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Home My WebLink AboutInfo - Update Media Placements - NJFriedman PR � �`�� CITY OF PALM DESERT COMMUNITY SERVICES DIVISION • • STAFF REPORT REQUEST: Receive and file informational report on media placements and public relations activities as provided by Nancy J. Friedman Public Relations DATE: January 22, 2009 CONTENT: Nancy J. Friedman Public Relations Activity Report November/December 2008 Preliminary 2009 Plan Recommendation: By Minute Motion, receive and file informational report on media placements and public relations activities and preliminary plan for 2009 as provided by Nancy J. Friedman Public Relations. Background: The attached report is being provided at the request of Council to be kept informed of public relations activities and results. The report highlights activities for the period of November through December 2008, as conducted by the Nancy J. Friedman Public Relations Agency (NJFPR) on behalf of the City of Palm Desert. The report includes a list of inedia placements along with copies of the clippings. Topics being pitched to national media and ongoing media relations activities are also outlined. Also included in this report is a preliminary plan for 2009 public relations activities. Staff is recommending that the City Council receive and file this report. Submitted by: ` 1 _ �, � � -� /��J � � - � � Kristy Kn ' ing � Sheila R. Gilligan Marketing Manager Assistant City Manager � CITY COUNCTLqCTiON Approval: APPROVED DENiED RECEIVED OTHER � ----___.._ ust n McCarthy MEET G DA - - Inte m City Manag AYES: NOES: N •r�� ' ' e A13SENT: J�1� ABSTAIN: � VERIFIED BY; Original on File with City Clerk s Office i � � - ,.�. . �. ."�J PUBLIC RELATIONS NJFPR AND PALM DESERT PRELIMINARY 2009 PUBLIC RELATIONS PLAN LAST UPDATE:DECEMBER 22, 2008 SITUATION ANALYSIS: Thanks to newsworthy programs and tireless media outreach, The City of Palm Desert enjoyed increased, positive media attention throughout 2008. NJFPR secured more than 45 million media impressions over the last year; highlights included Conde Nast Traveler, Good Morning America, US Airways magazine, and several placements in The Los Angeles Times/LATimes.com. We'll continue to pitch the most successful story angles throughout 2009 (e.g., eco- and family-friendly getaways and shapecations) while also introducing new ideas and story angles that will further bolster Palm Desert's reputation and drive more interest and travel to the area. Additionally, we will actively seek new media outlets in order to expand our reach to valuable niche and feeder demographics. Of course, no PR plan would be complete without acknowledging this unprecedented economic climate. In early 2009, NJFPR will focus heavily on "luxury for less" stories, and continue to draw attention to individual successes surrounding Palm Desert's environmental programs. We will also increase our outreach to key drive and feeder markets, and identify valuable international audiences for the area. The following proposal is a preliminary outline of opportunities and strategies to propel Palm Desert to an even greater awareness level among the media and consumers in 2009 and beyond. Our approach is subject to modification following planning meetings with the client. OB7ECTIVES: Our primary goals for 2009 are: � Increase national and international awareness of Palm Desert as a quality, upscale vacation destination • Foster better communication among advertising, web, and marketing vendors for a more robust, all-media plan • Leverage 2007 and 2008 media interest into more feature coverage of Palm Desert as a stand-alone destination � Draw more attention to downtown businesses, specifically hotels (Mod and Mojave), shops, and restaurants TACTICS: 1. JOURNALIST VISITATION PROGRAM: NJFPR recommends the following schedule of inedia-focused activities: • Week of February 3: California media reception in New York City, supplemented with face-to-face meetings with local media (targets to include The New York Times, New York Post, Time, Plenty, The Daily Green and local freelancers) � Late March/Early April: "Desert Bloom" press trip to highlight outdoor activities and indigenous wildlife. Target golf, tennis, and travel writers • Late June: Los Angeles media tour to update The Los Angeles Times, LAX magazine, Angeleno, and local broadcast and freelancers on Palm Desert news • Early November: Highly targeted food-focused press trip: Bring 2-3 top writers to The Art of Food & Wine; build in specialized experiences at other local spots such as Pacifica, Cork Tree, and Tuscany 2. COMMUNICATION MATERIALS: • Focused outreach to general and special-interest media through themed press release development as well as one-on-one pitching • Distribution of short e-mail blasts with packages, events, and seasonal offerings to generate a steady stream of inedia coverage and keep Palm Desert top-of- mind • Compilation of 2009 editorial calendars for national and international media outlets; development of a targeted outreach schedule based on these calendars � Continued expansion and fine-tuning of our customized media database 3. TOPICAL STORY IDEAS/ANGLES: NJFPR will proactively research trends and generate new story angles based on the news cycle and media needs. We will conduct pro-active pitching to targeted media, including meetings/incentive, business, design, in-flight, trade/industry, general travel, family, spa, beauty, lifestyle, fashion, food & beverage, business travel, online travel media, newspaper travel columns, and broadcast outlets. Angles we plan to focus on most heavily include: Eco-friendly Vacation Destination NJFPR will work with City partners to identify sites and activities that comprise a "low impact vacation" in line with Palm Desert's progressive environmental initiatives. Targets for this story will include (but are not limited to) Metropolis, Orange County Register, Travel + Leisure, Town & Country, Chicago Tribune, Travel Weekly, Body + Soul, Good, National Public Radio Value Travel As appropriate, pitch flight specials and seasonal savings at hotels, restaurants, and attractions to a variety of national and feeder outlets, including broadcast outlets in Los Angeles and San Diego; AAA Car & Travel, Budget Travel, MSNBC.com, Sherman's Travel, Time.com Family-friendly Destination Tout value, The Living Desert, and family-friendly events, with a specific focus on grandparenUmulti-generational travel. Target outlets such as The New York Times, USA Weekend, Travel + Leisure Family, Senior Living, AARP, Parents, Cookie, about.com, parenthood.com, Miami Herald, Philadelphia lnquirer, Arizona Republic, Family Circle, Family Travel Forum, LivingWell.com Meetings/Special Events Work with Desert Springs to form a destination pitch focused on business travelers and meeting/event planners. Target publications such as Successful Meetings, Business Traveler, Meetings West, Global Traveler, Meetings & Conventions, Hotel Business, Business Travel News, Corporate Meetings & Incentives New Public Art Exhibit Art Walk/Galleries Los Angeles Times, New York magazine, Los Angeles Magazine, *Surface, Zink, Angeleno, , Metropolitan Home, Newsweek, Associated Press EI Paseo/ Fashion Week Lucky, Gotham, Daily Candy, juli b.com, Style.com, iVillage.com Boutique