palms to pines magazine

Palms to Pines Magazine, May 2014 1

Palms to PinesYour guide to Idyllwild, Palm Springs and everywhere in between

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 | Vol. 1 No. 3palmstopinesmagazine.com

COMPLIMENTARY

Magazine

Palm Springs Modernism

Fall Preview

Vines toPines

The 2014 Art Walk& Wine Tasting

2 Palms to Pines Magazine, September/October 2014

Scan this code for a special offer© 2014 New Spirit all rights reserved. Affiliate of NewSpiritLove.Org

See career opportunities

Use your smart phone ... To escape from it.

IdyllwildTemecula

Wine CountryGreater

Palm DesertLake

Arrowhead

Contact UsCall anytime

909-910-5005

PALM SPRINGS

IDYLLWILD1-5 bedroom vacation

homes w/views, Jacuzzis, secluded & pet friendly

Vacation Homes

www.newspiritvacationhomes.com • 909-910-5005Email: [email protected]

LAKE ARROWHEADHomes with lake right

access, game rooms, views, sleep up to 14 guests

TEMECULAExplore greater

Temecula while staying at wine country style homes with pools, spas & views

PALM DESERTAll-inclusive resort amenity properties

(golfing/pools/spa/tennis)

http://www.newspiritvacationhomes.com

Booking Holidays Now

Palms to Pines Magazine, September/October 2014 1

The

grand

idyllwild

lodge

Idyllwild’s New Luxury Boutique Inn

The Grand seamlessly combines elegant grandeur with a sense of rugged mountain adventure. Nestled among the trees on over two acres of land, the Grand is an unforgettable boutique luxury lodge featuring panoramic views of the pristine, idyllic San Jacinto Mountains,

After an adventurous day guests can unwind and indulge their senses in a plush, opulent room or suite. Emphasizing the understated atmosphere of comfortable luxury with a mix of modern convenience and authentic hand-crafted architectural and design details, all rooms offer inspiring views.

Guests will also enjoy an array of amenities including a full breakfast, spa services, workout room, sauna plus our prime location which is a leisurely stroll to Idyllwild’s finest dining and shopping.

We encourage you to come and experience The Grand Idyllwild Lodge... a luxury getaway in nature.

Welcome to Rustic Luxury

54820 Pine Crest Rd | 951-659-2383 | www.GrandIdyllwildLodge.com


å

Artistic Excellence Since 1998

ART ALLIANCE of IDYLLWILD

(877) 439-5278 AAI, P.O.BOX 472, Idyllwild, CA 92549 Idyllwild - “One of the 100 Best Art

Towns in America”

Village Center D

r.

Ridgeview

Dr.COU

RTYARD

THE FORT

Highw

ay 243

VILLAGE CENTRE

Oakwood St.

OAKWOOD VILLAGE

Nor

th C

ircle

Dr.

Fern Valley Rd.

UPTOWN

MIDTOWN

DOWNTOWN

Idyllwild GalleryMap

1

2

3

4

5 6

9

10

11

12

7 Cedar St.

8

Visit Idyllwild’s galleries

Acorn GallleryA gallery offering an interesting blend of fine arts and handcrafted gifts. Each piece is creatively inspired and fairly priced. Jewelry, photos,paintings and more. Featuring award-winning artists GwenNovak and Marcia Cox. Next to Café Aroma. Kirsten Ingbretsen,owner. (951) 795-3799www.acorngallery.com

Café AromaA unique gourmet Bistro- Gallery-Social Club showcasing the works of a variety of artists, rotated throughout the year. We also feature the works of our resident artists, Rachel Welch and Erin Murray. (951) 659-5212www.cafearoma.org

10

11

Courtyard GalleryContemporary art at its best!A vital, diverse gallery featuring pottery, visual art and photography of nine internationally acclaimed local artists: Carol Mills, Cher Townsend, Helen Atik, Debbie Crowell,Mark Alan Meader,Elanie Moore, Judith Schonebaum,Jan Priestley and Trish Tuley.Gallery owned by the late Carol Mills.(951) 659-2774 www.courtyardgalleryidyllwild.com

1 Florist in the Forest & GalleryThis full-service flower shop features the art of owner and designer Donna Lori Parker, Rebecca Krasovich’s clothcreations, jewelry by Jeff Alleva and Neona Rose, works by Karin Hedstrom, Ed Bucher’s metal creations, photographyby Lyn Shaw and Kathy Chin, Kathleen Chaney’s art rocks, Christy Stedman’s batiks and Shirley Jordan paintings. (951) 659-4143www.floristintheforest.com

6


å

(877) 439-5278 AAI, P.O.BOX 472, Idyllwild, CA 92549

2014 Member GalleriesIdyllwild - Voted Best Mountain Getaway by L.A. Weekly

Idyll Awhile Wine Shoppe BistroIndulge yourself with taste and culture at our European-style wine bistro and gallery. We feature an incredible selection of regional and international wines and beers, as well as regional and local artists. (951) 659-9463 www.idyllawhilewineshoppebistro.com

Four Corners GalleryFeatured are the landscape paintings of AAI’s two-time Artist of The Year, Elena Kern. You may view various gallery members working on the decks of this stream-side studio. Artists include OPA’s award winning, Ying Liu, Elizabeth Parsi, Lois Sowa Stipp, Sherry Ehlert, Duke Windsor, and AAI’s 2001 Artist of The Year, Helen Moles. (951) 533-7564 www.elenakern.com

Oh My Dog GalleryInternationally known photographer and activist Frank Bruynbroek’s stirring candid and commissioned black and white dog photographs are sometimes fun, other times haunting, always captivating. His Ansel Adams-like ability captures a landscape of emotions from man’s best friend. (818) 755-7933 www.compawssion.com

Everitt’s Minerals & Gallery Idyllwild Living Room Gallery Two galleries in a single, comfortable main street location. Fine hand-crafted jewelry and exquisite mineral specimens, antique Japanese woodblock prints, award-winning oil paintings, photography, fine ceramics & crafts combine to create one of Southern California’s best gallery experiences. Everitt’s (951) 659-7075 www.everittsminerals.com; Living Room (951) 750-4880 www.idyllwildlivingroomgallery.com

3

9

12 Singerton Fine Arts GalleryThis gallery brings together a wide venue of media in painting, sculpture, glass art and jewelry designed and created by owners Ron and Darla Singerton. Their award-winning works provide a delightful journey from ancient world replicas tomodern abstract. (951) 659-2504www.singertonfinearts.com

The Spruce Moose Featured at this unique woodland gift shop are award- winning works by Jennifer Ali, Jerry Baccaire, Karlis Dabols, Donna Elliot, Lissa Evans, Fariad, Darcy Gerdes, Mark Nelthorpe, Shanna Robb, Les Walker & Mark Whaley

along with breathtaking photography and handcrafts of other local artisans. Our soy-blend candles, hand-poured in Idyllwild, ship all over the globe. (951) 659-5556 www.sprucemoosegifts.com

2

4

Artspresso GalleryWe carry art by Art Alliance of Idyllwild 2012 Artist of the YearKathy Harmon-Luber. Raku pottery of Sergio Naduville. Paintings by Gene Peebles,Diane Morgan,Gerry High and many more. We have been in Idyllwild serving the art lovers since 2001. Come check us out. (951) 659-6162 www.ghighart.com

7

FERRO Within a small mountain village lies a small hidden village where culinary, visual and musical arts meet. (951) 659-0700

www.ferrorestaurant.com

8

[email protected]

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ArtAllianceTwitter: twitter.com/artinidyllwild

In Idyllwild in the fall, the black oak’s green foliage begins turning deep orange as the weather cools around

late September. The result is a magnificent display of fireworks frozen among pines, cedars and firs in the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa mountains. Later, the orange leaves change to bright yellow as the tree sheds its fall coat preparing for winter. Because of the climate in Southern California, Idyllwild is one of its few locations where you can truly experience four seasons. And we love every one of them in this busy little hamlet. Meanwhile, along the desert floor below, fall’s cooler temperatures invite more outdoor life for desert residents and visitors. And happily, that’s when many of the desert’s business owners who hibernate in the hot summer then wipe off the dust, order the inventory and re-open their doors. In the desert, the fall season is the place to be. People may still find a warm pool or hot spring in which to swim when the ocean is too cool. Great food, great shopping and fantastic entertainment create an atmosphere of play so inviting it extends anyone’s summer. Here’s to the beauty of both Idyllwild and our desert sister cities.

By Becky ClarkEditor

Publisher | Idyllwild House Publishing Company, Ltd.

Editor | Becky Clark

Content Editor | Jay Pentrack ([email protected])

Creative Director / Webmaster | Halie Wilson ([email protected])

Graphic Design Assistant | Teresa Garcia-Lande

Advertising Sales | Lisa Streeter ([email protected])

Goddess of All Things | Dolores Sizer

Photographers | Jenny Kirchner • John Pacheco • Donna Elliot • Neil Jenkins

Contributing Writers | Shanna Rob • Donna Elliot • Robert B. Smith

General Counsel | Jack Clark

Palms to Pines Magazine is published bi-monthly by Idyllwild House Publishing Company, Ltd., P.O. Box 157, 54405 N. Circle Drive, Idyllwild, CA 92549.

Please send subscription and change of address requests to the above address. Please allow up to two weeks for requests to be processed.

All contents of Palms to Pines Magazine are copyrighted by Idyllwild House Publishing Company, Ltd. © 2014 all rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast,

rewritten or redistributed in whole or part without the express written consent of Idyllwild House Publishing Company, Ltd.

Idyllwild House Publishing Company, Ltd. is located at 54405 North Circle Dr. (P.O. Box 157), Idyllwild, CA 92549

(951) 659-2145 or toll free at 1-888-535-6663 email: [email protected]

full magazine online at www.palmstopinesmagazine.com

INDEXIdyllwild’s Art Walk & Wine Tasting ............................... 6

Idyllwild Ice Cream & Jerky ............................... 17

Sprucing Up Idyllwild ....... 18

The Fort: Then and Now.. 22

Hilltop Realty: Selling Paradise ......................... 25

Get Outdoorsy: Thousand Pines Camp, Idyllwild ... 26

Idyllwild Rocks, Part 2 ..... 27

Remembering Desert Sun School ............................. 30

24 Hours in Idyllwild ........ 34

Idyllwild Events Calendar 38

Palm Springs Modernism Week ............................... 39

Marvin Cohn interview .... 44

Marvin Cohn: A daughter’s tribute.............................. 48

Morongo Casino ... Let’s Eat! ......................... 50

A Day in the Life of a Palm Springs Local ....... 52

Palm Springs Events Calendar ........................ 54

Village of Idyllwild map .. 55

Desert Cities map ............ 56

Changing seasons

The cover photo of

Tahquitz Rock was taken by

Johnny Wilson, the design was

created by Halie Wilson.


PHOTO BY JACK CLARK



SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 | Vol. 1 No. 3palmstopinesmagazine.com

COMPLIMENTARY

Magazine


Fall Preview

Vines toPines

The 2014 Art Walk& Wine Tasting


By Jay Pentrack

As one of the founders of the Art Alliance of Idyllwild, Chris Trout recalls the very first Art Walk and

Wine Tasting event held in 1997. While she was not an artist herself, Chris had a love and appreciation for art that was ever-present in her life, and a passion for it that led her to Idyllwild. According to Trout, it was during her tenure as a sixth grade teacher in Delaware that she drew inspiration from the words of the school’s art teacher who said, “You know Chris, it’s not about just doing art, it’s about appreciating art.” It was no surprise to those that knew her that after 25 years of an impressive professional career she had saved enough money to realize her dream of opening her own gallery. The only uncertainty

was the location. “I grew up in the San Joaquin Valley, so Yosemite was my playground. So, to me when you drive in [to Idyllwild, Tahquitz Rock] is Half Dome, … ,” said Chris. “I thought someday when I was done with my career and business, Mariposa would be the place. But then I found Idyllwild.” Exploring the art scene back in the early days in Idyllwild, she realized that it was lacking. “I walked into one of the galleries and said ‘So when’s the first art walk?’ and they said ‘Oh, we don’t do that,’ and I said ‘Well, do you have exhibitions?’ and they said ‘No, we don’t have them.’ So then I thought ‘Oh, my gosh, maybe I made the wrong decision.’” A friend and local gallery owner, Grace Songolo, had a different take; she said “No, Chris, you just have

work to do.” And the pair, dubbed “Mutt and Jeff ” by locals set out to change the [art] world in Idyllwild. Flash forward to 1997 and preparations for the very first art walk event. The first

2014 Art Walk and Wine TastingMarcus Thorne paints during the 2012

Art Walk & Wine Tasting. PHOTO BY JENNY KIRCHNER

From humble beginnings ...

Chris Trout with volunteer Marsha Lytle serving snacks during the 2013 Art Walk

& Wine Tasting.PHOTO BY JOHN PACHECO


OPEN TO

THE PUBLIC

Idyllwild

America’s Finest Family Camping & RV Resort

RV/TENT SITES • CABIN RENTALSSwimming • Horseback Riding

Fishing • Recreational Activities Store • Cafe • WiFi

Video Games • EntertainmentCertain amenities are seasonalANNUAL SITES • MONTHLY RATES

GROUP EVENTS

(951) 659-4137 [email protected] N

ORT

H C

IRC

LE D

R.

VILLAGE CENTER DR.

The Village Centre

Idyll Awhile

Higher Grounds

Wine Shoppe Bistro

Make our local bistro and wine shop in Idyllwild,

California, your destination before or after dinner.

