I realized I lived a hundred lives while in Chiang Mai and decided the daily sips needed their own spotlight! Before heading to the city, I did a bit of research and had a list of places I wanted to see because of the intricate architecture and vibes, and also found some jems by happenstance.
Akha Ama
I had seen this coffee shop posted about on some travel blog at some point. I wanted to go mostly for the aesthetics. It’s got this modern industrial look to it, high ceilings and a large u-shaped concrete coffee bar. I ordered an orange-coffee flavored drink and carrot cake pastry. I could have been in there all day—but it was NYE, and I needed to decompress and get ready for the night out. Akha Ama wins for industrial feel and tasty coffee.
Chiang Mai Cafe Culture
Fern Forest Cafe
The Fern Forest Café. This was the café of my dreams. Well, not exactly. It was better. It was the middle of December, and I was parked in the middle of a lush courtyard-style café, koi fish swimming excitedly next to my seat as I ordered matcha and a hearty breakfast. People watched. The café was nearly full; giant white cups of coffee or colorful fruit smoothies were passed to the patrons. I eavesdropped on two friends at the table to the left of me. “This has been the most epic trip ever.” I smiled, happy to hear they were having a good time. I was also a bit saddened not to have anyone to discuss the trip with. Oh well, I pulled out my printed manuscript and set of markers and began my review. Chiang Mai is known for having great coffee and interesting locations. This one wasn’t on my list, but I was thrilled I ended up there.
Fohhide
This place was on my list. After feeling a bit overstimulated I took a solo trip to this cafe with a notebook to journal about my experiences thus far. This is was a really cool find, nestled in the trendy Nimman neighborhood, Fohhide I enjoyed some reprieve from the social and desision making aspects of travel. What a sweet, slow morning. I spent the rest of the day shopping, and bought a cute pastel colored crochet coin purse in the shape of a rooster.
Sotto Matcha
I love me a thick green smooth matcha. Sometimes when you need a gentler caffeine fix, and green tea is the ticket! The barista took their time with this one, I stood by marveled at the slow pressing of the powdered green stuff stiffing into the round clay bowl and mixing until it’s a ninja turtle green. A pour of oat milk and all together into a plastic cup, ready for my turned-on tastebuds! If you’re a matcha lover, Sotta Matcha is the place.
I like to plan some of my must-do’s and then other days, get lost, and find hidden jems. Here are some final snaps of coffee and drinks from the trip!
If I return, I really want to visit the following cafes aswell:
I arrived in Chiang Mai exhausted by the liveliness of Bangkok. It was a quick flight to the city. At the airport, I had to purchase a second ticket because mine was written in the shortened version of my name. Damn autofill. The airline said they would have corrected it had I warned them at least 24 hours in advance. I call this the cost of ADHD. I had planned out my entire trip in one sitting, and even though I had printed out all the flight tickets and hotel locations to be safe, I didn’t bother reading them. Oops. Lesson learned. Maybe.
I chose to stay at The Social Club for two reasons. First off, the social aspect: I was in an apartment-style building meant for digital nomads. I envisioned myself joining them in the computer room furiously working away on my book. I also hoped to make some friends as I was staying over the Christmas and NYE break.
The second reason was the cost. The room was very affordable. Anyways, back to the first day. My flight was early in the morning, so I was unable to check in. I left my suitcase at the front desk and googled a nearby café. I have had the pleasure of being in so many neat coffee shops, I made a whole separate blog post about them! Which is linked here.
The Social Club Chiang Mai
The next morning, I woke up early to beat the heat and took a taxi to the university area, where there was a reservoir and a mountain view. And running paths that did not involve traffic. Ah, this would do. Oh, did I forget they drive and walk on the other side of the road? Of course I did. I corrected the course about halfway through. Soon I was soaring, sweating, and hopefully jet lag poured out of me. Conveniently, another beautiful café was at the end of my run where I had been dropped off. I ordered a green juice and waited for my ride. I spied on the people alone at their computers, wondering what they were working on, feeling a bit guilty I had lugged my laptop with me, but hadn’t used it to look at my manuscript.
Ang Kaew Reservoir
Back at the apartment, it was crowded; a new group of people had arrived. Even though I was not my freshest, I introduced myself to everyone. The staff was organizing an afternoon craft; would I like to join? I am terrible at drawing, but I wanted to spend more time with the friendly group of people in front of me. Sure.
The craft instructor was missing. A homeless man had been bitten by a dog, and she had taken him to the hospital to ensure she was looked after. I knew a girl from our group, whom I’d met earlier, was an artist and nominated her to take over. She was perfect for the job. A natural instructor, the best kind too. One that sets out a few narrow guidelines and gives you artistic freedom. We searched for something we’d like to copy, then traced it out onto a card. She brought down a set of her own paints and brushes in case we wanted to experiment with them, as well as the crayons provided. In a place like Thailand where consumption is easy and inexpensive, it felt good to slow down and create something. It also felt good to be surrounded by people with whom it was easy to bond. We all seemed to love traveling and meeting new people. I chose the perfect place.
As I continued making my handmade Christmas card, ideas filled my mind. There were so many things to see and do in Chiang Mai. The night markets, the elephant sanctuaries, the cooking classes, the lady-boy shows, the hikes, and the day trips. I liked the sounds of everything. All of a sudden, two weeks felt like there wasn’t enough time to do it all. I began taking down phone numbers, screenshots of restaurants, and things to do. My brain was making a schedule for the next few days, none of which included writing. At that point I gave up. I realized that I wasn’t sure I would ever come back to Chiang Mai. I would work on my book when I was back in my less stimulating hometown, where several feet of snow was currently piling up in my front yard.
I let myself off the hook; I accepted all the invitations to markets, dinners, and tours I could, but still squeezed in affordable massages, of course!
