Broughton Quarterly - Spring 2009 - (Page 23) S A F E H AV E N Hotel Mojave Experience the romance and glamour of the desert during its celebrity heyday, when Hollywood flocked to Palm Springs to soak up the resort experience. Hotel Mojave was completely renovated in 2001 to reflect the 1940s-era while continuing to provide all the comfortable amenities you’d expect from a topnotch boutique hotel. 3721 Shadow Mountain Rd., Palm Desert, 800.391.1104, HotelMojave.com the creator was once a sculptor for Knott’s Berry Farm. They directed me towards a display case housed halfway up the stairs to the gift shop located in Dinney’s abdomen. Here, a collection of old newspaper articles paid homage to the visionary himself, Claude K. Bell. As I stood on the stairs reading, I became more and more intrigued with this man who had built his dream in the desert. Heading into mid-life myself, I was delighted to learn that Bell was in his sixties when he began building his dinosaurs. I can’t even imagine what the desert jackrabbits must have thought when Dinney began to take form back in 1964. Although it has been said that Bell built his dinosaurs to attract visitors to the Wheel Inn Café, it seems likely that the restaurant was just an excuse to build his creatures. A boatload of pie and coffee couldn’t have covered the $300,000 it cost to construct them. (Speaking of pie, their peanut butter is a must.) Bell continued to work on his dinosaurs for over 20 years, and had plans to build more prehistoric pals when he died in 1988 at the age of 91. Even though he had yet to complete his vision, it’s comforting to see that his remarkable structures are still being enjoyed today. The new owners have been busy fixing up the old giants, and recently added Mr. Rex’s Backyard Adventure, an exhibit that includes 30 more. The “Worlds Biggest Dinosaurs” have become something of a platform for the owners’ religious views, with scriptures and messages sprinkled around the revamped grounds. Regardless of your beliefs, Mr. Rex and Dinney are worthy of a visit. You can still shop for gifts inside Dinney, and for the first time since the 1980s you can climb up into the mouth of the T-Rex. Which of course we did. Bell’s dinosaurs are truly a testament to pursing your dreams and Q leaving a legacy that continues to inspire. World’s Biggest Dinosaurs™ 50800 Seminole Drive, Cabazon, CA, 951.922.8700, CabazonDinosaurs.com Andreas Hotel & Spa A landmark hotel originally built in 1935, the Andreas offers contemporary style and easy access to the best of Palm Springs. World-class entertainment, fine dining, 24-hour-a-day casinos, and a sizzling collection of clothing boutiques and specialty stores—all within easy walking distance. 227 N. Indian Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, 760.327.5701, AndreasHotel.com http://www.HotelMojave.com http://www.AndreasHotel.com http://www.CabazonDinosaurs.com
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