Hotels Delta Sky, Desert Living, Concierge.com, Continental "Weekend Getaway" Road Trip With gas prices declining and chaos in the airline industry continuing, drive-to getaways are becoming a more desirable option. Continue to target media servicing regional cities including: Los Angeles, San Diego, Venice, Santa Monica, Irvine, Glendale, Newport Beach, and Malibu, as well as publications that report on destinations easily accessible by car including Westways, Car and Driver, and vehicle manufacturer magazines such as Lexus Magazine and Audi Magazine. Targeted broadcast media will be pitched as well, including shows such as The Food Network's "Giada's Weekend Getaways" and the Travel Channel's "Samantha Brown's Passport to Great Weekends." Golf Destination Articles Focusing on Desert Willow and the new TaylorMade shop at Desert Springs, pitch stories to Elite Traveler, American Way, Continental, forbestraveler.com, Desert Go/f Magazine, Golf, Golf for Women, Golf Tips, Fairways & Greens, Links, ForbesLife, Departures, Golf Week Green Collar Job Growth Continue to pitch the uptick in solar/eco-aware contractors to business outlets such as: Newsweek, BusinessWeek, Forbes, Fortune, Salon.com, TheStreet.com, FAST COMPANY, CNBC, 60 Minutes Soft Adventure Outside, Frommer's, Shape, Fitness, National Geographic Adventure, Men's Journal, BestLife, American Way, Modern Bride Wildlife Adventure Pitch the kid-friendly wildlife adventures and attractions in Palm Desert to Ranger Rick, Your Big Backyard, National Geographic Kids, Nick Jr, Disney Adventures Culinary Angles Tie pitches to The Art of Food & Wine, new restaurants/menus, and the date festival; target publications such as Conde Nast Traveler, Food & Wine, Lexus, Bon Appetit, Gourmet, New York Daily News Real Estate Pitch eco-friendly developments, condo/building developments, and other news to USA Today, Plenty, Forbes, designsponge.com, Financial Times, The Daily Green, Domino, Investor's Business Daily, The Economist, Barron's 4. GUIDEBOOKS/ ONLINE GUIDES Continually reach out to writers and editors of California travel books and online guides to ensure positive, up-to-date coverage of Palm Desert; monitor wikis to ensure accurate information and deflect any negative exposure 5. SWEEPSTAKES Work with vendors (hotels, shops, restaurants) to provide special discounts to outlets such as Lucky magazine and Style.com 6. AWARDS Continually reach out to contacts at magazines, websites and blogs to make sure Palm Desert's resources are front-of-mind for award consideration 7. TRAVEL TRENDS Advise Palm Desert of upcoming trends and opportunities to keep the destination on the cutting-edge of the industry and establish the property as a leader in the hospitality field 8. MORNING SHOW ON-LOCATION SHOTS Pitch Palm Desert as a destination for a morning show segment. Proposed media targets include Dave Price ("CBS Early Show") and The Weather Channel (programs such as "First Outlook," "Day Planner," "Evening Edition") 9. "WEEKEND GETAWAYS" PARTNERSHIP In an effort to attract additional visitors from Los Angeles and surrounding regions NJFPR proposes developing a "Weekend Getaways" partnership with a car-rental company (such as Enterprise or Hertz) whereby visitors to Palm Desert are offered special deals and discounts. • �vAN;Y; FRIFi;"�%'_�'��N PUBLIC RELATIONS MEMO To: Kristy Kneiding Marketing Manager, City of Palm Desert CC: Sheila Gilligan Assistant City Manager, City of Palm Desert From: Nancy J. Friedman Public Relations Date: December 23, 2008 Subject: Account Activity November- December 2008 NJFPR is pleased to provide highlights of activities undertaken and results achieved on behalf of the City of Palm Desert during the months of November and December. MEDIA PLACEMENTS: Sunset December 2008 Circulation: 1,224,325 This travel destination story describes Palm Desert as "the capital of cool" and recommends The Mod Hotel, Imago Galleries, the visitor center, Pacifica, Living Desert, and other area attractions. CNN.com December 3, 2008 Circulation: 28 million The Sunset article was syndicated to the Web site's travel section. It was the top travel story on December 3�d and appeared as the lead item in Google's travel content that day. National Geographic Adventure December 2008/January 2009 Circulation: 595,617 Following NJFPR outreach to freelance writer Bob Howells and his interview with Mary Dungans, the outfitter was included the December/January issue. The article names "16 Instant Adventures" and is part of the publication's "Best of Adventure" coverage. Associated Press December 22, 2008 Based on NJFPR's work with reporter Dinesh Ramde and his interview with Pat Conlon, Palm Desert's LED light program was included in an Associated Press article about efficient holiday lighting. The article includes a quote from Pat and speaks to the growing popularity of the program. The article has been syndicated to a number of outlets thus far, including: Forbes.com (6,947,085 unique visitors per month), Portfolio.com (770,664 unique visitors per 1 month), Yahoo! Finance (13,874,741 unique visitors per month), ChicagoTribune.com (3,484,831 unique visitors per month), and MSN Money (6,063,240 unique visitors per month). Links November/December 2008 Circulation: 302,714 Following NJFPR outreach, several of Palm Desert's offerings—including Desert Springs, The Living Desert, and McCallum Theater—were included in a golf feature about Palm Springs. V/VA Fall 2008 Circulation: 300,000 As a result of NJFPR pitching to writer Bonnie Siegler and her interview with Desert Springs' spa staff, a feature on the property was included in the fall issue. The article also mentions Palm Desert and The Living Desert. VIVA is an upscale women's magazine that is distributed throughout Canada. ForbesTraveler.com November 4, 2008 Circulation: 189,764 As a result of NJFPR outreach, Desert Springs was included in a "Last-Minute Thanksgiving Getaways" piece. Tennis November/December 2008 Circulation: 604,177 The magazine named Desert Springs the 9th best tennis resort in the United States. Zagat 2009 The 2009 Zagat guide to "Top U.S. Hotels, Resorts & Spas" includes a positive review of Desert Springs, listing it alongside just eight other properties in the Coachella Valley. PITCHING AND OUTREACH: • NJFPR drafted a "green-collar job boom" pitch—highlighting the uptick in solar-panel contractors in Palm Desert—and pitched to a number of business outlets, including: - New York Times - Forbes - BusinessWeek - Fast Company - Newsweek - Fortune - USA Today - The New Yorker - Economist - CNBC 2 • Pitched a Palm Desert destination story to freelancer Edward Readicker-Henderson, who writes for who writes for National Geographic Traveler, V/A, Robb Report, Modern Bride, and AARP The Magazine. • Pitched profiles of Pat Conlon to Audubon, The Wall Street Journal, The Daily Green, G/obe and Mail, Los Angeles Times, MSNBC.com, The New York Times, Newsweek, Sacramento Bee, Salon.com, Arizona Republic, and TIME. • Worked with editors at Outside magazine on a possible "biking in Palm Desert" destination story. • Pitched a "Long Weekend" story about Palm Desert to JoAnn Greco for National Geographic Traveler magazine. • Arranged Palm Desert tours for freelancer Jill Weinlein, who writes travel columns for Los