I enjoyed meeting everyone. A young girl, Oti, from Romania, had found a studio at Northlab Dance where she would take private hip-hop classes. Luckily, she allowed me to join in, and some of my greatest memories are driving on the back of a scooter while the sun faded to our hip-hop class where our Thai teacher Fern shouted “Let’s go” and “5,6,7,8!” and we danced like no one was watching. Because no one was, and it was awesome! Since returning to Edmonton, hip hop has become a regular part of my routine.
Then there is Daniel, who excelled at organizing group meals. Grab lunch orders or lead the way to highly rated dining spots. He is a foodie; his greatest pleasure is to excite his taste buds. He was also great at gathering people to play board games. He renewed my love of playing Splendor, and I also purchased a set of Blokus. As exciting as travel can be, it can also be exhausting, and it was nice to have time to slow down and play games instead of constantly absorbing new sights and stimulations. Dan, although claiming to be introverted, was constantly in the common area, curious about how people spent their days and wishing them well as they set out. He enjoyed waking up early to beat the heat and get lost in the streets, picking up a snack or two to bring on his journey back.
Sabina, a Hungarian girl with fiery red hair and cat-eye-lined green eyes, was always warm and sweet to be around, like a sister you’d always wished for. There was something whimsical in everything she did and said. She was a cool girl who practiced ballet back in London and frequented cafés with other artists, hiding behind shopping bags and sketching unknown patrons.
I was very spoiled with the unique individuals I’d met during my stay in Chiang Mai. I was not expecting to meet so many creative and open-minded individuals.
Here is us; we spent a lovely day starting off with brunch, a visit to the artists market followed by a two-hour massage, and of course more eating! Love these humans! PS: We are all Capricorns; the goats know how to spend a travel day!
We visited Baang Kan Wat, which was super busy; it has several unique places to buy or make handcrafted jewelry, pottery, or paintings. We didn’t make anything, but I bought a cute handmade book market and a sell coloring sheet. We stopped for dessert and a Thai Tea, a traditional black tea with spices and condensed milk. Oti was on a mission to find the best one in Thailand and highly rated the one in the artists’ village. I could have lived in this village, making arts and crafts all day long, sipping on Thai tea… might have to come back!
The Capricorns’ Day Out!
Here are some highlights from my two weeks:
Cooking class with the Passion Food Cooking School. We started the morning at a local market in Chinatown, going over the list of ingredients we would use for the recipes. Here I stocked up on spices and tea. I love a local market. We made 7 dishes that day; I was stuffed. My favorite was the Tom Yum Soup. A sweet-and-spicy combination of flavors I’m excited to make when I return home. Maybe. Or maybe it’s something I’ll order when I go for Thai food.
The Lady Boy Show at Ram Show Bar
These queens nailed it. Absolute Fire. The dancers had amazing costumes and an even better stage performance; they jumped into the crowd, kicking their legs in the air and hitting patrons. Their costumes and makeup were so immaculate, I was so impressed! This show was easily one of my favorite nights out in Chiang Mai.
Market Life is the Best Life!
The Night Markets- where I bought a zillion scarves and bookmarks for my book club! And a big highlight was waiting in line for the famous “Roti Lady,” who has a Michelin-starred roti-making stand. I got the chocolate, cheese, and banana one. Worth the wait! I also purchased a handcrafted notebook with my name inscribed on the cover, a handmade crochet doll, and a painting of a temple I visited on a hike. Oh, and not pictured here, but a woman told my fortune with a unique set of tarot cards that I’ve never seen before. I like to pull my own tarot cards. The fortune said my life would really be picking up speed this year; boy, was she on the nose!
These markets are so fun; you can spend all night shopping and eating. There was also a whole street dedicated to people getting back and shoulder massages, while still having the ability to people watch, or scroll their phones, to each their own.
The Coconut Day Market
The Coconut Market- where I had the best coconut icecream and a cheesy baked potato with corn and dumplings. This market is only open Friday through Sunday, so plan ahead. Ther
Yoga, where I was taught to do my first headstand. Also, the yoga instructors were top-notch. I could tell they were so passionate about teaching. One of them kept yelling at me, “Seesta, Seesta, you strong, come every day you get better, I promise!” And then she slapped my shoulder. I love Thai people; they treat you like family. For me, travel can be overstimulating, so getting a yoga session in helps ground me and stretch from the long travel days 🙂 The yoga instructors really had a passion for teaching; they had an Indian man teach them to become instructors, and the way they led the classes, well, let’s just say, yoga in North America is very commercialized, and I was fortunate enough to find this place. It was recommended by a Brazilian couple I met at the Coconut Market (thanks, friends!).
The Monk’s trail hike. We assembled most of our apartment peeps and headed to the straight-uphill 5 KM jaunt. This hike was amazing, super sweaty and we were met with a beautiful view of the town and a shiny gold temple at the top. So fricken cool! (I ended up buying a beautiful painting at the night market of the gold temple).
I booked a Reiki session at a nearby Spa. A luxurious slice of downtime before the evening festivities began. The spa range from cheap, $40 CAD for a 2-hour massage or $230 for 4 hours of massage, facial, body scrub, and body mud mask! Oh, and they also have several massage places where female ex-prisoners provide massages at an affordable rate. I went and was not disappointed. The bed was a bit stiff, but the lady did a good job.
NYE in Chiang Mai was unreal. We started the night by ordering pizzas, the perfect base for a few cocktails. We started walking towards the downtown square, stopping into a bar for a drink and playing a round of darts. By the time we were downtown, the streets were full of people; it was incredible, from babies to the elderly, everyone was out to celebrate the new year. It was a vibe. After a large display of glistening fireworks, a DJ took the stage, and we headed over to dance. When the crowds began to clear away, we headed to Niman and found a local bar where we danced. I really like the street-style mix. I saw a lot of girls wearing sneakers and jeans; they made casual look cool.