Offering:

Wine and Beer Tastings

70+ Fine Wines

Great selection of California Wines

30+ Craft Beers

6 Rotating Taps

Live Music Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays

Soups, Flatbreads, Dips and Chips, Cheese/Meat/Fruit Trays

659-WINE (9463)

art walk in Idyllwild started with 250 plastic cups purchased 10 at a time from K-Mart. “K-Mart had glasses on sale for $.99 but you could only buy 10 so we had to keep going back,” Chris laughs. “We thought ‘Oh, if we have 250 people we’ll [be thrilled].’ Not only did we sell those, we went through paper cups, and we went to the market and got Styrofoam cups. It was a huge success,” she recalls fondly. Today, Art Alliance President, Gary Kuscher is making those same preparations, albeit on a much larger scale. “This year we’re expecting 23 participating wineries and I’m ordering 1,600 wine glasses,” he said. “Gosh, we built PHOTO BY JOHN PACHECO


it from when Chris Trout was doing it with paper cups to now we have the commemorative glass and collector’s items, and we’re going into our 17th year now.” An artist and musician, Gary landed in Palm Springs where he worked for Sonny Bono at his restaurant there. Gary also helped Sonny launch the first Palm Springs International Film Festival. “The first one was exciting; it was unbelievable to see Sonny’s dream come true … To be a part of that was just historic for me. Now it has become one of the premier film festivals in the world. To have been a

Top: Frankie B. Good performs for Art Walk and Wine Tasting attendees. Above: Artisans display

their creations throughout the event. PHOTOS BY JOHN PACHECO

Baily Vineyard and Winery

33440 La Serena Way, Temecula, CA 92591

951-676-9463bailywinery.com

FEATURED WINERY

Phil and Carol Baily are risk-takers; not the kind who jump motorcycles over the Grand Canyon or climb tall buildings and parachute down, but real daredevils. In 1981 with two small children, the couple decided to make a dramatic change

to their lives. Carol, a full-time Mom, and Phil, a management consultant, decided they wanted something different for themselves and their children. “My consulting firm was sold and I had some assets and at age 41 decided, I’ve got a midlife crisis or something, and I want to do something different. I want to do something that involves my wife in a business,” Phil recalled. “We drew a 100 mile radius around LA because our parents are both there and we have kids, so we couldn’t go too far from the grandparents.” The couple settled on Temecula attracted, in part, by the “pioneer” spirit. “There was nothing down here, there weren’t any stoplights in Temecula, but we tasted some really good wines from here,” Phil offered. Home winemakers, the couple decided to take a wine class at UC Davis in 1986. They planted their first acre of grapes on Mother’s Day in 1982. In 1986, the first small winery was built and opened in November with one wine for sale, a Cabernet Sauvignon. Today, the winery and vineyard features 27 acres of grapes, a state-of-the-art production facility, and a visitor center complete with tasting room and Carol’s Restaurant. The duo also purchased their first home in Idyllwild about four years ago and quickly became part of the community. “We love the community, the people,” Phil said smiling. “Everybody is so friendly … The more we’re up there, the more people we meet and it feels so comfortable.” Baily Vineyard and Winery is the second oldest winery in Temecula.

Baily Vineyard and WineryPHOTOS BY JENNY KIRCHNER

Idyllwild Jerky— And —

Over 80 varieties of jerky!54282 North Circle Drive. Next to the Rustic Theatre

951-468-8118 (Idyllwild Ice Cream was formerly called Quik Stop)

Gelato • Hand-Dipped Giant Ice Cream Bars • Shakes • Soft Serve Chocolate-Dipped Bananas and Cheesecake • Fruit Smoothies

Shaved Ice (dozens of flavors) • World Famous Date Shakes Cold Drinks • Hot Drinks • Hot Tarts a la Mode

Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs • Giant Pretzels • Angus Burgers

Ice CreamIdyllwild


part of that was just so thrilling. On the recommendation of a friend, Gary made the drive to Idyllwild, a drive that would become more and more frequent as his love for the small mountain community grew. It was on those trips that Gary’s fascination with the Manzanita he saw along the windy road also grew. In 2004, he began working with the wood in earnest. “When I started working on manzanita I wanted to diversify a bit so I started doing some sculptures and just started having a lot of fun with sculptures,” Gary recalled. “When [Idyll Awhile Wine Shoppe Bistro] opened up I said ‘What an

avenue for doing wine bottle stoppers,’ so now I do wine bottle stoppers and tea candle holders; I’m starting to make

kitchen wear with manzanita handles.” A member of the Art Alliance for 10 years, five of which have been spent on

MiddleRidge Winery serves during the 2012 event outside of Acorn Gallery. PHOTO BY JENNY KIRCHNER


Hart Family Winery

41300 Avenida Biona, Temecula, CA 92591

951-676-6300hartfamilywinery.com

FEATURED WINERY

Joe and Nancy Hart were both teachers in Carlsbad, California, prior to becoming the accomplished winemakers they are today. As Joe tells it, “I just became fascinated by wine and I felt quite a passion for wine, reading about it,

tasting it; there’s a certain amount of romance about the wine industry. It’s a really fascinating industry,” he said. So in 1973, they purchased property in Temecula and by 1974 had planted one acre of grapes. Joe took a leave of absence from teaching to see if he could make it as a winemaker. “I thought ‘I’ll be the most underfinanced winery in the history of mankind,’ but we went for it,” Joe recalled. Planting the vineyard was a family affair with Mom Nancy and their three sons all participating. “We built half of the building in 1980; it was a very rustic facility at the time. That’s how it began. We had two tanks and a couple dozen barrels, a basic crusher and stemmer and an electric basket press and a pump, that was what we started with,” Joe explained. Today, with son Jim (who is very well respected in the winemaking community), the winery produces about 5,000 cases of premium wine annually. The Hart family also have a strong connection to Idyllwild, having had a home in the mountain community for more than 10 years. “We were quite involved in the community actually. We belonged to the Nature Center and AAI and the museum and the learning disability school,” Joe explained. “We just really liked the community; for weekenders, we were very much involved.”

Hart FamilyWineryPHOTOS BY JENNY KIRCHNER

the Board, Gary’s pet project is the Art Walk and Wine Tasting event. “The Art Alliance has become my passion and it’s very time consuming but the rewards are incredible, and what we can do for this town is just phenomenal. The progression [of the Art Walk and Wine Tasting] and the growth we’ve had in the last five years is unbelievable,” he said proudly. Of course, the continued success and steady growth of the event has been

Top: Attendees check in and collect their Art Walk and Wine Tasting glasses. Above: Chair massages

were available at the 2013 Art Walk. PHOTOS BY JOHN PACHECO


Catering Available * OPEN 11 a.m.-8 p.m. * Family Owned & Operated idyllwildlacasita.com

54650 N. Circle Dr., Idyllwild951-659-6038

CHECK OUT OUR DAILY SPECIALS!

Mexican RestaurantDine in the Pines

RefrigerateAfter Opening

Ingredients: Jalapeños,olive oil, onions,garlic and spices.

Manufactured for:Robertos Foods, LLC

by Dakine Foods, Newport Beach, CAwww.robertosfoods.com

Made withHeart-Healthy Olive Oil

No MSG’sGluten Free

Creamy TextureNon-Dairy

& Olive OilSauce

~Jalapeno

12 Fluid Ounces (296 ml)

NEW!

due to the support of the local member galleries, the Art Alliance of Idyllwild members who number over 250, the wineries that participate in the event each year, and the Idyllwild community. A few wineries have been on board with the event for many years. Their participation and continued support has been instrumental in the continued success of the event. Those wineries include Baily Vineyard and Winery, Hart Family Winery, MiddleRidge Winery and Robert Renzoni Vineyards & Winery, to name a few. This year’s Art Walk and Wine Tasting will be on Saturday, October 11. The admission of $25 includes a commemorative wine glass, which serves as your ticket throughout the day. Tickets may be purchased online at artinidyllwild.org or on the day of the event in Idyllwild. All indications are that this will be the best attended, most successful Art Walk and Wine Tasting ever. An enthusiastic group of Art Walk and Wine Tasting goers poses for the camera during the 2013 event.

PHOTO BY JOHN PACHECO


FEATURED WINERY

When you arrive at the impressive home of Robert Renzoni Vineyards it is hard to believe that son Robert Renzoni actually drew the design of the tasting room, expansive patio, and offices on a cocktail napkin 7 years ago. “It’s the fun part of the story. I was out having a couple of beers with friends, shooting the bull and there was a pencil and a napkin

and I just started [drawing]. I wish I could find the napkin,” he said laughing. After researching Italian designs and photos online, Robert took his ideas to the architect and together they came up with a rendering that is 95% of his original concept. Pieces of the family’s rich history in the wine business can be found throughout; in the Member’s Lounge there are photos of Grandfather Federico, Uncle Renzo, and Father Fred in his younger days. The family’s history in the wine business dates back to 1886. Fred Renzoni explains, “My grandfather started making wine in 1886 in Fano, Italy, and then he immigrated to Buffalo, NY in 1911. He started making wine for friends and family and it soon became a commercial venture and that lasted until 1917 when Prohibition

came along. They didn’t start up again until 1934 when Prohibition ended. They were able to start a wine distribution business and that was Italian and French Wine Company.” Fred points to a photo of a train in the lounge, “The family brought wines from California to Buffalo, NY, bottled them in Buffalo and sold them in upstate NY. This is how they brought the wine in – inside the Railroad car is a big giant tank and then they’d pump it out, there’s my dad right there.” From the patio that seats 250 to the 3,000 square foot tasting room, to the Members Lounge with a big screen TV and a bar, you can feel the warmth of this family owned business. You can also sense the pride they have in their product – some of the finest wine made in the Temecula Valley.

Robert Renzoni Vineyards & WineryPHOTOS BY JENNY KIRCHNER

Robert Renzoni

Vineyards & Winery

37350 De Portola Road, Temecula, CA 92592

951-302-8466robertrenzonivineyards

.com

Baily Vineyard & Winery 33440 La Serena Way, Temecula(951) 676-9463www.bailywinery.comBel Vino33515 Rancho California Rd., Temecula(951) 676-6414, www.belvinowinery.comChapin Family Vineyards36084 Summitville St., Temecula951-506-2935www.chapinfamilyvineyards.comCordiano Winery15732 Highland Valley Rd., Escondido, CA 92025(760)469-WINE (9463)www.cordianowinery.com Hart Winery41300 Avenida Biona, Temecula(951)676-6300www.hartfamilywinery.com La Serenissima Vineyards & Winery35168 Highway 79, Warner Springs(951) 326-0205www.vinotiso.com MiddleRidge Winery28544 Old Town Front St., Temecula(951) 693-4567www.middleridge.com Milagro Farm Vineyards & Winery18750 Littlepage Rd., Ramona(760)787.0738www.milagrofarmwinery.com


Miramonte Winery33410 Rancho California Rd., Temecula(951)506-5500www.miramontewinery.com

Monte De Oro Winery35820 Rancho California Rd., Temecula(951)491-6551www.montedeoro.com

Orfila Vineyards & Winery13455 San Pasqual Road, Escondido(760)738-6500www.orfila.com

PMDL Wine & CompanyPierre Lemieux & John Donnelly777 E. Tahquitz Canyon #200-42, Palm Springs(760)322.0905www.pmdlwine.com

Powell Mountain Cellars3050 Blue Rock Road, Paso Robles (805)434-8097www.powellmountaincellars.com

Regal Wine Co.(707)836-2100www.regalwineco.com

Robert Renzoni Vineyards & Winery37350 De Portola Road, Temecula(951)302-8466www.robertrenzonivineyards.com

Shadow Mountain Vineyards & Winery34680 Highway 79, Warner Springs(760)782-0778www.shadowmountainvineyards.com

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa34843 Rancho California Road, Temecula(951)587-9463www.wineresort.com

Specialty Cellars13017 La Dana Court, Santa Fe Springs(562)630-6630www.specialtycellars.com

Tesoro Winery 28475 Old Town Front St ., Temecula(951)308-0000www.tesorowinery.com

Wiens Family Cellars35055 Via Del Ponte, Temecula(951)694-9892www.wienscellars.com

Wine Warehouse6550 E Washington Blvd., Los Angeles(800)331-2829www.winewarehouse.com

Young’s Marketwww.youngsmarket.com

Free Run Juice(424) 237-8870www.freerunjuice.com

Art Walk and Wine Tasting – Participating Wineries

The

ou

tdo

or t

ast

ing

roo

m a

t M

iram

on

te W

ine

ry.

PHOTO

BY

JENNY

KIRC

HNER


FEATURED WINERY

Melody Johnston could not have known the Pandora’s Box she was opening 30 years ago when she signed herself and husband, Chris, up for wine courses at

UC Davis. “It was for his birthday and Valentine’s Day, they are close together, so after talking about it for years, I signed us both up for two weekend courses; one was in March and one was in April. With his interest piqued, Chris took another class on wine chemistry, and that was all it took to transform mild-mannered Chris Johnston into the “Mad Scientist,” he is today, a nickname he embraces. Meanwhile, Melody, a marketing expert, was called away on a business trip and Chris, left to his own devices, decided to turn their Irvine condo into a winery! “ I go to a conference in May and I come home and open the door and [sniffs], it smells like a winery in here,” Melody said laughing. Chris’ love of wine runs deep. “Wine was always part of our family and back then it was cheap – whatever came in the gallon jugs,” he said laughing. “Lots of sake too, my Mom is part Japanese so sake was always around too.” A move to Idyllwild in 2005 where the couple built their home would allow Chris the space to begin his wine business. “It came to pass that we finished construction of this place in 2005 and I immediately started equipping out the downstairs. I bought two 400-liter tanks, those are now down at the winery [in Temecula],” he explained. “I got all the gear and started picking up a half ton here, a half ton there and started experimenting with different vineyards and figuring out which ones I liked and then we started going full blown commercial in 2006.” Commercial production was moved to Temecula in 2008. With the unveiling of their wines at the 2009 Jazz in the Pines event, and despite some initial nervousness, Chris was pleased with the result. “There is always that nervous factor because I make the

wine to my taste and you hope other people appreciate it,” he said. “That’s when the clue was, ‘Yeah, ok I got this figured out,’ and ever since then it has just been a rip roaring roll.” The couple is an important part of the Idyllwild community, lending their support to a number of charitable organizations. They also joined the Art Alliance of Idyllwild and attend numerous AAI functions throughout the year. In 2013, AAI sponsored the creation of a public art installation called “Idyllwild Deer Sightings.” The project included 22 deer painted by local artists installed at multiple locations throughout Idyllwild. MiddleRidge, in their salute to the project, created the “Idyllwild Deer Sightings Label Project” that includes labels featuring the work of six of the deer artists. A portion of the proceeds of every bottle sold will be donated to the Art Alliance of Idyllwild. The Johnston’s love of Idyllwild runs deep. Melody, believes there is much to like. “There are so many things to love about Idyllwild. If you’re going to have a busy lifestyle it’s nice to be able to do it in a place with beautiful blue skies and greenery. If it was a small town anywhere, it wouldn’t be the same, it’s the fact that it’s an artist community; that’s what makes the difference,” she said passionately. “ The other thing about Idyllwild, maybe because of the art, the artists, the Art Alliance and the Idyllwild Arts Academy [Chris attended IAA to study the violin as a young man], all of that put together, this is not a little country bumpkin town. You are interacting with people whether they live here or vacation here, who have these wonderfully interesting backgrounds. In another little town you wouldn’t necessarily have that same kind of interaction.”

