Camping in a NYC park is the ultimate adventure…

Growing up in the suburbs, I never thought I would spend the night camping in Central Park. As a slender female unskilled in martial arts, I actively avoided strolling through any New York City park at night.

But when I won a spot in the New York Parks Department’s annual camping lottery last summer, I could not resist the chance to sleep in Central Park. The jewel of the New York City parks system, Central Park is also the cite of notorious 1980s wildings and serves as a backdrop for gang warfare in the classic film The Warriors.

The park officially closes at 1am, so the camping lottery is the only legal way to spend the night in Central Park.

Winning the Camping Lottery

After unsuccessfully applying to the Urban Park Ranger’s camping lottery dozens of times over the past two years (each park holds its own lottery select dates), I felt like I had won the Powerball. I had snagged one of just 30 legal camping spots in Central Park! I immediately cancelled my travel plans, dusted off my sleeping back and set out for an urban adventure in Manhattan with my husband Jake.

It turns out camping in Central Park is not as creepy as expected, although my small group of campers was under the protection of an Urban Park Ranger and two interns with access to a baton and walkie talkie. While we did not encounter any drug-addled rapists, robbers or gang members, I did get lunged at by a leash-free dog and spotted a semi-feral raccoon.

Evening activities included an al fresco dinner of military-style rations served in a plastic pouch, a nighttime nature walk on 110th Street and a group jam session with Spanish guitar and bongos (Editor’s note: marijuana was not provided).

It was a fun, unusual and totally free experience that I won’t soon forget. The only item we had to provide was a sleeping bag! Scroll down for photos and details of our Central Park camping adventure.

Setting Up Our Tent

We arrived at the northwest corner of Central Park before dusk on a Saturday morning and found our way to the campsite– a flat stretch of parkland surrounded by a paved walkway. It was a highly trafficked, very visible spot near the park entrance and was filled with picnicking families and joggers. This was definitely not wilderness, but it was tranquil by New York City standards!

After meeting our Urban Park Ranger, Rob, a friendly East Villager who moonlights as a rock musician, we picked up our tent and found a nice spot far from the campers with young children. (That was our strategy for ensuring a quiet evening, but it would ultimately backfire).

The tents were large and free, although they weren’t the easiest to assemble. Jake and I have plenty of camping experience and own our own tent but found it tricky to assemble the massive tent provided by the Parks Department. I made an executive decision to take photographs of the process so Jake could concentrate on assembling it himself. (He did not seem very pleased).

Jake made good progress, although some of our neighbors were struggling. Ranger Rob helpfully pitched in with the assembly for the campers without prior experience.

We didn’t have our air mattress or even sleeping bag pads to make our sleeping arrangements more comfortable. The enormous tent looked sparse with just two mummy-style sleeping bags.

Still, we did a dry run and it seemed like the sleeping bags were comfortable enough. We hadn’t used them since our camping trip in Alaska over 5 years ago!

While we packed light, we brought our headlamps and industrial-strength bug spray, which were helpful. I went a bit overboard on the spray, covering my entire body and the tent with harsh mosquito-repellant chemicals. Who knew what kind of mega insect was lurking in the Central Park wilderness?

Meeting Our Fellow Campers

After our tents were erected, our motley group of campers assembled around Ranger Rob for an ice breaker exercise. This was a tough one; we had to go around in a circle saying our names and an animal that starts with the same letter. But we also had to recite the names and animals of the two dozen people who went before us! This was a good natured bunch, so we didn’t feel too bad about messing up.

The game was effective at associating each camper with an animal, even though we soon forgot their real names. We’d refer to people as “Tiger” or “Eagle” the whole night. Most of the animals were benign, but one mom introduced her son as “Semen” and said his animal was a snake, so twenty people had to repeat “Semen Snake” every time it was their turn to recite the names. It was hard to keep a straight face!

Central Park at Night

Most park visitors cleared out when night fell and we were the only people in this stretch of Central Park besides a sprinkling of dog walkers.

After a leash-free dog howled and bounded towards me, I learned that dogs are allowed to roam Central Park without leashes after 9PM and before 9AM. Fortunately, when the dog pounced, I was right by the bathroom hut and was able to run inside and shut the door behind me. The other campers were at a loss, since it seemed like a harmless dog was driven mad by the sight of me. When I was out of sight, the dog trotted away. I swore I didn’t have any Snausages in my pockets!

I was expecting to see stars after sunset, but there are so many lights in Manhattan that it never truly got dark at our Central Park campsite. The sky had a purplish tinge that looked almost supernatural.

Police cars patrolled the loop around our campsite every few hours, but we never came across any signs of mischief and did not feel unsafe. If anything, it was less sketchy than our past camping trips– like sleeping in a crocodile-infested national park in the Australian Outback.

There wasn’t much to do at night beyond the sparse organized activities. Jake and I played cards for a while on the picnic tables by the bathroom.

We also experimented with our DSLR camera, taking pictures in the low light at various settings. This camping excursion is geared towards families that go to bed early, so if you are a night owl you should bring your own entertainment.

Dining on Military Rations

We were curious to see what would be served for dinner. Images of campfires and s’mores were top of mind, but the reality was closer to Doomsday Preppers.

We lined up around a metal table and each grabbed one plastic pouch labelled “Complete Meal.” These were military-style “meals ready to eat” (MRE’s), the same grub that soldiers eat overseas. Since the NY Parks Department camping season was well underway, the best meals were gone and most of us got the vegetarian chili. I was happy (being a vegetarian) but worried that the sparse public restroom would not be able to handle the output of this meal.

An MRE contains everything you need to heat a multi-course meal in one package. We poured a small amount of water into a plastic pouch filled with chemicals, then added the pouch of “chili vegetariano con frijoles” and waited several minutes for it to heat up.

My chili got lukewarm in the chemical oven but Jake’s pouch never heated up. Still, both of our chili dinners were equally unappetizing.

I skipped the shortbread cookies but ate the pouch of nuts and dried candied fruits. Tellingly, the one family at our campsite who had previously won the camping lottery skipped the MREs and brought their own meal in tupperware.

Guided Night Hike

The evening’s most highly-anticipated activity was the night hike led by Ranger Rob. This was our chance to explore the unlit, remote areas of Central Park in the middle of the night. Who knew what we would find?

We gathered around Ranger Rob as he pointed out interesting natural wonders like a cherry tree, a glacier rock and a white pine tree popular with owls. We didn’t see any birds but we did spot a raccoon, which inspired a frenzy of flash photography.