Screenshot
The elephants at Chai Lai Orchid. I might need another post to describe just this! It’s an ethical elephant sanctuary where you spend the entire day, feeding, hiking, and bathing with elephants. I have a tattoo of an elephant on my foot; it’s a good luck charm!
I regret that I only spent two weeks here. I could have easily been here for a month; in fact, I might come back. There are still interesting coffee shops I’d like to visit, and the yoga classes and street markets are too good to pass up. There is cheap accommodation to book and tons of expat meet-up groups. In fact, friends I made might be going back this winter, so there’s still a chance to return and knock off the rest of Chiang Mai’s hidden treasures.
It’s common to hire a driver in Thailand for the entire day. A girl I met at the TSC, Nicole, had already done some research, and we chose to see the highest point in Chiang Mai (note: it was cold! Bring a sweater), visit a temple, and stop for a waterfall lunch.
Final Thoughts on Chiang Mai
Creating this post made me eager to return; I could repeat each market, massage, and food or coffee stop and still be impressed. Chiang Mai overdelivered on everything; the pictures don’t do the city justice. It’s an experience I promise you need to have!
The first thing that hit me was the warm, humid air, a welcome reprieve from the dry cold air of the Canadian Prairies. The hotel had already sent me a WhatsApp notification, allowing me to use a private driver to meet me at the bustling airport. I arrived in the second week of December. It was crowded, but it would become more so during the holiday season. I was excited. I was also too hot, having worn a sweatsuit for the planeride.
Even early in the morning, there was traffic. The place had to consume a lot of gasoline, was my first thought.
I arrived at the Davis Hotel, too early to check in, so I left my bags and began to wander the streets. Instantly, my adrenaline spiked. Crossing the street felt like a game of Frogger, the one where a frog has to navigate through traffic to avoid being smooshed. No one had warned me about this. Startled, I ended up jumping into a shuttle across from my hotel that was headed to the nearby mall.
The exterior of the Emporium shopping mall was decorated with lavish, silvery Christmas trees and decor. The holidays would look a little different without snow and hot chocolate this year!
The mall was closed, so I ended up finding a nearby cafe, ordered a strawberry matcha, and headed to a park that was conveniently across the street. I used the pedway from the train station, with an overpass; luckily, no dodging traffic.
I spent the morning people-watching. There were joggers, nannies babysitting children in the park, and people doing calisthenics workouts. Since the heat is an issue, Bangkok has done a really great job at creating aesthetically appealing shops and cafes for people to socialize and escape the heat! Once the mall opened, I found local clothing stores and bought some fun pieces: a cute blue-striped skirt, a pastel canvas bag from a local designer, and a soft pink linen set. If you’re a TikToker, I have the haul on my site!
Bangkok, Day Two: I Slept, I Swam, and I got a Smoothie
On the second day, the jet lag hit me hard, and I slept in until the late afternoon. The pools were in the wing of the hotel next to mine, so I filled my bag with a book, sunscreen, and found a strawberry smoothie to accompany me. I love swimming, besides, I needed some R&R because I had booked a food tour for the evening and didn’t want to be too tired for it. Oh yeah, and I saw a Korean Salon, Spring Salon, and got the hotel to book me in for a haircut and hair treatment. I was so cool! They gave me a heavenly head massage and wrapped my head in a bag filled with steam. I left the salon with shiny, smooth hair! I love that aesthetics in Asia are a fraction of the price back home, so if you are planning to visit, save your salon visits for here!
PS: The Davis hotel, where I stayed, was not fancy, but it was huge, clean, and quite affordable by North American standards.
I tried not to do too much planning before I left, but I also didn’t want to spend my precious vacation time deliberating over plans. One of the tours I booked was a night food tour via Tuk-Tuk! We ripped through the city, stopping to eat… way too much food. My favorite thing was a noodle-and-egg dish cooked in a coal vat in some random back alley. We ended up eating our final desserts in the lively Chinatown district, which is a must in the evenings. Also, we visited the flower market, and the tour definitely exceeded my expectations.
Bangkok Day 3: Trains, Canals, and Temples
The next day, the hotel had arranged a day tour for me. The first stop was the Maeklong Railway Market. My driver dropped me off, and I was left to explore. I wandered through the stalls and ended up with fresh coconut ice cream and, later, a large coconut. I was saving my shopping for my final leg of the trip, so I didn’t buy anything else. Instead, I browsed the aisles and bought the best thing, food! I stayed until the famous train pulled through the center of the market. It was wild to see the shop owners pack everything up so quickly and start shouting at the tourists to back up.
The next stop was another touristy favorite. The Damnoen Saduak District. This is also considered a “tourist trap”, however, I was happy to be off my feet after a long morning of market wandering. I bought a cold beer and had the boat to myself, letting the driver speed me through the district’s vendors and homeowners.
Once we had arrived back in Bangkok, it was time to visit two temples. I only made it to one. The benefit of having a private driver was that I didn’t need to follow anyone’s schedule but my own. In the first temple, I relished the quiet, gorgeous temple where no talking was allowed. I skipped the second temple visit when I saw a nearby Michelin Restaurant. I reasoned Thailand might be a place I visit again someday. It was time to slow down.
People always question why I travel alone. Isn’t it lonely? I’ve heard several times. Sure, I can be; it can also be a drag traveling with the wrong person. The truth was, I didn’t have great expectations for Thailand, other than to enjoy myself, and so far I was doing just that. I was not on a schedule, and I was surrounded by so many people that I didn’t feel alone. Well, that was a lot for my first 3 days in Thailand, the next post I’ll try to summarize two weeks spent in magical Chiang Mai.
