By Matthew Hunt
Do you tire of the continuous hustle and bustle of Los Angeles? Our advice is to take short trip east and discover a little piece of heaven in the desert called La Quinta. Join the likes of everyone from Garbo to Madonna who have escaped to the ‘Gem of the Desert.’
I was treated to a few days in this great little city and found many reasons to return, such as The La Quinta Resort, which was opened in 1926. It was completely shut down during WW II. Since reopening there are now 796 rooms/villas, 90 holes of public golf, 41 swimming pools, 23 tennis courts, 11 shops, and 7 restaurants, not to mention the spa that features both indoor and outdoor treatment rooms.
If golf is your game of choice then Coachella Valley is the place to be. It features more than 120 golf courses, with some of the most famous located in La Quinta. One, the Pete Dye Traditions course features the infamous Alcatraz hole on 17.
The city for years to come will be known for the Arnold Palmer designed Silver Rock Resort. Not only does the resort offer unique golf courses and dining experiences, but it is also a popular place for weddings and other events.
In 2002 the city purchased the 525 acres with money from it redevelopment fund. This was part of the city’s economic develop plan to build a golf resort.
The La Quinta Redevelopment Agency and city of La Quinta plan to build a clubhouse and boutique hotel between 2009 and 2011. More golf courses and another 5 star resort hotel are soon to follow. The city’s goal is for the golf resort to generate more than 80 million dollars of revenue during its first decade.
One of the main reasons to visit the SilverRock Resort is the stunning view of watching your golf ball sail from tee to green, with the Santa Rosa Mountains as a backdrop, instead of traditional blue skies.
This is truly a golfer’s paradise. As was evident with the three gentlemen I played my round with. They had played 18 the day prior, were going to playing another 18 after we were done and then were planning to get in a final 18 before heading back to Chicago, Portland and San Diego. They were a dad and two sons spending their weekend in one of the best ways possible.
If you like shopping then Old Town is the place to be. It is a great place to shop, stroll and dine. However, you won’t find a Starbucks in this part of town. Only locally owned and operated shops, like the Old Town Coffee Company whose motto is “Where good Friends Meet Great Coffee.”
Aside from golfing and shopping La Quinta offers a lot of outdoor activities. The city has more than nine parks and several hiking trails.
For dinner you should check out the Hogs Breath Inn, operated by the Kaiser Restaurant Group. The food was flavorful, served in large portions and the presentation was great. The manager even took the time to stop by our table and explain everything on the menu that we were trying.
From the mayor to the patrons, everyone in La Quinta takes pride in their city.
In 1997 Marissa Kraupe, a high school student, wrote responded to the La Quinta Historical Society’s request for high school students to write poems about ‘How I can be a part of the La Quinta Story.’
Here is Kraupe’s response:
“I am the past, present and the future of La Quinta – reflected in each sunrise and sunset, the cactus blossoms of spring and the clear starry night skies.
I have lived here my entire life and wish to preserve the desert way. I have grown nurtured and been protected by our majestic Santa Rosas.
I open my heart and listen to the ancient wisdom of Cabuilla grandmothers and pleading
howls of Brother Coyote. I am a part of LA Quinta, just you, be proud, be strong and keep the magic alive in beauty… La Quinta.”
The mayor said that people who visit often say “oh let’s move to La Quinta.” They come to visit and fall in love with the city and all it has to offer. He said when he first came here he was just trying it out for a while and to get a feel for the city and its surroundings and he has been lived there ever since.
If the traffic and gas prices have you down then get lifted up and come relax in the ‘Gem of the Desert’ – La Quinta. I know I will!
For more information on the city or to plan your trip please visit: www.la-quinta.org and www.silverrock.org.
