If you’ve been staying in Coachella Valley to view Palm Desert real estate or homes in La Quinta, you may want to learn about cool things to do that are just a short distance away. The perfect example of this is the 20th annual Festival of Lights celebration at the nearby Mission Inn Hotel & Spa. Located in Riverside, just 60 miles away from Palm Springs, this fabulous event attracts more than 250,000 visitors each year.
More than 3.6 million lights transform this national historic landmark into a mesmerizing and magical display of holiday lights that the whole family will truly enjoy. This unrivalled event commences each year on the day after Thanksgiving with an opening ceremony that includes an amazing fireworks show.
This unique holiday celebration includes live entertainment such as Dickensian carolers and literally hundreds of characters in 17th Century costumes. In addition, the event features authentic horse-drawn carriage rides, freshly fallen snow and visits from Santa that locals and owners of homes in La Quinta, Rancho Mirage and all the other desert cities look forward to for months.
This one-of-a-kind tradition is presented by the owners of the Mission Inn, Duane and Kelly Roberts, who saved the Mission Revival-style hotel from destruction and reopened it in 1992. The hotel offers special packages during the festival to accommodate visitors who want to immerse themselves in the experience. It’s the perfect way to both kick off and end the holiday season, and a great way for those looking at Palm Desert real estate to get a feel of some of the wonderful, wide range of experiences available to them in the desert communities.
Due to popular demand, the Festival of Lights has been extended and will run through January 5, 2013. The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa is located at 3649 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501. Click here for more information.
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It’s easy to understand the appeal of Rancho Mirage real estate, but did you know it’s also a haven for equestrian homes? This beautiful desert community is more than just an ideal location for golfers, tennis players and swimmers to live—horse lovers can find their dream home here too.
Clancy Lane is an exclusive, one-of-a-kind area located on a beautiful, tree-lined street just off of Bob Hope Drive. The area features several gated communities with large, million dollar estate homes on lots with a variety of zoning. Stunning views of the mountains coupled with myriad outdoor recreational opportunities make it perfect for everyone from retirees to families with young children—and, of course, horse lovers. The vibrant arts culture and 12 impeccably manicured golf courses are just a few of the amenities that can be found in gorgeous Rancho Mirage.
The unique luxury estates on Clancy Lane feature wide-ranging sizes and diverse architectural styles. Many are built on oversized lots, many of which are zoned for keeping horses. There are other options available as well: many owners of Rancho Mirage real estate properties board horses at Clancy Lane Riding Stables, where they are often eligible to receive residential discounts.
In addition to being a great location for equestrian homes, Clancy Lane is in close proximity to the upscale shops on El Paseo and The River Shopping Center, and is only a short drive to the other desert communities. The Palm Springs airport and the Eisenhower Medical Center are also easily accessible from this area.
Also nearby, adjacent to Clancy Lane Riding Stables, is another exclusive gated community—Mission Ranch. This sophisticated, upscale area features high-end amenities and homes built in stunning range of architectural styles, from Contemporary Mediterranean and Tuscan to Ranch. With so many options available, it makes sense why Rancho Mirage is considered one of the premier places to live.
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Stop in for a drink and make some new friends!!
Way over on the East side of the Palm Springs Valley are some really fun party spots..
1. The Tackrom Tavern: This place can rock it out! Outdoor area for the live bands which can range from local bands to rockabilly, soul, jazz, trios, country western, blues..you just never know for sure what to expect. Kareoke is also available here. Casual atmosphere..players come over after the games and golfers stop in after golfing. If you want to get gussied up, that’s ok too…the food is good and basic. Steak, fish, chips and salsa, salads..but good and well priced too. Drinks are generous and again…well priced.
2. The Date Shed: This is the party spot for the younger group. Music Festival hopefuls test their skills and reception with the crowds here. The dance floor is huge, the stage is central and raised and the acoustics are famous!
After watching a polo game at either Eldorado or Empire, come on over to one of the venues available for fun..don’t forget The Cantina right next door at Eldorado Polo club too. Roc’s Firehouse does the cooking and it’s been renovated as of last year.
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One of the many exciting things about living in Palm Springs is the Palm Springs International Film Festival, which runs from January 3-14, 2013. It’s a great time to be in the valley, whether you’re here viewing Palm Desert real estate, taking a desert vacation or living here full-time.