MiddleRidge WineryPHOTO BY JAY PENTRACK

Tasting Room at Crush & Brew

28544 Old Town Front St., Temecula

(951)693-4567 or(951) 326-3841

www.middleridge.com


I would like to personally thank the village of Idyllwild, our Patron

Wineries, Patron Inns, Galleries and Location Hosts, Our Dedicated Volunteers and Participants for making our annual Art Walk and Wine Tasting Event the success it has become. AAI is able to continue making donations to Public Art Projects, Art Education Programs and other worthy causes. I look forward to another successful year and “Cheers” to all.

Gary KuscherPresident, Art Alliance of Idyllwild

A message from the Art Alliance of Idyllwild

PHOTO BY JENNY KIRCHNER


Directory of Temecula Wineries

(List excludes participating Art Walk & Wine Tasting wineries, listed on page 13.)

Bel Vino Winery33515 Rancho California Roadwww.BelVinoWinery.com

Briar Rose Winery 41720 Calle Cabrillowww.briarrosewinery.com

Callaway Vineyard & Winery32720 Rancho California Roadwww.callawaywinery.com

Cougar Vineyard & Winery39870 De Portola Roadwww.cougarvineyards.com

Danza del Sol Winery39050 De Portola Roadwww.danzadelsol.com

Doffo Vineyard & WineryTasting Room: 36083 Summitvillewww.doffowines.com

Falkner Winery40620 Calle Contentowww.falknerwinery.com

Foot Path Winery36650 Glenoaks Roadwww.footpathwinery.com

Frangipani Estate Winery39750 De Portola Rd.www.frangipaniwinery.com

Leoness Cellars38311 DePortola Roadwww.leonesscellars.com

Longshadow Ranch Vineyard & Winery39847 Calle Contentowww.longshadowranchwinery.com

Lorenzi Estate Vineyards & Winery36095 Monte De Orowww.lorenziestatewines.com

Lorimar Vineyards & Winery39990 Anza Roadwww.lorimarwinery.com

Lumiere Winery39555 Calle Contentowww.lumierewinery.com

La Serenissima Vineyards &

Winery35168 Highway 79, Warner Springs, CA

951-326-0205vinotiso.com

FEATURED WINERY

John Tiso, founder, along with son Tony, winemaker, run La Serenissima Vineyards and Winery in Warner Springs. As I walk along on a tour of the winery with Tony, he begins by gently pulling grapes from the vines in his vineyard. “I measure the

sugar content in the grapes to know how close we are to harvest,” he explains. La Serenissima (the Most Serene) is considered by some a “boutique” winery, but Tony tells me it is more an old world winery in the new world. “This is what wine making was up until 40 to 50 years ago,” he said proudly. “We grow the way Mother Nature has for a long, long time.”

La Serenissima sits on 20 acres at an elevation of 3,500 feet. The grapes are grown using sustainable agriculture and organic farming practices (that

means no fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides and minimal watering) on a North facing slope to minimize the exposure to the summer

sun and heat. The result is low grape yield, but exceptional fruit quality. Tony picks up two rocks from his driveway, one large,

one small. “You can make a lot more wine with a grape this size,” he said holding up the large rock. “But with smaller grapes,” he holds up the small rock, “you can’t make as much, but the smaller the grape, the better the wine.” The wine cellar is 85% underground – the humidity keeps the barrels moist and there is low evaporation. Tony gives us a sample off the barrel from three different barrels; Hungarian, American and French oak. The flavor of the wine from each was slightly (but distinctly) different; Tony explained that

the wine from all three barrels would be combined to produce a Bordeaux Claret blend.

The wines produced by La Serenissima are racked, not filtered which give them body and depth; along with

oak barrel fermentation in French, American and Hungarian barrels, the result is wines with layers of complexity.

If you’re planning a special event, La Serenissima is the perfect place to gather friends and family for a memorable experience. The tour and

wine making lesson are fascinating!

La SerenissimaPHOTOS COURTESY LA SERENISSIMA

Masia de Yabar39788 Camino Arroyo Secowww.masiadeyabar.com

Maurice Car’rie Vineyard & Winery34225 Rancho California Roadwww.mauricecarriewinery.com

Mount Palomar Winery33820 Rancho California Roadwww.mountpalomar.com

Oak Mountain Winery36522 Via Verdewww.oakmountainwinery.com

Palumbo Family Vineyards & Winery40150 Barksdale Circlewww.palumbowines.com

Ponte Family Estate Winery35053 Rancho California Roadwww.pontewinery.com

Thornton Winery32575 Rancho California Roadwww.thorntonwine.com

Vindemia Vineyard & Estate Winery33133 Vista del Montewww.vindemia.com

Wilson Creek Winery & Vineyard35960 Rancho California Roadwww.wilsoncreekwinery.com

Bottles at Miramonte WineryPHOTOS BY JENNY KIRCHNER

The ice cream store next to the Rustic Theatre in the heart of Idyllwild has been a staple in the

community for more than 30 years. Local residents Sandi and Jim Fulcher opened Idyllwild Ice Cream and Idyllwild Jerky in March 2013. They serve only top-quality gelato, sorbet and soft serves. At any given time, a customer may choose from 16 flavors of gelato. Pointing out the difference between gelato and American-style ice cream, Sandi said, “Our customers tell us they prefer the healthier gelato with its lower fat, better taste and no ‘chemical’ aftertaste.”

Idyllwild Ice Cream and Jerky

But before you order the cold treats, try a Nathan’s famous Coney Island hot dog, or a hamburger, individual pizza, chili, soup, giant pretzel or nachos. For a hot dessert, try hot berry tarts a la mode. Hot drinks include coffee, tea, hot chocolates, chai tea, hot apple cider, cappuccinos and lattes. The store offers more than 80 varieties of jerky, including alligator, rattlesnake, kangaroo, boar, ostrich, buffalo, venison, salmon, vegan and gluten-free.

This big little store is located at 54282 N. Circle Dr. Call 951-468-8118 for more information or visit www.facebook.com/quikstop parlor/info for updates on new products.

PHOTOS BY JENNY KIRCHNER



By Jay Pentrack

On July 8, Brian Tallent and John Stonitsch celebrated the 9th Anniversary of the opening of their

first store on Village Lane in Idyllwild in 2005. The move to Idyllwild would represent the change the couple was seeking in their lives from the corporate jobs they held in the desert. “We both loved coming to Idyllwild, and, like many people who have ended up here, you get to a point that you don’t want to leave. But you have to figure out how can you make all of the payments you’ve got to make … and still be able to live here,” Brian said. And then, lo and behold, the perfect business opportunity presented itself. “We actually had a friend that sent us something he had seen on the internet. It was a guy up here that was selling his business and his home together,” Brian said. “He wanted to leave Idyllwild very quickly; he had come to Idyllwild because his mother was terminally ill and he basically came here to help her die. He had no interest in Idyllwild.” But Brian and John did. In short order, Brian and John purchased the business and begin their big move. “We sold a house, moved a house, opened a new business, all at the same time and I wouldn’t recommend that to anybody,” Brian said. “Three years later we were still unpacking boxes because we put everything into this business, into getting it open. We totally renovated the space that it was in and then we realized very quickly that the merchandise selection was not what we wanted and the name was not what we wanted.” John did not feel that the name, “Strictly Diversified Gifts” reflected Idyllwild at all. A few days later, Brian had a vision. “The name came to me in a

... one shop at a time

dream. I woke up in the middle of the night … and I sat up and said ‘Spruce Goose.” Then I thought no, that’s a plane. I’ve been there; I’ve seen the Spruce Goose,” he said laughing. “Then I thought ‘Spruce Moose.’ We wanted a name that was kind of whimsical and fun but had a mountainy feeling to it. And even though there aren’t any moose in Southern California or Idyllwild or in California in general, we started asking people, ‘what do you think of this name,’ and people kind of liked it. On Village Lane, the Spruce Moose expanded to three times its original size to accommodate the growing list of merchandise featured in the store. Then, about two and half years ago, the opportunity arose to move to The Fort located in the center of the Idyllwild

Village. “We checked out the space and it was a really nice big space and we realized that we could fit all three stores under one roof and the rent was lower than what we were paying,” Brian recalled. For a time, Brian and John ran both businesses

See Spruce, page 20

John Stonitsch and Brian Tallent with Chena in front of the Spruce Moose.PHOTO BY JOHN PACHECO

Sprucing up

Idyllwild



Visit “The Center of

Idyllwild”!

“The ForT”Unique Shops & Businesses with

Something for Everyone!

54225 North Circle Drive

88 Far East International, Inc.Gifts for Homes & Friends … Spiritual & Body

Japanese Tableware, Tea & Sake SetsAsian Food & Ingredients, Toys, Books

Eastern & Western Apparel, Jewelry & Accessories(951) 659-7771

The Spruce MooseWoodland Gifts & Home Décor

Idyllwild Postcards & SouvenirsThe Spruce Moose Soy Candle Collection

Creations by Local Artists(951) 659-5556

Forest WhispersMystical Gnomes for the yard and home

Cowboys and Indians that want a new home Amusing Signs that say what you cannot

Embossed Harley Davidson signs, too!Idyllwild Souvenirs • (951) 741-9780

Lady of the LakeMetaphysical Books & Gifts

Located upstairs in the “Fort”659-5115

Open every day 10am-5pm

Psychic Readings • Books

Coyote Red’sUnique & Delicious Jerky Amish FoodsJams & PreservesBBQ Sauces, Hot Sauces & RubsSnacks & Popcorns951-659-2305

A Step BAck in timeFor toyS, SodA And cAndy

951-659-6456Upstairs in the Fort

Remember When ... Toys

Idyllwild Soda Shop


SPRUCECONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

simultaneously until they could complete the move. “We would finish work [at the Village Lane store], come over [to the new store at the Fort], change clothes, paint; we had our carpenter working with us that had helped us [on the lane]. He would work here during the day and we would come over at night and paint.” The move would prove to be a wise decision for the pair, especially when the economy took a downward turn. “[The move] really paid off because once the economy started to go we would not have made it. It has just done really well.” Coyote Red’s, Brian and John’s latest venture, opened in the Fort on March 15 of this year. In addition to offering a variety of hard-to-find gourmet items, they also offer jerky once featured at the now defunct House of Jerky. “We knew it was a good selling product; we had signs in the window [at the closed House of Jerky], and people would come down and say, ‘is this the store that has the jerky?’ We sold the heck out of it,” said Brian smiling. Competition barbeque sauces, hard to find jams, marinades and relishes line Coyote

Red’s shelves. “We know everything we sell, we can tell you where everything is made, and we taste almost everything,” Brian said. At the Spruce Moose, candles are a popular item and Brian, having a “nose” for fragrance and a talent with color, began producing the candles himself about three and a half years ago. “Right now I work with about 400 different oils. I have all of these bottles amazingly organized so that if I want to do something new, or if I get challenged by a customer to do something new I have all of these oils that I can work from. I use all high end, high grade candle supplies,” he said. The Spruce Moose also offers gifts, everything you need for your cabin (even if it’s not a cabin), DVDs and many interesting and unique items that provide visitors with a great browsing experience. Brian and John especially enjoy working with local artists. The Spruce Moose currently displays the work of 14 local

artists. “We know all of the artists so we can talk about their work and tell people about their personalities and what they’re like as an artist and that sort of thing. It’s a nice partnership,” Brian offered. He also has some good advice for visitors to the Spruce Moose and Coyote Red’s – “I always tell people that the first thing you do is turn off your cell phone … and take off your watch because you don’t need either one up here,” said Brian. “I’ve lived in San Diego, I’ve lived in Los Angeles, and I’ve lived in Palm Springs, three pretty heavily populated places, and I love this place because it’s not.”

Brian Tallent standing in front of the Spruce Moose’s hand-poured candles. PHOTO BY JOHN PACHECO

OPEN EVERYDAY! 7AM till 7PM•Fri-Sat 9PM

HIGHER GROUNDS

IdyllwildCoffeeRoasters.com • 951-659-137954245 N. Circle Drive, Idyllwild, CA 92549

Come visit Idyllwild ...... in the cool air of the San Jacinto Mountains and have a cup of our Fresh Roasted Coffee.

We are just a short hour away. Our organic coffee is roasted on location and served with assorted pastries.

Open Sun.-Thurs. 7am-7pm • Fri. & Sat. 7am-9pmLIVELY MUSIC EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT.


