Idyllwild, California

‘Idyll’ awhile in the idyllic alpine resort town of Idyllwild. The most pleasurable aspect of this town is that it provides summertime relief to visitors from the hot desert-like conditions at the base of this mountainous area. At over 5,300 feet in elevation, yet only 47 miles from Palm Springs, visitors can enjoy pleasant summer temperatures while the valley below roasts in 110-degree blast-furnace heat. But if negotiating 20 miles of hairpin turns (many without guardrails) imparts to you an image of white knuckles with a death grip on your steering wheel, a trip to Idyllwild may be a tad disconcerting. If so, just administer three valium pills with a double shot of bourbon before your ascent, and you will do just fine. The Idyllwild Jazz in the Pines music festival is held each August. This small town contains two institutions for training in the arts: the Idyllwild Arts Academy and the Idyllwild Arts Summer Program. Due to its scenic mountainous terrain, the Idyllwild area is popular with campers, rock climbers and hikers.