114. California - Palm Springs - Journey Through Mid-Century Modern Masterpieces and Desert Delights

WEBVTT

1
00:00:03.120 --> 00:00:17.800
Calaroga Shark Media. Hello, fellow
travelers, it's your host Journey Joe Mitchell,

2
00:00:18.239 --> 00:00:22.719
and welcome back to another sun kissed
episode of Travel is Back. Today,

3
00:00:22.920 --> 00:00:27.879
we're exploring the desert oasis of Palm
Springs, California, a vibrant city

4
00:00:27.879 --> 00:00:32.920
that's been a favorite getaway for Hollywood
stars, architecture enthusiasts, and sunseekers alike

5
00:00:32.960 --> 00:00:37.439
for decades. This is a sequel
to the previous episode where we explored the

6
00:00:37.439 --> 00:00:42.280
Palm Springs air Tramway and San Jacinto
State Park. No visit to Mount San

7
00:00:42.359 --> 00:00:47.520
Jacinto State Park would be complete without
experiencing the thrill of the Palm Springs Aerial

8
00:00:47.560 --> 00:00:51.560
Tramway, which takes you on a
breathtaking journey from the desert floor to the

9
00:00:51.560 --> 00:00:56.640
mountain summit. What goes up must
come down. So let's rejoin Johnny Mack,

10
00:00:56.840 --> 00:00:59.880
who had his portable recorder for the
ride down. You'll want to hear

11
00:00:59.880 --> 00:01:03.320
the fun of the dips, and
then I'll tell you about Palm Springs proper.

12
00:01:03.439 --> 00:01:07.920
So we are going to try cork. We're gonna go over those five

13
00:01:08.079 --> 00:01:12.359
towers. They do have a dip
on the way down rather than a swing

14
00:01:12.840 --> 00:01:19.159
dim, so are much much easier
than swings. And our windows that are

15
00:01:19.239 --> 00:01:23.519
open, and though it's cold,
but we got to keep those windows open

16
00:01:25.200 --> 00:01:29.280
and we will get out of this
little cloud here in a little while.

17
00:01:29.680 --> 00:01:47.519
Here we go. We're not spinning, spinning. This is great. It's

18
00:01:47.599 --> 00:02:04.400
terrifying alright, everybody, we made
it the val die so you at sid

19
00:02:04.560 --> 00:02:08.520
please watch your study on the apple
myself in the Pom Springs Aerial Tramway.

20
00:02:08.840 --> 00:02:15.560
Thanks for visiting. Hope you had
a fantastic time our Palm Spring's adventure begins

21
00:02:15.599 --> 00:02:19.199
in the heart of downtown, where
the streets are lined with palm trees,

22
00:02:19.319 --> 00:02:24.000
trendy boutiques, and colorful murals.
The city's laid back vibe is instantly contagious,

23
00:02:24.159 --> 00:02:29.120
and you can't help but feel yourself
slipping into vacation mode as you stroll

24
00:02:29.159 --> 00:02:34.199
along Palm Canyon Drive. One of
the first things you'll notice about Palm Springs

25
00:02:34.680 --> 00:02:38.400
is its incredible Mid Century Modern architecture. The city is home to one of

26
00:02:38.400 --> 00:02:43.879
the largest concentrations of Mid Century Modern
homes and buildings in the world, and

27
00:02:43.919 --> 00:02:47.639
it's like stepping back in time to
the nineteen fifties and sixties. We'll take

28
00:02:47.680 --> 00:02:53.439
a tour of some of the most
iconic buildings, including the Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway

29
00:02:53.479 --> 00:02:57.680
and the Twin Palms Estate, and
learn about the architects who helped shape the

30
00:02:57.680 --> 00:03:01.560
city's unique style. One of the
most famous examples of mid century Modern architecture

31
00:03:01.560 --> 00:03:07.319
in Palm Springs is the Elvis Honeymoon
Hideaway. This stunning estate was once the

32
00:03:07.319 --> 00:03:10.879
honeymoon retreat of Elvis and Priscilla Presley, and it's easy to see why the

