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A surprising paradise for the not-rich and not-famous shopper
By LUAINE LEE
SCRIPPS HOWARD NEWS SERVICE
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The desert communities around Palm Springs -- just 80 miles southeast of Los Angeles -- have long been the winter retreats for the rich and famous.
And what do the rich do when they tire of their goods? Not being fools, they sell them, of course.
As a result, the Palm Springs area of the Coachella Valley is not only a golfing mecca, but the capital of consignment shops.
For $60, you can buy a handmade gown worn once by a debutante. And if you're a Ginger Rogers fan, you can purchase one of her gowns for a pittance and pretend you're flying down to Rio with Fred Astaire.
Rogers owned several estates in the Palm Springs area, with wardrobes in every one. You'll find her clothing scattered all over the valley. I bought Rogers' peach silk cocktail dress with matching jacket for $50.
Even veteran bargain hunters are suckers for this place. You can find nearly new furniture at one-third to one-fourth the cost, antiques, crested mirrors, silver tea services, paintings and jewelry -- all at bargain prices.
Of course, winter is the best time to visit the Coachella Valley, which includes the communities of Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, Desert Hot Springs and Indio.
If your significant other prefers golf, there are 90 courses in the valley to be explored while you're off scouting the dishy discounts.
The weather, of course, almost always cooperates in the winter, with temperatures in the mid-'80s in the valley while the surrounding mountains are picturesquely snow-capped.
Most of the resale shops run along California State Route 111. Among the best shops are Celebrity Seconds, which has a nice collection of Ginger Rogers' gowns.
It is situatedat 473 N. Palm Canyon Drive, between Alejo and Amado in the courtyard of the Casa de Belle Arts Building in Palm Springs.
Marga's Repeat Boutique at 73920 El Paseo (in the rear) in Palm Desert offers very fine evening wear and haute-couture designs.
Cathedral City boasts Resale Row at 68-929 Perez Road, which includes an antique mall, recycled furniture and second-time-around-clothing.
One of my favorites is Unique Repeat Shoppe, a wonderful bouquet of unusual gowns, skirts, pants and jackets. It is at 73-739 on Highway 111 in Palm Desert.
At Patsy's, 4121 E. Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs, you'll spy hand-tooled cowboy boots, cashmere overcoats, leather goods and famous labels for less than half the price (open Wednesdays through Sunday).
In the President's Plaza West near San Luis Rey is Dora's Boutique, 73-730 El Paseo, Suite 5 in Palm Desert, another collection of stunning sporty and evening clothes at big discounts.
For furniture and collectibles try Lawrence Consignments 71-550 Highway 111 at Indian Trail in Rancho Mirage. Cousins Estate Jewelers specializes in jewelry at 71550 Highway 111 in Rancho Mirage.
In Palm Springs proper is the Village Emporium, the Springs' largest consignment and collectibles mall at 849 N. Palm Canyon Drive, or try Designing Woman at 1150 S. Palm Canyon.
Some of these shops are hard to find because they're not on the main drag, but persevere and you won't be disappointed.
While you're in the area, with all that money you've "saved" shopping, you may want to take advantage of the resorts and spas.
The Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, 13 miles southeast of Palm Springs is one of the largest in the area, with two 18-hole golf courses, 20 tennis courts, nine swimming pools and whirlpools and 13 restaurants. (I recommend the Tuscany for scrumptious Northern Italian cuisine.)
There are baby-sitting services, spa treatments and a special sports package through April 3. For $689 you get a view-room for one night, spa access, one-hour spa treatment, 18 holes of golf for one, with range balls, breakfast and complimentary valet parking. For reservations call 800-331-3112; to plan details of your visit call 800-977-6727.
The Hyatt Grand Champions Resort in Indian Wells runs about $275-$315 for Parlour Suites January-April 26; phone 800-233-1234.
The Mediterranean-influenced Renaissance Esmeralda in Indian Wells sports oversize rooms, pools, two 18-hole golf courses and a stunning view of the nearby Santa Rosa Mountains. Winter rates run between $240-$330; phone 800-552-4386.
The Rancho Las Palmas Resort in Rancho Mirage, fresh from a $30 million face lift, boasts a new rooftop terrace, swimming pool, health spa and ballroom, but still maintains its quiet haciendalike atmosphere, with a 27-hole course and 25 tennis courts. Prices range between $210-$310; phone 800-458-8786.
If you're an inveterate bargain-hunter, there are RV campgrounds as well as low-priced digs. The Palm Court Inn in Palm Springs rents for $50 to $90; phone 800-667-7918. Palm Springs Travelodge for $55-$95; phone 800-578-7878.
The Coachella Valley is one of California's most fecund, with sun ripened produce and citrus to die for. The restaurants are known for their fresh ingredients.
The Elephant Bar and Restaurant in Palm Desert is great for kids, with prices running between $8 and $15. Keedy's, on Highway 111, is a real '50s diner (not a new one made to look old), perfect for breakfast and lunch.
After a long, hard day of shopping, you may restore your energy with the best steak in town at Morton's of Chicago in Palm Desert.
If you crave a night on the town, try St. James at the Vineyard in Palm Springs. And the Macaroni Grill in Palm Desert serves big portions, midrange prices.
If you go...Information: the Official Palm Springs Desert Resorts Web site: www.desert-resorts.comFor a free Palm Springs Desert Resorts Vacation Planner, call 800-417-3529 or 800-967-3767. These numbers are a 24-hour reservation service. Location: two hours southeast of Los Angeles. Transportation: Palm Springs Regional Airport, served by most major carriers, is three minutes from downtown Palm Springs. RV resorts and campgrounds: Emerald Desert Country Club, 800-426-4678; Fiesta RV Park, 760-342-2345; Indian Wells RV Park, 800-789-0895; Palm Springs Oasis, 760-328-4813. Special attractions: Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for spectacular views of the valley. The valley station, at the bottom of the tram, is on the north edge of Palm Springs. Take Tramway Road off Highway 111, go 3 1/2 miles up the hill. Every half hour from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; phone 760-325-1449 or www.pstramway.com Car rentals: Avis, Dollar, Budget, Aztec, Enterprise. |
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