It was September 2024. Since my relationship had ended, instead of looking forward to a romantic couples trip, I was en route to yet another summer family vacation. The beginning of September is a great time to visit because while the crowds have left the sunshine has not.
This time were heading to Radium, BC. About a 6ish hour drive from our hometown of Edmonton, Alberta. Radium is a small, quaint mountain town with lots of activities nearby. There are lots of options for nearby hiking or water activities. You are likely to spot Bighorn sheep at some point during your trip.
Here is how our week together unfolded.
Driving in the mountains was the first part of the trip’s fun. It was a sunny day, and stretching out our legs with the mountains as the backdrop was an amazing feeling.
We stopped for an easy hike at Marble Canyon. This was a short easy walk where we were able to eat our lunch outside. It was super hot and we were melting so we sat near the creek to experience a bit of the cold air coming off the water. It had an incredible translucent blue-green color.
Where to Stay
We booked a condo at the Bighorn Meadows Resort. The suite was equipped with a kitchen and a view of the golf course which was located nearby. It had a pool and two hot tubs on site which we frequently visit nightly. In the mornings we would walk ten minutes to grab groceries or coffee and pastries for the day. Once in town, the tourist center provided options for milder day hikes.
The resort contains a golf course. We aren’t into golf, but we had dinner at the clubhouse one night and the views are spectacular. Here is a picture my mom took of me next to the clubhouse.
What to Eat
Our favorite restaurant is Birchwood Restaurant. I’d describe it as an intimate restaurant, upscale but caters to casual attire. Satisfying and fresh cuisine.
After a hot day in the sun, with plenty of cold swims, we ordered Indian takeout to bring back to the resort. We highly recommend The Spice Hut.
However, the ultimate foodie stop is Smokehouse 93. I can never tasted a juicer, more tender slice of brisket and we always order extra to take home for dinner on our drive home.
A bit of a drive (under an hour) to get to this hike from our resort but it was well worth it. I have what I’m told by others as “too much energy” and hiking is something that seems to make me feel calm and peaceful. This hike is mild and has a few locations to stop and enjoy snacks or water if someone isn’t up for the full 10 km trek. My mother was shocked at how many wild mushrooms were growing. Picking mushrooms was something that she did as a child so the nostalgia of that brought her back to those times and she was kicking herself for not having a spare bag to collect mushrooms with. I did not remember foraging for mushrooms and am someone who might poison themselves by picking and eating the wrong ones. I know. I’m not a risk taker. I was not as excited by the plentiful of mushrooms, but if you know your stuff about picking mushrooms this is a great trail to do so.
Beach Time
About a fifteen-minute drive from Radium, you will find the town of Invermere. Invermere is a larger city with more amenities and a refreshing clean lake, Lake Windermere. I love spending time on the lake paddle boarding and swimming while taking breaks to read or nap in the sun.
Day Trip
We started our day with a short hike, the Hoodoo Trail, then planned on going to a natural hot spring and relaxing near a beautiful remote lake that was tucked deep in the mountains.
Next, we ventured to WhiteSwan Lake Park, which, FYI was after a bumpy gravel road, do not recommend it unless you have a durable vehicle! This road leads you to Lussier Creek Hot which contains a natural hot spring,
The hot springs were a nice way to relax after our morning hike and we alternated between hotter and colder pools of water.
After we finished our warm dips we drove on to stop at a lake. The lake contained a small camping stop and we parked at an empty lot and brought snacks and books to the dock where we enjoyed some more R&R. The lake had almost a neon blue color and being in such a remote area felt luxurious.
Other Activities
We usually go to the Radium Natural Hot Springs, but the timing didn’t work out for this trip. It was closed or we were too tired and opted for our resort pool and hot tub instead. It’s a nice place to soak and alternate in the swimming pool.
The is a hike nearby which we got somewhat lost on, then by following the sound of the creek found our way back.
PWinter in my hometown of Edmonton can get extremely cold. The end of December also makes me feel tired and burned out. The idea of driving on snow-filled streets, finding parking, and navigating busy shopping centers in the weeks leading up to Christmas fills me with dread. So instead of participating in the often-unnecessary task of holiday planning, I told my parents we should recharge with a few days of sunshine and lie poolside in Palm Springs. Traveling to the city the week before Christmas was perfect timing. The town wasn’t too crowded, and the temperature ranged from 15 to 30 Celsius, which felt heavenly contrasted with the unbearable -40 degrees back home. The nights cooled off quite a bit; however, most restaurants have heaters, so if you enjoy spending time on a patio, day or night, Palm Springs won’t disappoint! We only had four days, so I was hoping we could hike in Joshua Tree National Park, enjoy some downtime at the pool, visit a mineral spa, and ride bikes through the neighborhoods with mid-century architecture. Fortunately, a flight delay allowed us to stay an entire week, and I’m glad we did. Well, except for my father’s constant complaints about the unresponsiveness’ of WestJet during the busy season. Our flight was due to depart Palm Spring on December 20th; the soonest flight home the airline offered was on January 4th. Lesson learned. Ensure you purchase travel insurance or have suitable protection from your credit card!
Do you need to rent a Car in Palm Springs?
While it is possible to visit Palm Springs without a car, renting a car can make it easier to explore the city and its surroundings. Palm Springs is a sprawling city with many different neighborhoods and attractions, and having a vehicle can make it easier to get around and see everything that interests you.
If you plan to stay within the city limits, it may be possible to get by without a car, as taxi and ride-share services are available, and some hotels offer shuttle services to popular destinations. However, if you plan to explore the surrounding desert and national parks, having a car will give you more flexibility and allow you to see more of what the area offers.