By Robert B. SmithIdyllwild Area Historical Society

The current ferment about where and how to manage public recreation in Idyllwild calls to mind a place where

Hill folk gathered for amusement in earlier times. I speak of the land now occupied by “The Center of Idyllwild,” better know locally as The Fort. If we go back to 1904, the Fort site was little more than logged-over bare ground a stone’s throw downhill from the Idyllwild Sanatorium. After that ill-conceived hospital/hotel burned down, the site soon found itself nearly at the doorstep of the Sanatorium’s successor, the Idyllwild Inn, where it would not remain idle for long. Once Claudius Lee Emerson began to develop the inn after 1917, the Fort site became a bustling place, with the Idyllwild Store and Post Office, a power plant, the Idyllwild Plunge, and ever popular croquet courts. Horseshoe pits were added to the inn’s amenities in 1924. And not far away stood a primitive bowling alley and pool hall. These facilities continued to serve

the community until the Depression bankrupted their owner, Emerson’s Idyllwild Inc. Then a 1941 fire destroyed the store and post office, and the inn itself burned down in 1945, but through it all the plunge remained a summertime focal point for swimmers and spectators alike. Idyllwild’s postwar renaissance—the resident population tripled from less

than 450 to over 1200 in three years—spurred two leaders of the group that then monopolized downtown Idyllwild, Jerry Johnson and Clifton Russell, to build a new recreation center called Sportland for the 1947 season. Along with the swimming pool, it boasted five bowling lanes, a snack bar, and an amusement center. At summer’s end that year Johnson and

The Idyllwild Store and Post Office, across from the existing Fort Shopping Center.PHOTO COURTESY IDYLLWILD AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

THEN & NOWThe heart of the village

PHOTO

BY

JENNY

KIRC

HNER

Russell sold Sportland to Percy VanDerMeid and Bob Vevers, but a year later it, too, burned down. Rebuilt and reopened in 1949 with Don Otto as manager, Sportland advertised a “new” Idyllwild Plunge, plus bowling, pool, snooker, and a coffee shop. By 1951 an arcade and shooting gallery were added. (Incidentally, it was at this time that the Chamber of Commerce first launched a recreation program at Town Hall, funded by the Lions Club.) In 1953 Sportland was remodeled with an alpine decor and rechristened “Idyll-Hof,” with Jay Burton now the manager. Otto later returned, and the facility continued to evolve, by 1957 adding ping-pong and miniature golf, and featuring a redecorated café and fountain and a banquet room. In May 1959, Idyll-Hof advertising suddenly disappeared from the Town Crier, and the property appeared to be in decline. But a new chapter was in the offing. Avery and June Fisher bought the place in 1962 and opened a new, expanded Sportland with not only the bowling alley, swimming pool, and miniature golf, but also a roller skating rink, burger bar, ice cream shop, two restaurants (Sportsmen Grill and Carriage Room), an art gallery, and several small shops. But in 1966. Rodney Welch, the developer of Alandale, bought the property and replaced Sportland with a classy restaurant, the Carriage Inn. Thus ended recreation on the Fort site. For the first time in a half-century, the village had no swimming pool – it was demolished to minimize the possibility of having children too close to the bar. Welch sold out to Glenn Bell, the founder of Taco Bell, who razed the Carriage Inn in 1976, to make way for a shopping center that never materialized. Instead, the land sat vacant for twelve years, until Bell sold it to Idyllwild realtor Maureen Jones and Escondido developer Dick Krupp. They built the Fort, which opened in 1992, to the consternation of many with memories of happy times spent there as youngsters.


Construction of the Sanatorium Power Plant, circa 1900.PHOTO COURTESY IDYLLWILD AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The Fort today, where Sportland was once located. PHOTO BY JENNY KIRCHNER

Memories are made at Remember When Toys in the Fort. PHOTO BY JENNY KIRCHNER

Rebecca Frazier helps a customer paint pottery at Earth ‘n’ Fire upstairs in the Fort.



Magnificent Views Fishing • Golf Course Conference Center Fireplace Cottages

www.alhatti.com(951) 659-2066

Individual & Group Bookings Available

Friday - Karaoke, 9pm-1amSaturday and Sunday

Entertainment all weekend long!

25985 Hwy. 243 • 951-659-0315

H

ome of the Fam

ous

Paul B

unyan Challeng

e

• Full Bar •• New Menu Items •

• Weekly Entertainment •

“SPA” MASSAGE...Swedish, Mountain Lomi Lomi & Aroma Therapy...“SPA”-CIALTIES...Chilled Stone Face Massage, Parafino Wax Hand or Foot Treatment and Massage, Foot Sugar Scrub & Butter Massage, Hot Pods, Relief With Soothing Heat...THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE...Deep Tissue, Sports Injury Rehab, Trigger Point & Stretching...

KAREN GEORG, Licensed Massage Therapist619-646-0603 • idyllwildmassagetherapy.com

54790 North Circle Dr., Idyllwild, CA 92549

Idyllwild Massage

The Desert’s ONLY Full-Line Music Store

SaleS • RentalS • RepaiRS • Sheet MuSic • GuitaRS aMpS • DRuMS • KeyboaRDS & MoRe

MuSic LeSSONS, TOO!

and he handed me tapes, I took my test, passed, and he gave me a desk. Within a short period of time I was very busy.” Robyn Shaffer came from a real estate career in the desert working with Dyson & Dyson. “I worked at the height of the market; we were getting 500 agents a day coming to the desert,” she recalled. “The agents that had been in sales for quite a while were getting undermined by all of the newbies that wanted to make a quick buck, they were cutting commissions, they were doing all kinds of shenanigans. It was time for me to transition, I love being in a small town. That’s why I moved here.” Robyn was working for Idyllwild Realty when Shane Stewart took it over. “I was managing the three [real estate offices] and the one down here. And that was a great five or six years,” Robyn said. When Larry’s previous partner agent, Myrna, wanted to retire, Robyn had a plan. In addition to managing the four real estate offices, she would also assume Myrna’s position at Hilltop. But Shane, seeing that Robyn was keeping a break-neck pace said, according to Robyn, “We need to reconsider this, you’re getting absolutely stretched thin. When would you be willing to move full time down with Larry?” A few months later, Robyn joined Larry and the duo has been working together successfully since then. “What makes our dynamic work,”

Larry said, “is that both of us are absolutely persistent to a fault.” Both Larry and Robyn appreciate the opportunity to work with a network of agents in Idyllwild. “We enjoy serving people and Shane has given us the luxury of this little boutique office,” Larry said gratefully. “We not only have that luxury but we’re hooked into all of [Shane’s] 21 agents, and three offices; our listings are in his windows and his listings are in ours, so we cross-pollinate to serve the community.” With the housing market coming back, there is reason for optimism. The pair estimates that the prime price range is in the $300k range. “We have a lot of inventory. We even have some right now, nice inventory, in and around $200k,” Larry said. “We are starting again just recently to see some of the higher-end houses [sell]. Right now we have two Garner Valley homes in escrow and one in counter-offers. For a long time, the higher-end listings weren’t showing or selling. We’re excited.” The best part of the job, Larry and Robyn agree, is the clients. “The relationship with our clients matters to us. I think above all else, that is the joy in it; when we can find someone a home that they are happy with. Relationships, above all else, that is the joyful part of our job.”

By Jay Pentrack

Hilltop Realty sits at the intersection of Highway 243, Highway 74 (towards Palm Desert) and

Highway 74 (towards Hemet) in Mountain Center, a hop, skip and jump from the Idyllwild Village. It is a great location according to agents Larry Bischoff and Robyn Shaffer who call it their second home. Larry’s background is reminiscent of a Hollywood movie – one of those “big city to small town” stories, with the twist being that Larry would actually be the screenwriter. “I came out of a Hollywood background and career,” Larry said. “I wrote for Little House on the Prairie and the Walton’s and Grizzly Adams - family entertainment. I was a television and screenwriter.” Larry and wife Susan opted for a more peaceful life and a better place to raise their two children, so the couple said “goodbye to city life” and “hello” to Idyllwild. (Cue the “Green Acres” theme.) They purchased the feed store located in Mountain Center, had two more children and settled in to a wonderful life serving the community. Then Larry turned 55. “I turned 55 and everything kind of hurt that morning.” And who wouldn’t hurt - part of Larry’s feed store work included lifting hay bales that weighed 135 pounds each and stacking them in customers’ barns. “I was thinking [daughter] Harmony needed to go to college and the boys were just getting married and wanted help with houses,” Larry recalled. “The feed store, I loved it, but I didn’t see how that was going to get us through the next 20 years.” According to Larry, an ad in the paper would prove life changing, “Shane [Stewart] had just come to town, bought Hilltop Realty and there was an ad in the paper that said ‘realtors wanted, no experience needed.’ I had always been really good at Monopoly,” he said laughing. “I went and talked to [Shane]


Selling ParadiseA Sit Down with Larry Bischoff and Robyn Shaffer of Hilltop Realty

Robyn Shaffer and Larry Bischof in their Mountain Center office.



Let’s go camping! With over 80 locations in 22 states and British Columbia, Thousand Trails is the largest provider of RV resorts and campgrounds in North America. Avid campers will like the annual camping pass that is

available for only $545 (be sure to check out their Labor Day special online) with five camping zones to choose from; non-members are also welcome at the campground! Horse camping is also available. For visitors to Idyllwild, the Thousand Trails campground boasts an impressive list of amenities and tons of activities that will delight the entire family. There are over 300 campsites spread over 200 acres. Whether you’re into tent camping, RV camping, or renting a cabin, Thousand Trails can accommodate you. The quaint village of Idyllwild will provide wonderful day excursions for the family; browse the shops and galleries downtown. The Idyllwild Campground features a Clubhouse, General Store, Restaurant, Laundry Facilities, Restroom/Shower Facilities, Picnic and BBQ areas and a Library.

Activitiesincludefishingintheirwell-stockedfishpond,swimmingintheheatedpool,stables,basketball,billiards,biketrails,horseshoes,shuffleboard,hikingtrails,worldclassrockclimbing,playgroundandvolleyball. Pack up the kids, dust off the RV, grab the dog and head to Idyllwild for a weekend getaway or an extended vacation.

Thousand Trails Idyllwild RV Resort 24400 Canyon Trail, Idyllwild

www.thousandtrails.com/california/idyllwild-rv-resort

Camplife

PHOTOS BY JENNY KIRCHNER


Easy. She moves to California and discovers Idyllwild! For many years, I had been a cave explorer. I explored the deep caves of Mexico and France, the long caves of Kentucky and Switzerland and the unknown caves of Papua New Guinea. But the moment I saw Tahquitz Rock, my dreams soared to new heights … literally. I discovered rock climbing and turned my face to the sun.

“So, how does the rope get up there anyway?” If you haven’t experienced rock climbing, it is difficult to envisage how climbers progress safely up the rock. So that you can, let me lead you step by step from bottom to top.

Equipment To visualize the sequence, you need to know the gear. Climbing Ropes have features designed specifically for climbing. They are “dynamic” in that they stretch to absorb the energy generated should a climber fall. Ropes vary in length (150 to 200 feet) and diameter (from 8 to 11mm). The longer and thicker the rope, the heavier (and safer) it is. The length and diameter of rope depends on your type of climbing (local crags vs. long back-country peaks) and your aversion to risk. Protection (or “Pro”) helps minimize the length of a fall a climber might take. A fall is generally shorter and safer the more gear that is placed along the climb. This gear has many shapes and sizes. In the early days, “pitons” (metal spikes) were hammered into the cracks, but often left scars once they were removed. Sometimes, they couldn’t be removed and became “fixed”. Progress led to “stoppers” or “nuts” that are made of aluminum and are larger at one end smaller at the other. The climber places them in tapering cracks where they wedge at the narrowest section. “Hexes” are asymmetrical, 6-sided tubes and are similarly used. These are easily removed with no damage to the rock. One of the greatest boons to climbing was the invention of “Spring-loaded Camming Devices” (SLCDs). A spring-loaded trigger wire pulls 3 or 4 curved aluminum cams so that they retract and fit into cracks. Release the trigger and the cams expand to fit the rock. SLCDs

IDYLLWILD ROCKSPART 2

How do you entice a “troglodyte” to venture out into the sun?

Story by Donna ElliotPhotos by Neil Jenkins + Donna Elliot


come in varying sizes to cater for differing size cracks. To remove this device, you pull the trigger wire and the cams retract again. “Carabiners” are metal loops with a spring-loaded gate and are attached to the gear. Ironically, it is sometimes the piton scars that allow placement of the modern gear! Climbers wear a seat harness and a helmet. A “belay” device is generally attached to the belayer’s seat harness and is used to control the amount of rope going out to the lead climber or for belaying up the next climber. If a climber falls, the belayer can halt the fall simply by not allowing any more rope to feed through the device.

Communication Climbers have a standard set of calls that are used to communicate their actions. They need to know they are “on belay” so they may proceed safely. Sometimes, a climber might need “slack” to make a move or yell “up rope” to remove unwanted slack. When the lead climber reaches a point where she sets up an “anchor” (placing at least 3 pieces of gear in the rock and attaching herself to the anchor), she can let the belayer know that she is “off belay.” You’ll hear these same calls at climbing areas anywhere in the US.

Leader and Second Each climber is tied into an end of the rope. One person leads a “pitch” (generally a rope length), the second belays the leader, paying out rope at the pace of the climber. As the leader progresses up the rock, she

places “pro” at safe intervals and clips her rope into a karabiner attached to the gear. The rope runs through this series of karabiners. If she should fall, she will only fall as far as her last piece of gear. Once she runs out of rope or reaches a safe stance, the leader sets up a belay anchor and clips in. She is ready to take in any excess rope until it becomes tight on the second who yells “that’s me”. “Climbing” … “Climb”. The second begins to climb, taking out the gear as he reaches each piece and “racks” it on his harness or bandolier. As the rope is coming from above, most slips will be minimal. For multi-pitch climbs, the most efficient process is for the second to lead the next pitch with all gear handed to him. This process is repeated until you reach the top. To get down from the top, you can often walk or climb down a less steep path, or you can “rappel” using anchors (or a tree) at the top of the climb. You set up the rope so that it can be pulled down after the last climber rappels. Here, the rope is fed through the belay device on the climber’s harness and the descent is controlled as the rope goes through the device slowly. Many accidents occur at this stage so extreme caution is warranted … as well as a rope, or two, long enough to reach the ground!