Ange/es Family, Las Vegas Family, Ventura Family, and others. • Arranged Palm Desert tours for Veronica Hill, editor at CaliforniaTravelTips.com. • Arranged Palm Desert visit for writer Bonnie Siegler(V/VA magazine). • Continued working with producers at National Public Radio on upcoming coverage of Palm Desert's eco initiatives and profiles of local families. • Pitched a Palm Desert destination story to freelancer Kelly Lack, who writes for National Geographic Adventure and Destination Weddings & Honeymoons. • Pitched a Palm Desert destination story to freelancer Cynthia Dial, who writes for TIME Europe, TIME Asia, Shape, Austin American-Statesman, and Toronto Star. • Pitched a Palm Desert story to freelancer Laura Del Rosso, who is interested in a possible feature for Travel Weekly. • Pitched a Palm Desert destination story to Elizabeth Harryman of Wesfinrays (the regional AAA publication). Elizabeth is interested in an upcoming visit. • Pitched a Palm Desert story to Jack Curry of USA Today. Curry oversees the paper's "Open Air" section. • Pitched the Super Glide rink at The Living Desert to Jennifer Bain at Travel + Leisure, who is working on an "Unusual Places to Ice Skate" story. The article will appear on the magazine's website this winter. • Pitched the city's giveaway of �ED holiday lights to more than 25 outlets, including Reuters, Oregonian, USA Today, and FocusOrganic.com. • Pitched a Palm Desert destination story to Raphael Kadushin of Epicurious.com; Raphael oversees the site's travel blog. • Sent Palm Desert information to producer Jeremy Hartcher at Premier Media Group, one of the largest cable television nefinrorks in Australia. 3 • Sent Palm Desert information to editor Nick Redman at The Sunday Times UK for consideration in the Neofile section. • Researched media pitching opportunities for Palm Desert on the Planet Green channel. • Pitched Pat Conlon to Sierra magazine editor Avital Binshtock, who is seeking information on entrepreneurs who are setting significant eco-friendly trends. • Sent information on Palm Desert's cell phone-monitoring technology to Hannah Clark of Inc. Magazine, who is working on a story about technologies that will change the world. • Pitched a Palm Desert destination story to freelancer Mark Anders, who writes for ESPN Magazine, Lexus, Men's Journal, Runner's World, Best Life, Men's Health, and Outside. • Requested additional information on Palm Desert's fuel-cell buses for the 'Un-Road Trip' documentary opportunity presented by the CTTC. Sent information on Palm Desert's biking trails to Amanda Moreland at the CTTC. • Palm Desert will also benefit from NJFPR's extensive pitching of Desert Springs JW Marriott Resort & Spa to regional, national, and international media, on topics such as spa, charitable work, seasonal savings, golf, and dining. ACCOUNT ACTIVITY: • NJFPR conducted conference calls with Richard Twedt and Mark Stephenson to discuss the EI Paseo exhibition; updated press release accordingly with new information on the installations, curator background, etc. • Prepared end-of-year media clip book. • Wrote 2009 PR plan. � 4 �Qsst�c;iated Pr�ss December 22, 2008 Efficient holiday lighting gains more converts By DINESH RAMDE Rather than warmth and good cheer, the twinkle and glow of homes festooned with holiday lights reminds Adam Siegel of carbon emissions and global warming. Siegel insists he is not a Grinch, only green. "You can have a beautiful display, a gorgeous display, you can even have massive display, but why do it in a wasteful way?" said Siegel, a blogger from McLean, Va. There are signs that after several years of floundering holiday sales for energy efficient LED lighting, more people feel the same way. Manufacturers and retailers across the country report sales that are surprisingly brisk even during an economic downturn. For example, light-bulb maker OSRAM Sylvania said it doubled its LED sales since last year to between 15 million and 20 million LED units. LEDs, or light-emitting diodes, can be three times more expensive than traditional incandescent lights but they use 90 percent less energy, produce less heat and last longer. Siegel has done the math on his blog, GetEnergySmartNow.com, which is not affiliated with any energy or lighting company. He calculates that an average string of LED lights saves enough energy to pay for itself in as little as a year. Calculations by other independent researchers suggest the break-even point could be two to three years, depending on how long the lights are left on. Regardless of who is doing the math, the upfront cost of LED lighting is almost always worth the investment, especially with more utilities throwing in additional incentives that can range from $2 to $4 per set. Among the first to switch over to LED lights were large corporations or municipalities that stand to save the most. At the Milwaukee headquarters of beer brewer MillerCoors LLC, a 200,000-light LED display using 15 miles of lights has been synchronized to music. Company spokesman Mike Jones said LED lights cut holiday lighting costs by 60 percent. "This is a tough year but we don't intend to cancel the holidays," Jones said. "This is a gift to our employees, a gift to the community, and even better, we're using half the energy." The government swapped out traditional lighting on the National Christmas Tree in Washington, D.C., which now has 37,000 LED lights. New York's Rockefeller Center tree was decorated with 30,000 LED lights on five miles of wire. . News from... N��P R .. ., ._. �,�.PUBIIC RFtAT10�5 LEDs are tiny semiconductors similar to computer chips, and are commonly used in traffic signals, track lighting and electronic devices. LED lights are more efficient because most of the energy in the circuit gets converted to light, whereas up to 90 percent of the energy emitted by incandescent bulbs is wasted as heat. They're sturdier, last up to 10 times longer than incandescents and, because they are not as hot, are less of a fire hazard. Prices for the greener bulbs can still be a barrier for some. For example, Amazon.com sells a string of 100 multicolor LED holiday lights for about $28, while the incandescent equivalent is about $10. � Even so, 21 of Amazon's top 25 holiday-light sales are LED products. Christmas Lights Etc., based in Alpharetta, Ga., sold 25 million holiday lights this year, with LED sales up more than 50 percent over last year. Spokesman Aaron Hassen said many LED products sold out quickly. "It did catch us off guard a little bit, but we're all learning from the trend," he said. "I think people are finally understanding what a difference these make." Sylvania spokeswoman Stephanie J. Anderson said LED sales will only grow as the technology improves. Companies may even employ solar technology, so that the lights would need no grounded power source. Not everyone sees the need to deck the halls with an expensive alternative. Brian K. Nagatani, an employment attorney in the San Francisco Bay Area, said there's no point taking a long-term view. "I would just buy the cheapest one on the shelf," said Nagatani, 33. "I mean, you only take it out once a year for, like, three weeks." Still, cities like Palm Desert, Calif., that must balance energy use year-round are pushing residents to make the switch. The city last