This being a free event in New York City, there was a requisite “weirdo” who hiked in bare feet, talked loudly over Ranger Rob, smoked cigarettes on the trail (earning him a reprimand) and trailed so far behind the group he had to be fetched by Ranger Rob. Of course he ended up sleeping in the tent next to ours!

The walk took us through underpasses straight out of a 1980s movie, but without the muggers. We were glad we brought our headlamps since the trail was pitch black.

We only encountered a few other people in Central Park as we made our way across the northern edge, just below 110th Street. We passed a young couple talking on a bench and a few lone guys walking. We imagined we were interrupting a drug deal– probably due to our disappointment at not finding any truly shocking scenes.

After I peppered him with questions, Ranger Rob revealed these camping excursions are sometimes a bit seedy. At a prior campsite in the Ramble (also known as the Brambles), a notorious gay hook up spot, campers on a night hike came across a couple of guys pulling up their pants. We were jealous– that would be quite a story to tell at the office on Monday!

Late Night Jam Session

After the hike, when official activities had ended, Ranger Rob and the two 20-something female interns started a drum circle. Ranger Rob played Spanish guitar and we were all invited to tap along on random instruments. I shook a sand-filled egg that sounded a bit like a castanet. Despite the campers’ enthusiasm, we all sounded horrible except for Ranger Rob.

I soon gave up and retired to our tent, where our attempts to sleep were interrupted by our crazed neighbor, who carried on loud cell phone conversations from his tent. We groaned when we heard him say, at midnight, “Call me back in an hour.”

Tips for Central Park Campers

After a restless night, we woke up at the crack of dawn and started to take apart our tent. The program is very short– we arrived at the park at 6PM and had to be packed up and ready to leave at 8AM– so we did not have time for a leisurely breakfast. In fact, no breakfast was provided.

If you want to camp in Central Park, these are our top 5 tips:

#1. Enter the camping lottery. Don’t try camping illegally in Central Park unless you (a) have no other options, (2) aren’t scared of the cops and (3) aren’t scared of anyone else that could be lurking in this urban jungle.

#2. Bring headlamps! You’ll be lost without them and a flashlight is annoying to carry.

#3. Bring snacks and cards. If you normally stay up past 8PM, you will get bored.

#4. Bring a camera with manual settings. You’ll want to take photos at night.

#5. Set up your tent near a family with kids. They tend to go to bed early and keep quiet.

Would you camp in Central Park?

Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below! If you are reading this via email or RSS, click on Downtown Traveler to leave a comment.

The best part of waking up is… not Starbucks!

I love coffee. It’s one of the first things I think about in the morning and I appreciate a fine cup of coffee to get my day started. In fact, having a cafe con leche every morning with my grandmother is one of my fondest memories from childhood.

In my years of traveling I’ve discovered many things about coffee culture: Italians don’t order cappuccinos after 10am; they typically have a macchiato or an espresso con panna instead. Spaniards love their cortados, while here in the US they’re sometimes called Gibraltars. And the Australian flat white is like a latte but not– it’s way better.

If I can offer one tip for finding a good cup of coffee when I travel, it’s to skip the Starbucks. Independent coffee shops offer unique and tasty brews that capture the flavor of their cities.

Read on for my favorite coffee shops around the world. Trust me, it was tough to narrow this list down to 15. Yet, no matter where you are based, each of these spots is worth a trek!

The Best Independent Coffee Shops Around the World

Coffee art (photo: BabyMarfy/Flickr)

1. Gimme Coffee

Locations: Brooklyn + Manhattan + Ithaca, New York

They say nothing compares to your first love. That’s the case for Gimme Coffee and me. For 5 years I lived right above the Brooklyn location. You can say that Gimme took my craft coffee virginity. Every morning, I was literally woken up by the smell of coffee wafting outside my window (and the sound of hipsters hanging out on my stoop, but that’s a different story). Thanks to Gimme I was able to develop an appreciation for quality coffee. It was at Gimme that introduced me to the latte art concept. When I got my latte and it had a heart swirled on the top, I thought the barista was surely a magician.

Gimme Coffee, Brooklyn (Photo: tonx/Flickr)

2. Caffe Ladro

Location: Seattle, Washington

Seattle is considered the birthplace of coffee in the US. After all, Starbucks originated there in 1984. There are so many amazing roasters in the city that it was hard to pick a favorite. In fact, I had to choose two (see #13). But one thing is certain: Caffe Ladro is at the top of my list. Their smooth and rich coffee is good to the last drop. Their 13 coffee shops in Washington state are a perfect place to spend a couple of hours reading and sipping a cup of their drip coffee. I recommend their flagship blend, Ladro.

3. Tap Coffee

Locations: London, England

On a recent trip to London, I really went out of my way in search of this coffee shop. It was a challenge to find Tap Coffee since shops are only marked by the number of their address, not with the brand name. The space was warm and inviting on that cold November day, and the flat white was delicious. Although I must admit, I was most focused on the stirring spoon they provided. Never have I seen something so precious.

Coffee spoon at Tapped & Packed (Photo: elisabet.s/Flickr)

4. Coava Coffee

Location: Portland, Oregon

Portland is a close second to Seattle when it comes to coffee. Again I struggled with picking just one local favorite, since Stumptown Coffee is the first coffee shop that comes to mind when you think of Portland. I’ve always wondered if in the world of coffee, Seattle and Portland have their own version of East Coast/West Coast rap rivalries. Located in Portland’s Industrial District, Coava’s beautiful space is also a bamboo furniture store. If anything stop by just see this unique setting.

5. Caffe Saint’Eustachio

Location: Rome, Italy

Of course, there has to be a location from the birthplace of espresso, Italy! On a recent family trip, I forced my relatives to take detour in search this coffee shop tucked away just steps from the Pantheon. Caffe Saint’Eustachio was worth the trek. Manned by old Italian men, these guys know how to make a good cup of coffee. They’ve been making espresso longer than I’ve been able to drink coffee. Be sure to order a macchiato to truly sample the quality.

6. Climpson and Sons

Location: London, England

Saturdays in London Fields are all about the Broadway Market street food vendors. At food markets, I’ve found that while there is a wide array of delicious food and drink from around the world, coffee from a cart can sometimes be hit or miss. While Climpson and Sons has a stand at the market, I recommend you head to the brick and mortar shop to avoid the crowds. I decided to try their flat white, which was as good as any of the ones I had in Australia. The shop is a bit small and does not offer much seating, so take your cup of coffee to go and walk around the market stalls or lounge at London Fields park (just around the corner).