In addition to all the galas, premieres and other special events at the festival, this year Richard Gere will be attending to accept the Chairman’s Award for his role in Arbitrage, which has already earned him a Golden Globes nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama.
Past recipients of this coveted award include Dustin Hoffman, Ben Affleck, George Clooney and Nicole Kidman. The awards Gala, which is presented by Cartier, will take place at the held at the Palm Springs Convention Center. Other stars receiving awards at this exciting event include the cast of Argo, Dame Helen Mirren, Sally Field, Bradley Cooper, Naomi Watts and Robert Zemeckis.
In Arbitrage, Gere stars as New York hedge-fund magnate Robert Miller, a man desperate to complete the sale of his trading empire on the eve of his 60th birthday. Written and directed by Nicholas Jarecki, the film also starts Tim Roth, Susan Sarandon, Laetitia Casta, Brit Marling and Nate Parker. Gere is known for his wide-ranging roles, from Pretty Women, An Officer and a Gentleman and Unfaithful to Primal Fear, American Gigolo and his Golden Globe-winning performance in Chicago.
The appeal of living in Palm Springs has always been recognized by Hollywood film stars, many of whom have lived in the valley and owned Rancho Mirage, La Quinta, Indian Wells and Palm Desert real estate. The celebrity presence, coupled with community’s appreciation for the arts, has resulted in a vibrant, thriving arts and entertainment culture throughout the region.
Stay tuned for more information on this exciting Palm Springs International Film Festival!
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If you’re looking for something to do this week that’s off the beaten holiday track, there are plenty of unique events taking place in the Palm Springs Valley. If you’ve been spending time looking at real estate in La Quinta, Indian Wells or Rancho Mirage real estate properties take a break at one of these innovative celebrations. As you will see, there is truly something for everyone in the Coachella Valley.
If you haven’t finished your Christmas shopping, then hit Snow Days at The Shops on El Paseo this Friday, December 21 from 6 to 8 pm. Immerse yourself among the holiday carolers, local programs and horse drawn carriage rides. It’s the perfect way to relax after a day of browsing Rancho Mirage real estate for that dream home—and get those last few tasks checked off your holiday to-do list.
In honor of the Mayan Calendar officially ending this Friday, there will be a Doomsday Party at the Stephen Archdeacon Gallery in the heart of the Palm Springs uptown design district from 6 to 9 pm. This one-of-a-kind gallery specializes in figurative and abstract art created by artists who live in Palm Springs and the west coast. For more information, call 760.673.7520. The gallery is located at 865 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262.
Also beginning on Friday the 21st is the annual Jewish Soulstice Weekend with LA Exodus. The event takes place at the Ace Hotel & Swim Club through December 23 and is presented by East Side Jews, The Jewish Federation, JCC Without Walls and the Silverlake Independent Jewish Community Center. The weekend will include a gathering of the tribe with comedy, music, rituals, hiking, yoga and other great activities. If you’ve just spent the week viewing real estate in Indian Wells or the surrounding areas, it’s the perfect way to unwind while getting to know the community.
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Short sales can be much more complicated than average real estate transactions, which is why it’s important to work with an experienced short sale realtor. Navigating this type of transaction can be tricky, so working with someone you feel comfortable with is fundamental to making the process smooth and less stressful, whether the sale involves Indio real estate, a country club La Quinta real estate property or a beach home in another area of the country.
As with any normal real estate transaction, a short sale realtor will list the home, complete all relevant paperwork, manage offers and close the deal. In addition, there are other integral aspects that they will handle for you. A short sale realtor will negotiate with your lenders to ensure that your property is valuated accurately and manage many other duties that are intricate and exclusive to short sale packages.
You’ll want to make sure that your realtor has expertise specific to these types of transactions, and if, for example, the deal involves an Indio real estate property, that they have experience in that region, as well as local contacts. These two factors will significantly improve your chances of a quick and successful sale.
When choosing who you’re going to work with, make sure to look at their track record to see what their past results have been. How many short sales have they closed in the last two years? While market experience is important, if they have little expertise in short sales, they may not be able to achieve what you need them to. Ask to see a list of recent short sale approvals and the amount of debt forgiven, as well as some sample approval letters.