“How do climbers know where to go?” For many climbers, the attraction is to put up new “routes” that no one has climbed before; others prefer the comfort of knowing the route and climb’s grade

(a rating system from 5.0 to a current level of 5.15 and rising). Climbers and climbing clubs publish guidebooks that contain “topos” of the routes. There are also climbing forums where climbers can get the latest “beta” on routes, conditions, etc. Tahquitz and Suicide Rocks have several guidebooks ranging from the early pioneer days of the area to the most recently published in 2013 by Bob Gaines of Vertical Adventures.

“How can I learn to climb?” This article is meant for non-climbers as an overview of the equipment and techniques. It does not take the place of professional training. Climbing is inherently dangerous but the dangers can be mitigated through proper instruction, practice, experience, research and caution. First, try climbing with an experienced instructor to see if you enjoy it, particularly before buying any gear. Local climber and mountain rescue team member, Les Walker of Idyll Ventures (http://www.idyllventures.com/), will personalize this introduction to make it safe … and fun. You can then proceed to beginner and more advanced courses.

My passion I have been climbing at Tahquitz and Suicide Rocks since 1972. I introduced my husband, Neil Jenkins, to climbing … and Idyllwild. In 2000, he proposed to me on top of the Matterhorn in Switzerland and I’m happy to say we’ve been high ever since!

Each climber is tied into an end of the rope. One person leads a “pitch” (generally a rope length), the second belays the leader, paying out rope

at the pace of the climber.


Engaging Designs For Every Budget Additions, Remodels & Decks

REthinking Existing spAcEsplans, interior Details, stairs, Mantels,

cabinets, cedar slab Furniture

www.padgettdesign.com • St. Lic. # 36959135 Years in Idyllwild • (951) 659-4278

pADgEtt DEsign & cOnstRUctiOn

FERN CREEK MEDICAL CENTERFamily Practice & Therapeutic Lifestyle Medicine

Kenneth C. Browning, D.O.Brenda Scherlis, MSN, FNP

Jodi Cunningham, Lifestyle EducatorOpen 6 days a week • 951-659-9912(available after hours & Sundays for emergencies)Located at 54910 Pine Crest Ave. at Fern Valley Corners in Idyllwild.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fern-Creek-Medical-Center/264525963620226

ParadiseCORNER REALTY

Beautiful “Olde” California Ranch18+acres of usable agricultural land. Bountiful water fed by 2 private wells, lovely home/cowboy bunkhouse/ large old barn/huge pipe corral/sparkling pond. Totally private! Offered at $598,000

Beautiful Custom Home3,000 square-foot 4bed/4bath, with sauna, wine cellar, many extra features and built-ins. Borders Forest Service with “for-ever” trails. Offered at $499,000

PAMELA GREYSHOCK BRE # 01131466

61721 Highway 74, Garner Valley • (951) 375-6779ParadiseCornerRealtyCA.com

ElizabEth MillEr, M.Ed., C.C.ht.certified clinical hypnotherapist

Past Life RegressionLife Between Lives Regression

Crisis & GriefR

[email protected] pinE CrEst avE., Cabin b,

idyllwild, Ca 92549CEll: 858-353-7337 or offiCE: 951-468-7688

www.idyllwildhypnosis.com


By Robert B. SmithIdyllwild Area Historical Society

Few enterprises have linked Idyllwild with Coachella Valley as directly as the Desert Sun School. Launched

at Mecca in 1930 as a private elementary school, it moved to Idyllwild in 1946, where it evolved into a rigorous college preparatory high school that persisted until 1990. During the 1920s, Tennessee emigrants and newlyweds Edith and Richard Elliott were starting their family on a ranch near Mecca. As their two children approached school age, Edith’s unhappy experience teaching in the local school suggested that home-schooling might be a wiser choice. Three other families agreed, and in 1929 under the desert sun Edith Elliott embarked on a year-long experiment with five children. One of the homes had playground equipment, so classes convened there each day. Word got around, and others clamored to join up. Encouraged by that first year’s experience, Edith enlisted her sister, Helen Jayne, as a colleague, and the Elliotts erected a little tent house at their Mecca ranch. The instantly successful school started with 12

pupils in 1930, but it immediately needed more space. The Elliotts acquired a vacant date-packing house to serve as a dormitory, even bought a second ranch for its six government-surplus frame houses. Desert Sun School’s future was foreshadowed in 1932, when the Elliotts launched a summer camp at High Castle, a lodge on the low ridge that separates Saunders Meadow from Idyllwild village. The camp’s popularity outgrew the premises, and in 1937 it moved to a site near Herkey Creek above Lake Hemet. Then in 1940 the Elliotts leased 40 acres on Saunders Meadow, a locale so inviting that in 1944 they bought it. To reduce the expense of maintaining three locations, the desert properties were sold, and in 1946 Desert Sun School moved permanently to Idyllwild. Living facilities were built for students, and growth continued. In 1951 the school began a transition to a high-school program, ultimately discontinuing course work below 8th-grade level. Purchase of surrounding lots and homes expanded the campus over the years to 93 acres. Desert Sun seems especially compatible

Desert Sun School

Above, students hard at work in the school’s study hall. Below, Edith and Richard Elliott in 1956.PHOTOS COURTESY IDYLLWILD AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Tiny campus blossoms in Coachella Valley, expands to 93 acres in San Jacinto Mountains


54710 N. Circle Drive, Suite 3 Idyllwild, CA 92549Call or Text for Appointment.

idyllwild-wellness-waters-and-massage.com

founders, Edith and Richard Elliott, and Edker and Blanche Pope, a couple whose financial support was keeping it afloat. Nevertheless, enrollment continued to decline, finally forcing Elliott-Pope to close its doors in 1990. The campus was sold to Guided Discoveries Inc., whose Astrocamp now brings thousands of California schoolchildren to Idyllwild each year by offering short-term sessions around the calendar. Still, crowds of fiercely loyal Desert Sun and Elliott-Pope alumni, whose lives were shaped during teenage years spent in this stunningly beautiful location, continue to return for campus reunions. To mark the most recent reunion, the Idyllwild Area Historical Society has mounted an exhibit on the school’s history, which can be viewed in the museum at North Circle Drive and Oakwood Street on weekends between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Main photo: summer campers; Above: students in the horsemanship program. PHOTOS COURTESY IDYLLWILD AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

with Idyllwild developer Claudius Lee Emerson’s original vision for Idyllwild as a family-friendly community. Affectionately known to all as “Edie” and “Dickie,” the Elliotts saw the boarding school as an extended family, fostering spiritual individuality, responsibility and moral values along with academic learning. This atmosphere appealed to parents with “difficult” children, but also to celebrities. The alumni roster became studded with such names as Sinatra, Lockheed, Linkletter, Astaire, Carmichael and Sellers. One of Desert Sun’s unique features was its horsemanship program. During the Mecca years many students owned their own horses, and the school acquired more for those who didn’t. Each student thus had a horse to care for throughout the year. Each summer the horses were ridden on a four-day trek to the designated camp site, an especially useful procedure during wartime rationing of gas and tires. This tradition led to construction of extensive stables and an arena at the Saunders Meadow campus. The school’s Riding Troop became a widely known, award-winning program. The horsemanship instructor for several years was Charlie Wise, a western film actor from the silent era, and after his death he was memorialized in an annual “Charlie Wise Day” gymkhana competition during the school’s Spring Festival. Richard Elliott retired from teaching in 1968, but remained a trustee and active participant in Idyllwild community affairs. Edith Elliott continued as director until 1971, when she retired shortly before her death. The financial hard times of the 1970s soon caught up with Desert Sun. By 1983 resident enrollment had fallen from its targeted 250 to 156. A decision was made to change the school’s name to The Elliott-Pope Preparatory School, honoring equally the

An Exceptional Wedding

760.285.5586www.anexceptionalwedding.com

[email protected]

Rev. Patty Spicer, Wedding OfficiantNon-denominational • Bilingual • LGBT • Vow Renewals

Serving the greater Palm Springs Area & beyond

EXCEPTIONAL CUSTOM CEREMONIES ...

F eaturing Your Love Story


By Jared DylanIdyllwild Awhile

Wine Shoppe & Bistro

Ritual is an important part of human behavior. Whether it be going to a specific barber or having a cigarette

after work ritual surrounds us everyday. One of my favorite beer styles, Kölsch, is surrounded in ritual. First off, Kölsch can only be named as such if it is from Cologne, Germany. Secondly, the serving of Kölsch is typically done in small 0.2-liter Kölsch glasses. A server at a traditional Kölsch bar in Germany will continuously serve

a customer with an empty glass whether they ask or not. Many waiters keep track by marking the customer’s coaster with one dash per beer. It isn’t atypical for one

individual to go through fifteen glasses in one sitting. Taking in the Rhine or enjoying the Cologne Cathedral over a few glasses of Kölsch is a common occurrence to visitors and locals. The style of Kölsch is pretty simple. Essentially, Kölsch is a lager that is brewed like an ale. It is typically fermented at around 60°F. After fermenting, it is often

Kölsch, the real “Champagne”

of beers

Coachella Valley Brew Company’s Kölschella. PHOTO COURTESY COACHELLA VALLEY BRE COMPANY

Pronunciation guide for English-speakers: “Cœllsh” (pronounce the “ö” like a French “œ” as in bœuf)*

A few local Coachella Valley Brewing Company purveyors:

¤ Ace Hotel, Palm Springs, CA ¤ Bar, Palm Springs, CA ¤ Beerhunter, La Quinta, CA ¤ Birba, Palm Springs, CA ¤ Chop House, Palm Springs, CA ¤ Club Trinidad/Purple Room, Palm

Springs, CA ¤ Desert Willow, Palm Desert, CA ¤ Desert Fox Bar, Palm Springs, CA ¤ Figue, La Quinta, CA ¤ Grind Burger Bar, Palm Springs ¤ Idyll Awhile, Idyllwild, CA ¤ Jackalope Ranch, Indio, CA ¤ Matchbox, Palm Springs, CA ¤ Parker Hotel, Palm Springs ¤ Rancho Las Palmas, Rancho

Mirage, CA ¤ Ricks Bar, Palm Springs, CA

¤ Saguaro, Palm Springs, CA ¤ Solana’s Bistro, La Quinta, CA ¤ Schmidy’s Tavern, Palm Desert, CA ¤ Smoke Tree Supper Club, Palm Springs ¤ Tilted Kilt, Palm Desert, CA ¤ The Hard Rock Hotel, Palm Springs, CA ¤ Woody’s, Palm Springs, CA ¤ Village Pub, Palm Springs, CA

lagered at cool temperatures for around a month. The ability to ferment it quickly has led to many craft breweries in America doing Kölsch style beers. The reason behind this is because lagers tend to take much longer to ferment. This means that lagers spend more time in the fermentation tanks, and the brewers aren’t able to produce new beers until fermentation occurs. Every day is money in the brewing world, so instead of doing traditional lagers many craft brewers save time and money by producing Kölsch. Like champagne, they can not refer to it as Kölsch, it must be labeled as Kölsch Style. Many breweries simplify it even further and just call the beer a blonde ale. We at Idyll Awhile consistently strive to serve authentic German style beers. Every October we have a German beer tasting where we pair Kölsch with an assortment of traditional German dishes. A local standout Kölsch comes from Coachella Valley Brewing Company in Thousand Palms. Their Kölschella, named after the valley, is the perfect easy drinking ale for the summer heat. Traditional flavors include those of grain, lemon grass and faint hops. The beer itself is straw colored with a crisp, refreshing mouthfeel. Kölschella is one of my favorite beers from what locals refer to as “CVB.” Come by and try Kölschella amongst some other great locally crafted beers.

“Kölsch” is a low-German word in the local dialect of the city of Köln (Cologne), in the Rhineland of Germany. The word has three meanings. As an adjective it means “Cologne-ish” as in: “The Cologne Cathedral is a very kölsch vista.” As a noun, Kölsch is the name for the local dialect itself as in: “She speaks fluent Kölsch.” Finally, the noun Kölsch is also the name for the local ale as in: “I believe I ought to order another Kölsch.” That’s why patrons in the pubs around that famous Cathedral joke that Kölsch is the only language in the world that you can also drink!

* SOURCE: http://www.germanbeerinstitute.com/K%F6lsch.html


A marketing photo for Reissdorf Kölsch shows the Cologne Cathedral in the background.PHOTO COURTESY REISSDORF

Idylll Awhile’s beer expert Jared Dillon.PHOTO BY JOHN PACHECO


T24 Hours in Idyllwild

Hiking along the Ernie Maxwell Trail, which starts at Humber Park.PHOTO BY JOHN PACHECO


By Jay Pentrack

where to stay: Thousand Trails Idyllwild Campground

Start by going online or calling Thousand Trails to book your one-night stay. A Cottage that sleeps up to 6 and features a queen size bed, a set of single bunks, dinette and sleeper sofa. The Cottage is also equipped with TV/Satellite, heat and air conditioning, pots, pans, dishes, utensils, cups, glasses, electric coffee makers, toasters, microwave, dish soap and paper towels, so you won’t need to worry about packing anything but what you’re planning to wear. The cost: about $124. Rates may vary depending on the date and day of the week you plan your stay. You can also bring along Fido! Once you get settled in and after breakfast at Thousand Trails’ on-site restaurant, check out the schedule of activities for the day with the Activities Director. The kids may want to participate in some of the children’s programs offered or just head over to the playground to climb, jump and do what kids do. Mom and Dad may want to take a dance class, play BINGO or just relax with the kids. If weather permits, a dip in the heated pool will insure that the kids sleep well while Mom and Dad enjoy some quiet

time gazing at the stars and reconnecting. Tip: Call in advance for a complete list of activities available during your visit. Plan dinner after an early evening stroll in the Idyllwild Village and some souvenir shopping; for a small town, Idyllwild has a great selection of restaurants - enjoy a delicious hamburger at the Lumber Mill Bar & Grill, traditional Mexican food at La Casita or Italian fare with a flare at La Bella Montagna. For dessert, stop by Idyllwild Ice Cream & Jerky for a soft serve, chocolate dipped cone, and finish the evening with a family movie at the Rustic Theatre. First thing in the morning, gather up the kids and take a hike! The Ernie Maxwell Trail is perfect for the entire family in that it is not too challenging or steep and everyone will enjoy the incredible views. Only 5 miles roundtrip, the family can opt for the full hike which takes about 2-1/2 hours at a leisurely pace or, if you have small children, you can take an abbreviated version so it is not too taxing. While 24 hours may not seem like a lot of time, you’ll be amazed at how much fun you can pack into your one-day vacation in Idyllwild. For families on a budget or busy professionals with limited time off, these short excursions are remarkably rejuvenating and a great bonding experience for the entire family.