year offered a free string of LED lights to residents in exchange for traditional lights. Between 2007 and this year, the number of swaps has tripled from 568 units to 1,748 and counting. "In the desert you can imagine energy use is high, like with air conditioning in August," said Patrick Conlon, who directs the city's Office of Energy Management. "We did this to stir up enthusiasm for energy efficiency, and we're pleasantly surprised how well it's worked." The program cost about $26,000 this year, he said, and the city might have to consider rebates next year instead of free replacements if interest remains so high. PI CKUP OUTLET DATE CIRCULATION The s�a also has its own exciusive bistro that S('fVf5 organic produce and free-ranse meats. The signature spa treatment is "The Desert Journey"inspired by the scents of the desert in bloom surl� as oran�e, tangerine and mandarin. "The fragrantes are cvonderfui;'says Laura."We combine a brown sugar scrub�vith a mandarin/orangeltangerine body butter so the scents just smell like die desert in bloom.Besides the aromas,the enNre experience is sheer luxury widi a full body exfoliation,massage,parafEin and reflexology." Wid� 350 days of sunshine each year, several hydrating treatments are designed to soothe desert-ravaged skin, includins a dermai quench faeial and a CalifomiA sun-3cissed wrap, die latter incorporating cactus flower extrect. Ero-awareness is everywhere on the sprawling property.Water is conserved thraugh fiow limiters and autornatic shut-o�f valves in all bathrooms.Due to the intense heat thet people loak for�vard to �vhen coming to Palm Desert, the resort has doubte insulation windows and blackout shades to reduce heat gain. Kitchen and laundry equipment have energy-savin� devices ta minirnize wasted energy and are run during off-peak haurs only.Repiacing existing heating, venHlaHon and cooling equipment �vith morn eEficient systems also reduces the Desert Springs'greenhause gases. Even the tiniest details are kept green."Bamboo clathing is just being introduced into our spa shop along ivith hernp and bambon towels.Recycle bins For plastic and papec are located throughout the spa and also!n our offires,"says Laura."We also ask the guests to be mindful of the tnwels being used." For those looking to venture outside the resort,I'atm Desert has a well-deserved reputation as a mecca for golf and tennis players. It's also a great destinaHon for hikers and bikers of a11 Rmess levels, nnt to mention the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway tn the top of Mount San Jadnto, which ascends 2.5 miles in i5 minutes to pristine wildemess.For those tooking for a�valk on the�vild side, try The Living Desect Zoo and Gardens,where you can view exotic animals from the wortd's deserts,UeauNfut botanica)sardens and year-round NaNve American exhibits. Back at the resort after a long day out in the desert,guests of the Desert Springs can dine at one of the eight restaurants and caf�s or shap in one of th�17 specialty boutiques.Beyond the dining, golF,shopping,swimming and eco initiatives,Desert Springs offers relaxaHon, rejuvenation and luxury. "The spa balances out thc body, mind and spirit. Our yoga and pilates help zen out your mind and keep stress at bay, while the treatments reiuvenate and re1ax,"'summarizes C.aura. "We hope our�,uests take�vith them a general sensc of�vell-being and batance." (q . V il ,I`��,,.�„�s � wY �. � '�`"�. � � ��i November 4, 2008 LAST -NIIt� UTE THAIVKS�IVIh1G GET,4VI� AYS ]ane LeVere h�o�+embFr 4, 24i�� _ __.__� _ ._�_ .—._.-.. i i j ( � i � . � i � I � fi . I i I I i I I � � �vlt LAUNCH SLIDESHOW ��`------'W �� +�t��'�"ry Far,m Turke�r time at these luxury destinations Tf��nksr�ia�ir�g is generall}� ,3 fina tirne tc� �elebrete (unles_:, of cn��rs�, if�u're a tur•k.e��, but �ne cuUld tir-a of �ioing it the �ame �hay, at hume, s�+�ith famil�� ar�d a huge meal thet p�au've �ook�d yourself or br-Quqht in, Consider turr�in� ths holid,�y into a v,�eek:end get�av�y tl-,is ye�r, �r�fiere yo�� can still fe�st and also find diversi��ns gal�re for rel�tive� of ,�II a��s, • News from... N,�P R Circulation: 189,764 ... ,_., �.._��+:.V PUBL�C RELATIONS There's a 4vide �+ar�iet+f uf �asl-� hU#els tr, chaa�e from, each offering special acti��ities th�t differ hy loc�le, aaer-�ything from a rir�gsirJe seat ax the renoaunerJ MacY's Th3nksg��ng Da;� Rar-arJP in hJet�v Yc�rk: Citp' to enj�Ying a coavba�� c.�rnpfira ar�r� mixoloa�� class f�r I�ids at the Four 8easons Resart Scottsdale at � Tro�n North Ariaor�a. Jud)r F.afi:er, 3 tr��;el ,3gent at Prr�a�i�znt Tr�a+a) in Cir�cinn�ati, �hio, finds famil�y +��a�c�tions are bec�r�-�ing incr-easingly F�oPUlar- o��+er•the Thenl.:sgiti+in�a hnli�ay, "The I�ids are hrmF fram rr�llege an�� it'_, a a��an�jprtul tim� for e��rsr�l�nP t4 �e�k trgetF�er, At Chri�trr�as time, as childr-en r�et ��Ider, tr�e�� r�ar�t to stay home," shF finds, "BecaU_;e famil�f tim� is so important tc� pe�ple and G�rents' ar�rJ kids' srh�erJ��les arF so hecti�, gpttir�g ataa�i from thpir da?r-to-da.v livPs, .�nd �pending timF tuaethGr is essential, 'ds�hen they h��re holiday tirnG, more farnilies are nc�t�:� !r�illing to �]8t �341�d�r�'" {,3�f5 hAisty Ea�aing, �iirsctor of public rel�tior�s for L+irtuasc�, a �ansr�rtium of up.c�le tr-a++el aqencie_:, Colleen C}onnrlly, �ales manaqer of tF,a Dtesaga, a �i�-year--ol�l grand dame resnr-t on the �t��ther-n �hore �f L��:P 4tse��n in �.�c��erstoat�n, hJ,`i'„ �,an�i th� '"Glimmeegl3�s'" c�f James Fenimr,re Cao�ers n��+-r.ls�, see� great�r demend f�r Thanksgiti+ing getaway� "t�vitF� botF, mams and dad� a��orkina tF�ese rJaqs, They iust 448�it tC� g�t t�gether for a famil�,� holi�ay, the� a��ant s�mebody alse tn �ake �.aee nf ew�erVthina,'' < 11 See our 51ide5how of Las#-Minute 7fiank5giving Getaway5. AZ the nt�esaga, "guests t�me gener�#i�n ,�fter ger�eratinn, multi- ger�Fratians +.�gether," Dar�nell�� 3ay�, Anather advantage af r�r,ir�g •yway rverThank:sgi�dir�g, curr�pared to �:hristmas, Ev,�in� finds, Is better r��m 3�i 31Ia�lllt}�� "Christma� break is still the one �eoGle frrus rn and plan further raut fr,r," sF�F sa��s, Luxury hotela of all sizes are off�ring Thanb:��i+,�ir�g p��k:ages this NaSrember; These r.�n�e from the ��-r�,orn �lar_.kt,erry Farm, an elegant R.elais & Cha#Eaux r-e�ort in Tennessre'� Gre�t tirr��k•q Mc�un#ains, tr� th� 593-r�uest-rnrrn F�irmr�nt '�outhamptan, rn a 100-a�re estatE at�G the highest poir�t in F�errnuda, anr� the Buccaneer Res�ort in =t, Crqix, The st}�le of hatels tihlitl-� Thar�k�gia+ing getath��ys alsr_� �;�.�r•y gre�tly, Ther-e ar� pl�gant urb�n pr�perkies like the ��landarin �'�rient�l, hJe�f� Yark, .�r�d the Ri#z Garltan New York, Central Park, both w�ith 3pectarular vieo�t�. ��f th�t f�mr�us PJe!hr `r'ork: oasi� r�f grePnQry, a� va�ll as p�rIUSI�JF resnrts like Ros-r.auood's ��mbv C�ay, a'ohi�.h h�s three tirt�hite sand beaches r,n a 30f-��.re private isl�nd two miles aft the c�ast of �n#iau.3, All of these hoxels ��ater to kids (anrJ their p�rerits and qrandparents j; The L�tesa�a, for eYarnple, h�s 3n erter�si5re �rogr.