33
00:03:10.960 --> 00:03:15.280
King of Rock and Roll fell in
love with it. The home features a

34
00:03:15.360 --> 00:03:19.120
dramatic, sweeping roof that mimics the
shape of a butterfly, as well as

35
00:03:19.159 --> 00:03:23.400
walls of glass that blur the line
between indoor and outdoor living. As we

36
00:03:23.439 --> 00:03:28.439
tour the property, we'll learn about
the home's fascinating history and the legendary parties

37
00:03:28.439 --> 00:03:32.360
that once took place here. Another
must see mid century modern gem is the

38
00:03:32.400 --> 00:03:38.240
Twin Palm's Estate, designed by the
renowned architect E. Stuart Williams, with

39
00:03:38.319 --> 00:03:43.159
its clean lines, open floor plan, and seamless integration with the surrounding landscape.

40
00:03:43.199 --> 00:03:46.280
As we explore the home's chic,
minimalist interiors and lush tropical gardens,

41
00:03:46.599 --> 00:03:51.840
will gain a deeper appreciation for the
visionary architects who helped put Palm Springs on

42
00:03:51.879 --> 00:03:54.960
the map. But the mid century
modern magic doesn't stop there. As we

43
00:03:55.000 --> 00:04:00.159
continue our tour, we'll discover a
treasure trove of other archae textual wonders,

44
00:04:00.199 --> 00:04:05.159
from the sleek, glass walled Kaufman
House to the whimsical space age tramway gas

45
00:04:05.199 --> 00:04:11.039
station. We'll learn about the pioneering
architects who called Palm Springs home, such

46
00:04:11.039 --> 00:04:15.800
as Richard Neutra, Donald Wexler,
and Albert Frey, and the innovative building

47
00:04:15.840 --> 00:04:20.680
techniques they use to create these iconic
structures. But Palm Springs isn't just about

48
00:04:20.800 --> 00:04:27.160
architecture. It's also a haven for
art lovers. The Palm Springs Art Museum

49
00:04:27.240 --> 00:04:31.279
is a must visit destination with an
impressive collection of modern and contemporary art,

50
00:04:31.759 --> 00:04:35.920
as well as Native American and Western
art, and if you're lucky enough to

51
00:04:35.920 --> 00:04:40.399
be in town during the Palm Springs
Art Fair, you'll have the chance to

52
00:04:40.439 --> 00:04:45.480
browse works from over seventy galleries and
artists from around the world. Of course,

53
00:04:45.480 --> 00:04:48.240
no trip to Palm Springs would be
complete without spending some time lounging by

54
00:04:48.240 --> 00:04:53.160
the pool. The city is famous
for its resort culture, and there are

55
00:04:53.199 --> 00:04:57.399
plenty of options to choose from.
Whether you're looking for a luxurious spa retreat

56
00:04:57.720 --> 00:05:00.639
or a fun filled family vacation.
Check out some of the best resorts in

57
00:05:00.680 --> 00:05:05.639
town, from the iconic Parker Palm
Springs to the retro Chik Ace Hotel and

58
00:05:05.759 --> 00:05:11.240
soak up the sun in style.
The daytime pool scene in Palm Springs it's

59
00:05:11.279 --> 00:05:15.920
the stuff of legends. When the
desert sun is blazing overhead, there's no

60
00:05:15.000 --> 00:05:18.079
better place to cool off and soak
up the laid back vibes than at one

61
00:05:18.120 --> 00:05:23.720
of the city's many iconic pool parties. Picture this. You're lounging on a

62
00:05:23.720 --> 00:05:28.120
plush, oversized day bed, sipping
a frosty cocktail as the sun sparkles off

63
00:05:28.120 --> 00:05:31.720
the turquoise water. The air is
filled with the sound of laughter, splashing

64
00:05:31.959 --> 00:05:36.319
and the latest summer beats spun by
a live DJ. Everywhere you look,

65
00:05:36.399 --> 00:05:43.079
beautiful people are showing off their resort
chik style, from colorful bikinis and designer

