Rimrock Ranch - Rustic Desert Getaway
Well, it's been a long, busy, stressful summer. So, Jen and I decided to take a little desert vacation over Halloween weekend. Our first thought was a cozy Palm Springs spa/retreat. Of course, now that fall is here, that was everyone else's first thought too. So instead, we visited our friend Jim Austin at his Rimrock Ranch cabins in Pioneertown.
Where's Pioneertown you ask? It's in the high desert about ten miles outside of Yucca Valley and about 30 minutes from Palm Springs. Pioneertown is a kitchy little main street of old west cabins and facades originally built to film westerns/cowboy tv shows during the 50's.
Rimrock Ranch is a small cluster of cabins surrounded by hills, rocks, funky art and Joshua Trees. Basically, it's a great place to unwind and relax. And it's cheap compared to anything you'll find in Palm Springs.
Sitting out in the evenings with a beer and a book in hand felt like being in the pages of a vacation magazine. The golden light coming in over the mountains was like magic. There's a whimsical and creative feel to the surroundings that can't help to put you in a good mood.
Once the sun goes down, there's not a lot to do, but not a lot doesn't mean that there's nothing to do. The local watering hole is the legendary bar Pappy & Harriet's. You can count on live music every weekend - the mix runs from hill-billy to avante-garde and everything in between. The food's great, the atmosphere's fun and everyone is welcome. It's the sort of place that musicians love so don't be surprised to see impromptu jam sessions and some of LA's best sitting in with the local band.
Finally, if you want a little adventure (or just some beautiful sightseeing), Joshua Tree National Park is about 30 minutes down the road. What you shouldn't plan on is business as usual - there's no cell service and forget about an internet connection. (There's the Starbucks in Yucca Valley if you must.) Once your feet hit that sandy gravel and you breathe in the clean desert air, you won't be thinking about that anyhow.
John
Where's Pioneertown you ask? It's in the high desert about ten miles outside of Yucca Valley and about 30 minutes from Palm Springs. Pioneertown is a kitchy little main street of old west cabins and facades originally built to film westerns/cowboy tv shows during the 50's.
Rimrock Ranch is a small cluster of cabins surrounded by hills, rocks, funky art and Joshua Trees. Basically, it's a great place to unwind and relax. And it's cheap compared to anything you'll find in Palm Springs.
Sitting out in the evenings with a beer and a book in hand felt like being in the pages of a vacation magazine. The golden light coming in over the mountains was like magic. There's a whimsical and creative feel to the surroundings that can't help to put you in a good mood.
Once the sun goes down, there's not a lot to do, but not a lot doesn't mean that there's nothing to do. The local watering hole is the legendary bar Pappy & Harriet's. You can count on live music every weekend - the mix runs from hill-billy to avante-garde and everything in between. The food's great, the atmosphere's fun and everyone is welcome. It's the sort of place that musicians love so don't be surprised to see impromptu jam sessions and some of LA's best sitting in with the local band.
Finally, if you want a little adventure (or just some beautiful sightseeing), Joshua Tree National Park is about 30 minutes down the road. What you shouldn't plan on is business as usual - there's no cell service and forget about an internet connection. (There's the Starbucks in Yucca Valley if you must.) Once your feet hit that sandy gravel and you breathe in the clean desert air, you won't be thinking about that anyhow.
John
