You can stroll, dine or shop amid 1,200 acres of scenic gardens, nature trails and exhibits at this captivating wildlife preserve and botanical park. Located at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains, the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens features rare desert animals, including kit foxes, meerkats, coyotes, Bighorn sheep, mountain lions, Mexican wolves and endangered African cheetahs -- as well as replicas of the world's great deserts. The Village Watutu, the Eagle Canyon exhibit, a café, a 600-seat amphitheater, bookstore and gift shop, picnic areas and serene patios makes the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens a must stop.

Phone:  760-346-5694,  Address:  47-900 Portola Avenue in Palm Desert/Indian Wells, CA 92260

EISENHOWER WALK OF HONOR

The Eisenhower Walk of Honor, built to memorialize Congressional Medal of Honor recipients, is located on the south side of City Hall (corner of State Route 111 and Eldorado Drive) in a peaceful park-like setting with meandering walkways, shade trees, and beautiful flowers. The centerpiece of the 5,000 square foot memorial is an eternal wellspring, which exemplifies the uninterrupted flow of sacrifice that the men and women of our armed forces have made for our country's freedom. Facing the eternal wellspring is a bronze bust of General Dwight D. Eisenhower, one and a half times larger than life size, saluting the eternal well and the many men and women of valor that it represents.

The Eisenhower bust is set upon a red granite pentagon-shaped base and is lined by five flags representing each branch of the armed services. Two plaques placed adjacent to the bust describe Eisenhower's accomplishments as General and Supreme Allied Commander during World War II and his service as the 34th President of the United States. Just to the west of the wellspring and Eisenhower bust stands a seven-foot granite wall on which the names of 400 Indian Wells residents who have served in the armed forces are incised. Additional names of residents who have served will be periodically added to the wall.

Phone: 760-346-2489,  Address:  44-950 Eldorado Drive, Indian Wells, California 92210-7497

INDIAN WELLS ARTS FESTIVAL

The Indian Wells Tennis Garden is also home to the Indian Wells Arts Festival. Scheduled for April 1, 2 and 3, 2005, the Festival celebrates its third year showcasing artists from throughout the country.

Taking place outdoors on the grass garden plaza, 225 artists will set up their display canopies and create a unique artisan village with thousands of hand made, one of a kind creations. The wide variety of both fine art and quality craft makes the Indian Wells Arts Festival a favorite for locals and tourists alike. From the first time buyer to those wanting to add to their collection, there is something for everyone. Take an opportunity to meet and talk with the artists as you enjoy a casual stroll finding serendipity around every corner.

From haute contemporary oil paintings to southwestern scenes and images, from glistening jewelry to stately bronze sculpture, fanciful glass creations and demure floral pastels to photography, mixed media and much, much more! 

Adding to the casual ambiance are beautiful vistas, meandering sidewalks, rest areas, children's activities and sidewalk chalk drawing. Wine, refreshment and light musical entertainment is scheduled throughout the day. Parking is free, with valet available. The venue is handicap accessible. Tickets are $7.00 for adults. Children 12 and under are free. For more information visit http://www.iwaf.net