider looking in, but here at Desert Adventures, you will have a chance to view the desert through a new set of eyes. Explore the beauty and might of the beautiful desert, journeying with us on a red jeep tour through some of the most beautiful areas of the desert, located on our 1000 acre private desert preserve.

Desert Adventures’ Team-building programs offer a great opportunity for companies trying to encourage team work within their employee ranks. By endeavoring to give them challenges they are forced to handle as a team and yet allowing them to enjoy the beauty of nature and one another’s company in a relaxed atmosphere. It will definitely build physical and mental strength in those that visit the ranch. Hosting a company Desert Discovery party here is also welcome, using the perfected programs that are tailored to meet the individual needs of each and every group that comes. The proof of perfection lies in the 80+% of repeat customers that pass through those doors each year and the variety shown for each planned activity only serves to show the insistence of Desert Adventures to make their ranch your first choice for a red jeep tour, team-building event, a planned party, or a simple desert get-away weekend. They hold the needs and desires of the client as the top order of business, and in doing so have served many satisfied clients in the 20 years they have been open for business.

What you want and what you are looking for determines what you will find at Desert Adventures. They boast mind boggling tours that give you an up close first class look at the unbelievable Joshua Tree National Park and the San Andreas fault, two of the most amazing geological wonders.

Boasting as recipients of numerous local, regional, and national awards in excellence of operation, business, and customer satisfaction, Desert Adventures would like to add you to their list of cliente. Nowhere else can you expect to find such spacious surroundings as well as the delight in finding something amazing and breathtaking to pass your time each day you spend there. The journey is well worth it, and the location alone will have you mesmerized at the beauty of the surrounding desert while you enjoy the ambiance of it all. Come experience the awe inspiring desert by hiking or indulging in a red jeep tour — experience Desert Adventures’ Ranch where the desert comes alive. Call Mary now at (760) 494-0416. Get More Information at: http://www.red-jeep.com/

To receive up to a $20.00 pp discount go to http://www.red-jeep.com/jeep_tours.html

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A FLYER WITH OUR CURRENT PUBLIC TOUR DESCRIPTIONS, PRICES AND SCHEDULES (requires Adobe Reader)

Article by: Elaine Stewart - Your Palm Springs Real Estate Expert: http://www.investdesert.com/

The Modernism of Palm Springs’ Renowned Architect, Albert Frey

Palm Spring’s own Albert Frey (1903-1998), an internationally-renowned architect, left his signature throughout the desert during his career. Many of his projects, whether they were schools, public buildings, commercial sites or ranch style combined his ideas of modernism and commercialism. As he often stated, he could not have practiced his lifetime devotion to his profession without keeping his business’s door open.

He lived in Palm Springs from 1934 to his death, from a time when there were 1500 residents in the bustling city it is today. He became involved in the city through a partner. When he arrived, he fell in love with the area, especially the (more…)

Eating is one of America’s favorite pastimes and here in Palm Springs there is definitely no shortage of excellent restaurants available for your dining pleasure. Whether you crave something fast, cold and fulfilling or something hot, spicy and satisfying; we have it all and we have narrowed it down for you to the top 3 restaurants in Palm Springs. These 3 give you a wide selection of sensory pleasing food to choose from while enjoying the ambiance of each different surrounding area. Read on for a breakdown of some of the best eating establishments here in Palm Springs.

For an authentic taste of Mexican cuisine, your choice would be Las Casuelas Terraza, recently ranked among the 50 best Hispanic restaurants across America, by the Hispanic Magazine. Here you are treated like family, regardless of your origins and the menu tempts your appetite like no other. Offering a spacious outdoor patio for dining-al-fresco or a low lit corner for relaxation, you will find Las Casuelas Terraza is the one restaurant that immerses you in the Hispanic culture, while offering you a temporary reprieve from day to day life. The bar is a favorite hangout at night and the Margaritas are Mui bien!!!

Not only is the restaurant among the top 50 best, but also makes my top 3 pick of restaurants in Palm Springs. This beautiful eatery is found along historic Palm Canyon Drive and has been opened to the public for nearly two decades. During this time the menu has been refined over and over and has taken a trend upward in offering some of the most amazing dishes as well as quick pick-up meals referred to as Pronto Food to Go. For an authentic taste of the West, visit Las Casuelas Terraza.

If your taste is leaning toward a more formal setting, and perhaps a good wine with an excellent steak, then (more…)

Where is the place to be every Thursday evening? In historic, downtown Palm Springs, where you can find some of the most eclectic, and amazing artisans anywhere. Only here can you immerse yourself in sensory delights that border on spectacular, and the lure of more to come keeps the weekly visitors returning every Thursday evening.

Offering a variety of sights, sounds, and smells ranging from familiar to unknown, the Palm Springs Villagefest promises to make your weekly expedition to downtown Palm Springs a delightful one. Visitors from all over are making this a must-see on their travel agenda, to experience some of the local culture as well as foreign. Finding so many different artisans in one organized setting can be a definite challenge, but here you get exactly that.

As an organized event that takes place weekly on Thursdays, the Palm Springs Villagefest is astounding in the familiar order of events, while offering the artisans that (more…)