Just because Interstate 40 ends at Barstow doesn't mean your trip has to!
Follow any of the following three finales, and you'll have an adventure all your own to add to your wonderful memories of I-40 and the many things you did along the way!
Option 1: Sizzle’n Side Trip to Death Valley
3 hours north of Barstow, and situated at 282 feet-below-sea-level, the desolate landscape boasts some of the highest temperatures in the continental U.S.The Furnace Creek Visitor Center & Museumis open daily for information, permits and book sales.
- Do:Scotty’s Castle: Visitors will enjoy tours led by costumed parkrangers of the castle’s richly furnished interior. Legend has it that aprospector named “Death Valley Scotty” built this Spanish-style mansion fromthe gold out of his fictitious mine. The elaborate castle was actually the1920s vacation home of Albert and Bessie Johnson, the couple that befriendedScotty and brought his dreams of a desert mansion to fruition.
- oStay: at Stovepipe WellsVillage, the Wild West town located inside of Death Valley National Park complete with a unique hotel, rusticrestaurant and saloon.
Rates from $95
#760-786-2387
o
Eat: enjoy a fine meal in the dining room at theritzy Furnace Creek Resort, grand views complimentary.
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Option 2: Relax in the desert oasis of
Palm Springs at CASA CODY
Palm Springs, with its relatively simple beginnings, istoday considered one of the most glamorous towns in America.
www.visitpalmsprings.com
It started as agrassy Indian village with small huts, home to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians who had lived there for overtwo-thousand years.
At the turn of the century, it was a destination for TB
andother respiratory problem sufferers who came to the dry, desert location fortheir health.
Many more came searching for a better place to live and work, ahealthier climate and an exciting new start.
Harriet Cody, the beautiful cousin of the legendary Buffalo BillCody, first came to Palm Springs with her ailing husband—who happened to be agifted architect.
While he rested and attempted to recover, she busied
herselfwith finding a solution to their financial situation.
In the early 1920s, shefounded an inn which became popular among SilentFilm Era stars. Many movies were made in Palm Springs because thetopography was so diverse (sand, desert, mountains), and it quickly became theplayground for early screen stars like CharlieChaplin.
Consideredto be the oldest operating hotel in Palm Springs, Casa Cody maintains a very historic atmosphere, with maturelandscaping and quiet courtyards.
Rates from $79
#760-320-9346
Two of the most beautiful suites on theproperty are the Winter’s House and The Adobe, Harriet’s original home.
The Winter’s House, a quaint cottage filled with deep reds and darkwoods, provides a restful repose for a short weekend or even an extended stay.
A full set of amenities including a kitchen, dining room and private patio withgrill lend the property an air of ease and convenience.
Exquisite antiques fillthe suite with historic charm, and the rooms are wrapped in traditionalpaneling and custom trim accents.
· The Adobe: Old wooden doors awash in faded hues of greenwelcome you into the original, white-washed adobe that once housed the Codyfamily.
Entering the agave-colored doors, you will step back in time to acottage filled with quaint, rustic charm. Intricately carved wooden furniturefrom India frames the room, and low, beamed ceilings stand out against thesmooth white walls and linens. Rock floors lead into the sleeping quarters,while the familiar creek of wooden slats carries you into a charming den anddining area. Clean lines lend a refreshed feel to the historic home largeenough for a family to enjoy comfortably.
In Palm Springs, you’ll betransported back in time; the town maintains an old, nostalgic old Hollywoodfeel, and reminiscent night shows abound!
Weather is perfect near year-round,though the summer
months are the hottest with temps reaching over 100’.
Thesolution? Take the Aerial Tramway tothe top of the mountain and wander the pristine trails of the Mt. San Jacinto State Park Wildernessarea.
Refreshingly cool, pine-scented air awaits you high above the town
where summer temperatures are a good 30-degrees cooler!
(military discount available)
While you’re in the area, enjoy:
- ·JoshuaTree National Park (1-hr drive)
- ·StreetFair on Thursdays
- ·NaturalOasis (closed in summer months) is a fun location; many sheik movies werefilmed there.
Eat at:
- · Blue Coyote: outstanding food and atmosphere in downtownPalm Springs.www.bluecoyotegrill.com
- ·Davey’s Hideaway: a bit of old Palm Springs, good food and livemusic. www.daveyshideawayps.com
- ·Las Casuelas Quinta: a taste of Colonial Mexico—since 1958; funand colorful! www.lascasuelasquinta.com
- Rock Garden Café: forbreakfast or dinner, soak up the ambiance! www.rockgardenpalmsprings.com
Fora fun, evening show, go to the “world famous, fabulous FOLLIES OF PALM SPRINGS” and Let theGood Times Roll! www.psfollies.com
Or, take in a live performance at The Starlite Lounge. www.psriviera.com/starlite-lounge
Take your time, relax and enjoy cool,classic, sunny Palm Springs!
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Option 3: Trace Route 66 all the way to the Pacific!
Route 66 enthusiasts will want to follow the Mother Road all the way to its end atthe shimmering Pacific Ocean.
The route across Los Angeles, now marked byprominent beige road signs as HistoricRoute 66 1935-1964, is almost completely intact, following Santa Monica Boulevard through thehearts of Beverly Hills and West Hollywood.
Route 66 merges into Sunset Boulevard for the long, windingdrive to downtown L.A. before it finally ends at the edge of the Pacific Ocean.Walk out onto the:
SantaMonica Pier,where a brass placard designates Route 66as the Will Rogers Highway (WillRogers, an American cowboy, vaudeville performer, humorist,social commentator and motion picture actor, was mayor of Beverly Hills in the late 1920s).
Thepier holds a small amusement park and a lovely old carousel which was madefamous in the movie The Sting.
Thesurrounding streets, including SantaMonica Place and Third StreetPromenade provide ample shopping opportunities. Strollers, streetperformers, and side-walk café people-watchers all culminate in this livelyspot. The area has multiple parks, like PalisadesPark and Chess Park, wherespectators are always welcome and open tables are free for public use.
- Stay: Two options stand out. First, for a little 1950s time-travel, stay at the art deco gem SEAVIEW HOTEL. It’s one block from the pier and the most affordable hotel by the beach. www.seaviewhotel.com Rates from $88, #310-393-6711
- Or, choose THE CHANNEL ROAD INN, a rare West Coast Colonial Revival home near the beach. Craftsman accents and cozy rooms will charm you, while extra amenities like afternoon wine and hors d’oeuvres will fully satisfy! www.channelroadinn.com Rates from $195, #310-459-1920
- Eat: Choosing is the hard part, but the following are definite winners:
- Mélisse: Beverly Hills glam (www.melisse.com)
- The Lobster: A legend in its own right, diners come for the food but love the view! (www.thelobster.com)
- Monsoon Café: a personal favorite, this outstanding restaurant provides a gorgeous Asian setting and reasonably priced food. (www.monsooncafe.us)
- Loteria Grill: intimate taco bar near the beach. (www.loteriagrill.com)
Well, partner, we’ve reached the end of the road.Enjoy the journey, live the life, love the road!
HAPPY TRAILS . . .
