Cronese vs. Coronise Figuring out the origin of the Cronese Cat’s name has just about as many theories as a storybook feline has lives. It was believed the natural wonder is either named for early explorer and author Titus Fey Cronise or William H.V. Cronise. In 1870, both were officers of the Piute Mining Company….
The quaint village of Joshua Tree has more to offer than just its magnificent National Park. That’s quite the tall order, you say? Meet 20 ft tall Big Josh, formerly known as The Mecca Cowboy who stood in front of Poor Richard’s Pawn Shop and Mini Mart since 1965. He now lives at The Station,…
Where do you go in Joshua Tree when you’re not in the mood for the National Park experience? We opted for Noah Purifoy’s old place. Down a dirt road, on the left. We saw it before we were there. Are those commodes towering in the air? we wondered. Yes indeed. Porcelain monuments to the private…
“The Gubler family has loved and grown orchids for three generations. Swiss citizen, Hans Gubler, who grew up in a family-owned orchid-growing business, came to America on a Missouri Botanical Gardens scholarship in 1918. He returned to Sweden but emigrated to Temple City, California, in the mid-1950s. Hans bought the Landers nursery in 1975.” ~06…
Update: We are honored to announce that our story about the former T Cross K Ranch (currently Mission Creek Preserve) is featured in the Fall 2025 Issue No. 33 of The Riverside County Chronicles published by the Riverside County Heritage Association. Many thanks to Steve Lech, author, historian and president of the association. Drive north…
Update 2025: Coyote Hole, the historic petroglyph site just outside Joshua Tree National Park, is not open to the public for casual visits. However, the Native American Land Conservancy (NALC), which manages the site, offers special guided experiences for the public. These include: Coyote Hole Experience –(TBA) a two‑hour guided walk to view native plants…
Update, December 20, 2024: Congrats to Pappy and Harriet’s! “Knitting Factory Entertainment CEO Morgan Margolis and his partners have prevailed in a long-running dispute with the defendants, securing control of Pappy + Harriet’s in Pioneertown near Joshua Tree, and winning millions in damages. After a multi-week jury trial, the jury unanimously found in favor of…
Update: Disclaimer: While we are, and will always be The Desert Way, sometimes the Pacific calls to us, especially in the dog days of summer, and we must go. Anyway, as the rock group, America, told us in 1972, “The ocean is a desert with its life underground.” Okay, it’s a stretch, but we hope…
Laughlin, Nevada is 90 miles south of Las Vegas, but if you’re looking for something milder while still waltzing with Lady Luck, then Laughlin just might be the winning ticket. The Avi Casino Journey KOA is conveniently across the road from Avi Casino and just eleven miles from downtown Laughlin’s riverfront casinos. Avi Casino sits…
If you sometimes find yourself driving on California State Highway 62, in Morongo Valley, between Palm Springs and Parker, Arizona, then you’ve been by Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, and maybe didn’t even know it was there. Once considered a secret hideaway by Native Americans and later settlers alike, the Big Morongo Canyon Preserve is a…