by Don Weberg

Only a block away, the heart and soul of Palm Springs awaits with shopping, dining, and dancing on Palm Canyon Drive and Indian Canyon Drive, the two main streets downtown. Las Casuellas, on Palm Canyon, proved to be an awesome dining experience, but one word of advice, call ahead for reservations. Also, make sure to specify that you want to sit on the patio or inside, booth or table. They won't ask when you call in, and the trick is, when you get there, yes, you're name is on the list, but they will seat you at first available. In other words, the list is really just a waiting list, not a true reservation roster. And, choosing not to call ahead can result in a standing time of over an hour. But, once you have the seating settled, you're in for a treat. The restaurant is old school Spanish style with heavy wrought iron work abounding and thick adobe walls with heavy wood beams overhead. In a way, it reminds one of a Spanish church. The food was tremendous, the service was excellent, and the prices weren't out of line. It was one of those places where the celebrities of Palm Springs, and those just visiting, would frequent for their Mexican dishes and an occasional dance.

After dinner, working off the food, a walk down Palm Canyon proved that despite the chilly weather, people still love to roam this section of town. Anywhere you look, people stare into windows, talk, hold hands, sit at coffee houses, and enjoy the scene. However, what sounds like a mob is really a well behaved and somewhat sophisticated grouping of seemingly nice people enjoying not only the company of their immediate companion, but everyone else on the street. Highly refreshing from the rigors of the city.

Anxious to see more of Palm Springs than Palm Canyon had to offer, the Palm Springs Visitors Bureau located right at the entrance to town at 2901 N. Palm Canyon Dr., had a ton of ideas. Housed in what used to be the Tramway Gas Station, the building looks like something out of the Jetson's. Perfect. For $5 we picked up a map produced by psmod.com showcasing various Atomic styled homes and structures and found it very helpful to get around.

Shell Station designed by William F. Cody

Sprinkled throughout the region are homes that have been lovingly restored to their original condition and furnished with period décor. Of them, just a few minutes away from the Tramway Gas Station, is the still-in-service Shell Station at 2796 N. Palm Canyon Dr. Built in 1964, the structure was designed by William F. Cody, and still has the majority of its' character intact, despite the new millennium Shell touches. Hidden away in the hills a bit was the House of Tomorrow, better known as Elvis Presley's honeymoon retreat. A stunning piece of architecture, the home was built in 1962 and from the outside at least, still looks fairly original and well maintained. At last, we found Frank Sinatra's first Palm Springs home, Twin Palms. (CONTINUED...)