A Miracle on El Paseo
The holiday season is starting to kick off in Palm Springs, which means that residents, visitors and those in town to invest in international real estate have a ton of exceptional activities in store. The coming weeks promise to be unforgettable, starting with the exciting lineup this weekend.
All weekend long, the McCormick’s Palm Springs Collector Car Auction will be going on at the Spa Resort Casino. This annual auction is fun for the entire family, and provides the unique opportunity to bid, buy or just check out more than 500 exotic, classic cars.
On Friday, November 22, Meet the Galen will take place at the Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert. This festival type event and membership drive kicks off the museum’s 75th Anniversary season with Galen at The Galen, an art exhibition from the private collection of Helene Galen. All funds raised at this event directly support the museum, which is a favorite of all those who own Palm Desert real estate or live in the neighboring areas. The event takes place from 6 to 8 pm.
Also on Friday, the legendary Herb Alpert and his wife Lani Hall will perform from 8 to 10 pm at the McCallum Theatre. Alpert is the iconic trumpet player who recorded both with the Tijuana Brass and as a solo artist, to win eight Grammy awards and yield nearly 30 platinum and gold albums.
On Saturday, November 23 from 5 to 8 pm, a favorite of all locals and those in town to invest in international real estate will be in full effect—A Miracle on El Paseo. This amazing street fair and shopping extravaganza takes over The Shops on El Paseo and features fun entertainment and activities, including the Grand Illumination of El Paseo’s 60-foot Tree of Lights, music from a 20 piece band and performances by professional ice skaters.
This holiday season is certain to inspire you to make a move to the stunning Palm Springs Valley. Click here to view listings of Palm Desert real estate and the neighboring desert cities.
image: PalmSpringsLife.com
More
This is the perfect weekend to look at Palm Springs homes for sale, and enjoy yourself while you’re at it. From dance theater and world-class choreography performance to eclectic art and the sounds of country music legends, there is something for every taste imaginable in the Coachella Valley.
On Friday, November, the Lula Washington Dance Theatre performs at the McCallum Theatre. This Los Angeles-based repertory dance ensemble features music from acclaimed film composer and jazz musician Terrence Blanchard. The show takes place from 8 to 10 pm. Also on Friday night, Theresa Caputo will appear at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino from 9 to 11 pm.
On Saturday, November 16, Art Under the Umbrellas will take place in Old Town La Quinta from 10 to 4 pm. Over 70 artists participate at this art show, located along the closed-off streets of this outdoor area that is a must-see if you’re considering real estate in La Quinta. It’s the perfect place to find unique gifts and artwork and immerse yourself in the charming area.
On Saturday from 6 to 8 pm, nine-time Tony Award winning actor, dancer, choreographer and singer Tommy Tune will perform at the Annenberg Theater. There will also be a tribute concert for Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton at the Indian Wells Theater at California State University, San Bernadino in Palm Desert. From 8 to 10 pm, the McCallum Theatre will host a performance by Les Ballet Jazz de Montreal. This one of a kind dance company fuses ballet, modern and street dance in a dynamic, unforgettable show that tours all across the globe. Either of these events are a perfect way to unwind after spending the day looking at Palm Springs homes for sale.
Click here to view listings of real estate in La Quinta and properties in other areas of the Palm Springs Valley.
image: lqaf.com
More
This weekend is a great example of the amazing, tight-knit communities that characterize the Palm Springs Valley. Every year, those who own homes in Indian Wells, La Quinta real estate and property in other parts of the region rally together to forward various causes and raise funds for important non-profit organizations and charities.
On Saturday, October 19 the Desert Aids Walk will take place at the Ruth Hardy Park to benefit the Deserts Aids Project (DAP) and several community partners working with the project to garner exposure for Get Tested Coachella Valley, a regional campaign dedicated to reducing the transmission of HIV. Registration starts at 8 am, followed by entertainment and a Health and Wellness Festival that opens at 9, as well as a rally at 9:30 am. Whether you own La Quinta real estate or are coming in from another part of Southern California, you can come run, walk or hike for this amazing cause.
