Palm Springs just keeps climbing on my list of favorite places. It's a unique desert respite that offers the substance and change of pace that people are increasingly seeking on their vacations as a break from this world of hyper connectivity and over stimulation.

While many might identify Palm Springs as a destination for retired folks, well, it is. But if there's one thing I know about older people, it's that they don't waste time on bullshit - so if they're going there en masse, then it must be legit.

So next time you go, try the "ingredients" below which contributed to a great trip that Jenny and I just enjoyed and I guarantee you'll have a great time. Also, toss your own recommendations my way in the comments so we can try them out on our next trip!

INGREDIENTS

- Enjoy the Drive: An easy Saturday morning drive with zero traffic while stopping anywhere that piques your interest along the way sets the tone for an easy-going weekend. Like a nostalgic visit to Dowlings Orchards's roadside shack to grab some family-farmed snacks like my late Grandparents used to do over the last several decades on the countless trips from AZ to CA to see us.

- Moorten's Botanical Garden: Stop in at this historic botanical garden that opened in 1938 for a blast from the past and a collection of curious cacti that legitimately look like they came from another planet - maybe they did?

- Bicycles: Drive right down the street from the gardens and jump on a tandem bike for a couple hours and ride it around town. Depending on how hot it is and how thirsty you are, you can check out the cool architecture that is tucked away throughout Palm Springs' neighborhoods...or go bar hopping.

- Book A Sweet AirBnB: Like this one. It was perfect: we stayed in the casita. The pool was great. They had a cabana that we set up in with some tunes, a couple cold ones, some reading material and an excellent mountain view. We couldn't ask for a better afternoon under the last couple of hours of sunshine in the day.

- Dinner and a Drink: Palm Springs has quite the culinary scene. After a long consultation with the Google, we decided to enjoy a cocktail at the Draughtsman before walking next door for some tasty cauliflower tacos at Reservoir. Both places we're great - laid back, good service and good food/drink.

- Waterfall Hike: Sunday morning started with a cup of coffee and a light breakfast to prep for the not so difficult 2-mile hike along a creek through Tahquitz Canyon to see the surprisingly vibrant falls at the end of the trail. This hike is a stunning example of a true oasis in the middle of the desert. Gorgeous terrain and a difficulty level that is suitable for most, including kids and older folks. Who would have thought there was a natural waterfall in Palm Springs?

- Lunch with Friends: Before we departed, we grabbed a little lunch with family friends who live in the area at the Tommy Bahama restaurant in Palm Desert. We sat on the covered deck amidst some cool desert rain and enjoyed the afternoon. It goes without saying, but never underestimate the fulfillment a phone-free lunch with great conversation will bring you.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Jenny and I have done a couple of trips to Palm Springs now over the past few years and every time we go, we ask ourselves "why we don't visit more often?"

There's something about the place that gently forces you into a change of pace. There just seems to be more attention to detail in so many areas that you have to slow down and appreciate what's in front of you - be it the unique architecture, the muted desert browns and pinks or the culinary offerings. Perhaps the biggest surprise is the natural landscape that looks boring on the surface, but is full of wonder upon closer inspection - a perfect metaphor for this desert gem.

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