Ultimately, whether you need to rent a car will depend on your individual travel plans and preferences. If you plan to stay within the city and don’t mind relying on taxis or public transportation, you may be able to get by without a car. However, a rental car will likely be more convenient if you plan to explore the surrounding area and allow you to see more of what Palm Springs and its surroundings offer. We chose to rent a car and were quite happy. The roads were not that busy, and it was easy to get around and find parking. The only issue we encountered was that it gets dark early, so driving at night wasn’t the easiest when you were in the new location.
The Best Places to Have Brunch in Palm Springs
Palm Springs offers various breakfast and brunch options; here are the places we tried ranked from best but not to worst. We didn’t have any issues eating well in Palm Springs.
L’Ateliar Cafe Palm Springs– the best breakfast by far; the small french spot doesn’t have the most unique ambiance, but the food was insatiable.
Cheeky’s – is known for its inventive menu and long weekend lines. Their brioche cinnamon was so heavenly we had to go back a second time.
Elmers– a traditional spot, always busy, 1960s vibe with ample portions and the fluffiest pancakes!
Farm– beautiful restaurant and lovely patio tucked away at the back. Fresh squeezed orange juice and incredible dishes.
Billy Reed’s Palm Springs– enormous portion sizes and an eclectic old-school ambiance. We easily could have split one breakfast between the three of us. Also went back for dinner, which we split into three and still left feeling stuffed.
Juniper Table– not our favorite morning meal, but it was an ideal spot with the sunshine beating down on us in the am.
Where to Eat Dinner in Palm Springs
Palm Springs offers a variety of dining options, including everything from casual cafes to fine-dining restaurants. Here are the places we chose to eat dinner in the city:
TacQuila – an upscale, modern innovative Mexican menu; we sat outside and enjoyed the secluded patio.
Giuseppes– a cozy pasta or pizza place, perfect for popping in or ordering out. Heary meals that satisfied our post-hiking and pool day.
Workshop Kitchen + Bar – a farm-to-table restaurant focused on seasonal ingredients and a chic, industrial-style interior.
1501 Gastropub– the perfect place to grab a juicy burger and a glass of rose.
Sammy G’s Tuscan Grill– white tablecloths, live music, date night, or dinner out with the parents type of place. Big portions and a nice ambiance.
Billy Reed’s Palm Springs– enormous portion sizes, the three of us split a dinner, soups, dessert, and bottle of wine for $80 and were stuffed.
I chose Workshop for my birthday dinner as I would be spending it in Cabo. It was a vibe; the restaurant felt like we were permitted to eat inside a museum. The setting enamored me; the architecture was simple but bold. High ceilings, straight lines, a modern museum meets church. Super cool. The waiter was incredibly polite and recommended a fabulous bottle of wine. The food was good, but the portions needed more significance to appease my parents.
Hiking
Palm Springs is located near many beautiful hiking trails, offering a range of options for different skill levels and interests. Here are a few popular trails to consider:
Indian Canyons – offers a variety of trails through scenic canyons and streams, including the popular Palm Canyon Trail.
Joshua Tree National Park – features rugged landscapes, unique rock formations, and a diverse array of plants and wildlife.
Tahquitz Canyon – a moderate hike to a 60-foot waterfall and cultural site of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.
Andreas Canyon Trail – a short, easy hike through a lush oasis surrounded by desert.
Skyline Trail – offers panoramic views of Palm Springs and the surrounding desert, with several scenic vistas along the way.
These are some of the most popular hiking trails in the Palm Springs area, but there are many more options to choose from, depending on your preferences and fitness level. Before embarking on any hike, bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and appropriate footwear, and always follow Leave No Trace principles.
Hotels
Palm Springs offers a range of accommodations to suit different preferences and budgets, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hotels. Here are a few popular options to consider:
The Parker Palm Springs – a chic, midcentury modern hotel with stylish rooms and a large pool area
The Colony Palms Hotel – a luxurious boutique hotel with a spa and a retro vibe
The Riviera Palm Springs – a historic hotel with a midcentury modern design, multiple pools, and a spa
Ace Hotel & Swim Club – a trendy, hipster-friendly hotel with a large pool, live music, and a popular restaurant
La Quinta Resort & Club – a large, sprawling resort with multiple golf courses, collections, and a spa
These are just a few of the many accommodation options available in Palm Springs, so be sure to research and compare different options to find the one that best fits your needs and budget.
Due to a canceled flight, we initially stayed at the Saguaro hotel and the Margaritaville.
The Saguaro- is a colorful hotel with an incredible view of the mountains from the pool. Although this hotel is known for being a party hotel, we were lucky as we went the weekend before Christmas, so it was pretty decent. In addition, the hotel has an excellent Mexican restaurant, El Jefe, that makes tasty margaritas and quesadillas to enjoy poolside.
The Saguaro Hotel in Palm Springs is a popular hotel known for its colorful, whimsical design and prime location in the heart of Palm Springs. If you’re looking for a fun and vibrant hotel with a central location and a focus on outdoor activities, the Saguaro could be a good choice. However, if you’re looking for a more traditional or luxurious hotel experience, other options may better fit your needs. It’s always a good idea to research and compare different hotels to make sure you choose the one that’s right for you.
Margaritaville Palm Springs –is a hotel and resort complex inspired by the music and lifestyle of Jimmy Buffett. It offers a tropical-themed atmosphere, with multiple pools, restaurants, and bars on site. However, the margaritas and food at the Saguro hotel were way better. This hotel feels like being at a resort that offers free bike rentals and has several restaurants within walking distance. It was closer to the downtown center as well. Whether or not the Margaritaville is an excellent hotel depends on your individual preferences and expectations. For example, if you’re a fan of Jimmy Buffett’s music and enjoy a fun, laid-back atmosphere, you may want your stay at the resort.