At top: A friendly bear greets visitors to Thousand Trails.

PHOTO BY JENNY KIRCHNER

Above: A Lumber Mill cook mans the prepares fresh, delicious Mexican food. PHOTO BY JOHN PACHECO


By Shanna RobbArt Alliance of Idyllwild

Travel anywhere in the world and the mere mention of California conjures up images taken right out

of a Hollywood movie script. As a young girl from Wyoming, like many travelers before and after me, I imagined a state full of surfers, movie stars and palm trees. I was 15 years old the first time I visited California. Surprisingly, what I captured in my travel journal was a far reach from my dreamy imagination. In my journal recounted stories focused on the vast number of cars, shopping malls the size of my high school, and concrete jungles of towering buildings surrounded by a maze of freeways. What I noticed most during my travels to Southern California was the lack of trees, mountains, crystal blue sky and seasons. Then again, I had NOT yet been introduced to Idyllwild! I moved to Southern California in 1987 to finish college and in 1995 Idyllwild became part of my future. The instant I drove around the last curve leading into the center of Idyllwild, I felt at home. The pine trees and fresh mountain air were a welcome refuge from the push and pull of city life. I was instantly enamored by the town’s charm and artistic vibe. The hiking trails, stores, art galleries, inns, restaurants and people of Idyllwild offered me a blank pallet to create a colorful tapestry of memories. Nineteen years later, while Southern California is not known for having seasons,

medIdyllwild

Top: Carriage rides are sometimes offered in town on the weekends. Above left, the Art Alliance of Idyllwild’s Second Saturday Art Fair happens in the center of town every month. Center: Shoppers get smiles at Far East Gifts in the Fort. Right: Choose your flavor of gelato at Idyllwild Ice Cream and Jerky, next to the Rustic Theatre.

PHOTOS BY JOHN PACHECO


the seasonal changes in Idyllwild continue to refresh my inner being. One of my favorite times of the year is the transition from summer to fall, especially the months of September and October. As I have learned to expect, when it comes to fall, the town of Idyllwild presents a basket full of events for all types of interests. ‘Mountain Traditions’ quilt show The Idyllwild Mountain Quilters kick off the month of September with their 11th Annual Quilt Show on September 6th and 7th. This year’s theme is “Mountain Traditions” and will feature over 100 quilts. Unique to this year’s event, in addition to

the alpaca wool exhibition and local artist booths, the two-day event will showcase national winners of the Keepsake Quilts traveling show. Held at the Buckhorn Camp at 24641 Highway 243 from 10am-4pm, this collection of tapestry is worth the short trip up the hill.

Will in the Woods Just as captivating is the theatre performance of Will In The Woods by local theatre group, Stratford Players (www.stratfordplayers.com). Nestled in the woods, hence the name, local actors bring Shakespeare to Idyllwild September 6th/7th and 13th/14th. An intimate and affordable

The Mountain Quilters of Idyllwild host their annual quilt show in September. This year’s theme is “Mountain Traditions.” PHOTO BY JOHN PACHECO

The Stratford Players are set to perform another ”Will in the Woods” in September.PHOTO COURTESY STRATFORD PLAYERS

Top: The La Casita crew gets into the spirit during Idyllwild’s annual Halloween Parade and Pumpkin Carnival in the center of town.


Above: The Idyllwild Area Historical Society’s annual Home Tour features some incredible

mountain homes.PHOTO BY JENNY KIRCHNER


theatre experience that is never the same, the audience is cleverly weaved into the performance as it unfolds.

Historical Society Home Tour Speaking of experiences, the Idyllwild Area Historical Society (www.idyllwildhistory.org) is hosting their 2014 Idyllwild Home Tour on September 13. Opening doors to five private mountain homes, in addition to visiting the marvelous museum grounds, docents provide visitors a delightful glimpse at Idyllwild’s history – both past and present. Tickets for the home tour, a fourteen-year tradition, are available at the Idyllwild Monument located in the center of town starting at 9:30am on the morning of the tour.

2nd Saturday Art Fair Celebrating local art is the focus of the 2nd Saturday Art Fair hosted by the Art Alliance of Idyllwild (www.artinidyllwild.org). Held on September 13 and October 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., visitors receive artist direct pricing on original artwork including stained glass, jewelry, paintings, gords, tiles, photography, plus more. Held at the marvelous Idyllwild Community Center Park across from the Shell gas station, the fair is a treasure chest of talent and a gathering place for both locals and visitors to the hill.

Art Walk & Wine Tasting Art again takes center stage as the Art Alliance hosts their 17th Annual Art Walk

and Wine Tasting on Saturday, October 11th. This is their most popular event of the year and draws over a thousand visitors to our local galleries. Guests stroll the streets of Idyllwild with a keepsake wine glass to the ambiance of live music as they view special art exhibits. Each member gallery hosts one or more Southern California winery and offers a wide selection of gourmet cheese and crackers. With over 20 wineries planned for 2014, the event is the perfect opportunity to book reservations at one of Idyllwild’s

Phil Baily of Baily Winery pours during the 2012 Art Walk & Wine Tasting in front of Café Aroma. PHOTO BY JENNY KIRCHNER

Kids, and adults alike, get excited when shopping at Remember When Toys in the Fort.PHOTO BY JOHN PACHECO

wonderful inns. Ticket information is available at www.artinidyllwild.org. Rounding out the calendar for September and October are two Idyllwild traditions. The Idyllwild American Legion Post 800 (www.post800.org) has been serving U.S. military veterans and their families since 1948. The American Legion’s Prime Rib Night is held the 1st Friday of every month from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. and is a fantastic way to support their mission. Equally deserving of your support is the Soroptimists International of Idyllwild. Serving the mountain for over 41 years, the Soroptimists will be hosting their Annual Basket Festival on Wednesday, October 22, at Buckhorn Camp (24641 Highway 243) starting at 5pm. In addition to the free spaghetti dinner given to attendees, a raffle will be held for nine baskets full of merchandise and adventure park passes. Proceeds from this delightful event provide scholarships for women and girls. Whether you live in Idyllwild or are visiting for the weekend, Idyllwild events aim to make everyone feel at home. For first time visitors, unlike my travel journal as a teenager, I can assure you that the only disappointing part of Idyllwild is leaving. Then again, look at the calendar for the upcoming events and you’ll see more than one reason to come back again and again!

Also, Idyllwild has a weekly paper – the Idyllwild Town Crier – that covers Hill cultural events and much more. You can find it online at idyllwildtowncrier.com. A weekly events calendar is posted there.


Modernism Week hosted in the desert February 12-22 has grown to become one of Palm Springs’ signature

events. The Modernism Fall Preview has also grown at break-neck pace resulting in an expanded program for the preview this year, October 10-13. “We’re excited to welcome the Modernism Show & Sale to this year’s Fall Preview,” says Lisa Vossler Smith, Executive Director of Modernism Week. “Thanks to their participation and the efforts of our local partner organizations, this weekend event has grown into a wonderful kick-off for Modernism Week in February that will be enjoyed by visitors and desert residents alike.” With 45 premier national and international vendors the Modernism Show & Sale promises to be an exciting addition to the schedule. The show will

include furniture, decorative and fine arts representing all design movements of the 20th century.

palm springs readies formodernism week

BY JAY PENTRACK

Modernism Week features desert architecture and design, such as the Frey House above.

PHOTO COURTESY MODERNISM WEEK


The weekend kicks off with “Aloha, Modernism Week: A Modern Beach Party with a Twist of Elvis,” an Elvis Themed beach party at the new Hacienda Cantina & Beach Club designed by Chris Pardo of Elemental Architecture. An outdoor terrace, bar, fire pits, expansive lawn area, and, oh yes, and an awesome swimming pool, and a free screening of Elvis’ 1961 hit, “Blue Hawaii” promise party-goers a night fit for a King (and Queen). Signature drinks and hors d’oeuvres, and dancing like you did in the good old days (remember the “Twist”?), will have you telling all of your friends back home the great time they missed. After all, what better souvenir is there than a memory? Breathtaking tours, a sneak peak of the Palm Springs Art Museum’s soon-to-open Architecture & Design museum, architectural walking and bike tours, double decker bus tours, and so much more make this year’s Fall preview a not-to-be missed addition to your Fall event schedule.

Modern-ism Week

Show & Sale. PHOTO COURTESY

MODERNISM WEEK

Modernism Week Retro Yard Sale. PHOTO COURTESY MODERNISM WEEK

A kitchen in one of the homes featured in the Modernism Week home tour.

PHOTO COURTESY MODERNISM WEEK

The show will open on Saturday, October 11 at 10 am with an exclusive “early bird” shopping preview until noon benefiting Modernism Week. Admission is $25 and includes return entry all weekend. Weekend show hours are Saturday from 12 – 6 pm and Sunday from10 am - 4 pm. Open to the public, regular admission to the show is $15.


The mission of Modernism Week is to celebrate and foster appreciation of midcentury architecture and design, as well as contemporary thinking in these fields, by encouraging education, preservation and sustainable modern living as represented in Palm Springs.

ARCHITECTURAL BUS TOURS

NIGHTLY PARTIES

MODERNISM SHOW & SALE

LECTURES AND FILMS

LIVE MUSIC

ARCHITECTURE TOURS

HOME AND GARDEN TOURS

OVER 150 EVENTS

TICKETS AND INFORMATION

modernismweek.comPresenting Sponsor Major Sponsor

FALL PREVIEWOCTOBER 10-13, 2014

Modernism Week is a California 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. Sponsors as of August 1, 2014. Photo by Dan Chavkin.

The First Annual Palm Springs Modernism Show & Sale – Fall Edition will feature 45 premier national and international dealers offering furniture, decorative and fine arts representing all design movements of the 20th century.

At left, the Palm Springs Visitor Center. PHOTO COURTESY ARTHUR COLEMAN PHOTOGRAPHY

Above, inside the Frey house in Palm Springs. PHOTO COURTESY MODERNISM WEEK


Friday, October 10thArchitectural Icons of Fashion and Finance Historical Walking Tour, Palm Springs, 9 am - 10 am, Cost: $35

Frank Sinatra’s Neighborhood – The Movie Colony Historical Walking Tour, Palm Springs, 9 am - 11 am, Cost: $35

Golden Era Hollywood Homes in Old Las Palmas Historical Walking Tour, Palm Springs, 9 am - 11 am, Cost: $50

Heart of the City Historical Walking Tour, Palm Springs, 9 am and 9:45 am, Cost: $35

Rat Pack Playground – Modernist Homes of Vista Las Palmas Historical, Palm Springs, 9 am - 11 am, Cost: $35

Tennis Club Neighborhood Historical Walking Tour, Palm Springs, 9 am - 10:30 am, Cost: $35

Stars and Star-chitects in Deepwell Historical Walking Tour, Palm Springs, 9 am - 11:30 am, Cost: $50

Modernism Week Premier Double Decker Architectural Bus Tour, Hilton Palm Springs, Calle Encilia Entrance, 1 pm, Cost: $75

Weekender Ticket Packages available.

Saturday, October 11thFrey House II Tours, Palm Springs Art Museum, Box Office, 8:30 am - 4:45 pm, Cost: $55 Tour, $120 Tour + Reception

Modernism Week Premier Double Decker Architectural Bus Tour, Hilton Palm Springs, Calle Encilia Entrance, 8:30 am - 1 pm, Cost: $75

Architectural Icons of Fashion and Finance Historical Walking Tour, Palm Springs, 9 am - 10:30 am, Cost: $35


Golden Era Hollywood Homes in Old Las Palmas Historical Walking Tour, Palm Springs, 9 am - 11:30 am, Cost: $50

Heart of the City Historical Walking Tour, Palm Springs, 9 am - 10:30 am, Cost: $35




Steel House #1 Tour, Palm Springs, 10 am - 1 pm, Cost: $50

Palm Springs Modernism Show & Sale – Early Buying Preview, Palm Springs Convention Center, 10 am - 12 pm, Cost: $25, Early Buying Preview

Mid-century Bike Ride, Ernest Coffee, 10 am - 1 pm, Cost: Free

Palm Springs Modernism Show & Sale – Fall Preview, Palm Springs Convention Center, 12 pm - 6 pm, Cost: $15

¡Bienvenidos Modernistas!, Architecture and Design Cente, 6 pm - 8 pm, Cost: $75, $100

Sunday, October 12thModernism Yard Sale, Paul Kaplan Group, Parking Lot, 8 am - 1 pm, Cost: Free

Frey House II Tours, Palm Springs Art Museum, Box Office, 8:30 am - 4:45 pm, $55 Tour, $120 Tour + Reception

Modernism Week Premier Double Decker Architectural Bus Tour, Hilton Palm Springs, Calle Encilia Entrance, 8:30 am - 1 pm, Cost: $75

Architectural Icons of Fashion and Finance Historical Walking Tour, Palm Springs, 9 am - 10:30 am, Cost: $35






palm springs modernism schedule of events

The Modernism Week tour bus. PHOTO COURTESY MODERNISM WEEK



Lost, Saved & Endangered: Modernist Architecture in Palm Springs, Palm Springs Woman’s Club, 314 South Cahuilla Road, Palm Springs, 10 am - 12 pm, Cost: Free, Reservations required at [email protected]

Palm Springs Modernism Show & Sale – Fall Preview, Palm Springs Convention Center, 10 am - 4 pm, Cost: $15

The Salton Sea…Beautiful, Intriguing and Weird, Check-in location: Rancho Mirage Library, 4 pm - 6 pm, Cost: $45

“THE GOOD LIFE > Palm Springs,” a book signing with Nancy Baron, Just Modern, 5 pm - 7 pm, Cost: Free

Frey House II Tours, Palm Springs Art Museum, Box Office, 8:30 am - 4:45 pm, Cost: $55 Tour, $120 Tour and Reception




Inns, Architecture & Glamour Historical Walking Tour, Palm Springs, 9 am - 11 am, Cost: $35


Modernism Week Premier Double Decker Architectural Bus Tour, Hilton Palm Springs, Calle Encilia Entrance, 9 am - 11:30 pm, Cost: $75

Open for Dinner Nightly at 5 p.m. Days and hours vary by season.

