adventure // palm springs girls weekend

this past weekend i jetted out to palm springs for the night with two of my best girlfriends.  we had a fantastic lunch at matchbox in downtown palm springs, complete with yummy cocktails and lots of laughs.  we headed to the ace hotel for some pool time and relaxation.  it was the perfect afternoon - the sun was out, the djs were playing awesome reggae and laid back music, the drinks were refreshing and it wasn't so crowded you couldn't move.  after hours at the pool, we headed back to our hotel to freshen up for dinner and start our night out on the town.  i had such a great time with my girls that i don't get to see nearly as often as i would like.  it was so great to just relax and catch up with everything that is going on in our lives.  i'm already looking forward to the next time we can get together.

some helpful hints if you're headed to palm springs:

- if you don't want to spend $300 a night in peak season, book a room at a motel for less (we stayed at the vagabond inn for $60) and head to a nicer hotel for the day and to take advantage of their pool.  the ace will issue a pool and spa pass for the day for $20 and during the weekdays, you can use the saguaro's pool at no cost.  

- ask the locals where to eat and drink.  they know places that are less "touristy" and probably easier on your wallet.  we got lucky when we chatted with our waitress at lunch and she recommended a couple great places to eat and to have drinks.  

- if you don't want to stay in the middle of the action and are looking to really get away and relax, there are great hotels and resorts in palm desert and indio that offer quiet and relaxing atmospheres to allow you to escape the loud and rowdy pool parties at some of the "cooler" hotels in palm springs.