Is visiting Palm Springs Expensive?
The cost of visiting Palm Springs can vary depending on your travel style and budget. However, Palm Springs can be considered a relatively affordable destination compared to other popular tourist destinations.
Accommodation in Palm Springs ranges from budget-friendly motels to luxury resorts, so you can find options that fit your budget. If you are going in a group, consider renting a house or Airbnb so that you can cook some meals at home and share this expense.
Dining in Palm Springs can also be affordable, with various options from fast food to upscale restaurants.
Attractions in the area, such as the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, hot air balloon rides, and the Palm Springs Art Museum, also have varying admission fees, so you can choose to spend as much or as little as you like.
Additionally, many outdoor activities in the surrounding desert, such as hiking and camping, are free, making it possible to enjoy the area without breaking the bank.
While some expenses, such as accommodation and dining, can add up, visiting Palm Springs can still be considered an affordable destination, especially if your budget and plan carefully.
Biking in Palm Springs
Biking can be fun in Palm Springs, especially if you enjoy outdoor recreation and scenic landscapes. The area has various biking options, from leisurely rides along flat paths to more challenging mountain bike trails in the nearby hills. I loved seeing the mid-century modern architecture with a backdrop of the mountains. I also ran the bike route, which was clean and free from traffic!
The Palm Springs area has several bike rental shops where you can rent a bike for a few hours or a full day, and there are several bike paths and trails that are well-suited for recreational riding. For example, the Palm Springs Bicycle Trail is a flat, paved path that winds through the city and offers scenic views of the surrounding mountains.
In addition to recreational biking, the area is also popular with road cyclists and mountain bikers, who can find challenging rides in the surrounding hills and mountains. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or just looking for a leisurely ride, there’s something for everyone in Palm Springs.
Why not Spend a Day in Desert Hot Springs?
Desert Hot Springs, located near Palm Springs, is known for its natural hot mineral springs, which are said to have therapeutic benefits. Here are a few popular places to enjoy mineral pools in Desert Hot Springs:
Two Bunch Palms Resort & Spa – a luxury resort with several mineral pools and a full-service spa
Sea Mountain Nude Resort & Spa Hotel – a clothing-optional resort with mineral pools, hot tubs, and a spa
Miracle Springs Resort & Spa – a mid-range resort with multiple mineral pools, a hot tub, and a spa
Cabot’s Pueblo Museum – a historical museum and event space with a mineral pool and hot tub open to the public for a fee
Azure Palm Hot Springs- a relaxing oasis and an incredible place to stay until sunset.
We spent the day at Azure Palm Hot Springs and loved the relaxed vibe, heated pool and saunas. The view of the sunset from the therapy pools was magical.
These are some of the most popular places to enjoy mineral pools in Desert Hot Springs, but there are many other options to choose from, depending on your budget and preferences. Before visiting a mineral pool, be sure to research the location and check for any restrictions or health warnings, as the minerals in some hot springs can be harsh or irritating to some people.
Overview
Palm Springs is an excellent destination if you seek sunshine and rest in a laid-back town. Palm Springs also hosts Modernism week, where many exhibits and homes are open to those interested in architecture. Or if you have an interest in Tennis, the Indian Wells Open is another fun event to plan a visit to Palm Springs around.
The juxtaposition of the view is remarkable. First, you may feel the melancholy, fires destroyed approximately 30,000 hectares of land in 2017, but now there is an influx of fresh greenery popping throughout; hope sprouts post-tragedy.
The small town is charming with souvenir shops and restaurants that only span two blocks of the street and a beautiful lake on the other to enjoy pre or post-meal stroll. For me, walkable destinations on vacation are favorable. One, I’m lazy, and two, I want to drink a beer and not worry about the stress of driving, traffic, parking, etc. From the center of Waterton, you can walk to beaches, restaurants, hikes, or rent bicycles to cruise around with.
Bear’s Hump Hike
Crypt Lake Hike
Our first hike was to the famous Crypt lake. This trail is only accessible by boat, and can often be fully booked, so plan ahead. It’s a long hike that requires a lot of water and sunscreen as we attempted it in the middle of summer. Crypt is the Greek word for “secret” as the hike reaches its end, the secret is revealed beyond a tunnel and steep hill. This last part terrified my mother, so this “secret” lake remains as such for me. Oh well, perhaps just an incentive to return and do it again? Book the shuttle here:
Bertha Lake is an excellent medium-intensity 8 km hike; you walk from town to the base near the campground.
Bertha Lake
Red Rock Canyon
Red Rock Canyon
Paddleboard or kayak: I brought an inflatable paddle board that was the perfect break from sweaty days of hiking. A lot of people out on kayaks too. (You can easily rent these in town if you don’t have your own). The water was on the cooler side but still suitable for a quick swim.
Bike- rent or BYOB 😊
Eats
Pearls is my favorite breakfast food; this café had terrific coffee and delicious food. Pearls
After two canceled trips to Mexico, I racked my brain for places to recharge that would be adventurous and relaxing for a family vacation with my parents. However, horror stories of stranded travelers and increased costs prompted me to consider a local trip instead. Having driven to Vancouver Island from Edmonton, I knew the distance and rise in gas prices couldn’t compete with Flair’s $100 flight to the island.
While Victoria, British Columbia’s capital city, is most often sought out with direct flights or ferries and shuttles. However, I decided to take advantage of the lesser-known Comox, which offered a cheaper & less busy flight and a rental car; book one in advance; the checkout counter had a sign that said they were sold out! I spent a few days exploring Qualicum Beach, Parksville, Nanoose Bay, Coombs, Ucluelet, and Tofino. It sounds like many destinations, but these are quieter, smaller towns with most people found content on a beach with a picnic.
