October 9, 2007

On the Road to Somewhere

Fall Road Trips

Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines.

Palm Springs 
That lucky old sun. Keep the rays coming at Colony Palms Hotel (572 North Indian Canyon Drive; 800-557-2187). After a $15 million renovation, the historic hang reopened in April. Check in for the pillowtop mattresses, Moroccan spa, and 30-foot pool; check out the Mediterranean-touched Purple Palm Restaurant for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and, of course, room service whenever you want.

Julian 
A little bit country, BYO rock and roll. About an hour north of San Diego, take over the rustic Artists’ Loft or one of the freestanding cabins at Strawberry Hill (artistsloft.com; 760-765-0765). The apple harvest is in full U-pick swing at Peacefield Orchard (3803 Wynola Road; 760-765-0530) and Raven Hill Orchard (1284 Julian Orchards Drive; 760-765-2431). It’s a Gold Rush-throwback kind of town, so pack provisions.

Baja 
Oh, down in Mexico. Skip the dog and donkey show in Tijuana for a Rosarito Beachy good time at Las Rocas Resort & Spa (888-527-7622). Surf the famous break out front or rejuv with a Baja Scrub using local seaweed and sea salt at the holistic spa. Down aways lies another wave-riders’ fave, La Fonda (52-646-155-0308), a boutique hotel, restaurant, and spa with 36 rooms and a brunch you don’t want to miss, amigo.

Aaaaaand they’re off.