We are looking for a break from New England weather mid-February and are thinking a combined trip of San Diego and Palm Springs.

We have been to San Diego before but never to Palm Springs. We are looking for a nice mid-range hotel. I read good things about the Pepper Tree Inn on Trip Advisor but am interested in Fodorites opinions.

We are interested in getting away, relaxing and some easy hiking and no snow!

You have all been helpful in the past and I thank you in advance.

Chase Hotel in Palm Springs can have good prices, not sure how expensive they get in February. Their location is great, buffet breakfast, extremely comfortable large rooms. No hairdriers, and in our room we didn't have a coffeemaker, only microvawe and small fridge. I posted a more detailed report on that on this forum.

There is a huge event in Palm Springs "date festival" in February. Don't miss it. I would even plan my trip around it - camel and ostrich races, all kind of enterntainment - you get a booklet at the door.

While in Palm Springs, don't miss date shake (ice-cream shake with grind dates as sweetener). Try it at least once.

I'm sure if you type "palm springs" into the search window you'll get lots of advices.

Thank you for your reply Faina. I read your other review and have bookmarked the Chase Hotel. I was just wondering if anyone had been to the Peppertree Inn. I have also read good things about that property.

Unfortunately, the date festival is the week after we are going to be there. It starts 2/17. Do they have Date Shake at other times? I'll be adventurous - once at least!

Any other must see/do's? We are going to do the tram and visit Joshua Tree NP. I'm researching now and really looking forward to the trip.

Thanks again!

The Peppertree is in a great location. It's been completely re-done. I just happened to walk through the property yesterday. My friend was in town and he wanted to see the place again, as he used to stay there. The people running the place were friendly.

Be aware that while Palm Springs (and San Diego for that matter) will not be New England cold you may hit cool weather in CA. Palm Springs can get downright chilly in the winter, my parents lived there for many years and Jan. & Feb. were always "iffy" weather-wise. I can remember them having frost some mornings. As for coastal CA we lived near the beach for 25 years and Feb. could be jacket-wearing weather, likewise umbrella weather. Yes, it can also be quite warm, but be prepared just the same.

It may be below freezing overnight but it definitely won't snow!

There is a place called "Green Village" one block off the Chase hotel on Palm Canoyn, where the bus stop is. There are 4 small museums (1 Native, 3 historical) and an ice-cream place which serves good date shake.

There is a date farm or something outside Palm Springs on why 111, just a tourist trap.

If the weather is nice, Botanical Gardens are good (Moorten?)

The Living Desert is not to be missed, of course!

Thank you all for your replies. We are prepared to dress in layers as weather can never be predicted. But I can absolutely predict that I will want a get-away from RI in February and am very much looking forward to it.

Do they have Date Shake at other times? I'll be adventurous - once at least!

Yes, they do, I just had one last week when we were visiting the desert.
On the drive out to PS, we stop at Hadleys in Banning, just off the 10 Freeway. They are famous for their date shakes. Be sure and try their Medjool dates and pick up some other fruits for your stay.

http://www.hadleyfruitorchards.com/aboutus.cfm

We will do our best to make the weather cooperate!

The Date Festival this year is Feb. 17-26. Honestly, a lot of it is carnival schlock, but if you sort through it there are some truly great quirky local exhibits and fun.

The Festival is in Indio, not Palm Springs, meaning a trek down valley about 25 miles. If you go down this way, save yourself for a truly great date shake experience at Shields Date Gardens. This place is a time warp right out of the late 40's/early 50's!

My favorite hike is Murray Canyon in the Indian Canyons. Not too strenuous. An easier alternative would be the Palm Canyon hike. Largest natural palm oasis in the world, supposedly.

You could also look into one of the jeep or Hummer tours. Naturalist drivers lead the way. One possiblity is natural hot springs. If this appeals to you and you don't want to do a tour, check into one of the day spas in Desert Hot Springs or at the Spa Casino in PS. Geothermally heated water with the requisite sulphur odor and very therapeutic.

I hope your get-away from winter exceeds all your expectations.

PSL

PSLocal,

Sadly, the Shields Date Gardens in Indio closed after 80 years in business.

But this one is still open. We were there last october.
http://oasisdategardens.com/index.php

We did the same trip a few years ago (we're also from New England); it was a bit cool at the pool, but it was a lovely break from New England. Can't help with the Pepper Tree Inn. Be sure to take the tramway to the top of Mt. San Jacinto (spelling?; bring something warm to wear when you arrive at the top. The views are wonderful.

shield dates - so this is what that place was called!

Sorry I wouldn't recommend it - their date shake was no good. And it was just a tourist trap IMHO. Except maybe a few trees in their back yards.

Shields is still open. I was there over the weekend. So rumors of its devise are unfounded!

Thank you all. You have been very helpful so I am seeking some additional advice.

Wasn't sure whether to start a new thread or not, but am looking for driving route from San Diego to Palm Springs and then back. I read about the Palms to Pines (I think that is what it was) route and also going through the Anza Borrego State Park.

Any suggestions - we have time and can do a leisurely drive with side trips if recommended.

Thanks again!

I've been going to Shields for ~ 20 years and was very alarmed to read that it might be closed/closing. Stayed at Chase Hotel last week for three nights -- second time there, will be back again -- and made the drive out 111 to Indio (with much trepidation) on Saturday. As earlier posts have noted, SHIELDS IS STILL VERY MUCH OPEN. Spoke with one of the managers of Jewel Date, the new owners of Shields, who happened to be working behind the counter; he said Jewel Date has no intention of closing Shields down. The place was as packed as I've seen it, and the shakes were good as ever. Hadley's off I-10 is a decent fallback, but no substitute for the real thing.

Our first night at the Chase coincided with an open house of all the small inns in the neighborhood -- pretty good turnout. There's something there for everybody, at every price range. Andalusian Court looked very nice, with rates to match. The main building of Korakia is beautiful, too. Casa Cody and the Chase are still the best value, IMHO.

Weather in PS was glorious last week. Cool, not yet cold. Jan/Feb likely colder.