Five Fun Things To Do When It’s 102°

Palm Springs Air Museum

By David A. Troesh

The Palm Springs Air Museum is one of the best-kept climate-controlled secrets in town. With nearly thirty lovingly restored, still-flyable planes, dozens of displays and one of the country’s best WW II research libraries, there is plenty to see and do.

Whether you flew in them or just saw them flash by in a movie, you’ll enjoy getting up close and personal with some of the planes that helped us win the war. Inching your way across the bomb bay of a B-17, you don’t need much imagination to hear “Bomb’s Away!” echoing from nearly seventy years ago.

The docents and staff take their “preserve, educate and honor” motto very seriously. You’ll hear great stories about the courageous pilots and the other heroes who fought for our freedom in both the European and Pacific war theaters. Everyone who visits develops a deeper appreciation of why World War II was such a pivotal turning point in our history. Learn more at www.palmspringsairmuseum.org.

College of the Desert Street Fair

College of the Desert Street Fair is open every Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. However, the coolest temperatures, the best deals and smallest crowds can be found before 9:00. For nearly 30 years local vendors, craftsmen and food merchants have gathered every week for this one-of-a-kind street fair. The 100-plus summertime vendors and booths mushroom to more than 300 in the winter. If you like to browse, seriously shop or just eat, there truly is something here for everyone. For more information see www.codstreetfair.net.

Cool breezes, shaded pools and majestic California Fan Palms are just moments from downtown Palm Springs at the Indian Canyons on the Aqua Caliente Indian Reservation. Ancestors of the Aqua Caliente Cahuilla Indians flourished here in the three lush oases of Palm Canyon, Andreas Canyon and Murray Canyons for centuries before the white man came. Today, remnants of their civilization are easy to find along the intermittent streams or miles of well-maintained hiking and horse trails. Learn more at www.indian-canyon.com

Palm Springs Tram

Go ye unto the mountains, lest you be consumed.Gn19:17. No matter the blistering heat on the desert floor or the time of day, a trip on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway guarantees a cooling 30 degree temperature drop. As the tram rises, the floor gently revolves to give you a 360 degree view of the canyon and out across the valley as it climbs up to the 8,516 feet mountain station terminus. At the top, stop by the gift shop and restaurant then wander out to enjoy a cool, peaceful walk on the self-guided nature or desert view trails. For the more adventurous, there are camping facilities and 54 more miles of mountain top trails. Learn more at www.pstramway.com.

Palm Springs Street Fair

The VillageFest in Downtown Palm Springs is like an old-fashioned small town street fair, only with far more class and style. Every Thursday night scores of vendors, craftsmen, musicians and artists gather to celebrate food, entertainment, art, and the fun of shopping. Most of the stores stay open to add to your experience. When you’ve finished exploring all the booths and unique shops, enjoy a relaxing meal or drink in one of the many restaurants or clubs along the famous Drive. Learn more at www.villagefest.org.

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