�rr� of ac#it+ities that begins �n ?ryfedr��s�ay, hd�5,�pmber �F., �r�r� ir�rludes rr�ultiGlE +�isit; hy "H��y 'rrU,�� a clawn; hr,liday � rnovies for kids; and applF-t�o�,bing crr�#Fwts, The J14+ Marriott C��s�rl: Upri�gs lets kids rr�a�e th�ir ��,un r�r�d1 �PPles, and has a peffing zo� f�r tf�en��. In ��Jditian to SpeCi�3I �3�:I�rItIzS �aer Thanksgivir�g v��eker�rJ, The Fairmont Sauthampton in B�Y�i�U�B hd5 �pFG1�3I �3Gk14'If185 �t it� "ExGlor�rs ��ampA'ftr I�id_ five an� oldEr, ir�r_Iuding q,�mes, mo+ries �nd arts and craft�, �f crur�e, the Thanksgivir�g fzast is a rr�aior hi�3hligh� af this ��e�k�nd, ar�d there arG many different sh�ays #+� er�i�y it, ��;n-i� hotels, likP the Ritz t,arlt�n hJe1�� 1`c�rk, �entr-�I P�3rk, ser�tr� a buffet dinn�r, whilF uth?rs, like El�ckberry F,3rm, affar s?��eral o�ti�ns, including a dinner in the h�lain Hnu�� th�t is re��r•Ved for fan7ilie� 4aith children a�ae eight �nd y��un�er, Th�re's �Isu a special de,�l t�r gucsts of some '�tara,�oo�� hatels, '�+ith� the gr�uR's °F�rnil}� Fun" a�ar_,3tion package, avail�ble thrc,ugh Derernber 31 at the Ph�er�ician, �l+igwarr� ��ulf Resart and Upa, St, R.egis R.esort M�narch Bs�ch �nd Rayal H,�v�aii�r�, yau'll get � $1�J0 d��ily r-esort credit �n�i q�aranteerJ c�nnecting raoms µlitl-� ceven-day a�v�r�rc purr_has�, nr a $54 �Jail3� resr,rt rredit but nr, �vonner_�king raamc if no advanr:e purchase, �,Isr� inrluded, re��rdless of a,�hen GurrhasY take= Glac�, are free or- �iiscounted mFal� for kids, �Jependir�g rr� their- �ge; a+�elcr�me gitt for ki�js lt and �younger; ��isr�ur�t and r�t�il c�aupon bc�ok:lrt; at surne re�ort�, The ofter's g��r,d �n St,3'y5 of ane to 14 night_:. �'r �rahether pou're in thp marketfar special ofter., r,r just w�nt to find a relaxinr� placP t4 �hare turkeY and rnore a��ith 3�our . - . - � � : ,< , ;. -;`;��;1\ . � • � I �� t' s - i " ' • / � - \ . � • � • • � ' . • � t' • • 'i 7 ��a ' �! ' {'*i ��I yd �.� ,:�°'•� r .�r ` `�� wT. '� ; � , � r �r/.�- �'� � ' rr �':4�4 ,�1�:: � . �-� � —�, PR�E:, _� '"�j ' BY •'qT�. j...., .�� _ _— ��,;.,�<.,�:�=-f .. TOM DOAK'S ��, ��.._ - � .LATEST GEM � '��` TITLEIST'S ' • THFtE�=:DRIVfR Na�emee.roe�emeer:aae S'TRRT. EGY . $S.DOI§7.24in'Canada� , �. . . . , , linNsMa9e¢ine:cpm. ' . �. � . - • � � . • 1 LINKS 1 e _ �� , . , ��i � � u � � :� �i,� ��s.�4r�,`,��s�� il�l,ll. � � � - � s �� ,,, , �e .Y � .; .. �. - - ! .. �.�: �3, . � t u� Mc a�. � �5�;, � _-_: c.... . vy�,� _— ,�.. '► � +y ,.�� C*i � i � � �i(��f�.y1�� , . b � -� � � ?li�;a?(�""' -'�" —�� '' �' y �� s6 ' t . "�i�" r? .��:..,,y^ .Y�.� � - .1. ',s :'�. f e ,{� ry , . iL'�., : . . �'.Ri!�� , n � � , �G • °Y ��KI 1 �� I } �{ � � =i �� 4 �VD • h'.' I JY _ ^,y��{- '` [`l �1� . . ,,�� .�. ..� 1 �..._ � r.. )T �� „ __ f , ,1 'v .. _ Palm Springs, California Scl agains[the striking San Jncinlo Nlountain range,this desert oasis with yearvround blue skies is a mecw for firso-class golL shopping and diniog.And with mare than 100 murses in thc area,the problem isn'[getting ree times;ii s deciding which caurses m play. —Oo6 Hci6nnu 900LF The Bob Hope Chrysler Clas- est hast of the Skins Geme.Palm k��INING 5ince Ae tlines there qWte slc ulillzes four courses.Of Ihose,anly �eseR'S Classlc Club is one of t�e often,Amold Palmefs In La QuinW I5 Amo10 Palmer's SUverRack Resort In 6est new courses in Calilomia,while ft for a king.FeaNnng tAe besl SteaNs La Qulnta is open ro the public.Watch Pete Dye's PUA West Statlium in La in the area,Chop House has two loca- for bighom sheep.The Celebrity course Quinta is one of the toughest tests Iions: Palm Springs antl Palm Desen. at Indlan Wells Goll Pesort I5 Ne laF anywhere. Rt lohannes In Palm Spnngs the marti- �ACCOMMOUATIONS Outtloor ni menu ignites the unique pustrian spas,massive suites and cozy casitas tllshes.Copley9 not only serves innov- a�°�°+�� pmvitle every reason lo call La pulnta ative American CUlsine bul oNers CoOk- \ Pasort your secontl �ome.Renovatetl ing classes. \ in 2007,IAe Desert Sprin6s 1W �ACTIVITIES The fltry 5ha0Ping on i,jell�Springa � �euvwvaims -�, Merdal[Resarl 8 SOa has two EI Pasea in Palm Desert easlly nvals • � � Llass¢ Ted Robinson deslgns wifh Podeo Drive. For a citywitle view, �� cmo so much wateryou'il torgel Palm SpdngsTrems ascend B.000 � �MartlLnyi'� yoVre in the tlesert.The feet In Ihe wodtl's largest mtating � mm�nWe�h swanky Cigs at Ihe tramcars.with intimacy resem6ling a 1cauxeson Vlcero in Palm Sprin s Eumpean apera house,the MCCallum � ,,, raimomnl!_ . .1 Indio• Y 6 �fneanwds'�� cascatle trom lhe TM1eaterin Palm Desert showcases �� rooms m tAe poolsitle headline talent.Llving Desert is e I�Awes��•�Silnrnoa ca6anas.For lhe Wti- spectacular preserve,with animals laQuinb p�� mate Dosh stay,the Pitx� Ilke bo6cats,mounlain Ilons and Cetlmn in Fancno Mirdge warthogs floudshing In Neir na�ural re-opens In early 2009. terraln. �� NOVEM9EF/DECEMBEfl 4008 LINHSmagezine.com '_5 � � : �' • 'w� •. ' ♦. •,r�i . w.i 'fl.� ..- • ^ ' a.�� ", i.' � � :► �' . . :'t•. .� R � . . � .iR o r i< '", �! . • ' • L 1h�•�� • 1� « ,�, �, . �� ' . � .t,.: :�.: .�� I (' �.r .� .• � •r; • �r i �•i'. : Ij • ' . .�3'� � � � � ''�'�� ' . :. � ..:�,. �' 1'�. .� . .� ,r : � ':<. �.t�:.��' � .��• - t..- ' •s''' • t�! ,�� t`. �'i?,, .�}",,'��..� , ��,•' .• ' ,.. .. '3 ��•��, ��► :.�`��'-�' �,.� v S " ,�. �'#q � . �'.:�� ,. . ��4-.•. , � ' :'�.;y.:r . ... �� ► ��P't • �?t, �• � . ':. :y`�.►;. . .,W�'�1s-� F• .A �_ � � . , ._J • ' �� , � . tr �y� f� Y� ht �� •� � .t�r• ` � f Cco-��'irR��ig�h'�i�fips i �. '��. Sweet Fix M e o r a Low-Calorie Options Saving Face ^ • S in�Care`�,.For'�You+Your�Guy �r . . �� . � = � ral ` , ie .. . . n ., . Gerv'c ^ �--s� -"`� er , � � � e "Tendi� o � Pek's��; . . . - �Pearf.' � hi�es -'� -- 1 1 1 � � - • . . �� \_�;y ti '; . .. . __-.. 4 �t��.�� . - - -- . ... :� � 4 . .C. _ .. ,2`di�� i. � �ti_ .�N,. ;,z w '� , !. � � �'�j�f�, " ''Y� �F ,',Y ' � I... �,:� �� _ *� I � ` -� � t. � : iy .�� 3 � i j "I`" � , , � � � L �` �� ,. �� s ,Y � . � , �: � �°� _ � -,- � _ :: ^�� ; y. -w�` : _ �• a . ...y rF� �-�.- .. .`t aet��:� ' � rT � � "kY . ,_,� i � Niv''..c '� ` � � . �..�,�. k i� 'ai��i`�"e° 1 s.: �'�,,,r,�l. �f�i � - t ..l .,��,� � (^��.�-" �' I d�� f f . �� .. �v n �� YM � � n "' �� i.-.. � e:._. +�� ✓ � �� n: � . ., � p�'✓ ` ., '.�r /i'. I"' v "� t_�:. . � 1 I� l� � 4 L 'y:9'� � . /I� r !p ,.� • '•r✓�y 1�ie� �.�' � +� � �'.�'dY� ) r/" '�,'f. .Q;Y 3 r � s�: _ _..�W._. r .°� �rt�is� �u Nby 8onnie Siegler � �r Y�''. �_ _ on't be fooled by the term "deserp" especialiy when "The wildli(e residing here lend a namral beauty to the rewrt as reterring to Ihe Deser[Springs�W Marziott Resort&Spa well as pmviding muntless amusing slories for our guests," says located in Palm Desert, Cali(omia. $urrounded by Ihree Ken Schwartz, General Mawger of Desert Springs Resorl& Spa. beauXful mountain ranges, die resort is an oasis o(Iush grounds "These crea[ures are well fed and ronrinue to pmsper in a and lag0ons,offedng a stark rontrast m die par[hed desert. rmrturing envitonmenL" 77ie hotel's 50 million gallon lake uses redaimed waler and serves as a home lo exoHc birds and waterfavl. Home to 664 deluee rooms and suites,it also harbours an abundant Chilean Flamingos and a community of koi and bass also live In die wildlife populafian. The unexpected —and unpaying — yniesGs lake—cleady,word of Desert Spring's animabfriendly reputafion foundtheresortsoinvitingthatlheymadetliemselvarightathome. hasspread. - - :�r�.- � _. - _ . 7 - '- "i`.�;�. . '- �._ �� ' .�. . _ µ." . ... :: i d � c�. . s� - � :..