7. Ritual Coffee Roasters

Locations: San Francisco + Napa Valley, California

The first time I had Ritual Coffee I was getting over a bout of food poisoning. I was visiting San Francisco and nothing was going to stop me from sampling this coffee. All I can say is that the latte met my expectations and so much more. On the weekends the line can get a little long but it’s worth the wait. During the week, the Mission St location in San Francisco sometimes looks more like an office than a coffee shop. If you’re the work-from-home type, this is your place. It has the triple threat: wi-fi, a great soundtrack, and pretty people. If you want a really good pastry to go with your coffee, stop by Tartine Bakery a few blocks away.

Delicious coffee (Photo: Baby Marfy/Flickr)

8. Intelligentsia Coffee

Locations: Chicago + Los Angeles + New York

Intelligentsia Coffee is a staple in the LA coffee scene. Hailing from Chicago, this coffee shop has quite the cult following. They take their coffee seriously. Every year, their baristas are always top contenders at the US Barista Championship. I recommend the Gibraltar, their version of the cortado. With locations in Chicago and Los Angeles, they FINALLY opened a location in New York this past March at the High Line Hotel in Chelsea.

9. Mecca Espresso

Location: Sydney, Australia

Located in the heart of downtown Sydney, this place is buzzing with business types and the hipster baristas serving them. This was the last stop on my Sydney coffee tour. In fact it was a last minute addition, and it ended up being my favorite. The flat white was so delicious and smooth I had two! The resulting coffee buzz was no joke. Come hungry because Mecca Espresso also serves food. The shop itself is small, but they have plenty of seating outside.

10. Cafe CK

Location: Berlin, Germany

On a morning run, I happened upon this coffee shop in the neighborhood of Prenzlauer Berg. I just had to take a break from my run and go inside. I sampled their French Press coffee, which was so smooth and exactly the pick-me-up I needed to finish the second half of my run. Cafe CK is also known for their excellent Aeropress coffee method served in a glass. The shop itself is very warm and welcoming. They also serve breakfast and have wifi if you’re in search of a good place to work in the morning.

11. Little Amps Espresso

Location: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

This indie roaster is based in Harrisburg, PA, two hours from Philadelphia. Though wherever you happen to be in the state, it’s worth going out of your way to check out this place. Little Amps Espresso roasts their coffee on-site. If you go on a warm day, their cold brew is a must-have. Drink up and stay a while. They typically have art by local artists and live music. If you don’t live nearby, they also have a monthly coffee subscription. Worth every sip!

Handsome Coffee (Photo: Baby Marfy/Flickr)

12. Handsome Coffee

Location: Los Angeles, California

Once upon a time, a couple of dudes at Intelligentsia decided they wanted to branch out on their own. So they did and formed Handsome Coffee. These expats also roast their coffee on-site in a vintage 1952 UG-22 Probat refurbished in Belgium that was actually airlifted to California. Ridic. So far they have one location in Downtown LA’s Warehouse District. Be warned, they’re coffee purists. They only have one type of milk (whole) and encourage you to savor your coffee in a ceramic cup, sans sugar. But they’re right. This is how coffee is best enjoyed.

13. Caffe Vita

Locations: Seattle, Washington + Los Angeles, California

Caffe Vita recently opened their first LA location and it’s near my apartment. Needless to say, I am one happy coffee drinker. As noted earlier, Seattle, WA has so many great roasters and this is one of them. This coffee shop is great for working or just general people watching. Their pastries aren’t the best, but the coffee, especially the cold-brew, is all you need in my opinion.

Caffe Vitta square (Photo: Baby Marfy/Flickr)

14. Blue Bottle

Locations: San Francisco + Oakland, California + New York City

I spent a lot of time at the Oakland location when I lived there. Blue Bottle‘s coffee is considered the crème de la crème of artisanal coffee. Their space is not meant for working, though. It’s more akin to the Italian way. Stop in for a coffee, like one of their famous pour-overs, maybe chat with the barista and go about your day.

15. It’s a Tie! Campos Coffee + Monmouth Coffee

Locations: Sydney, Australia (Campos Coffee) + London, England (Monmouth Coffee)

I unintentionally spent a lot of time at Campos Coffee in Sydney’s hip Newtown neighborhood. It was raining really hard and I had no umbrella. So I took the opportunity to read a book and truly sample the flat white and one of their delicious pastries. The staff was friendly in that way that only Australians can be. No wifi though so bring a book or load up that Kindle before you go.

I have to admit I’ve never been to Monmouth Coffee. But it still made the cut because it’s at the top of my list of places to visit next time I’m in London. Monmouth is considered one of the pioneers of artisan coffee. So if you go there, let me know if it’s worth it!

What’s your favorite local coffee shop?

Share your pick by leaving a comment below! If you are reading this via email or RSS, click on Downtown Traveler to leave your comment.

Neither torrential rain, nor thunder, nor lightning will keep a self-respecting New Yorker from attending the city’s trendiest art event. This weekend I joined throngs of art lovers heading to Randall’s Island in a storm for the second Frieze Art Fair.

I enjoyed last year’s inaugural Frieze Art Fair (a London import) and the sequel did not disappoint. Accompanied by Ground Floor Gallery curator Krista Saunders, I depleted my memory card and wore down my rain boots treading through the massive Frieze tent.

From inflatable dogs to hog-tied mannequins, the artwork at Frieze was colorful and thought-provoking. While the admission fee was steep this year– $42 per person plus transportation– Frieze is a must-visit for contemporary art fans.

>> Scroll down for the photo highlights of the 2013 Frieze Art Fair.

Balloon Dog

Visitors stepping off the ferry were greeted by an 80-foot tall, bright red balloon sculpture flanking the main tent. While it closely resembled the iconic “Balloon Dog” sculptures by Jeff Koons, this inflatable hound was created by another American, Paul McCarthy. We spotted at least three other “Balloon Dogs” by  McCarthy on display at Frieze– including one tied to a man’s genitals in a photograph that captured the attention of many attendees.

Mi Reflejo

Many works at Frieze dealt with issues of reflection. The following pieces differ in size and form, but each captured the reflected image of the viewer and made it an integral part of the piece.

What is art? It’s an age-old question posed in artist Doug Aitken’s “ART (white).”

Many pieces at Frieze offered visitors a chance to check out the artwork and, ahem, themselves.

Pae White’s hanging sculpture consisted of hundreds of hexagons made of mirrors and paper cut-outs.

I caught my reflection in Pae White’s piece.

This familiar scene by artist duo Elmgreen and Dragset is straight out of a romantic comedy. A spurned lover has scrawled “I will never see you again” on a mirror, next to an untouched bouquet of flowers.