66
00:05:43.120 --> 00:05:47.360
shades to sleek cabanas and floating pool
toys. One of the most famous pool

67
00:05:47.360 --> 00:05:53.079
party spots in Palm Springs is the
Ace Hotel and Swim Club. This hipster

68
00:05:53.160 --> 00:05:58.079
haven is known for its artsy retro
inspired vibe and its wild and whimsical pool

69
00:05:58.120 --> 00:06:00.879
scene. On any given weekend,
you'll find the pool packed with a mix

70
00:06:00.920 --> 00:06:04.399
of locals and visitors, all looking
to soak up the sun and let loose

71
00:06:04.480 --> 00:06:10.000
in a fun and funky atmosphere.
The ace also hosts regular pool parties with

72
00:06:10.079 --> 00:06:14.319
themes like Drag Me to the Disco
and Cowboy Pool Party, complete with live

73
00:06:14.399 --> 00:06:18.120
music, games and plenty of instagram
worthy moments. Another must visit pool party

74
00:06:18.120 --> 00:06:23.920
destination is the Saguaro Palm Springs.
This colorful, modern resort is a favorite

75
00:06:23.920 --> 00:06:29.000
among young trendy travelers thanks to its
vibrant decor and lively pool scene. The

76
00:06:29.000 --> 00:06:32.560
Saguaro's pool is surrounded by bright yellow
umbrellas, hot pink lounge chairs, and

77
00:06:32.639 --> 00:06:38.279
towering palm trees, creating a fun
and playful atmosphere that's perfect for soaking up

78
00:06:38.279 --> 00:06:43.319
the sun and making new friends.
The resort also hosts regular pool parties with

79
00:06:43.439 --> 00:06:47.680
live DJs, specialty cocktails, and
plenty of opportunities to dance the day away.

80
00:06:48.360 --> 00:06:53.079
If you're looking for a more upscale
pool party experience, head to the

81
00:06:53.160 --> 00:06:58.360
Riviera Palm Springs. This luxurious resort
is home to the famous splash House pool

82
00:06:58.360 --> 00:07:01.959
party series, which takes over the
resort stunning pool area for three weekends each

83
00:07:02.000 --> 00:07:06.639
summer. Splash House features a lineup
of top edm and dance music acts,

84
00:07:06.680 --> 00:07:11.920
as well as plenty of opportunities to
lounge in style in one of the resorts

85
00:07:12.000 --> 00:07:16.240
chic cabanas or day beds. With
its stunning mountain views, chic decor and

86
00:07:16.319 --> 00:07:20.800
lively atmosphere, the Riviera is the
perfect place to see and be seen in

87
00:07:20.839 --> 00:07:26.079
Palm Springs. But perhaps the best
thing about the Palm Springs pool scene is

88
00:07:26.079 --> 00:07:30.199
that there's truly something for everyone.
Whether you're looking to party hard with friends,

89
00:07:30.240 --> 00:07:33.480
relax with family, or simply soak
up the sun in a peaceful,

90
00:07:33.519 --> 00:07:39.959
serene atmosphere, you'll find a pool
that fits your style. From the bustling,

91
00:07:40.040 --> 00:07:44.519
high energy pools of the Ace and
Saguaro to the tranquil secluded oases of

92
00:07:44.560 --> 00:07:48.040
the Parker Palm Springs and the Colony
Palm's Hotel, there's no shortage of options

93
00:07:48.040 --> 00:07:56.000
for making a splash in the desert. When the sun goes down, Palm

94
00:07:56.040 --> 00:08:00.240
Springs comes alive with a vibrant nightlife
scene. We'll hit up some of the

95
00:08:00.279 --> 00:08:03.879
city's hottest spots, like the Purple
Room supper Club, where you can enjoy

96
00:08:03.959 --> 00:08:07.639
live music and classic cocktails in a
vintage Hollywood atmosphere. And if you're feeling

97
00:08:07.720 --> 00:08:11.519
lucky, we'll head to the Agua
Caliente Casino for some gaming, action and

