OLD TOWN LA QUINTA Folks talk about the good ol’ days, when mornings were lazy, afternoons were unhurried, and neighbors made eye contact. Those were the days of small, quaint towns, when everything you needed could be found within walking distance. You know, like Old Town La Quinta today? Friendly, walkable, and vibrant, it’s a town center everybody wants to visit. Start your motor at Old Town Coffee Company, then mosey through the shops and boutiques, picking up some artisan olive oil, handmade jewelry, or a bottle of fine wine at La Rue Café. Enjoy live music and delicious, local fare, or sample locally crafted beers. Sundays bring the Certified Farmers Market from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Off Calle Tampico, a few blocks west of La Quinta City Hall. www.oldtownlaquinta.com
VILLAGEFEST A crash course in Palm Springs, the weekly street fair’s local businesses sell just about anything: homemade soaps, jewelry, artwork, and even time shares. Walk down Palm Canyon and take in the aroma issuing from numerous food vendors. Buy art from local artists, get a massage, or sign up for the local roller derby team. There’s entertainment, music, and much more every Thursday night, October through May, 6-10 p.m.; 7-10 p.m. during summer.
Palm Canyon Drive from Amado to Baristo roads. www.villagefest.org
VINTAGE SHOPPING
There are treasures to be found in the desert, but you needn’t go full Indiana Jones to unearth them. The cool vintage shops and boutiques in Yucca Valley make treasure-hunting easy and fabulous. Start with Funky & Darn Near New for wool ponchos and pink faux fur coats. Hit up Hoof & The Horn for accessories and bohemian clothes, perfect for Coachella parties. Finish with Ricochet Vintage Wears, where you’ll get lost in groovy threads, piles of previously loved chapeaus, and the kind of slightly scuffed boots that tell a story.
All along Highway 62, Old Town Yucca Valley.
CABAZON OUTLETS AND DESERT HILLS PREMIUM OUTLETS
This place is huge. With hundreds of stores, you can do some serious damage to your credit cards at Cabazon Outlet Mall and Desert Hills Premium Outlets. Bring a pedometer so you can boast about your workout. You’ll cover a lot of ground. It’s a good mix of high-end brands like Gucci, Armani, Ferragamo, Jimmy Choo, and Calvin Klein, and mall staples like Nike, Forever 21, Gap, Guess, and Under Armour. If you haven’t spent all of your money, try your luck for more at the adjacent Morongo Casino to play slots, blackjack, or other table games. A variety of dining options await, from a food court to a buffet and fine dining.
48400 and 48750 Seminole Drive, Cabazon. www.premiumoutlets.com; www.cabazonoutlets.com
Content sponsored by Trilogy at The Polo Club, 51750 Polo Club Drive, Indio, 760-775-5522.
For more information, please visit the Explore 52 day trip kiosk at the Trilogy at the Polo Club clubhouse.