Spiky Balls

It seemed like every time I turned a corner at this year’s fair, I was confronted by a giant ball covered in spikes. I started to see balls in every piece; although this wasn’t entirely unjustified. (A lot of work contained testicles). There’s something vaguely Sci-Fi about these orbs, which look like (respectively) Earth under attack from meteors, an unused prop from Tron, and a cuddly-but-deadly alien from the original Star Trek.

That’s me in the center of “Frozen Structure” by Josiah McElheny, which turns the viewer’s reflection into the target of razor-sharp needles.

This futuristic orb by Spencer Finch is helpfully titled, “Sun (Over the Sahara Desert).”

Frieze is not immune to the 1990s nostalgia gripping New York City; this yellow ball from Tim Friedman reminded me of a giant Koosh toy.

Neon Dreams

Several artists appear to have found inspiration in the glitz of 42nd Street . From gender inequality to devilish behavior, a variety of themes are explored in these neon masterpieces. Also on display was a neon sign by Tracey Emin, who showed her work in Times Square earlier this year.

Hank Willis Thomas conveyed a clear message with his piece which flashed “Successful Woman” followed by “Angry Men.”

Eddie Peake created a devilish figure in bright blue neon; the work was so bright that it was reflected in a photograph on the opposing wall.

British artist Peter Liversidge used another Time Square medium to convey his message in “Before/After”: old school, Broadway-style light bulbs.

People Watching

If you want to see the most fashionable New Yorkers, head straight to an art fair. Frieze is the ultimate place to people-watch; art lovers are so engrossed in the paintings and sculpture they don’t even notice you snapping their portrait (or perhaps they don’t care). The following photos show the most interesting artwork and civilians I came across at Frieze this year.

Katy Grannan’s portraits of down-and-out Californians was impressive. I’d seen low-res versions of her photos online, but the actual prints were unbelievably detailed. This is also the booth where we noted the “dress like an elderly person” trend, seen throughout Frieze, in which 20-somethings dyed their hair gray and wore ‘mom jeans.’ With older people dressing young, and younger people dressing old, it’s getting impossible to determine anyone’s age!

A steady stream of art lovers was mesmerized by Kim Beom’s “Untitled (Intimate Suffering #11). 

Chelsea Clinton even made an appearance. Perhaps she was shopping for her new $10 million apartment in the Flatiron?

Bjarne Melgaard’s rug-covered installation was a hit with kids, who eagerly shed their shoes to play under the colorful carpets.

Jack Early turned three Frieze cubicles into colorful installations. This bright blue room with a cross, titled “WWJD,” was accompanied by a soundtrack called “Hey Jesus.”

South Korean artist Do-Ho Suh created this green fabric house, modeled and named after his residence in Berlin, “Wielandstr. 18, 12159.” Barricades prevented spectators from entering, although it drew crowds throughout the day on Saturday.

A young girl examines “India” by Ryan McGinley.

I was impressed by Krzysztof Wodiczko’s “Homeless Cart,” which is a clear upgrade to the shopping carts seen all over New York City.

Attending a massive fair like Frieze is an exhausting experience. When we entered the tent on Saturday afternoon, we came across a row of tired patrons resting their eyes or checking their cell phones.

Street Art Influence

Over the past few years, New York City art fairs have embraced street artists and have found various ways to monetize what is essentially public art. The 2013 Frieze fair took this to a new level, with an artist actually bringing a graffiti-covered wall into the exhibition tent.

Michael St John’s “No Floor” looks like a typical construction site in the East Village. The blue wooden boards may say “post no bills” but within days they are covered in tags and drawings.

St John also created a series of stenciled paintings, “Negros with Guns,” which feature portraits of Civil Rights leaders Martin Luther King Jr and Malcom X, among others.

Race Relations

African-American artist Kara Walker is no stranger to controversy, as her work deals with slavery, race and sexual domination. She is best known for her cut-out silhouettes on black paper, but showed six paintings at this year’s Frieze Art Fair. I was captivated by the provocative images, which played on stereotypes of slave women and the imbalanced relationship between slave and master. A tongue-in-cheek slogan was written on each piece, making them seem like twisted public service announcements from the Civil War era. In one frame, a white man about to perform oral sex on a slave says “I’ll declare your independence afterward, OK?”

Lady Mannequins

Women in distress popped up throughout the Frieze fair in the form of life-like mannequins that were either faceless, decaying, or bound tightly with rope. In the age of overbearing Tiger Moms, a time when business women would rather drop out than Lean In and 20-something Girls have their personal humiliations broadcast on the Internet, the art world is portraying women as out of control.

A well-dressed woman seeks refuge in her cardigan in Daniel Firman’s “Linda”

The Sex and the City ladies have lost their Manolos in this work, entitled “No Sex, No City.” Each mannequin is made of rotting fabric and decaying metal and bears the name of one of the SATC characters, from Carrie to Samantha. While I admire the witty title of this work, it makes it impossible to find the artist’s information online. (My scribbled notes appear to read “Stewart Rou”). 

A tribal woman is bound tightly in rope in Chinese artist Xu Zhen’s “Play – 2012117.”

What do you think of the artwork at Frieze?

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There’s more to Cancun than beaches and body shots.

It’s clear why Cancun is a popular tourist destination for Americans– it offers pristine beaches, a thriving club scene and a convenient location near the United States. But many tourists are missing one of the area’s most interesting attractions: the city center.

Downtown Cancun offers plenty to see and do– including dining, shopping and nightlife– for a fraction of the price at the beach resorts. Yes, the city can be a bit gritty, but it’s also more authentic and will give you a taste of Mexican culture.

Keep reading for tips on exploring Cancun Centro.

Cancún, México (Photo: The Cuillivo/Flickr)

Shopping

If you are looking for a bargain and don’t mind haggling, head to Market 28 (great for souvenirs) or the less-touristy Market 23 (strong on fresh produce) in downtown Cancun. If you aren’t comfortable with the high-pressure sales tactics at Market 28, then Market 23 us your best bet. The Centro also has plenty of shopping malls, which are less intense and represent a dry option during rainy spells.

Stall at Market 28 in downtown Cancun (Photo: Foqus, Flickr)

Delicious Food

Tacos, burritos and other delicious Mexican food can be found near the public markets in downtown Cancun. But cuisine isn’t limited to traditional dishes; the best Cancun restaurants include upscale sushi and Italian joints.

If you prefer to self-cater, there are plenty of supermarkets where you can stock up on cheap groceries, sunscreen, or just about anything else. If you are longing for American brands or bulk purchases, you can even find WalMart, Sam’s Club and Costco nearby.