Closed June 29-August 28, 2014

440 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA

760-325-4556

F

INALIST

®

www.JohnnyCostasPalmSprings.com

Serving the Desert for Over 38 Years! Family Owned and Operated

PHOTO BY JON EDWARDS

Getting ready for the Modernism Week bike tour. PHOTO COURTESY MODERNISM WEEK

Interview by Jay Pentrack

We were introduced to Marvin Cohn by the owner of First Gallery in the Atrium Design

Center in Rancho Mirage. We stopped in one day and were pleased to meet the owner, Art Hall, who told us all about Marvin Cohn and the party he had hosted at the gallery for 102-year-old Marvin over Father’s Day. There are many reasons I wanted to introduce you to Marvin – in large part, because I believe he can be an inspiration to us all. His wealth of knowledge about the world, a world that has changed so dramatically during his lifetime, is remarkably not jaded; and the lessons he imparts by virtue of those experiences, always tempered with kindness and consideration for his fellow man, give hope in a, sometimes, hopeless world. Through his words, his art and his actions, Marvin’s message is a loving and simple one – live by the Golden Rule. Many thanks to Art Hall for introducing us to Marvin and his daughter Barbara.

P2P: When and where were you born?Marvin: New York City, 1912

P2P: Did you go on to college? Marvin: City College of NY

P2P: Did you study art?Marvin: No...

P2P: What career did you pursue?Marvin: I was in the retail and wholesale hosiery business. I didn’t begin painting until the 1950’s…always as a hobby, but surely one I continue to love.

P2P: Whom, when, and where did you marry? How did you meet?Marvin: I married Rose Cohen who became Rose Cohen Cohn (Note my name is Cohn, without an e,) We were 17 when we met at a basketball game followed by a dance at the Bronx YMHA (Young Men’s Hebrew

See Cohn, page 46

Marvin CohnArtistic and

active at 102

Above, Marvin Cohn paints in his art studio one recent afternoon. At left, Cohn’s work (on display in his home) includes sculpture and por-traits of his daughter, left, and wife Rosie, right.

PHOTOS BY JAY PENTRACK



ADOPT • FOSTER • VOLUNTEER • DONATE • BELIEVE

Friends of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter is a non-profit organization dedicated to building a community responsible for pet stewardship and humane treatment of animals.

The Palm Springs Animal Shelter is located at:4575 E. Mesquite Avenue, Palm Springs, CA 92264

Phone: 760-416-5718

psanimalshelter.orgFriends of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization.


CohnCONTINUED FROM PAGE 44

Association). I walked Rosie home and we eloped 3 years later on June 10, 1933 and were married by a Rabbi 6 months later, this time with our families in attendance, on January 7th, 1934. We were wed for 79 lovely years.

P2P: Was your spouse an artist and/ or supportive of your work?Marvin: She didn’t consider herself an artist, though she dabbled with sculpture and my family enjoys several beautiful marble sculptures that she left us.

P2P: How many children do you have? Marvin: I have two daughters. Both have made some beautiful paintings. My daughter, Barbara Keller, who lives in the desert, believes her sister, Carole Sheppard, is the best artist in the family. Barbara is a Vice Chair of the Palm Springs Art Museum and was a docent there for 18 years.

P2P: What media do you work in?Marvin: Currently, I paint in oils. In the past I have used acrylics and pastels and I’ve created many sculptures using both marble and clay.

P2P: What would you call your artistic style?Marvin: Varied

P2P: Do you have any tips for longevity – what are your secrets?Marvin: I have great genes. My dad lived to his late nineties. My brother is 104. I don’t eat green vegetables!

P2P: Please describe a typical day for you.Marvin: I paint and I read every day, typically 3-4 books a week. I exercise 2 to 3 days a week.

P2P: I understand you are an avid reader – who are some of your favorite authors?Marvin: David Baldacci, Tom Clancy, Daniel Silva, James Patterson; I love foreign intrigue novels.

P2P: I understand that you paint almost every day. What are you working on currently?Marvin: I’m painting an homage to a Pablo Picasso piece called WOMAN WITH A BOOK.

P2P: Any advice you’d like to offer to kids growing up in today’s world?Marvin: When I get older, I’ll give advice!...but I can tell you that I’ve always tried to live by the golden rule.

A party in honor of Cohn took place last Father’s Day at the First Gallery in the Atrium Design Center in Rancho Mirage. Attendees included Congressman Raul Ruiz, shown above with

gallery owner Art Hall, and Kay Ballard (musical theatre and television actress, comedienne and singer), below. PHOTOS COURTESY BARBARA KELLER

“I have great genes. My dad lived to his late

nineties. My brother is 104. I don’t eat green vegetables!”


By Barbara Keller

Max Marvin Cohn was born in New York City to Frieda and Sam on May 16, 1912. He was the baby

in the family with one big brother, Arthur. Both were great students and good kids…well perhaps excepting the time Maxie cut a hole in the lapel of his new suit to make a good home for a small white flower. And, oh, yes, there was also that morning he complained about his cereal until his exasperated mom ceremoniously dumped it on his head, hoping to prevent further food grumbles. Nonetheless, much to the dismay of many, little Maxie grew up with an aversion to green vegetables. The family finally stopped nagging him as he entered his 90s, more than 12 years ago. At 17, Max changed his name to Marvin and met Rosie Cohen at a basketball game/dance. He walked her home, and they wed twice three years later, first eloping and again in 6 months after the marriage certificate was discovered. Then the Rabbi was summoned and a party followed. They lived in near marital bliss for 79 years. There was, of course, the time Marvin was called to serve in the navy during World War II and a Japanese plane flew into his ship, killing many of its crew. There was also the loss of family, friends and an occasional bout with pneumonia along the way, but most memories bring huge smiles. There was the birth of Carole in 1935 and of Barbara in ’43. There were the marriages…okay, more of those than planned…and the thrill of the grandchildren, their marriages… and the birth of great grandchildren. There were the multiple trips to Europe, Asia and South America. There was Dunkirk Hosiery Company and the retail stores. There were the scores of dear friends whose names sit on the wall in Marvin’s home as contributors to gifts for the 50th anniversary, the 60th, the 70th. In the 1950s, while still living on 189th St. in Queens, NY, Marvin began painting, mostly scenes of streets in France, a country he and Rosie had never visited, but one where they would subsequently spend

Marvin Cohn: A

Daughter’s Tribute

several weeks each summer for many years. His interest in making art would continue through the many years that Marvin and Rose lived in Great Neck, NY, in Lake Worth, Florida and even while staying at my home in Vence, France. In fact, Marvin continues to paint and work with pastels in his home in Rancho Mirage at 102. Marvin and Rose both enjoyed classes in sculpture and Marvin took an occasional painting class, as well. He would often sit with a pencil and sketchpad and fill books with portraits of friends and family and drawings of beautiful women. Big brother, Arthur, is now 104. He and Max (yes, he’s still Maxie to his big brother) Skyped to celebrate their birthdays, the 15th and 16th of May. Marvin paints or works with pastels nearly every day, reads 3 or 4 books a week, does several crossword puzzles a day, exercises a few times a week, and works on his IPad and his computer, where he creates personalized birthday cards. He’s an inspiration and a joy to absolutely everyone who meets him.

Father and daughter: Max Cohn with Barbara Keller.PHOTO COURTESY OF BARBARA KELLER

In the 1950s, while still living on 189th St. in Queens, NY, Marvin began painting, mostly

scenes of streets in France, a country he and Rosie had never visited, but

one where they would subsequently spend several weeks each

summer for many years.


Barbara initiated her enchantment with the Palm Springs Art Museum as a docent in the mid 90’s and is

a Trustee, serving as Vice Chair. She is past president of the Museum Associates Council and has acted as chair for key Museum fundraising events, in addition to chairing the Councils Committee. Barbara co-chaired the 75th anniversary gala of the Museum in 2014. Barbara has been a trustee of Jewish Family Service of the Desert and has served as an Honorary Chair of her gifted friend Michael Childers’ event, One Night Only, since 2008. Barbara is Campaign Chair of the Anti-Defamation League and on the Advisory Board of The Sunshine Circle, an organization pairing local Holocaust Survivors with teenagers. She has also served on the board of the McCallum Theatre. Barbara also serves on the Board of the Desert Aids Project, for which she has proudly co-chaired the Steve Chase Honorary Awards Gala 4 times and is vigorously at work on 2013 with Jim Casey

and team. She is also co-chair of Dinner At My Place with Steve Kaufer. Barbara and her husband, Jerry, found themselves owners of Acqua Pazza California Bistro in Rancho Mirage. They opened another bistro in Palm Springs in the summer of 2011, which they call LULU, Acqua Pazza’s very sexy sister. Using Acqua Pazza and LULU to help charities is one of the greatest joys of ownership. In addition, they recently opened Bistro 60, a restaurant at the Trilogy in La Quinta. Barbara received the 2010 Outstanding Volunteer Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Barbara and Jerry received the 2011 Distinguished Citizens of the Year Award in Rancho Mirage. In Spring, 2011, Barbara was the recipient of the Portia Yerxa Philanthropy and Cultural Heritage Award at Cabot’s Pueblo Museum in Desert Hot Springs and of the Vi Felix Award for Outstanding Service from Jewish Family Service of the Desert. Barbara was honored with the Athena Award in Palm Springs and with a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Fame

My Name ______________________________Phone__________________________________Address ________________________________City, State & Zip _________________________* E-mail ________________________________

Subscribe to Palms to Pines Magazine

$30 for 1 year (6 editions)

n YES! Sign me up for a subscription to Palms to Pines Magazine today! (Palms to Pines Magazine is published bi-monthly. Only available in the U.S.)

Amount:____________ n Check enclosed, ORCharge My: n VISA n MasterCard n Discover n AMEX Card Number _____________________ Expires CVV

Clip and mail to the Town Crier, P.O. Box 157, Idyllwild, CA 92549. Or call toll-free 1-888-535-6663 • Local (951) 659-2145



SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 | Vol. 1 No. 3

palmstopinesmagazine.com

COMPLIMENTARY

Magazine


Fall Preview

Vines toPinesThe 2014 Art Walk& Wine Tasting

and she is the recipient of the Jackie Lee Houston Broken Glass Philanthropy Award granted by Palm Springs Women in Film and Television. Barbara and Jerry were recognized for their business acumen by the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce and with the Gloria Greer Inspiration Award by the AIDS Assistance Program. Barbara will be the recipient of the Humanitarian Award given by Equality California on October 18, 2014.

About Barbara Keller

Barbara KellerPHOTO COURTESY DESERT AIDS PROJECT


There are plenty of reasons to plan a visit to Morongo Casino • Resort • Spa; the Oasis Pool with its sandy

beach, two Jacuzzi’s, waterslide and lazy river. (You can even rent private poolside cabanas for a more intimate experience); the 24/7 gaming with exciting promotions; and the entertainment – concerts, Vibe Nightclub, and the Pit Bar. Its location is also a bonus, just off the I-10 freeway between Banning and Palm Springs. Dining choices abound at Morongo from their food court to fine dining, and everything in between. If there is a picky eater in your family or group, this is the perfect place to bring them! Let’s start at the top – Cielo sits high atop the Morongo Casino on the 27th floor and offers stunning views of the valley below and the mountains that surround it. Sunsets are particularly beautiful, and the chandeliers that slowly

Cielo at the top of Morongo. Below, enjoying the Natural 9 Noodle Company.PHOTOS COURTESY OF MORONGO CASINO

Morongo Casino – let’s eat!


change colors add a warm and inviting ambiance. With a “Californian” approach to fine dining, the menu is inspired by traditional steak and seafood fare, but allows you to be as adventurous as you dare offering both simple steak and seafood dishes and contemporary fare for guests with a more daring palate. The wine list is impressive – featuring wine’s along the Pacific Coasts, globally. Cielo is perfect for impressing a business associate (or date), celebrating a special occasion, or just because you deserve it. Service is a hallmark at Cielo – you won’t be disappointed. Serrano is open 24 hours for those late night or early morning diners. The house specialties are slow-roasted prime rib and delicious fresh salads, but they also serve breakfast all day long. The extensive menu includes many breakfast favorites - Pancakes, French Toast, Eggs Benedict, Omelets’, and Bacon (or Steak) and Eggs. The lunch menu offers some great salads, sandwiches and burgers, plus a “Kid’s Menu”. Lots and lots of dinner options and wine and cocktails are also available. Portrero Canyon Buffet – Journey to

Mexico, Italy, Cape Cod, and Asia without ever boarding a plane! Portrero Canyon Buffet features international delicacies, always fresh and made-to-order as you watch by their talented chefs. Daily specials make for an exciting experience every time you dine. Don’t miss Mariachi Mondays – delicious Mexican cuisine; Thursdays – a royal seafood buffet; Fridays – Taste of Asia; Prime Rib Saturdays and an incredible brunch on Sundays. And every day you’ll enjoy the salad and pasta bar, carving and grills stations, wood-fired pizza and an oh so decadent dessert bar! Come hungry. T&T – Tacos & Tequila – This

place rocks! Great cocktails, entertainment and great Mexican food. The Carne Asada, Al Pastor and Alambre tacos are so good you’ll find it difficult to stop eating! Round out the party with a vast selection of 100% Blue Agave tequilas specialty cocktails and margaritas and the energetic party atmosphere make for a great evening with family and friends! Sunset Bar & Grill – located outside by the Lazy River, the Sunset Bar & Grill

provides four star, four diamond style service and a mouth-watering food menu offering salads, some of your favorite appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, and even some healthy options. The inventive drink menu is truly impressive! Rounding out the food offerings at Morongo are the Natural 9 Noodle Company, and the Food Court, featuring Fatburger, Nathan’s, Panda Express, and the LA Italian Kitchen. Häagen-Dazs is on hand to satisfy your ice cream craving! Bon appétit, buen apetito, guten Appetit, buon appetito. Good Times!