Also on Saturday, October 19, the 8th Annual Desert Garden Community Day will be happening at the Henderson Community Building. Novices and avid gardeners alike will enjoy this awesome free garden tour and event that features an array of exhibits and information booths from gardening clubs, local water agencies, The Living Desert and the City of Palm Desert. There will also be workshops on garden design, water-wise gardening, proper irrigation, pruning techniques and other topics. In addition, there will be guided tours of the picturesque Eric Johnson Memorial Gardens surrounding the Henderson Community Building. The event starts at 9 am.
From 9 am on Saturday through 9 pm on Sunday, October 20, the American Cancer Society Relay For Life will be in full effect at the Palm Desert High School. This unique fundraiser is a way for the community to celebrate those lost to cancer and help combat the disease.
The sense of community that pervades the Palm Springs Valley is just one of the many benefits of living in this vibrant area. Click here if you’re ready to view homes for sale in Indian Wells, Rancho Mirage or another area of the Coachella Valley.
image: desertaidswalk.org
More
Wynonna Judd & The Noise perform at the Fantasy Springs Casino this weekend
The lineup of shows this weekend is certain to thrill people with every type of musical taste. When people buy homes in Palm Springs Valley, from Indio real estate to properties in Indian Wells, they are always excited when they realize how much there is to do in the desert cities. You don’t have to travel far from any part of the valley to enjoy a diverse and eclectic array of entertainment options.
On Friday, September 20, Little Big Town performs at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino from 9 to 11 pm. The American country quartet, which has charted 14 songs on the Billboard Hot Country Songs, features a musical style focused on four-part vocal harmonies. The Show is located at 32-250 Bob Hope Drive—making it the perfect way to end a day of looking at homes for sale in Rancho Mirage.
Also on Friday night, the Latin American icon, Luiz Miguel, will perform at the Fantasy Springs Casino, a favorite of those who own Indio real estate. The Mexican singer, who is considered one of the world’s best male pop vocalists, has won five Grammys and four Latina Grammys. The venue is located at 84-245 Indio Springs Drive in Indio. The show will take place from 8 to 10 pm.
On Saturday, September 21, Wynonna & The Big Noise will perform live at the Fantasy Springs Casino from 8 to 10 pm. This is the band formed by world famous Wynonna Judd in 2011.
On Sunday, September 22, the Sundays in Summer Cabaret Series 2013 continues with Let Me Be Frank, starring Angelo Divino with famed pianist Howlett Smith as Musical Director. The show pays homage to Frank Sinatra’s life and career that spans more than five decades. The show takes place from 2 to 4 pm at the Arthur Newman Theatre.
If you plan to do some house hunting as well this weekend, click here to view our listings of homes for sale in Rancho Mirage.
image: eastvalleytribune.com
More
As you drive into the picturesque Palm Springs Valley, you will pass one of the most striking sights—a vast array of wind turbines that seem to cover the desert floor for miles. Whether you’re a long time resident and owner of Rancho Mirage real estate or visiting from out of town, it’s a curious sight, especially on your first visit to the area. Luckily there’s a way to satisfy that curiosity: the Palm Springs Windmill Tours.
Windmill technology is a very ancient source of natural power that has been used all over the world for centuries. You may have learned about wind turbines and how they harness wind for electricity in science or history classes during school. This tour is your chance to see these theories in action!
This unique tour is produced by the world’s longest continuously operating windmill tour business. The guided tour includes an introduction to the geography of Palm Springs Valley, as well as an explanation of why windmills (aka “wind turbines”) were built in California. You’ll learn about the area’s weather and why the wind blows a particular way through this mountain pass. You’ll also learn cool things like what some of the native plants area and how the local Cahuilla Indians used them.
The fascinating tour leads you through various projects and a power plant in the desert where you will discover tons about the advantages, economics and politics of wind energy in California, the country, and across the globe. You’ll learn all about the windmills—their size, how they operate and each of their unique designs.
The Palm Springs Windmill Tours is the most comprehensive tour of the windmills in the country today. Who knew that you could enjoy a dynamic tour and learn a little something as well? It’s a great way to spend some educational time with the family, and is a must if you own Rancho Mirage real estate and want to know more about where you live.
image: thebestofthebesttours.com
More
Whether you’re searching for Palm Desert real estate or looking at equestrian properties, it’s important to consider the surrounding neighborhoods. Luckily, the neighborhoods in areas like Palm Springs Valley tend to be very safe and upscale. However, you should always do your due diligence before making the commitment of investing in real estate. You’re not just buying land, brick and mortar—you’re buying into a neighborhood. Take some time to research the area with these important factors in mind.