Pork tacos in a Cancun eatery (Photo: ddaarryynn/Flickr)

Clubbing

Cancun is known for its wild nightlife, which is centered around the Hotel Zone and Centro neighborhoods. You can dance to the beats of a different international DJ each night; the party starts at midnight but often lasts all night long.

Culture

If you’re looking for a tamer way to experience local culture, catch one of the Mariachi bands that perform each Wednesday near the downtown shopping centers. The Plaza del Toros (bullfighting ring) also features traditional Mexican dancers before bull fights on Wednesdays. (Note: This isn’t for the squeamish).

Pick up a Lucha Libre mask in the market for hours of hotel roughhousing! (Photo: Christine Zenino/Flickr)

The Aquarium

If you want to get close to sharks and other marine life but aren’t comfortable in a scuba suit, head to Cancun’s Interactive Aquarium. Located in the middle of the hotel zone, if offers family-friendly opportunities to touch starfish and nurse sharks and even swim with dolphins.

The safe way to see a shark-- at Cancun's aquarium (Photo: Scanudas/Flickr)

Transportation Options in Cancun

Visitors who wish to go straight to downtown Cancun from the airport should take a bus or taxi. Buses are the most affordable option, but are best suited for an experienced traveler. Taxis are more convenient but come at a steeper cost; the fixed price from the airport is US$40 per ride (US$50 in the high season).

Like every major city, Cancun offers many ways to get around the downtown area. Most travelers opt to take taxis, which are inexpensive (provided you are aware of the appropriate price). Make sure to ask your hotel staff what the usual taxi fare is to your destination to avoid being overcharged. If you are on a tight budget, the local bus is a good alternative. Fares start at 50 cents (US) per ride.

Once you arrive in the downtown area, you can easily orient yourself if you know a bit of local geography. Downtown Cancun starts with Kakulcan Boulevard and meets Bonampak Avenue just north of Cancun’s hotel district. The downtown area can easily be walked around to see the splendid sights the area has to offer.

View Larger Map

Finding a Cancun Hotel

There are many hotels in Cancun, ranging from affordable hostels to luxurious all-inclusive resorts. As in most tourist destinations, hotels close to the beach are the priciest. Save money by sharing a room in a downtown Cancun hostel or opting for a property that isn’t right on the shore. Visitors who know how to speak Spanish are also in for better deals.

Travel Insurance

If you are concerned about safety or unforeseen emergencies while on your Cancun vacation, then it’s worth looking into travel insurance. There are different types of travel insurance and it’s important to choose a plan based on your needs. Plans may cover medical emergencies, cancelled flights and lost/stolen medication or baggage; some even help travelers get emergency cash and make it easier to replace IDs. Travel agencies and other companies offer insurance plans and can answer questions about coverage.

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If you’ve outgrown Ikea’s poster collection and aren’t ready to mortgage your home for a painting, it’s time to visit an emerging art gallery.

To find New York City’s hottest venues for affordable art, I consulted local curator Krista Saunders. A veteran of Brooklyn’s emerging art scene, Saunders recently opened the Ground Floor Gallery in Park Slope to showcase up-and-coming talent and to encourage interaction between community members and artists.

With prices starting at $75, the following galleries, fairs and events are great places to start your art collection.

The Best Places to Start an Art Collection in NYC

Opening night at Park Slope's Ground Floor Gallery

#5. Visual AIDS

“Their annual Postcards from the Edge event is a phenomenal way to start or enhance a collection,” Saunders said of this Manhattan art sale traditionally held in January. Started in 1998, the affordable art exhibition features postcard-sized works by established and emerging artists– with a twist. The work is displayed without the names of the artists. “They are for sale for $75 each so, if you’re lucky, you’ll land a famous artist’s work for pennies,” Saunders noted. Even if you don’t snag a postcard by an A-list name, you’ll be helping a worthy cause: the organization is committed to fighting AIDS by provoking dialogue and supporting HIV-affected artists.

>> Web: visualaids.org
>> Facebook: visualAIDS
>> Twitter: Visual_AIDS

#4. NurtureArt Benefit

This Brooklyn-based non-profit supports emerging artists and curators year-round by providing exhibition opportunities, seminars and educational outreach programs. It also hosts an annual benefit showcasing work by emerging artists. “It’s a veritable buffet of excellent, original work by talents from NYC and beyond,” Saunders explained. “Guests pay $250 for admission for two people and an artwork they get to take home! It doesn’t get better than that.”

>> Web: nurtureart.org
>> Facebook: nurtureart
>> Twitter: nurtureart

#3. Affordable Art Fair

The number of New York City art fairs continues to multiply each year, but if you can only hit one fair, Saunders advises you make it this one. This four-day event is the “the grandaddy of the affordable art movement,” according to Saunders. Their mission is simple: to bring affordable art to the masses. According to the fair’s website, “Our concept is simple, yet unique: an inspiring and friendly atmosphere in which you can find thousands of original paintings, prints, sculptures and photographs all under one roof, ranging from $100-$10,000, with more than half priced under $5,000.” The next Affordable Art Fair will be held October 3-6 2013, so make sure to clear your schedule and start saving for your art fund!

>> Web: affordableartfair.com
>> Facebook: aafnyc
>> Twitter: AAFNYC

Park Slope couple posing with artist Lori Nelson as they buy her painting at the Ground Floor Gallery

#2. Recession Art

This gallery in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn, exclusively shows affordable art and encourages price-sensitive consumers to connect with emerging artists. Low pricing does not mean low quality, however; Saunders notes the “high caliber of work” on offer at Recession Art. If you can’t venture to Brooklyn, you can purchase a print for as little as $25 from their online store. The organization is also expanding their support of local artists to include consulting services and networking events.

>> Web: recessionartshows.com
>> Facebook: recessionart
>> Twitter: recessionart

#1. Ground Floor Gallery

Ground Floor is the city’s newest entry in the affordable art scene, having just opened this spring with a group show featuring Brooklyn painter Lori Nelson. Only the second gallery to open in Park Slope,  Ground Floor is located in an unassuming storefront flanked by brownstones. During a press preview I attended this April, curious neighbors stopped by to chat with the curator and artists on their way home from work. An enthusiastic local even purchased a painting and sculpture by Nelson before the gallery officially opened. While Park Slope lacks the hip factor of Bushwick, a street art haven, it’s home to a passionate group of art lovers. “We’re hoping that will help us stand out from the Brooklyn crowd,” curator Krista Saunders revealed as she described the neighborhood. She is seeking to build relationships with artists throughout the borough and is forging connections with studios in Gowanus, a hotbed of emerging artists.