T&T, Tacos & Tequila, is always a good time. Below, another Cielo view.PHOTOS COURTESY OF MORONGO CASINO


By David Gonzales

alm Springs is known worldwide for its weather. Locals will attest to the fact that for about 9 months a year the

desert enjoys some of the best weather in the world. Average temperatures by month (high/low), according to usclimatedata.com are: September – 102/72; October – 91/62; November – 78/52; December – 69/44; January – 71/45; February – 74/48; March – 80/52; April – 88/57; May – 96/64; June – 104/71; July – 108/78; and August – 107/78. Visitors from near and far flock to the desert primarily for the weather but also for the world class dining, entertainment, lodging and events. Once known as a retirement mecca, the advent of the internet and with it, the ability to work from almost anywhere created somewhat of a boom in Palm Springs of younger, upwardly mobile professionals. With an airport literally minutes from downtown Palm Springs, travel is a breeze.

Before the precautions instituted post-9/11, the Palm Springs International Airport even had a putting green where duffers could kill time waiting for their flight with their friends and/or family. And while things have changed, it is still one of the easiest airports in the world to fly into or out of. And there are plenty of flights - currently, the airport has eleven airlines that connect to hundreds of cities worldwide. With more and more people moving to Palm Springs and the Desert Cities, traffic has increased, but not anywhere near the extent residents in urban areas experience daily. For a local, being 10-15 cars back at a stoplight is considered traffic; this depends, of course, on your commute. Self-employed and working at home, as I do, is the best; doing business in my swim trunks while lounging by my swimming pool is not uncommon. Unlike more densely populated areas, parking is not nearly the exercise in frustration experienced in larger urban areas. You can find a space without driving around block after block while making sure the parking permit you have matches the parking area. AARGH! Now that you know some of the reasons

A day in the life of PHOTOS COURTESY

PALM SPRINGS BUREAU OF TOURISM


“why” folks live in or move to Palm Springs, let’s talk about an average day in my life.

Morning Koffi Whether you have a 9 to 5 job or work at home, most locals have their favorite morning coffee stop. Mine is Koffi, a local business that expanded from one small store to three. My favorite location is on North Palm Canyon, it has a large grassy outdoor area and I can bring my dogs along for the ride. For donuts, the Swiss Donut on Sunrise Way is also (unfortunately) a frequent stop. On weekends, I go for the “BIG” breakfast; a few favorites are Elmer’s on East Palm Canyon (their German Pancake is amazing), or Bit ‘O Country on Indian Canyon – good, down home cooking. When my kids are visiting, IHOP on Ramon and Palm Canyon is a favorite; nothing beats a good stack of pancakes to start your day.

Morning Attitude Adjustment Back home with my Koffi fix, I sit on my patio with my dogs and enjoy a perfect view of the San Jacinto Mountains. I marvel at how it rises so dramatically from the desert floor. As the sun moves across the mountain, shadows create shapes, much like clouds, that look like a Native American chief, a witch, and, at times, any variety of animals.

The beauty and mystery of those mountains always intrigue and inspire me.

The Work Day Begins If it’s a work day, about 8am, I bring my laptop outside, make some calls, send and read emails, and set appointments. Around lunchtime, 3-4 days a week, I head to the gym, my favorite is Gold’s Gym off of Ramon, but there are a lot of seriously great gyms in the area. After 30-45 minutes of cardio and some weights, I head home, jump in my pool to cool off and then head for the shower. Some days, I head over to the driving range and hit a bucket of balls or I go for a walk around the neighborhood. Most days I finish work about 5 or 6pm then I head out for Happy Hour with friends.

Happy Hour Located downtown on Arenas and Palm Canyon, is LULU. I prefer wine and they have a great selection, by the bottle or by the glass. If I’m a bit sluggish, I go for the Espressotini – it’s made with Grey Goose Vodka, Bailey’s, a shot of espresso, sugar and fresh cream. I like the kick! I also like the Happy Hour at Trio on North Palm Canyon. The prices are good, the drinks are good, and there is always an interesting, fun crowd. If I haven’t chowed down on too many appetizers, I decide what to do for dinner.

Dinner There are a ton of restaurants to choose from in Palm Springs, let alone the entire desert. Many Palm Springs locals I know stay close to home for dinner. Driving to Palm Desert or La Quinta, for many of us, is just too much effort, especially on a weekday. I love Italian food, so Johnny Costa’s is definitely a favorite. The servings are large and the menu is traditional Italian. For Mexican food, I like El Mirasol on Palm Canyon; it’s been a favorite of mine for a long time because the food is consistently good. My favorite appetizer is the Queso Fundido, my favorite meal is the Chicken Mole (Pollo en Mole Poblano). For fine dining, I like the Chop House – best steak I’ve had in the desert so far. And if I just want a great burger, I go to Woodies on Indian Canyon. Some nights I stick around for the incredible jazz at their club in the back of the restaurant. If you’ve never been, prepare to be impressed; Rose Mallett, the Stanley Butler Band, the Smooth Brothers and many others make for a really cool night daddy-o. For sushi, I head to Margaritas on Avenida Caballeros – it’s a Mexican and

Japanese restaurant, seriously. If you want a California Roll and a burrito, you can order it. On those rare occasions I actually have a date, I’ll head to Shame on the Moon in Rancho Mirage or Cielo at Casino Morongo, they never fail to impress. When I cook at home, I head to the Fresh n’ Easy store on Sunrise Way; they have some great quick meals for single guys. Sounds boring, right? But it’s a good boring. A huge departure from the hectic City life I lived for many years. Here, the sun shines almost continuously – many locals actually pray for rain – and the pace is a lot different from the big city. During the summer, which I consider July to mid-September, if you’re financially able, you get out of the desert - a lot of us head to Idyllwild, just an hour away but a whole lot cooler. Their free summer concert series on Thursdays at the Community Center Park is hugely popular; I look forward to it every year. Locals bring along the kids, the dogs, a picnic basket, and dance to the amazing line-up of artists that perform. (Two of my favorites this year were Bohemio, an amazing Santana cover band and New Orleans’ own Lisa and the Zydekats.) During season, there’s a lot going on in Palm Springs – concerts, fundraisers, and parties – so you can pretty much be as active and social as you choose. The clubs and casinos around town offer some great entertainment and much of it is free. On Thursday nights there is VillageFest where vendors line the street along Palm Canyon – it’s always fun and you can find some great deals on really cool art, furnishings, produce, nuts, and one-of-a-kind treasures.

Recreation Hiking the Indian Canyons is breathtaking and also educational for the kids. Wet ‘n Wild Waterpark is a great place to relax and let the kids run wild; and when I have company in town, I always take them for a ride on the Palms Springs Aerial Tramway. The McCallum Theater and the local casinos have an impressive line-up of talent and the ticket prices are not prohibitive. Unlike attending concerts at the Bowl or Greek Theater, getting to venues in the desert and finding parking is low stress. And afterwards, there isn’t the mad dash to the car to try and leave before the crowd does. How cool is that? For me the desert has everything I enjoy golf, hiking, biking, art, music, theater, or just kicking it by a pool – life is so much simpler here.


Palm Springs Cultural Art Food & Wine FestivalSept 13 - Sept. 14888 Tahquitz Way, Palm Springswww.palmspringsculturalafwf.com

Cinema DiverseSept. 18-21Camelot Theaterwww.cinemadiverse.org

American Heat Biker WeekendOct. 10 - Oct. 12www.roadshowsreno.com/american_heat.php

Modernism WeekPalm Springs and desert citiesOct. 10-13www.modernismweek.com

Third Annual Family Fun Day featuring Aga-BoomOct. 19McCallum Theater73000 Fred Waring Dr, Palm Desertwww.mccallumtheater.com

Morongo Casino Resort & SpaSept. 19, Engelbert HumperdinckOct. 3, Thunder From Down UnderOct. 24, Paquita la del Barrio49500 Seminole Dr. • Cabazon800-252-4499 or 951-849-3080www.morongocasinoresort.com

Flying Aviation ExpoOct. 30 - Nov.2www.aviation-xpo.com

Palm Springs VillagefestPalm Canyon Drive, Palm SpringsSept.7 pm to 10 pmOct. through May 6 pm to 10 pmwww.villagefest.org

Certified Farmer’s MarketOpen Saturdays thru Sept. 20, 2014Palm Springs Pavillion401 S. Pavillion Way, Palm Springswww.certifiedfarmersmarket.org

Desert Events September– October 2014The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is open year-round, with winter activities including cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing once it snows in the high county.

PHOTO COURTESY PALM SPRINGS BUREAU OF TOURISM

The Retro Yard Sale, part of Modernism Week.PHOTO COURTESY MODERNISM WEEK


RIDG

EVIEW D

R.

RIVER DRIVE

NO

RTH

C

I RC

LE D

RI V

E

ALDERWOOD ST.

FIR ST.

OAKWOOD ST.

CEDAR ST.

Idyllwild Nature Center

25225 Highway 243 n

PINE

CRE

ST A

VE.

SOUTH

CIRC

LE D

R.

SOUTH CIRCLE D

R.

The Fort

State Park Campground

County Park Campground

VILLAGE CENTER DR.

To Humber Park

I D Y LL W

ILD

SH

OPPI N

G D

I STRI C

T

PARK LN.

New Community Playground

COUNTY PARK ROAD

PINE

CRE

ST A

VE.

FERN

VALLEY

RD.

n

n Strawberry

Creek Plaza

The Village of Idyllwild

Desert Cities10

111

86

74

West P

alm

Sp

rings

Palm

Sp

rings C

ath

edra

l City

Ranc

ho

Mira

ge

India

n Wells

Thous

and

Pa

lms

La Q

uint

a

Indio

Berm

uda

Dun

es

Dese

rt Hot

Sprin

gs

1011

1

WASHINGTON ST.

Palm

Dese

rtMONTEREY AVE.

DATE PALM DR.

GENE AUTRY TR.

VISTA

CHIN

O

PALM DR.

E. R

AM

ON R

D.

FRED

WARI

NG D

R.

PALM CANYON DR.


Palms to Pines Magazine, September 2014 1

Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa is more than just a hot spot to gamble, it’s a place to meet your friends. Enjoy a variety of exciting bars, casual dining and fine dining restaurants that are perfect for any gathering. Add to that our well-appointed hotel rooms, spacious suites and luxurious casitas; and you have the recipe for fun! Morongo’s casino floor pulsates 24/7 with exciting gaming action, great payouts, friendly and professional dealers and over 2,800 slot machines. You’ll also find all your favorite table games, including Pai Gow, 4 Card Poker, 3 Card Poker, EZ Baccarat and Blackjack. Morongo, just a short drive from wherever you are. Good Times!

888. WWW. .COM

June 2014 Palms To Pines 8.875 x 11.375.indd 9 4/23/14 11:46 AM

Larry BischofCalBRE# 01310589

For additional properties call or e-mail [email protected]

1-888-675-4025

ROOMY 4Nestled on a Pine Cove cul-de-sac, this homey home offers four Bedrooms w/two Master Suites for priva-cy. Pleasant breezeway entry separates the two wings. Great Room boasts vaulted ceiling, pine paneled walls, imposing wood burner w/Dining area adjoin-ing the country Kitchen. Glass doors open to the front deck for ease of enjoyment and entertaining. Single car garage w/ fenced, child and pet friendly yard. Great week-ender or full time. A real cutie worth a look. $210,000

LOOKOUTExquisite three story romantic log hideaway on over 1/3 acre. Forever Valley views from multiple decks. Main level Great Room w/soaring cathedral beamed ceiling, wood burner, private deck with sunrise/sun-set glow. Cozy kitchen opens to Dining area. Master includes private bath and roomy closets. Large loft accommodates Bedroom, Sleeping area and Sitting room/potential Office area. Entry lower level has cozy den, ambient fireplace, bonus room w/washer & dryer lots of storage and craft space. Fenced yard. A gem in the pines. $319,000

HOMESTEADEquestrian property with over 5, flat, usable acres. Lovingly maintained, single story, ranch style home w/vaulted entry through custom front door to large Living Room with cathedral, beamed ceiling, wall of built ins and windows offering San Jacinto mountain views. Entertaining Kitchen w/ lots of counter space, custom cabinets, island, all opening to Dining area and then out to spacious deck. Master plus two additional Bedrooms. Large 3 car garage includes workshop space. Charming covered front porch. Very private. $549,000

“Metropolitan Close ... Feels Like a Million Miles Away”

HILLTOPREALTY

Est. 1972A MOUNTAIN TRADITION

HARMONIOUS 4Incredible family view property-move in ready. Horse legal. Private on quiet cul-de-sac on 1.13 acres. Great Room on mail level w/impressive River Rock fireplace, Dining area adjacent to the spacious, well appointed Kitchen and pri-vate deck-perfect for indoor/outdoor entertaining. Master on this level w/bath, roomy closets and another private deck. Two more Bedrooms on lower level w/bath, deck and additional storage. The coup is the oversized, completely finished, detached garage and hobby/workshop. A rare find for that family who wants to enjoy the best of our moun-tain lifestyle. $369,000

CalBRE# 01367581

4

4

palms to pines magazine

Documents