A local realtor will also be able to close a deal more quickly than one who is not well-versed in the area. For example, if the deal involves a La Quinta real estate property and you choose a realtor that has familiarity in the region, they will have relationships in place and will already be working with buyers interested in homes in the area. This will increase chances of a sale and make the entire process much easier.
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With Christmas already here next week, you’re probably looking for holiday events for the entire family to go to. If you and your loved ones are currently looking at Palm Springs homes for sale with a short sale realtor or listing agent, you can make it a fun experience by immersing yourself in the desert city culture after your viewings.
On December 19, from 8 to 10 pm, the Moscow Ballet will perform the Great Russian Nutcracker at The Show in Agua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage. This is a performance that will blow everyone’s mind, no matter what age. It will be a great way to unwind and get into the festive spirit after a day of browsing homes with your agent or short sale realtor.
From December 21-23, head to the Annenberg Theater after looking at Palm Springs homes for sale for an innovative yuletide mash-up called Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some). Three actors literally perform every Christmas story in one performance that will definitely change the way you look at the classics. Tickets are $24 for individuals, $22 for groups and $20 for students.
Looking at Palm Desert real estate? Take the family to the Palm Desert Aquatic Center on December 22 from 2 to 5 pm for an one-of-a-kind Underwater Christmas Tree Decoration with Scuba Santa. It’s the perfect time to discover scuba and sneak in a visit in with Santa. Participants must be 10 or older and if under 18, a parent or guardian must be present. The event takes place at the YMCA of the Desert. Call 760-565-7467 for more information.
Another thing to do after perusing Palm Desert real estate is to check out the P.S: It’s Christmas show at the famous Forever Marilyn Sculpture on the corner of Palm Canyon Drive and Tahquitz Canyon Way. This free holiday concert runs through December 22, and features nostalgic 1950’s era carolers.
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It is intriguing to me how few people, both locals and seasonal visitors, who are aware that the Palm Springs Valley is home to two of the largest polo clubs in the United States! We are second only to Florida in numbers of fields and players and the economic boost the polo world brings to the Valley every season.
The two Polo Clubs, Eldorado and Empire are contiguous to each other and between them have approximately 22 active polo fields! That’s alot of land because each polo field is about the size of 9 football fields..or 300 yards by 150 yards for each field. Imagine having that wonderful, open venue in our beautiful Valley!
Eldorado Polo Club schedule and contact info..
Empire Polo Club schedule and contact info..
Trailers full of horses have started arriving to both clubs. Horses are conditioned rigorously and in a timely manner so that they “peak” at the time of their owner’s tournament schedule. Games commence for monthly league play the first weekend of January and continue through Mid April.
People have a crazy notion of polo..that all players are rich and snooty and that “regular” folks aren’t welcomed at the Sunday matches..which are open to the public and a beautiful and unusual way to spend your Sunday afternoon. Nothing is further from the truth. Polo players come in all shapes, sizes, sexes, income levels and ages.
To be a traveling professional is hugely expensive and very hard work. The horses must be fed, cleaned, galloped, trained, fussed over every single day..all day. Most pros have one or two grooms that help to manage the horses and prepare them for their rigorous game play. Remember that grooms and their families and players and their families require housing, shop at our local stores, stay in our local hotels…hence the economic boost the sport brings to the East Valley.
The Sponsors of the game, ARE wealthy individuals. They literally “sponsor” the professionals..meaning they pay them to play for them and compete on their teams. Without them there would BE no polo (or horse jumping either for that matter)..remember the economy. I must say..the sponsors I played for and engage with now are usually lovely people that are so grateful to have the money and time to compete. Most of them work during the week and compete on weekends..it is a consuming sport and lifestyle and often the entire family is involved.
As for watching a game? Come on out! Everyone is welcome. Entry fees are nominal and the announcers help you to understand what is happening on the field. Polo is a truly unique event that our Valley has to offer..take advantage of it if you visit the Palm Springs Valley this season!
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La Quinta real estate is always in demand—and for a variety of reasons. With its rich history, vibrant culture, impeccable golf courses and beautiful climate, it’s no wonder it’s called the “Gem of the Desert.”