Qualicum Beach
Qualicum Beach
We chose the longer ocean route to get to our hotel and stopped to have lunch on the beach. My mother packed us an entire lunch of sandwiches and fruit, which I swore we would have to throw away at security, but we were able to keep to our luck! This town has a Saturday market to check out if you fly on this day, but we were eager to check in to our resort and enjoy a drink in the sun.
Qualicum Beach
Parksville
Rathtrevor Provincial Park
We stopped at a grocery store to pick up more snacks, smoked salmon, cheeses, and fruit. We then headed to Rathtrevor Provincial Park, a lovely park with a nice beach full of kites and picnic tables. We came here once for a walk and then the following day for a 5km run through the park before heading for lunch.
Rathtrevor Beach
Nanoose Bay
View from the Pacific Shores Resort
We stayed at the Pacific Shores Resort, which was great. It has an indoor pool, hot tub, and sauna, which we enjoyed each night. My dad and I also borrowed ping pong paddles and played a few games to give my mother a break from us for an hour! There were the most beautiful sunsets in the evenings, and with outdoor propane firepits, it was a charming way to end the evening. Several families brought smore kits and roasted marshmallows with their kids. We snacked on the meat, cheese, and beer we bought in Parksville.
Sunset at the Pacific Shore ResortNotch Hill Loop
Activities:
Rathover Park- 5km loop to run or walk
Nanoose Loop – 2.9Km loop that we choose to run, nice gravel trail.
Notch Hill Loop Trail- 5 km loop with a view of the bay and a swing!
Coombs
Coombs
A quick stop, most people come to see the goats that walk on the roof of the building; however, there is much more to discover at this stop. This pit stop was the liveliest place we found on our trip. We enjoyed a fabulous lunch at an Italian restaurant, Cuckoo. I bought some fresh doughnuts from Billy G’s doughnut shop and more snacks from the market, which was quite ample. There, were picked up heart-shaped truffle cheese, the tastiest sausages, and an apple galette. I would also recommend the cheese bread and pies if we had time and more real estate in our stomachs!
Cuckoo Restaurant Coombs
Ucluelet
Wild Pacific Trail
We stayed at the Blackrock Resort. It is a picturesque place on the ocean, with an outdoor hot tub, and is steps away from the West Pacific trail. There is also a beach where some people had made fires and cozily eaten near- something to plan for the next time we go! We opted for a room with a kitchenette to cook breakfast in (eating out every day isn’t ideal for us); the room had high ceilings, a nice balcony to sit out and listen to the ocean on, and a large soaker tub. It is also dog friendly if you planning to bring a furry family member.
Wild Pacific Trail
Tofino
Long Beach
We went to Tofino to do a bear tour via boat. Unfortunately, the covered boat was not available, so we ended up with these bright red spacesuit-looking overalls in an open boat. We have several bears in Alberta, so the sightings weren’t too eventful. But my mother wearing the red get-up was priceless. If I went again, I would do a seaplane tour, as it would be cool to see the beaches from that unique vantage point. We stopped at Shelter for lunch, which had a lovely, heated patio with a fireplace and a great view.
Tofino Eats
The catch of the day, cooked over an open fire at the Zedd hotel was our best meal of the trip!
At the Zedd Hotel & Shelter
Activities:
Atelo– recommended by our guide for seaplane tours
Chesterman Beach-Nice beach for walking and watching surfers
Wild Pacific Trail
Chasing Waterfalls
Qualicum Falls
Road Trip Pit Stops
To break up our drive, we visited Cathedral Grove and Qualicum Falls, and they were the perfect easy hiking spots! Hope you enjoyed this post and are inspired to take your own trip to the majestic Vancouver Island!
Ski Marmot Basin, the parking lots are staggered up the mountain so if you want to bring a cooler and come back to your car for snacks or wardrobe changes it’s convenient. Or take a shuttle from the hotel so you can enjoy some spicy Cesar’s with your lunch!
Ski Marmot Basin
2. Stay at the Whistler’s Inn, is located in the center of town and has two rooftop hot tubs.
Stay in Whistler’s Inn
3. Visit Jasper Park Lodge for Sunday buffet brunch. I’ve stayed here a few times; it’s quite the treat, but also quite the expense. If you can afford it, treat yourself! If not, pop in to enjoy their amenities, go to the spa and enjoy the outdoor heated pool, rent skates and do some loops, or enjoy a Sunday breakfast brunch. The hotel has a rustic charm and it worth visiting just to walk the grounds with a hot chocolate and enjoy a cocktail in the lounge.
4. Visit Pyramid Lake for pictures where a tight group of trees sits on a remote island circled by mountains. We went early and were lucky to get the private little island to ourselves. Strike a pose and re-create it in each season!
Pyramid Lake
You can also pick up cross country ski’s, skates or snowshoes at Pyramid Lake Resort.
5. Participate in a hike on the Maligne Canyon, make sure you purchase foot covers for the walk. You are walking on sheets of ice, pick some up at the store in town, they are worth the money. Or, if you are feeling extra adventurous, try ice climbing. I’ve visited the canyon three times now and never miss it; each visit is unique with the amount of snow or colors exposed to the frozen water. It’s an easy trek that will take about an hour, depending on how many pictures you stop to take…
Maligne Canyon
6. Spot the locals! Jasper is known for elk, bighorn sheep and moose roaming close to the roads.
Local Jasper Residents
7. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Candy Bear’s Lair . There’s a great candy shop for your sweet tooth’s with fresh fudge and chocolate bear paws.