The school system. If you have children, make sure to research statistics about the schools’ performance, graduation rates, test scores and student-teacher ratios. Likewise, if you don’t have children and don’t want to be close to the noise that can sometimes be associated with them, you may want to make sure that the property you’re interested in is not in close proximity to any schools. If you’re looking at equestrian properties with lots of acreage, this will most likely not be an issue.
The commute. Practice your commute to work during rush hour so you have a realistic expectation. If you’re looking at real estate in a big city, research the mass transit options and perform a test run.
Ensure safe surroundings. Go online and do a criminal search, using the ZIP code’s crime statistics. You should also check the area in the National Sex Offender Public Website at NSOPW.gov.
Check different hours. Visit the property at different times of the day and night to see if there are any elements that may cause discomfort in your potential new home. Traffic, noise from pets and children, odors and other factors may not present themselves during the time you first look at the house.
Meet the community. Last but not least, try to meet some neighbors and residents of the community to get their takes on the pros and cons of the neighborhood.
Click here if you’re ready to view listings of Palm Desert real estate and get the process started.
image: socialmediaexaminer.com
More
Whether it’s the strength of their local currencies or the appeal of a having a second home in an area with gorgeous weather all year round, many foreign buyers with designs on the luxury international real estate market are eyeing the Palm Springs Valley. As buyers cast a wider net in terms of their desired areas, it makes sense to tap into this growing market when you list your real estate in Rancho Mirage or Indian Wells property.
Many buyers from all over the world, from Canada and Asia to Europe and Russia, have their eye on areas of the Coachella Valley. We’ve seen interest from international clients in everything from equestrian homes in Indio to luxury properties in Rancho Mirage and La Quinta real estate. At present, some of the states that have seen the most foreign interest when it comes to residential properties include Arizona, California, Nevada, Florida, Texas and New York.
One of the upsides of attracting buyers from the luxury international real estate market is that they are typically well-qualified. Few investors are going to make a trip to the states to look at properties if they are not serious. While the closing process is very similar, whether the buyer is foreign or local, research shows that more than half of the buyers from abroad pay cash, compared to the much lower rate of American buyers who do—less than 10 percent.
If you’re interested in attracting a buyer from this burgeoning market, it’s ideal to find a real estate professional who understands the process and knows how to work with foreign buyers and investors. Avoid loud, in-your-face marketing tactics and stage your home in a clean, minimalist manner. Many other regions, such as Europe and Scandinavia, prefer simple, classic designs and may be turned off by cluttered spaces.
Another good tactic is to emphasize the rental income angle, especially in an area like Palm Springs Valley, where real estate properties in Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells and Palm Desert are in high demand. The potential to offset costs can be very appealing to foreign investors.
More
Palm Canyon Trail to the Stone Pools
One of the many reasons so many people choose to move to Palm Springs and retire here are the plethora of recreational activities available to residents and visitors alike. Many seek Palm Springs homes for sale solely for its access to the natural desert beauty of the area.
Few areas can truly compete with some of the hiking trails and opportunities in the Palm Springs region. Whether you find that dream property in Palm Desert or an equestrian home in Thermal, you know you’ll have access to more than 140 hiking trails that offer scenic views of the gorgeous nearby Santa Rosa and San Jacinto mountain ranges, as well as the most diverse topography and flora in the entire country. Whether you prefer the high country or to visit national state parks such as Joshua Tree or Mount San Jacinto State Park, you’ll find what you’re looking for among your extensive choice of hiking areas.
Below are a few favorites recommended by hikers who own property in Palm Desert and know what they’re talking about.
1. Whitewater Canyon / Pacific Crest Trail Ridge Loop. Also known as the Whitewater Preserve, this four mile long hike is considered easy, and therefore should be one the whole family can enjoy. You’ll gain between 300 and 400 feet as you trek along the canyon that is home to the renowned Whitewater River, and you’ll also access the famous Pacific Crest Trail, aka PCT. The amazing views of the Coachella Valley, as well as all of the distant and nearby mountain ranges, make this relaxing hike very worth your while.
2. Palm Canyon Trail to the Stone Pools. This six mile hike is considered of moderate difficulty. At the peak of this hike, you will have gained approximately 880 feet. Picturesque views of Palm Springs, the desert, plunging cliffs and waterfalls make this a gorgeous and memorable hike.