The renowned Robb Report named La Quinta the “Best Place to Live for Golf” due to its array of remarkable golf courses, including several PGA courses, such as the PGA West Greg Norman Course, the PGA west Jack Nicklaus Tournament and the PGA West Stadium Course. Other notable courses include The Golf Club at La Quinta, the La Quinta Resort Dunes Course and the SilverRock Golf Club, designed by Arnold Palmer and ranked as “The Best Tour Course You Can Play” by Golfweek in 2009.
In addition to the many golf courses and access to outdoor activities, another reason many choose to buy La Quinta real estate is the city’s rich culture. Events such as the La Quinta Arts Festival and all the live theatre performances at the La Quinta Playhouse, coupled with beautiful public art pieces, offers much to do and see for the art lover. The charming Old Town La Quinta features stellar shopping and dining options, as well as the best in spa and salon services.
Stunning views of the Little San Bernardino, Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains, and average winter temperatures in the mid 70’s, make it difficult to leave this desert respite. Average rainfall is less than five inches per year, and temperatures rarely drop below freezing, making for a mild climate. Even though the summer temperatures may soar, it’s a dry heat that many find very enjoyable. It makes perfect sense that visitors flock to the entire region for its desirable, moderate weather.
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The holiday events continue this week in Palm Springs Valley, with even more exciting celebrations, concerts and even some visits from Santa! If you’ve been considering purchasing a home in the area, including anything from Indian Wells real estate and properties in Rancho Mirage to Palm Springs homes for sale, this is a great time to come visit and take in the community’s rich culture and arts scene.
In addition to the renowned Holidays at the Follies and the WildLights Holiday Festival at The Living Desert that take place throughout the month, there is a wide array of other holiday events happening this week. In fact, this week is Canada Fest at the Palm Springs Convention Center, a festival that includes Canada’s best art, fashion, book signings, food, sports figures, entertainment and refreshments.
After looking at Palm Springs homes for sale, finish your day at the Palm Canyon Theater, where The Wizard of Oz is currently playing. Shows begin at 8 pm. On Tuesday, December 11, the Gift of Love series of holiday benefit concerts begins at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert, featuring Palm Springs resident Barry Manilow. This five-night series runs December 12, 14, 15 and 16, and will benefit 27 locals charities, including Shelter From the Storm and The Living Desert. Last year, people from throughout the region flocked to attend this special concert, from owners of La Quinta, Indio and Indian Wells real estate to visitors all the way from Los Angeles and San Diego, helping to raise nearly half a million dollars. The McCallum Theatre is located at 73000 Fred Waring Drive in Palm Desert. To purchase tickets, call 760.340.ARTS.
On Tuesday, December 11, Santa will make a special appearance at a breakfast at the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert, which is one of the pride and joys of residents and owners of Rancho Mirage real estate. Included with breakfast, there will be entertainment, as well as arts and crafts activities for kids. One seating will take place at 9 am and another at 10:30 am. Tickets are available in the Museum Gift Store. For more information, call 760.321.0602.
Also on Tuesday, December 11, residents and owners of Rancho Mirage real estate and the other desert cities can experience the ever unique Chanukah Wonderland, an annual event at the Children’s Discovery Museum’s presented by the Chabad of Rancho Mirage. Open to anyone in the community, this event has a different theme each year, and this year’s is “Inflatable.” In addition to an incredible Balloon Menorah, there will be an olive press demonstration, story hour, Chanukah food treats, arts, crafts, Jewish music and a Grand Dreidel competition. The exciting Grand Lighting of the Menorah will take place at 4:45 pm.
On Thursday, December 13, the Walk of the Inns will take place, and on Friday, December 15 from 5 to 7 pm, choirs from high schools throughout the Inland Empire will sing Christmas carols at the Mountain Station at the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.
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If you’ve been staying in Coachella Valley to view Palm Desert real estate or homes in La Quinta, you may want to learn about cool things to do that are just a short distance away. The perfect example of this is the 20th annual Festival of Lights celebration at the nearby Mission Inn Hotel & Spa. Located in Riverside, just 60 miles away from Palm Springs, this fabulous event attracts more than 250,000 visitors each year.
