Palm Springs, Anyone?

With Modernism Week just around the corner (February 13-23) and a particularly arctic Canadian winter underway, the desert seems just about perfect right now.
 
stay
Conveniently located in the heart of the uptown design district, Alcazar is all about the sleek and modern ABC’s (Alcazar, Birba and Cheeky’s). Appointed with local art, Alcazar is the youngest of the triangle, mastering comfort by spoiling their guests with imported Italian linens and townie bikes. Attracting a diverse crowd, Birba serves a creative menu with Italian wood fired pizzas and locally-sourced, hand-crafted cocktails. In the morning, refuel with the breakfast quesadilla and a freshly squeezed kale smoothie at Cheeky’s and you’ll be ready to hit the town. From $120/night, www.alcazarpalmsprings.com

do
Book the architectural tour with Palm Springs Modern Tours (make sure to see Robert) to experience some of the most posh and elite neighborhoods of Palm Springs. The driving tour takes you through the desert’s most notable architecture and gives you the inside scoop on who lived there during the Rat Pack era and which Hollywood stars are vacationing there during Coachella.
3 hour tour, $85/person, www.palmspringsmoderntours.com

hike
Turn your phone off for a morning and hike the Indian Canyons to experience some breathtaking views of the desert.  We conquered the Andreas Canyon (don’t worry if you and your gym aren’t speaking, it’s just a 1-mile loop) where you’ll see more than 150 species of plants, some which were used for medicine and preparing food centuries ago. With over 60 miles of walking trails, the Indian Canyons have been home to photo shoots, movies, and even the formation that inspired Disney illustrators for Pride rock in The Lion King. Trails can be hiked with a ranger or solo, www.indian-canyons.com

eat
Post-hike, head over to Jake’s, a casual Euro-style restaurant famous for its Miami Vice Salad. Dine al fresco in the charming courtyard and stick around long enough to meet Jake the West Highland terrier – the restaurant’s namesake.
http://jakespalmsprings.com

drink
It’s always cocktail hour at the Hard Rock Hotel located in downtown Palm Springs. Look up to see a special message (Hello, I Love You) bedazzled on the bar ceiling. Ask for bartender and master mixologist Mikey Low’s award-winning cocktail “I’ve got rhu-babe.” www.hrhpalmsprings.com

—Samira Hodania

More information about Palm Springs here:  www.Visitpalmsprings.com