>> Web: groundfloorbk.com
>> Facebook: groundfloorbk
>> Twitter: GroundFloorBK

Have any tips for starting an art collection?

Share your advice by leaving a comment below! If you are reading this via email or RSS feed, click on Downtown Traveler to leave a comment.

Hayes Valley offers great eats & European charm

Perhaps you’ve seen the sea lions at Fisherman’s Wharf, driven down Lombard Street, and Instagrammed your shopping trip to Union Square—and now you want to see how real San Franciscans spend their weekends.

We recommend a visit to Hayes Valley, a trendy-yet-mellow neighborhood of sidewalk cafes and patisseries (French pastry shops).

Hayes Valley has a much different feel than downtown San Francisco, although it’s just a short walk from City Hall. You can easily spend an entire afternoon here enjoying brunch, window shopping, and drinking at outdoor beer gardens—without having to push your way through the masses or climb steep hills.

These are our top 5 picks for a day trip to Hayes Valley.

A Foodie’s Guide to Hayes Valley

#5. Ice Cream With a Twist

Smitten is not a typical ice cream parlor. Foodies and science-lovers come here to eat handmade ice cream that is churned on the spot using liquid nitrogen (-320 degrees F). The result is a ridiculously creamy ice cream with exotic flavors such as Rhubarb Crunch.

For those of us who are lactose intolerant or crave a caffeine fix, no worries, there’s a café in the same spot. You and your amigos can lick waffle cones and drink espressos together at an adjoining open-air urban space. In fact, Smitten’s side-walk ice cream shop is the perfect place to take a date.

Searching for an outside opinion, I recently visited Smitten with a Swede who confirmed that Hayes Valley has a European vibe.

#4. Classic San Francisco Brunch

A visit to Hayes Valley isn’t complete without brunch. One chic spot is Absinthe Brasserie and Bar, which features raw oysters and exotic cheeses on its brunch menu (reservations recommended). More budget conscious travelers can order $6.50 egg dishes and $2 coffee at Chez Maman.

#3. Authentic French Macarons

Has the macaron really replaced the cupcake in terms of popularity? Evaluate the hype at Chantal Guillon, a Parisian-style sweets shop serving locally-made macarons.

At Chantal Guillon there are more flavors of macaroons that one can imagine, from Tahitian Vanilla to Red Velvet.

Chantal Guillon is also a great spot for people watching.

#2. Candy!

For another edible souvenir, visit Miette, an adorable confection shop with a pink exterior. Miette serves a range of goodies, including candy, cupcakes, tarts, cakes and (of course) macarons.

#1. Daytime Drinking

Eager beavers line up at the uber-cool Biergarten to drink and gorge on rich German food in the outdoor patio. The beer garden is in close proximity to Smitten’s, so you can cap of a day of drinking with a delicious ice cream.

Walk a few blocks to drink and eat ample portions of more German food at Suppenküche. For those seeking after-work happy-hour specials, try the strawberry mojito at the popular Sugar Lounge.

What’s your favorite San Francisco foodie attraction?

Share your tips by leaving a comment below! If you are reading this via email or RSS feed, click on Downtown Traveler to leave a comment.

WARNING: If you grew up in the 1990s, exercise extreme caution when visiting a trendy bar or shopping mall. You may experience a high school flashback!

Today’s youth has co-opted our teenage fashions, is “discovering” our grunge bands and has embraced retro video games. Not to sound like Ed Anger (outspoken columnist for the ’90s supermarket rag, The Weekly World News), but the next time I see an 18-year old NYU student in a Bart Simpson t-shirt, Doc Martens and ‘mom’ jeans, I may have to tap her on the soldier and lecture her about the ‘slacker’ generation!

Want to prove you are an OG when it comes to 1990s pop culture? Take this simple tech quiz, which will bring back memories of dial-up and Microfiche searches.

 25 Signs You Were a 1990s Teen

1997 Beanie Baby (Photo: Ty.com)

1. You collected Beanie Babies instead of Bitcoin

2. You owned a pager/beeper

3. When you grew up, Apple was a disastrous failure and Microsoft was cutting edge

4. You thought a boombox with CD player was the height of technological innovation

5. You scheduled your evening activities around your favorite TV shows because you weren’t sure how to work the VCR

6. For most of your life, Blockbuster was THE place to rent or buy videos (on VHS and later DVD)

7. Your English teacher taught you how to write a research report using index cards

8. You know the Dewey Decimal system

9. You spent precious hours scrolling through microfiche to find old articles for a high school paper

10. You begged your parents for a second phone line for your bedroom

11. You thought dial-up was a groundbreaking invention—and so fast!

12. You were active on AOL when it first launch and eagerly awaited the “you’ve got mail” alert

13. You were kicked off AOL at least once for a Terms of Service violation

AOL installation CD (Photo: Techcrunch.com)

14. You took an analog photo class in high school or college that involved dipping your hands in toxic chemicals without gloves

15. Dreaming of Internet startup success, you imagined earning a 6 figure income straight out of college

16. You started your own ‘zine, which involved spending hours with the library Xerox machine

17. You grew up salivating over Kelly from Married With Children, as Internet porn had not gone mainstream

18. You distinctly remember when Google and YouTube caught on– after you graduated high school

19. You jogged around the high school track with a yellow Sony Sport Walkman in your hand

The Sony Sport Walkman- a '90s staple. (Photo: Summer Photo Hobby/Flickr)

20. You were super excited to get your first portable compact disc player only to discover it skipped constantly unless it was sitting on a table

21. You used actual encyclopedias to write reports, not Wikipedia

22. You have accessed your email through a telnet account

23. You used Wordperfect for your school reports

24. You spent countless hours playing the Super Nintendo video game “Street Fighter 2”

25. You remember when your parents bought cordless phones and you could bring the handset up to your room for (semi) private conversations. What freedom!

What’s Your Score?

0-9 points:

Poser! You clearly grew up after the Clinton administration. Click on Wikipedia immediately to study up on 1990s history. Dressing in a Smashing Pumpkins t-shirt from Urban Outfitters does not make you a 1990s expert!

10-19 points:

Not bad! Your memories of 1990s technology imply you were living on a commune for most of the decade, spent only a few of your teen years in the ’90s, or went to too many raves to accurately recall childhood details. Dust off the Super Nintendo sitting in your parent’s garage to get back in touch with your 20th century roots.

20-25 points:

Congrats! You are a bonafide 1990s teen. You don’t need to attach a corded handset to your iPhone or play 8-bit video games to feel cool. You lived in the 1990s and are a true OG.