�r .� � - r�'p' �_ �'" / � +''�" \\ t �1 e „ � ,t^` n -!.:n:i� .I-, �:. ul ;�;: :ii;*Sii� � * :-'S�i� �Jr jC` '� � ii i''•;� 1` � w' � 9F� _��n �J� T ��d u+'� � ��ll . � J�V�I .� ' . `� � -� � ...n�, ''t. -�a _ '-i is�ui� - — � �n uu�r� -cr=•- " : m=- Th spa'sfamousteat�res rL ��dew��;P��=,�d � , 1 �'�� mmancsteamahambers \ � \� \ � W,� i� , " . k�' � ...� /.� _ �'�� - u. :' � M � � �l� � �.' �� ' !y`� . I �\_ � O v�L ��. �e `�'��''',� �' _ 1� ti,� . �, ti�, � ' e �. ,. ,. � q��o �_ �qZ` ' � �la. �'�� 7-�,r " ' �' ' . . �`'' ->I� �� Also spreading tlie word are human guests of the ne�v 36,000 anfisepHc so iCs a great treahnent for skin."The spa also olfers squam[oo[spa[haI opeoed last Seplember,making it the largest specially�designed men's treatmenes s'vch as farials,manicures, a in Soutliern Califomia. Keeping in mind Ihe speciFic hot, arid cryotheapy sporLs massage,and eucalyptus scrub[hat will refresh dimate,the spa uses many Iocaliy-derived pioduds'."We have our and rejuvewte any inan after a long day on tlie golf course or in aloe wrap, which is great because first of all, aloe gmws in die Ihe boardmom. descr!and semndly, it is healing kr sunbums;' explains Laura . Rogers,Spa MarAeNng Manager."We also have a dah scrub and a 'Ihe expansive spa's.menities indude autdoor whirlpools,indoor utrus' svub," adds Laura, who takes pride in using lhese IDcally and outdoormmmwal amasforrelaxadonand conversatioq amrrutic harvested fruits."Nat many people know[hal datesac[as a n�turel i�[vsed hamman steam diamber,along nith other decadent areas. November/December 2008 . � • � • � � • � • • � - � � ' �� / ` a ' 1• a , f, � -'' _ _I� : -....._ --". � �•� � � _�_�_ �M � � • I 4'a.�4 ,. �� Y-� ' � �j �� Z'� �� i I �� ' , - ��'" � y ' ° � � ` �-' � � ��;. ..�.�- �� . . • . . o ;'. , � �_ . . � ti �� - . F, o � • � � -1. . [G+ �d i; � . — �_. �. � - � ��; � ._ >., -_ , � �, !y ` �' � � d' ' ,�_ ;,. . .: �, < Y ��da � � 9 v • , ,/ 1�1�U'� ' ° � �� ` '�4� .;,ylr� � - _,..i � r � : � �ir�► � O� 155499 • 1 1 J _ �� $y ir�u j� V � _ � � - ' � � \� II I_' 'II � II I'I . �. � � � y � �5�o��5P��I � News from... N,�� Circulation: 604,177 ��• • ' . � ; � ' '',�4,.- ��, � It feels Ilks evarynnc 6utwe�snotgnehMg �y ■ xkhit ForannY��ple'yew;l�ha » somanyehanrntahkNeeourts3Younaed ,:� � �.�4 � � . veca9ondeaUnaUonwlsely y '� Thisisthe�pkmtoatart Ourbiinnh111stoftha:Tdp��SyK �':,,p�Aw�. , . .N�lurr �,� q�i} f' _ -.y.,. . . . .. � ' � ,� . " I�� . . . . . .�� . . .. � - - , F . �: ; _ _. ...• —••w�a�li}� =y ��r-.T- , — - — �..�.. ��.. � , �, h ;� � . .�- i �� 4 �t�/ �� _ �� , �� -- ,,; �_.. ,� � r''+ ��.. . , ��:i . � , , , .°��.'. ...-�-�ti - ,.. _ a. � _ �'� �� s 4 'a! �• � � )1 h ! � � �f�'_��1• '`� � � ~ _ • .. � _ i., � I h! . F f ' �.' I ` � '.� 1 _.��`! ` � 2� LENXIS.CON HIIVEM9EP/OFIEM9fN 2400 I$� ! h t ('_ _.. � � • . <%..� 1 �'�- i • �-. �q� � {., • � ( � epu i �� onmraomandfaelora ved.Inloomratez-cNio�n�. � �� f n�2'cupancy,paalp6es,o dwh-Mattl�e8ireprin�Cwld rpa.�IbFa�nQ,.na I�m'wwerUw Euca�.uoutrotes�hwwghly E�jye�C�yah andyau'118rid�f,er,qare� geatdealsouteM1an.ForNe � Toplp.pe•yep��lcedouo �po'iMsofinterestehatmiyhehdp; rr. p ��..guMe.ihem mokagaurdeeiaianaasfa � *, . � 4". � _ . �r. nw , ..4 �'�!t �.:� . �f "y. . c ..��:.—� � ' . _.. :. ..*�,�,�, . .� . :•' _ '� , �,,,�. �r � • � < ,.. � � ,. . � `' ''K-• . � ^ �,�� . Y( r ' i }c. {�� _y . .�F.�'i.��-'1 _ > > .�C� V. ' . _ � P � . . � � � �. ��. �-�� A __.� ��'Rv :_�� _r. " �`�� J/ � ��?r i ; ;� �� ,� '��y� �_�, ♦ l. 1 2a iyYl� 1� -��: '�,�q��w�^ x ' � ' t ..� , � '. L � yy.yy ,if'+ �a-��^�'�' ;- - � � � `a, ,..,�� . . \,�y�i ',._... �{ �L� fy T� T�y f� , ` � . J 't _-..�q � _ ` . . - .1S } V ` p +5/ 'J . . Y'�' i .. ��t.�� ' ' .. ` . y ry;•, �+�-��f..' . ,a �r RANCHO VALENCIA ' '�; �� "; RESORT AND SPA, ;� RANCHO SANTA FE, 4 � `'��;r� ;, CALIFORNIA ,-:. . ....� � ; : � - - � _ � � � � .�.. 'i,,�' � s � o � . � I �r��-�, � � �1 �._ . ._ _� . L :�� .�1� _ � �- _�� - �.$ . ti � l � _ _ 31 c^'+ ' ' 'L- . — '"'�,,� �� ,_:_� • •, ! ' � �� ''' ._ II ra {�`T� �, __ �. � -."I _� ... '"J�:y .., W' .��r�:�'` 1._ i �.-.._ �^ ' " I�.r. .. � - - ti � 'V J-� -� I� � _ ' � ��y �' �� ./ � .__ r ,M :w•�' � -,�"�._ . � _ � R � .. i ..� .'�... �_1 4 �1r.'- L� � . _�., p l .—._ _—� i �5 �� , I • :... .� .a, �?��. � caunTs: 15 hard, BUILD YOUR OWN BACKBOARD: Peter Burwash 3 clay, 2 grass International, a tennis instruction campany, stadium courts, runs Desert Springs'Tennis & Lawn Ciu6, so COURT TIME: S�-S3O expect lots of enthusiasm.The resort alsa has per caurt per hour. a camputerized hitting wall programmable for �ooci�i�: 2,090 your level oF play. roams and villas SPAN THE SURFACES: Play doubles round ($$). iNFORMario�c robins an three court types—hard, clay, desertsprfngsresort. and grass. com ROUNO OUT YOUR TRIP: Even PBI pros acknowledge there's more to life than tennis, including golf, a spa,fine dining, and gondola rides around the property. � i °� � , i ,:, 1i (OiiO�! �..�� 4ri ,, ilnl�iJ�ll��'i�`�;, ., �� —�' � � �r\(�`�(u�i� l� 'J: c� \�, `_�II�I( -�I ��, i.�,,��/I ��I�r�i ��. �'� . . . " .� v , 1 pesert Springs, A JW Marriott 21 zi 2� 25 8�29 Resort & Spa �if�AtOo. 74855 Country Club Dr. � Palrn Dese�t � 760-341-2211 � fax 7b0-341-1872 � 800-�28-9290 ( www.marriott.com � 833 rooms, 51 suites "Big-time glitz" abounds at this "Palm desert gem" where the public spaces "sparkle" with "waterfalis everywhere", "multiple pools", "electric boats that ferry patrons" to the "phenomenal sushi bar and Tuscany restauranY' and 36 hofes of championship �olf, "great tennis" and a "magnificent spa"; it's "fun" for a family getaway, but a iew com- plain about "getting lost" at this "spread-out" spot that often "feels like 5pring Break," �.: � ,.; : . ; � ,:�_ � - - ,�bci�xgf,c i.j�i- iUl,1� . Newsfrom... �� R . . � i i i.-pie..J, rvVBLiCRELPilONS . - - . - � � : �.%��AL SHOPPIPIG SECRETS ' San Diego,Pasadena, Palm Desert, and more LIVING IN THE WEST /TOP` � I GIFTS \ ` UNDER I � �� ' r".<� � n� Where to ,. , find the �, :� '`� �" ; West's best � . � ; , r� : '' skiing . �_ = _�. : The , ew hol�day . class�cs ■ Sparkling spice cocktail ■ Perfect cracked crab E�EMaER zooa ■ Easy eggnog cheesecake � � FROM STEAL TO SPLURGE Expert tips on Cabernet pairing suNscr.com � - • • w��, ea d.�k�s'l�i � � � O : ....:r „ �;.a. , I !�� J' n 'a � .Po[r, � �. . , . ��',�� lY'� ' ., . ' .. . _ .._ ._ . ...--: . „ . _ � �'k The West Cover stmries �e� • at its best LOCAL SHOVOING pages?7,go �,�y� 01`{, q�Great gift ideas,(rom TOV GIRS UNDER S30 Oage q � �_ surpnsingfind5under53o n7EWE5T�5BESTSKIING � r. � �.�3f°. :._^;`,�- to dreamy mdulgences page 6z s7� -.i.'� � Shop and stroll � :i NEW xoLIDaYCLA55iC5 �n San Diego's Kensing[on � Featuees Pages 76,6.4�99 neighborhood 62I LAST GREAT SKI RESORT 30� ��. UePpdk .. �;" ONOURcoversA;ho:^�- Chopraonthebes[o(West �, �, z3.: '-�` - NogLlz,noactitude:V�sitAlta, r � �� - � U[ah,(oiwoild-dasssnowand s[oppingcaketoromplete Hollywood,v�usthingstodo . , +.:?-� �:�. � xelcomingpeopfe YourChnsUnasfeas[(scepage inl.A.,Pasadena,and6eyond � . � � ' . 68�NATURAL DECORATIONS �6).PhotograpH�v Lei�ii 6=isch, 3=I -A ca�-Free _. Bngh[en yow [able[npwiCh f�od sLyling by Dnn Baq�er,�nop ge[away m PaLn Desert� � ,�tr'r ,' bernesandbranches scyhngbvSnrn9n�nn �� 7q�QUIETATTHE6El1CH ' � , A wi n[er evening in Oregan �6�JUST-RIGXT UESSENTS S'� Ni �� Six rernfic[reats for every � �� .