3. Lost Palms Oasis Trail at Cottonwood Spring. Located inside the magnificent Joshua Tree National Park, this eight mile trail is considered to be of moderate difficulty. You’ll gain 400 feet as you traverse everything from lush washes and plateaus to see a special group of palm trees called the Lost Palms Oasis.
If you’re an outdoor lover and ready to make a move to this spectacular area, click here to view listings of Palm Springs homes for sale.
image: palmspringslife.com
More
If you’re looking at equestrian homes, chances are you’re considering Palm Springs Valley. The area offers stunningly picturesque, horse-friendly areas and both gated communities and ranch-style homes that are perfectly suited to equestrians. There is an array of ideal options across the region, from properties in Rancho Mirage and LA Quinta to Palm Desert and Indio.
What about Palm Springs makes it so ideal for horse owners? Is it the gorgeous weather that lasts almost year round? Or does the desert landscape provide perfect natural layouts? Actually, there are so many reasons that the Coachella Valley is ideal for equestrian properties, we had to narrow it down to the top three. Check them out!
1. Location, location, location. Coachella Valley boasts an abundance beautiful hiking trails, some of which are considered the best in the country. The Santa Rosa and San Jacinto mountain ranges provide majestic backdrops, making each ride unforgettable, and there are picturesque vistas that allow riders to take in the desert’s amazing natural beauty. In addition, Joshua Tree National Park is in close proximity to the desert cities, and people are allowed to bring their own horses to experience this natural wonder. In fact, the Backcountry and Wilderness Management Plan provides for 253 miles of equestrian trails—many riding trails are open, clearly marked, and ready to be enjoyed, while others are in development.
2. Ample facilities. Palm Springs is filled with ranches, as well as smaller, more manageable properties that are also perfect for equestrians. Many properties in Rancho Mirage, La Quinta and Indio are already equipped with barns, paddocks, training areas and proximity to a myriad of riding trails. Plus, there are many stables and ranches that offer private riding lessons for those who are new to the sport.
3. HITS Horse Show and Polo Clubs. Every winter, horse lovers flock to the “A” rated, world-class Horseshow in The Sun (HITS) located in Thermal. In addition, two renowned international polo clubs round out the incredible draws for horse owners to the Coachella Valley.
Click here to browse listings of equestrian homes in Palm Springs Valley.
image: sunriver-resort.com
More
This weekend will blow the minds of visitors to Coachella Valley, from tourists to those seeking luxury properties for international real estate transactions. From brilliant cabaret performances paying homage to classic icons such as Judy Garland and Marilyn Monroe to rock and roll greats The Beach Boys, there will be something for every member of the family to enjoy. If you’re visiting from out of town or are in the market for Palm Desert real estate, any one of these events will be the perfect complement to Palm Springs Desert Resorts Restaurant Week, the exciting culinary event that’s currently taking place throughout Coachella Valley.
On Friday, June 7, the Annenberg Theater will host the live musical production of Upright Cabaret’s Leather and Lace. This exciting example of vibrant musical theater takes place in the 1970s… “a time of fragile love and acoustic guitar.” The Upright Band performs retro hits of with newfound soul against a multimedia backdrop that sets the stage with memories of the greats. The show runs from 8 to 10 pm.
Also on Friday night, singer-songwriter Jewel will perform at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino, a favorite of those who live nearby, such as owners of Rancho Mirage, La Quinta and Palm Desert real estate. Jewel has received four Grammy Award nominations and sold over 27 million albums worldwide, and always gives a dynamic, haunting performance. The show will run from 9 to 11 pm. Friday night also brings a performance from iconic rockers, The Beach Boys. This concert takes place at Morongo Casino in Cabazon from 9 to 11 pm.
On Sunday, June 9, from 2 to 4 pm, the Sundays in Summer Cabaret Series 2013 will feature “Ladies of Hollywood” starring Diane Pancel at the Arthur Newman Theatre in Palm Desert. This lively performance pays tribute to Hollywood legends Doris Day, Marilyn Monroe and Judy Garland. The show is directed by Jason Graae with John Randall as Musical Director.
If you’re in the market for luxury properties or are browsing the international real estate market, click here to view some remarkable listings of properties throughout Palm Springs Valley.
image: palmspringslife.com
More