A visit to the cultural heart of southern Spain

Our recent visit to Seville in southern Spain to celebrate my brother’s 40th birthday rewarded us with a generous dose of sunshine, culture and tapas!

We love Seville because it’s far less expensive than Madrid and Barcelona so it’s possible to be a lot more indulgent. We stayed at Corral del Rey, a 17th-century palacio turned boutique hotel, filled with original artwork in the heart of the ancient Alfalfa district.

Tapas and sunshine aside, Seville is the cultural heart of southern Spain. With that in mind, here are Seville’s essential cultural attractions.

1. Alcazar

Alcazar palace in Seville, Spain. (Photo: Paul Allen)

Seville’s royal palace is a UNESCO world heritage site and the oldest still in use as a royal residence in Europe. The Royal Alcazar was built in the tenth century as a Moorish fort. With its combination of Islamic, Gothic and Baroque architecture, magnificent gardens and colourful tiles throughout, this palace should be the first stop on any visit to Seville.

>> For more info: alcazarsevilla.org

2. Cathedral of Saint Mary

Seville's Cathedral of St Mary. (Photo: Paul Allen)

Right beside Alcazar, the largest Gothic building and fourth largest church in the world contains the tomb of Christopher Columbus. The other main attraction inside is the golden altarpiece, also the largest in the world, with 36 golden panels depicting scenes from the old testament. Like Alcazar, the Cathedral is a world heritage site.

>> For more info: catedraldesevilla.es

3. Centre of Contemporary Art

Ai Weiwei's "Descending Light" sculpture on display in Seville. (Photo: Paul Allen)

A former 16th-century monastery which became a ceramics and tile factory in the 19th century, the Centre of Contemporary Art houses Seville’s modern art museum with regularly changing exhibitions. The buildings perched on the other side of the river are alone worth a look. When we visited, of the four exhibitions on show, the highlight was a giant red glass chandelier sprawled across the floor by Ai Weiwei (on until June 2013).

>> For more info: www.caac.es

4. Metropol Parasol

The Metropol Parasol in Seville. (Photo: Paul Allen)

German artist turned architect Jurgen Mayer H. spent 90 million euros and ran well over schedule to create the world’s largest wooden structure. And the Parasol, so named for it’s five umbrella-like pieces, is astonishing to view from any angle. Be sure to take the elevator to the top where there are walkways, a cafe and breathtaking views of Seville’s white rooftops and miles around.

>> For more info: setasdesevilla.com

5. Flamenco

An evening of Flamenco at Cafe Jazz Naima in Seville. (Photo: Paul Allen)

The museum of flamenco behind our hotel was recommended but we opted for the more informal, riotous La Carboneria on one of the labyrinthine back streets. A trio consisting of a flamenco dancer, guitarist and singer kept us entertained in a cavernous bar. After the main act, one of the waitresses jumped onto another stage for an impromptu but very professional looking flamenco dance session. And for nightly live music in a more intimate setting, we loved Cafe Jazz Naima just south of La Alameda.

>> For more info: www.levies18.com

***

This post was written by Downtown Traveler’s London correspondent, Joanne Shurvell, with photos by Paul Allen. If you would like to contribute to Downtown Traveler, please visit our “Contacts” page.

Don’t miss these 10 up-and-coming bands at Cochella!

This month, Coachella, one of America’s top music festivals, will feature highly anticipated performances by The Postal Service, Blur, Modest Mouse, New Order and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Of course these bands are not to be missed. But with over 175 bands playing over 3 days, beyond these top acts, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by which bands to see.

To help you plan your Coachella experience, Downtown Traveler has put together a list of the top 10 emerging bands to catch when you attend the festival, which takes place in California on April 12 – 14 and then again April 19 – 21, 2013.

Be sure to check out our Best of Coachella Spotify playlist (below). Even you can’t make it to Coachella, at least you’ll feel as if you were there!

Our Top Coachella Picks

#10. Alt-J

Alt-J in concert (photo: Abby Gillardi/flickr)

Playing: Friday April 12 & 19

It’s no surprise this UK band is on the Coachella roster. Named after the mathematical symbol for change, Alt-J blew onto the scene last summer with their debut album, An Awesome Wave. I’ll admit I saw them perform three times last year. Their sound is a perfect combination of brooding lyrics and folk-pop with a dash of synths. In 2012, they won the British Mercury Prize. Past winners of this prestigious prize include PJ Harvey, The XX and Pulp. Most recently, their song Tessellate was covered by Mumford and Sons.

#9. Earl Sweatshirt

When: Friday April 12 & 19

This rapper and member of the LA based hip-hop collective Odd Future may only be 19 years old, but he already has a dramatic life story. Discovered by Tyler the Creator on MySpace, his music quickly made him a viral hit. When Earl Sweatshirt disappeared from the music scene soon after, everyone was baffled. It was later revealed that his mom had sent him away to school in Samoa (for more details read the great New Yorker article about him). Well, he’s back and his major label debut, Doris, is releasing this year.

#8. Lord Huron

When: Friday April 12 & 19

The songs of this LA band’s debut album, Lonesome Dreams, have a ghostly-folk sound, securing its place on my top 10 albums of 2012. Singer-songwriter Ben Schneider is the creative force behind Lord Huron, which now features Mark Barry, Miguel Briseno, Brett Farks and Tom Renaud. The songs have an almost freeing quality about them; the album is best enjoyed in your car with the windows rolled down, as your drive through the desert on your way to Coachella.

#7. Youth Lagoon

When: Friday April 12 & 19

Youth Lagoon is the stage name of Boise, Idaho’s Trevor Powers and seeing him perform will signal the start of your psychedelic Coachella experience. His first album, The Year of Hibernation, addressed themes of heartbreak and his battles with anxiety. Powers’ lo-fi experimental sound will take some getting used to at first, but once you let the music take over, it will be a transcendental desert trip.

#6. Portugal. The Man

When: Saturday April 13 & 20

Contrary to what you may think, Portland-based Portugal. The Man is not a one-man band; its 5 members are dedicated to playing epic rock and roll songs. At times, their sound is similar to Led Zeppelin and some have even compared them to Jane’s Addiction. Their latest album, In the Mountain In the Cloud, features the hit All American, a modern day rock anthem for the 2013 crowd.

#5. Ben Howard

When: Saturday April 13 & 20

After English singer-songwriter Ben Howard won the British version of the Grammy in February, the trending topic on Twitter was “Who the F*** is Ben Howard?” You may not recognize him now but you soon will; he’s the one to watch. Old Pine, the first song on his debut album, Every Kingdom, is one of my favorites.