�kmd of party �� . .'�` . � Y:a. ' 1G':R.. ,� , " �.� y � ��- � 'v�1,'�'��Mw�.,-. ... "�' � � '3J! � l�yw,� � �'�� — t i., �:i�, �' y �I� � � ''.�r�� :. �r'—. r � �.. . - r "�b',d 'l�. '! � � ,;,"V�� . r.�' 't�,r'�< �+ �.ij. .� ti" ' 1 T :ll � �� 1 r;�.��. ;. y,� � �.�; � - . �+�: ,� �+�. ; - .r �, �t' � ';� 9 . r ^� �;,'�,a. �� .i�- � �� y. ` ' Winterblisslnfl[ah: � �,`�' -'- � - ua�ecnmonwooa i • � i . . PAGE Canyon beckons skiers �� hikingtheridgeaH ' � � � � � � � � �- Alm'sHighTaverse. , � i � � i � Southern ; '�� California Escape �' , � CIOCNWBEFPOMIEFT � The Mod flesart revives midcentury Palm pesert; a bery a(bartef actuz az che trving�eserc;the ew(mm a tnil at the ILivingDesert. % � ',�� ` � � J • � .. . ^�� r. �.. . f�" •✓ +� J t -: t .Y�� I. 1 ' _. a �'• �� '. ^- i'f ( � �� y ,Ni' rvi.:�l'I� b3/�� !Tf , I � F n � �� \� ., , , fR�- a % ' �� i ,. � � .n,Y � �� '' `' � .l. W�7 � .y I � ��` ��-- r�. �,.� � ,a�' , aL��r� � . . ��, /'� . � .��_'; �.,`- ��'r'' � - - ' ,'�t'`' �� .� _ C •,'Id� IO �y a� —.C< �[ l A�vAn�� tr �..�� .7 .. . �►\- \�t��p�"-.\.. I � 7 � �""�+ ,�. � ;:,��_ . % � The capital of co�� = � ?� -�� , ,.� In Palm Desert, the mood is mod and the art is amazing. =-r ' � And you don't even need a car to enjoy it ,:w BY�pVlO LANSMG�VHOTOGRAPHS BY OAVI�FENTON � —� ��.�} , ` : .. , THE FIRST TXING LaUq Slipdk Says wh2n I can unwind in[he desert,and[plan[o _ i . :� �- 4�,,� �f� Idragmys[ressedselfinto[hechilllobby di[chmycarfortheweekend(ifno[,alas, �.4,. '� � - oftheModResort,herAustinPowers-chic forever).WhichiSwhyl'vecometoPalm �='.-'- � - ' - x' . _ ho[el in Palm DeserC"Oh,dear"The OeserL Not onfy does it do[he whole secondthingshesays:'7thinksomeone midcenturymodem[hingper(ectly,butof needsaMod-tini" allCalifornia'sdesertresorts,it'salso � Yeah,baby. pmbably the mos[pedestrian-and bike- Pvejus[suf(eiedthmugh[wo-pfus friendly.TheModisjustathree-minu[e hoursoflnlandEmpiregridlocksothat walk[othegli[[eryshoppinganddining 3a Sunset Decemberzooe ik16FNti�iu��i tLtuJY � Souther�. .,� ;� � California�'_ � � � I „�scape � wnContemporaryartat � ImagaGdlk�ies.BEIOWThe CFLIFOGNIA � : � `:'��,;, �'�1� murtyardatthe�esertArt �� f VLLM'1. ��/ 'YPPJ �ollection&Saulp[ureGardea ms oesenr . � i�LM AMLiLR• 1 i 5 P.N45 M ��P � � i � �� '� . M NCNO• pqlM �XRL! :ES[I11 XY10 �J ' i _ p" q J � t ''!k �� 48 hours in �:'�F , ' _ , �� i ' s[reetElPaseo,anda<hort�ikerideaw � P�]'1'1�QSQrt � fmmeverythingelsel'minteres[edin �, �' � pa�onrCheckintotheModResort �I � rorn �6 nadresort.carn ownedb checkingoutthisweekend.Thatindudes _ (I S s:� ), v galleries,arecentlyunveiledcollec[ion "_ � afsshiondesignerFromMali6aEnjoy o(Californialandscapepaintingsatthe � �. akillermargaritaonthepatloat Livin Desertmuseum,andthenew Armando'sBar3�Gtll1OJ;73-�6oEl S Paseo;76o/346-0744). EricjohnsonMemarialGardens(named Garden,averycoolgallerywithalarge snruaoarCheckou[the�esertArt after[he"desertlandscapeguruofthe courtyardsetwithsculpturesamidpalm CoUectian&ScutphreGarden(free; CoachellaVatley,"whowasalsoaformer [rees,cactus,andbougainvillea. 4535o5anLuisReyAue.;desertart gardeneditor(or5unsetJ. A[Funseekers,l'mfeeling[onflic[ed. roll¢ction.cmn}7hmrentahike(hmn Thena ain,i(Lauraoffersmeone Notonl doesi[haveallsor[sofbikesto S�SOerday)oramoped(fromfszUer B Y day)at Funseekers(73-e655tnte m; moreofhermood-alteringapplemartlnis, rent,butitalsooffers5egwaysand �60/390-386�)andridedownElPueo, ImightjustparkmyselfbesidethesalF mopeds.5till,l'vepledgedtobefume-F�ee makingaztopatImagoGalleriez waterpoolandspendtheres[oFtheafter- thisweekend,so]op[forahybridbicyde I45-45o5mte7q;76o/ns-gBgo),which, noonmedita[ingontheceruleanwa[er. andDoweramlleandahal(upabikelane withitsblue-chi0artisrs,lspractiufty � alon Oor[olaAvenue[otheLivin DeSert, [heMOMAolthedesert.Thenear6y S 8 PalmDesertVisitorCen[er(7A567 Seulptures, eyeles, andeaetus wherel'mjus[in[imefor[hedocent-led Statem;76o/56B-�qqQisagoodplare Nottoworry.Afteramind-clearingdipin tourofpaintingsofwaadlands,seascapes, topickupbike-[railmapsandexplore thepool,it'sasunsetwalk[odowntown anddeserts.Myfawrite:Granville thesurmundingEricJohnzanMemo- PalmDeser[toscopeout[he[own'spu6lic Redmond'sCloudyDayatMonterey,From dalGardens(jree),amultisensory set[ing of desert plantings.The art,beginningwi[h(reshiyins[alledsculp- theearlyigoos. GardensonElPeseo(�3-SaSEIPaseo), Nres rising ou[of the El Paseo median Later,i ride[he length of EI Paseo to an o0en-alrshopping plaza,has a againstaba<kdropo(rushwloredmoun- theEricjohnsonMemorialGardens,an num6erofexcellentdiningsvots, tains.The air is as dry as chalk,[he fading oasis of curving pa[hs[hat take you Dast 7ndudingSWli�an's Steakhouse(SSfS; desertlightgallery-per(ecfforpondering gurglingwaterFalls,cac[us-coveredsand 76o/3q�-356o),forsteaksandjazz,and az5-foot-longpiecepairinganiridescen[ dunes,andashadedrock-wallcanyon. Pacifica5eafaodRestaurant(535: 76o/6�q-9666),for oys[ets on Ihe hal4 hummingbirdwithadamselfly. IflcouldsomehowgetLauratodelivei shellandcheapmartinis. In[hemorning,it'sa(ive-minutestroll oneofherMod-tinishere,irouldjus[chif! sYdonrAttheLivingDesert(5�3: [oFunseekerstorentabike.Okay,it outallafternoon.Nomatter.AFterdrop- q�soovortolan�e.;�so/3qs-565aJ, would have taken(ive minutes if I haddt ping my bike off,I hoof it[o Paci(ica momingz are a good time to ca[ch the young animals--like Maliki,a giraFfe diverted up[he block to[ake a laok at the Sea(ood Restaurant,known for its(resh calf born in May—at[heir mas[active. black-and-whitemidcenNrymodem fishanditsvodkabar—i3akinds(ram eutfirs[checklorthene.tdacent-led houseofWilliamBoyd(bet[erknownas i9coun[ries—wherevodkamartinisare tour(n-3,noseo[imu)ofsoCali(omia Hopalong Cassidy)and then dropped in 56 all nigh[long.Perfect.Even better,it's landscape paintings. at[he Desert Art Collection&$culpture a short walk back to the resor[. 36 Sunset Oecembereoo8 �� .com December 3, 2008 �� Palm Desert: California's capital of cool ��4�� (Sunset)--The firstthing Laura Slipak says when I tlrag my siressetl self into the chill lobby ofthe Motl Re50rt, herAUStin POwerS-ChiC hOtel in Palm DeSert"Oh, tlear" The second thing she says�."I ihink someone needs a Motl-tini" ,��."� � Yeah, 6aby. � - _-..,,�-. - - '� - - Ibejustsut7eretlthroughtwo-plushoursoflnlantl y. � � _ �, �� .w� �--.v-..,-. , Empiregridlocksothaticanunwindinihedesert, ,�''� �""� _�.'.' _ "� and I plan to ditch my carforthe weekend (if not, +�r..r �� alas,forever). '�'T-�-� -� _ ;�-+^''..`-� � �' '�"� Which is why I�e come to Palm Desert. Not only ��rl � ;`�'�",-,,. tloesitdothewholemiticenturymotlernthing v'Xx.,� ~ . ' �.; - pertectly, but of all California's desed resods, iYs �- ; "�� also probablythe most petlestrian- and bike- oav�oS�F�*ox _ _ f�` ~ friendly.Sunset.com:Tap 70 tlreamtowns �� . __ .. ' , " . ' " .�""" TheModislustathree-minutewalktotheglittery - " �...�.�° � �..;: ;' `�.'