8. Dance party? If you still have the energy to shake it at night, go to the 4peaks Night Club.
9. Enjoy a great beer at the Jasper Brewing Company, and I like the Blackeye Blueberry Vanilla Ale.
10. Um, I like photos, of any kind, go if only for the photo opportunities!
Valentine’s day is for love, and I love chocolate! Since I have a pretty big sweet tooth I decided to make my own cake and share with those I love. Mostly my Dad, he gets a lot of love this V-day since I’m still a single lady. Making something from scratch makes me appreciate and savor dessert more. This cake turned out fabulously was work the work!
1 cup Almond Breeze Unsweetened Vanilla almondmilk
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
3 cups packed blanched fine almond flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (use a high quality version)
1/4 cup coconut flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
For the paleo chocolate frosting:
1 (14 ounce) can coconut cream
1 ½ cups dairy free chocolate chips
Pinch of salt
I used two baking pans, and yes the parchment paper is a must, easy to arrange the cake after and risk ripping it. To enhance it, I used pecans and raspberries, but you can change the fruit or add valentine’s inspired candies if you wish.
Making your frosting: Add the coconut cream, chocolate chips and a pinch of salt to a small pot and place over low heat. Whisk until melted. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge to harden for 6 hours or until hard. Overnight is best!
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line the bottom of three 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper rounds. Spray parchment paper and side of pan with nonstick cooking spray. YOU SHOULD USE PARCHMENT PAPER or the cake is likely to stick. Please do not forget.
In a large bowl, mix together the melted and cooled coconut oil, coconut sugar, eggs, vanilla and apple cider vinegar until smooth. Add almond milk and beat once more until mixture is well incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk the almond flour, cocoa powder, coconut flour, baking soda and salt together. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix well. Mixture will be on the thicker side.
Divide batter evenly between pans and spread out with a spatula to smooth the tops. Bake for 20-30 minutes until a tester comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached; rotating the pans halfway through baking. Let cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes then transfer to the fridge to finish cooling completely. Allow cake to cool in the fridge for at least an hour before removing from the pan and frosting. The cake should be room temperature when you frost it. This is very important. Cake can be made a day ahead if you’d like!
Finish making your frosting: Scoop the hardened chocolate coconut cream frosting mixture into a large bowl. Use a hand mixer or a KitchenAid mixer to beat frosting until peaks form and it looks nice, fluffy and creamy. Use immediately!
Layer cake, using about 1/3 -½ cup frosting between each layer, then frost the top and sides with remaining frosting. Serves 12-16! Should be transferred to the fridge.
Healthy eating for me means color! I went on a trip to the grocery store with my dad this weekend to grab a few ingredients. I like having a few staple items in the fridge at all times for quick, healthy meals. My father turns to me to ask “what do we need?”. My reply, get anything green! What’s your favorite color to cook with?
Here is an image of the weekends cooking. I loosely used a stuffed peppers whole foods recipe I found from the Jar of Lemons Website.
Ingredients
1/2 lb ground turkey
1 onion
mushrooms
1 cup spinach
1/2 tsp ground pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp garlic
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp cinnamon
4 green peppers
handful of Pumpkin Seeds
handful Mozzarella
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Cook the ground turkey.
While the ground turkey is cooking, cut the peppers in halves and clean out the middle of each one.
Set one pepper aside and finely chop.
When the turkey is almost finished cooking, add in the spinach and finely chopped pepper or any veggies on hand.
Add in the ground pepper, cayenne, paprika, chili powder, garlic, and cumin.
Stuff each pepper half with the turkey mixture and top with cheese.
Bake for 20 minutes (or until peppers are nearly soft).
Serve hot and enjoy!
I used green peppers and added pumpkin seeds instead of pine nuts and a dash of cinnamon to the mix. I only used half of the meat, the rest I will toss into a pasta later in the week. I also chopped up more veggies to use in weekend morning omelettes.
This is one of those recipes you can make your own. Use chickpeas, chicken, ground turkey or beef, saute some veggies, stuff and cook!
Stuffed Green Peppers
These tumeric blueberry muffins turned out soft and not too sweet. I like to take time and arrange my foods to practice some photography skills. I copied the recipe from the Green Kitchen food blog.
Healthy Tumeric Blueberry Muffins
Turmeric & Blueberry Breakfast Muffins with a Granola Topping Makes 12 large or 15 smaller
Dry ingredients 100 g / 1 cup walnuts
85 g /1 cup rolled oats, use gluten free if intolerant
90 g / 2/3 cup buckwheat flour + 2 tbsp arrowroot (or potato starch)
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tbsp turmeric (use a little less if you are not used to the flavor)
1 tsp freshly ground cardamom
½ tsp sea salt a pinch black pepper
Wet ingredients 160 ml / 2/3 cup buttermilk or plant yogurt
80 ml / 1/3 cup olive oil or butter
2 ripe bananas, mashed
5 fresh dates, mashed
3 large eggs (or 3 tbsp chia seeds mixed with 9 tbsp water)
Preheat the oven to 400°F / 200°C. Line a muffin pan with paper liners or grease the pan with oil or butter. Add walnuts and rolled oats to a food processor or blender (or mortle) and mix quickly into a coarse flour. Transfer to a large mixing bowl together with the rest of the dry ingredients. Add buttermilk, oil, bananas and dates to the food processor or blender and mix until smooth, then transfer to the mixing bowl with the dry ingredients. Crack the eggs in a separate bowl and beat them for about a minute before adding them as well. Use a spatula to carefully fold everything until combined. Divide the batter into the muffin tins, drop a bunch of blueberries on top of each muffin and gently push them down a bit. Mix together the granola crumble in a small bowl and add it on top of the muffins. Bake for about 18-20 minutes. Best enjoyed still warm from the oven.
I’d love to know, what’s your favorite healthy muffin recipe?
UNANCHORED EVE 