California Dreamin’ Tour – Day 7

Well, we changed course (again) so we didn’t make it to the Mojave Desert (dang). Instead, we decided to drive through Palm Springs, just to see what it looked like. I expected it to be ugly, flat, and hot, but it was only hot. The setting was a surprisingly beautiful study in contrasts – stark, rugged mountains surrounding the lush and luxurious oasis of Palm Springs. My other motive for driving to Palm Springs was to see the Rivera Resort, which the locals call the “Riv,” and the resort operator calls the “Legendary Rivera Resort and Spa.”'

I wanted to check it out because when I was a kid I watched lots of “I Love Lucy” and they were always talking about going to the Rivera in Palm Springs. It was a favorite Hollywood celebrity hideout during the late 50’s and early 60’s, and the place to see and be seen. So we found our way to the resort, and it was uniquely fabulous. We simply had to stay the night, and the entire 24 hours we were there we felt like celebrities ourselves! The vibe was so retro-chic. I kept expecting to spot Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor or Marilyn Monroe at the pool.

Understandably, the triple-digit summer heat slows their business to a crawl, so we got a poolside suite for $97!!They said that our same room rents for more than $450 a night in the fall and winter! We loved, loved, loved it! Sadly, we’re headed back to Texas (reality, work, etc.), but with loads of wonderful vacation memories!