Thanksgiving is just around the corner. The weather is gorgeous with cool nights and warm days. We open the patio doors during the days, and light the fire in the evenings. It’s absolutely perfect!

Whether you’re visiting over the holiday, or here full-time, I hope you’ll enjoy the fabulous weather and enjoy the beauty of the desert and mountains, which, I think, are especially seductive this time of year.

If you’re opting to eat Thanksgiving dinner out this year, and haven’t already made your reservations, here’s a few places you should consider:

Kings Highway in the Ace Hotel - Blacksheep Thanksgiving

Wally’s Desert Turtle

Le Vellauris

ThreeSixtyNorth

Indian Wells Resort

Eight4Nine

If you’re planning on preparing dinner at home, I find Jensen’s and Whole Foods offer the best selection of fresh turkeys, including organic. And, perhaps it’ll be warm enough to enjoy dinner al fresco, though the high temperature forecast for Thanksgiving is a cool 72!

There’s a lot to do, of course, besides eating too much. If you do plan on over-indulging, and who doesn’t, maybe you’d like to run in one of our Turkey Trotts. We have two in the desert; one in Palm Springs benefiting the Mizell Senior Center put on by Running Wild, and the other by Martha’s Village and kitchen on El Paseo in Palm Desert.

Other fun things to do include a morning or afternoon hike on one of our many near-by trails, a bike ride through town, or even across the Coachella Valley, or simply hanging out poolside with a good book, or fun conversation with friends and family.

The Living Desert’s WildLights begins Friday; it’s fun for children and adults alike.

Whatever your plans, I hope you’ll have a yummy and beautiful dinner with friends and/or family, and that you’ll have opportunities to enjoy the stunning fall weather in the desert.

And, if you’re thinking about looking at Palm Springs real estate, I’ve saved time over the weekend to help.

Russell Hill/760.898.8399/poolsidewithrussell.com/dre 1427657/homesmart