LOCAL experts pick the most ROMANTIC SPOTS in the 
DESERT!
According to today's Desert Sun, these are the most romantic spots...
THE LIVING DESERT, 47-900 Portola Avenue, Palm Desert
A stroll through one of the park's serene areas, such as the butterfly or hummingbird gardens, is sure to inspire romance. Just stay away from the Mexican gray wolf section. Liam Neeson teaches us in his recent film “The Grey” that their arctic cousins are the only animals that kill for revenge. You don't want that thought mingling with images of your soul mate.
THE COACHELLA VALLEY PRESERVE, 29-200 Thousand Palms Canyon Road, Thousand Palms
The 25 miles of trails around the San Andreas fault take you through lush vegetation and if you look at them a certain way, the palm trees can be pretty darn suggestive.
THE O'DONNELL HOUSE at The Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn, 412 West Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs
Palm Springs Mayor Pougnet recommends this historic house above the Palm Springs Art Museum for its natural beauty and spectacular desert views. He's performed weddings there and that always puts some folks in the mood for matrimony. Call (800) 525-7634 for information/ reservations.
THE INDIAN CANYONS, 38500 S. Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs
Pougnet also recommends these canyons on the Agua Caliente Reservation as a great place to pop the question. Picnics among the Washingtonia Palms in Andreas Canyon or a walk along the streams in Palm Canyon are ideal for love birds, and, if you forget a ring, you can probably get one for cheap at the Palm Canyons trading post. Information: indian- canyons.com.
THE GAZEBO at the La Quinta Civic Center, 78-945 Calle Tampico, La Quinta
This is the site of the March 8-11 La Quinta Arts Festival, which may be why La Quinta Arts Foundation Executive Director Christi Salamone considers it a perfect marriage proposal site. But the gazebo, surrounded by a placid lake and expanses of green grass with the Santa Rosa Mountains as a backdrop, could inspire a partner to say yes even without rows of art work for sale.
THE GALEN SCULPTURE GARDEN on Entrada del Paseo at Highway 111 and El Paseo, Palm Desert
Philanthropist Judy Allen recently went to a fundraising brunch at this part of the new Palm Desert branch of the Palm Springs Art Museum and fell in love with its 250,000 square feet of rolling landscape with native plants, winding pathways, water features and sculptures. It doesn't open until March 15, so, if you want to propose today, and you need statues to put you in the mood, Allen suggests a sculpture garden at the main Palm Springs Art Museum.
VISTA POINT off Highway 74 between Palm Desert and Pinyon Crest
Arlene Rosenthal, who stages a beautiful Festival of Opera and Art in Palm Desert Civic Park in April, suggests proposing marriage at this turnoff partly because it offers a spectacular view of the valley. But she also likes it because, “There's always a way out if you get rejected.”
THE TOP OF THE PALM SPRINGS AERIAL TRAMWAY, 1 Tram Way, Palm Springs
If you want to get your loved one high before popping the question, take him or her to the top of the tram. You'll discover beautiful views and the altitude might leave you both a little light-headed.
MY FAVORITES:
I prefer a romantic dinner... La Valluris, Melvyn's, Cuistot, Morgan's, & Wally's will never let you down! Happy Valentines to you and your sweetheart!
WALKING FOOD TOUR OF EL PASEO!