�`" ° shopping antl tlining street EI Paseo, and a short bike ride away from every[hing else I'm interested in checking outthis weekend. That inclutles galleries, a recently unveiletl collection of California landscape paintings atthe Living Desert museum,and the new Eric Johnsan Memorial Gardens (named afterthe"desert landscape guru ofthe Coachella Valley;'who was also a former gartlen editor for Sunset). Then again, ifLaura offers me one more ofhermood-altering apple martinis, I mightjustparkmyself beside the satl-water pool antl spentl[he rest ofthe afternoon metlitating on the cerulean water. D011't MiSS scu�ptures,cydes and cactus • In Oeptn:NlMer Getewey Notto worry.After a mind-dearing dip in the pool, iYs a sunsetwalkto • sunset com: 20tra�el steals tlowntown Palm Desedto srope outthe town's public ar1, beginning torunaer$zoo withfreshlyinstalletlsculpturesrisingoutoftheElPaseometlian • Sunset.com: The Americen against a backtlrop of rust-colored mountains.The air is as dry as Rivierabytrain chalk,thefatlingdesertlightgallery-peAeclforponderinga25-foot- • Sunset.com: visit a differe�k long piece pairing an iridescent hummingbird with a tlamselfly. SeMa Bar6ara In ihe moming, iYs a fve-minute stroll to Funseekers[o rent a bike. Okay, itwould have taken fve minutes if I hadnY diverted up the blockto take a look atthe black-and-white miticentury motlern house of William Boyd (better known as Hopalong Cassidy)and then tlroppetl in atthe DesertArt Collectian 8 Sculpture Gartlen, a very cool gallerywith a large courlyard setwith sculptures amitl palm trees, cactus antl bougainvillea. At Funseekers, I'm feeling conflic[ed. Not only tloes it have all sorts of bikes to rent, but it also offers Segways antl mopetls. Still, I�e pledged to be fume-free this weekentl,so I optfor a hybritl bicycle and power a mile and a half up a pike lane along Portola Avenue to the Living Desert,where I'm just in time for the tlocenl-letl tour ofpaintings ofwoodlands, seascapes antl tleserts. Myfavorite� Granville Retlmond's "Cloudy Day at Monterey,"from the early 1900s � News from... N J F P R Circulation: 28 million ,..� --n�n..a oueuc ue_o o'= Later, I ride the lengih of EI Paseo to the Eric Johnson Memorial Gartlens, an oasis of curoing paths that take you past gurgling watertalls, cactus-covered sand dunes antl a shaded rock-wall canyon. Ifl coultl somehow get Laura to tleliver one ofher Motl-tinis here, I coultl just chill out all afternoon. No matter.Afler tlropping my bike ofi, I hoofitto Pacifca Seafootl Restaurant, known for its tresh fsh antl its vodka bar-- 13�kinds fram 19 countries--where vodka martinis are $6 all night long. Pertect. Even better, iYs a shori walk backto the resort. + 48 hours in Palm DeseA 1 Fritlay. Check into the Mod Resort (from$169), owned by a fashion designer from Maliba Enjoy a killer margarita on the patio atArmantlo's Dakota Bar&Grill (average entrees $13-$20; 73-260 EI Paseo; 7601346-0744). Saturday. Check outthe Desert Art Collection &Scuipture Garden [hee; 45350 San Luis ReyAve,).Then rent a bike (from $25 per day) or a moped(from $62 per tlay] at Funseekers (73-865 State 111;76�I34�- 38fi1) and ride down EI Paseo, making a stop a[Imago Galleries (45-450 State 7d; 7607776-9890},which, with its blue-chip adists, is practicallythe MOMA ofthe tlesert. The nearby Palm DesertVisitor Center Q2-567 State 111; 76�l568-14d1) is a good place to pick up bike- trail maps and explore ihe surrounding Eric Johnson Memorial Gartlens (free), a mWtisensory setling of desed plantings. The Gardens on EI Paseo (73-545 EI Paseo), an open-air shopping plaza,has a number ofexcellent tlining spots,including Sullivan's Steakhouse (average enirees over$31; 7601341-3560),for steaks and jaa, antl Pacifica Seafood Restaurant(average entrees $21-$30; 760l674-8666),for oYsters on the half-shell and cheap madinis. Sunday.Atthe Living Desert($13; 47900 Podola Ave.; 7601346-5694), momings are a good time to catch ihe young animals-- like Maliki, a giratte calfborn in May-- attheir most active. Butflrst checktorthe next docent-letl tour(11--3; no settimes) of 50 California lantlscape paintings. � - - � � � � � • � NATt YEAR-END DOUBL SSUE GE0 IC DREAM I . T:DO IT. - .,.a:.s.� naUo Ic.cam/adven -r �.��'�ADVENTURERS OF THE Y : .�. Ma THE QU live. n bac HERO�QF' " ' -� (�PEMBAS � ,. t - ` THE 125,OOU OST GORILLAS,FOUND 3OTRE ' KEILYSLATER'S ,� GREATEST RIDE DESTIN. � rHeexrR�nn & PEOP. ^io"�°Rfi K THE NEXT CRA� GEA�TEC ' ' MOUNTAIN SPORT' THE MUS . 0.VE LIST �t , �;jr GRETCHEN BLEILER'S BIG BREAK �� Hnll g/'Fmne T�F�Ei . �... , VE$ � T » � „ AY ; t. _ � . � OF ; f ven -� t' OEC MBER3UYB/IIXY�YY009 � �c. 3 ' Cfi THEBIG�T SKI��UTAH ULTIMATE.. U TOP RESORTS . . • ' ' ' . � � • —^, I ' � � � � Y ' � �A��' ��. . 1.�.... � J. ti. �f BVPOBEPiFAPLE HONElLS l � • wWASHINGTON Schuss Away From It All � Sleeping Ladg a mountain reso�t oear Lcavemvorth,gets N �I evervthing right in o very Pncific Nonhwen way,(rom � its mstio-luse log beds nnd hmted rowel rncks to its rain forest— � friendly fa'v�uUde mffee But thc best reason ro shack up nt�he easrem Cnscada rewrt is i�s prosimiN m oFGthe-redor sltiing. aJus�w�che door on n foresmd valley Eloor am I6 rttiles of groomed XC trnJs pamlleling Icide Creck and n dortnant golf murse nlong the Wenamhee River;up the mad is one of thc s[nte's most challcnging bnckwun[ry�ours,an Wount Caslvnere (guide recommended;5180;movnlniurcGoo(net1.�d ihen there's�he Lenvemvonh Ski Hill,where n�o--count'em,nvo— gmomed ttnils are Bghted dvee nights a week and amesud via rope to�v(510;skdrnvriuuor�G.rom).Md i(you've got a bit of Eddie[he Eagle in you,the hlll o(fers a slti jump,�vith tonches on hnnd m talk yau throush yow first Ilight. CALIFORNIA �hemwnlelnous,6.2�milelao0lo PBtldIBM3VCIICkS thegl�ostlyminso/LastHoru � �The wry big weve�up m 50 Mine�EIS;nps.yovqalrl. IeeryatMavedcNsol(Pillar OREGON POlnt In Hd11 Moon Bdy Is e Very Big oeai wnm u euaes m�emmxc Hide Out on Maunt Hootl culminating in en ennual 9un com� A hiatlen altemallvB lo Oetitbn tAefs confimeE only 24 I hulking Mount Hoed antl hours In eUvxnce�checN mavertcFs �ts mega sqi o0e��ion.tnree cory sutl.can for up�ates�.When Ine �Ns sit wlihin Mount Hootl waN goes out,Ore wor10 tlescenOs Natlonel iorest souNeast o!t�e �fmnFmw seats ere on boef tours�. elg mounlain.Eacn sleeos elgl�t Bul wlnter Onnas plenry of calm entl Is fumis0etl wltM1 lantnns, Ee)s ta�ltleal for crossing tM1e sleeo��6 oags,oropane M1eeting. FRgeraltl Marine Feserve Wlh Hall a�M a motlesl ki�c�en�E350 Ey MooO 03y 1{8fdk C0.On 91Wf-0OW dtivdllCP fC3Prvd1100 Only;L25CdCP paOMe across IM1e slee0i�giant. �uls.com�.The caGlns are s0acetl you II see na�bor poryoises,sea seveml miles apan al Berlow lions,antl iM1e occaslonai numo�ac4 Creek,Barlow Butte,anJ W�ite wM1ele(E100;1rmbHdyakmm). A��e�.SNI or 5newsh0e a lew mlles The new entl very geeen Oceano �h�ougM1 ola&ovnb oougias tir Halel Is yam bdse Camp la�¢IU<r �orests on maMetl[rails to any expenenro�tloubles Irom$509: one ol�he thiee Irom U.S.26 oceano�allmaonbay.com�. antl Oregon 35:or,if you ie lee�ing an•-00'�ous_n�aop me'cqAer.r�p CALIFORNIA � � � � � �� Wai[for Ihe Big One � �j, T�e San PnEreas FaNt may N I Mep Soullum Califomians plenly nervous,bul(ew avL5i0ers rea0ze Nat iCs'not a hole in ihe � �untl IiNe lM1¢onE Lo15 LanE/!II inro In Supertnen, says Mary �ungans of Desert AOveMures. NsteaU,Ne faall,as LL sNltls�M1e Oesert near Palm Springs,Is a lartvretl ImOscaOe of s�eep mouro � lalns,Ueep cenyons,w¢iN upliRs. antl tlense oalm aaus.It5 all ma0e clear on a haliday Desert �� POvenLare5low ol Um company's t;. ��j�,�%i pl�Vdl2��1004011�'BCIC RM�1 � � , �doo....nr....�..._.� in.......e.. � IG�_1•,