North Palm Beach Life

Before you can enter California, you have to go through a checkpoint where vehicles are inspected for invasive pests hitch-hiking on produce, etc. Every year, almost 30 million private and commercial vehicles get the once-over. This is the one on I-10.

One guy told us he got stopped and flagged for a dead ant. He couldn't leave until he set off bug bombs in his car and U-Haul. Yes, they're serious about their pests!

By GERRY and PAMELA BARKER
North Palm Beach Life
December 31, 2018

PALM SPRINGS_As we packed our bags in Sedona, we weren't ready for our road trip to end. Next door to Arizona is a place we've always loved to go -- California. Why not?

After studying the map, we decided on our next destination: Palm Springs. It's a place we've heard a lot about but never visited. Time to check it out!

We opted to stay at a downtown hotel called The Three Fifty Hotel. It was a great choice. Walking distance to the main drag with tons of restaurants and shops, with a great mid-century modern design.

There are 10 rooms, all poolside, a heated pool and spa. Also -- it's adults only and pet-friendly.

Photos: North Palm Beach Life

This big yellow duck float seems to be the hotel mascot.

Pam finds a cozy nook ... with a great view of the San Jacinto mountains.

There are bicycles available if you are so inclined, and plenty of sightseeing opportunities in the neighborhood.

Just down the street is the Azucar Restaurant and Bar, at the La Serena Villas. We heard they host a great Happy Hour. After a long day's drive, that was just the ticket.

A panoramic view from the rooftop bar

For starters, we ordered drinks and snacks poolside, then moved on to the rooftop bar, Sugar High, , to take in the magnificent mountain scenery at sunset.

Our server gave us some great tips on where to go in downtown Palm Springs.