#4. Father John Misty

When: Sunday April 14 & 21

Joshua Tillman, aka Father John Misty, is one sexy man. I had to say it. He will draw you in with his deep voice, and haunting and moody lyrics like in the song Hollywood Cemetery Sings. Even the music video is surreal. It features Aubrey Plaza of Parks and Rec fame. You’ll want to watch it over and over again, then listen to his album on repeat and finally see him live. He puts on a great show.

#3. Tanlines

When: Sunday April 14 & 21

Once you’ve had enough of Coachella’s brooding lyrics and dreamy music, it’s time to get your dance on. Tanlines is part New-Wave, part early-2000s electronica and full time dance party-a-thon. Since this Brooklyn-based duo, Eric Emm and Jesse Cohen, released their album Mixed Emotions last year, they went from opening for bands like Vampire Weekend to headlining sold out shows.

#2. Jessie Ware

When: Sunday April 14 & 21

This list seems to be heavy on the UK talent. What can I say? England is known for exporting some seriously good musical acts. The latest chanteuse out of London is Jessie Ware. Her R&B electro sound is best described like this…if Taylor Dayne, Sade and Lisa Stansfield had a baby it would be Jessie Ware. Her cover of Bobby Caldwell’s What You Wont Do For Love is almost as good as the original. Now if only she would consider covering Lisa Stansfield’s All Around the World.

#1. Thee Oh Sees

When: April 14 & 21

San Francisco based Thee Oh Sees know how to put on a good show. They are one of the few bands that can translate their prolific pop-folk psychedelic sound into a super fun and energetic show. One reviewer said they sound like the Mamas and the Papas run through a blender. That might not sound appealing but once you listen for yourself, you’ll realize that description is very fitting and the sound is actually really cool.

Details:

What: Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
Where: Indio, California USA
When: April 12 – 14 and April 19 – 21.
Tickets/Schedule Info: www.coachella.com

For suggestions on hotels and other attractions in the area, check out Downtown Traveler’s ‘Best of Palm Springs’ post.

Enjoy poolside cocktails and culture at this California oasis.

I like to call Palm Springs the oasis away from the oasis. Only a two hour drive from Los Angeles, this city of desert beauty is rich in mid-century modern style and just may be the perfect weekend getaway. From the moment you round the bend on I-10 and are greeted by rows of windmills in the distance, you know you’ve entered a strangely hypnotic place.

Palm Springs is where you go to retreat, relax and unwind. The extreme desert heat will have you feeling pleasantly hazy and ready to enjoy poolside cocktails.

A weekend in Palm Springs is enough to whet your appetite but a longer stay is definitely better. Known as the place where Coachella concert-goers stay, this city has a lot to offer. If you want the fiery passion of a romantic rendezvous or fun in the sun with friends, this desert wonderland is the perfect escape.

Read on for my top Palm Springs attractions. If you have any tips, please share with other readers by leaving a comment below!

1. Poolside Social Scene

Weekends in Palm Springs are mainly centered around the pool. Your priorities inevitably shift until the most important task for the day becomes spending as much time as possible in the turquoise water. If you do leave, your main concern will be how soon you’ll be able to return poolside.

On a recent visit to Palm Springs I stayed at the Ace Hotel, where the pool was the hub of all activity. I had brunch, cocktails, lunch and more cocktails from the comfort of my lounge chair. At one point, food was even delivered to me while I was in the pool!

2. Indulge Your Inner Hipster

A converted Howard Johnson, the Ace Hotel provides a laid-back, hipsterific Palm Springs experience. It has three saline swimming pools piped with the perfect soundtrack (featuring artists like Kanye and Fleetwood Mac), ping-pong tables and several communal lounge areas spread throughout the property.

The desert chic rooms have absurdly comfortable beds, beautiful Turkish cotton parka robes (perfect for poolside lounging) and even record players. If you don’t like any of the records, simply call the front desk and they’ll bring you more options.

The hotel bar, The Amigo Room, hosts a different event every night of the week. Once a month, it stages a full moon party, complete with a drum circle. The Kings Highway Diner serves delicious and sustainable locally-sourced food around the clock.

Even locals and guests staying at nearby hotels hang out the Ace. It can get pretty rowdy on the weekends, so if the party vibe is not your thing, the best time to stay is during the week… or stay at a quieter hotel. If you do stay elsewhere, make sure to stop in for a drink.

3. Bike in Downtown Palm Springs

When you’re finally able to peel yourself from the pool and venture out, take a walk along downtown Palm Spring’s main drag, Palm Canyon Road. If it’s not too hot, rent a bike from your hotel or one of the many local bike rental shops and explore the city.

4. Eat, Drink & Be Merry

As you walk along Palm Canyon Road, you’ll pass kitschy souvenir shops, karaoke bars, and many restaurants. Cheeky’s has one of the best brunches in the city. For dinner, try Jaio or Las Casuelas Terraza for some Mexican flavor.

5. See the Stars

You’ll walk along Palm Springs’ own version of the Walk of Fame. Eventually you’ll arrive at the giant Marilyn Monroe statue created by Johnson & Johnson heir Seward Johnson. It’s fitting that the Forever Marilyn sculpture has ended up in Palm Springs, as the city was once the playground for some of old Hollywood’s stars like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe herself. If you will recall, Sonny Bono of Sonny and Cher fame was the city’s mayor in the early 1990s. In fact, driving through Palm Springs, you’ll notice several streets named after these stars.

6. Try a City Tour

Take a tour of Bob Hope’s house, have lunch or dinner at Copley’s, located on Cary Grant’s old estate, or drink at Melvyn’s where the Rat Pack used to hang out. The waitstaff looks like they’ve been around that long!

If you’re feeling extra adventurous, take a mid-century architectural tour of the city or take the aerial tram for grand views of the stunning desert valley.

7. Opt for Posh Drinks

For a decadent drink, head to the Parker Palm Springs. Have a cocktail and lounge amongst perfectly manicured lawns and pretty people.

8. Attend a Festival

Palm Springs is also known for its Film Festival, Gay Pride, and Modernism Week.

9. Stay in a Boutique Hotel

The Ace Hotel is not the only cool place to stay. Palm Springs is filled with hotels and house rentals each providing a unique experience. Other great hotels are the Orbit Inn and its sister property down the street, the Hotel Hideaway; both are known for their 5pm happy hours. The recently opened Alcazar is another solid pick.

When to Go

The best time to visit Palm Springs is January though May. If you go any other time, it will be hot but the pool will cool you off. You’ll love it regardless of (or perhaps because of) the extreme heat.