98
00:08:11.639 --> 00:08:16.759
entertainment. Palm Springs has a long
history of attracting top musical talent, from

99
00:08:16.800 --> 00:08:22.279
the rat pack era of the nineteen
sixties to today's hottest acts. One of

100
00:08:22.319 --> 00:08:26.120
the most iconic venues is the Kopa
Room at the JW. Marriott Desert Springs

101
00:08:26.160 --> 00:08:28.959
Resort and Spa, where you can
catch world class performances in an intimate,

102
00:08:30.079 --> 00:08:35.039
vintage Hollywood atmosphere. Another must visit
spot is Melvin's Restaurant in Lounge, where

103
00:08:35.080 --> 00:08:37.919
you can enjoy live piano music and
classic cocktails in a retro chic setting.

104
00:08:39.440 --> 00:08:41.759
If you're in the mood for some
laughs, Palm Springs has got you covered

105
00:08:41.759 --> 00:08:46.440
with a thriving comedy scene. The
Palm Springs Improv at the Hard Rock Hotel

106
00:08:46.519 --> 00:08:52.399
is a favorite among locals and visitors
alike, featuring top notch comedians from around

107
00:08:52.399 --> 00:08:56.759
the country. And if you're looking
for something a little more risque, check

108
00:08:56.799 --> 00:09:01.600
out the Purple Room supper Club,
where you can enjoy livecom cabaret and burlesque

109
00:09:01.600 --> 00:09:07.240
shows in a speakeasy style atmosphere.
But perhaps the most unique nightlife experience in

110
00:09:07.320 --> 00:09:11.879
Palm Springs is the city's famous pool
parties. During the summer months, the

111
00:09:11.919 --> 00:09:18.320
city's resorts and hotels host epic pool
parties that attract crowds of sunseekers and partygoers

112
00:09:18.320 --> 00:09:22.399
from around the world. The Ace
Hotel and Swim Club is known for its

113
00:09:22.440 --> 00:09:26.120
wild and whimsical pool parties, complete
with live DJs, inflatable floats, and

114
00:09:26.200 --> 00:09:31.519
plenty of cocktails. And if you're
looking for a more upscale experience, the

115
00:09:31.600 --> 00:09:35.799
Riviera Palm Springs host the famous Splash
House pool party series, which features top

116
00:09:37.039 --> 00:09:41.639
edm and dance music acts. Of
course, no nightlife scene would be complete

117
00:09:41.639 --> 00:09:45.960
without a little bit of gaming action. The Agua Caliente Casino in downtown Palm

118
00:09:46.039 --> 00:09:50.720
Springs offers a full range of gaming
options, from slot machines and table games

119
00:09:50.919 --> 00:09:54.639
to high stakes bingo and poker tournaments. But perhaps the most surprising thing about

120
00:09:54.679 --> 00:10:00.440
Palm Springs is its incredible natural beauty. Just a short drive from down town,

121
00:10:00.759 --> 00:10:05.399
you'll find stunning hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic overlooks that will take

122
00:10:05.440 --> 00:10:09.440
your breath away. We'll take a
trip to the Indian Canyons, a series

123
00:10:09.480 --> 00:10:13.440
of lush oases that have been inhabited
by the Agua Caliente band of Kaweah Indians

124
00:10:13.440 --> 00:10:18.320
for centuries, and learn about the
area's rich history and culture. As the

125
00:10:18.360 --> 00:10:22.919
sun sets over the San Jacinto Mountains, we'll reflect on our Palm Springs adventure

126
00:10:24.039 --> 00:10:28.759
and all the incredible memories we've made. From the city's stunning architecture and vibrant

127
00:10:28.840 --> 00:10:35.240
art scene to its natural wonders and
resort culture, there's truly something for everyone

128
00:10:35.279 --> 00:10:37.799
in this desert oasis. So what
are you waiting for? Pack your bags,

129
00:10:37.879 --> 00:10:41.960
grab your sunscreen, and join us
on a journey to one of California's

130
00:10:41.000 --> 00:10:45.159
most beloved destinations, Palm Springs.
Here we come.