 |
| Windmill Market in Desert Hot Springs, Ca. (Julianne G. Crane) |
If you have ever traveled through the Indio-Palm Springs region of the Coachella Valley in Southern California, chances are you’ve seen them–the numerous signs declaring “World Famous Date Shakes.”
I must admit, I’m always up for ferreting out the next great, super thick, extra frosty, spoon-able milk shake. So, the last time we pulled into Desert Hot Springs to visit my longtime gal pal, Rachel Scott, she told me about the Windmill Market on the outskirts of town that touts the “Best Date Shake in the Desert.” Off we went for our own taste test.
 |
| Inside Windmill Market (Julianne G. Crane |
The Windmill Market sits on an almost-barren stretch of Indian Canyon Drive near Dillon Road. From the outside, it is modest and very unpretentious. The parking lot has a mere four slots, one of which is handicapped-only. There is enough room for most RVs on the dirt area just north of the deli, and I spotted a tour van parked on the dirt shoulder just south of the store.
The inside of this mom-and-pop establishment is comfortable and welcoming with a down-home funkiness. There are retro signs, black-and-white photographs, Moon Pies and an amazing soda selection including butterscotch root beer. The little market offers a
limited selection of fresh fruit and produce.
 |
| Owner Lee Olsen points to menu. (Julianne G. Crane) |
Owner Lee Olsen says he hasn’t changed the prices in years. The deli menu features:
– $3.99 made-to-order sandwiches including ham, turkey, pastrami, roast beef, vegetarian and the extremely popular, nostalgic liverwurst. Comes with potato or macaroni salad, or small bag of chips.
– .99-cent loaded ground beef tacos. There are also burritos, quesadillas, salads and hot dogs.
– Daily week-day specials including Monday’s meatloaf, mashed potatoes, vegetable and garlic bread for $5.99.
But what really calls to this visitor on a warm day is that promise of the “Best Date Shake in the Desert.” Each shake is made-to-order the old-fashioned way with real milk, real vanilla
ice cream and real medjools dates from local farms. Prices: $2.99 for a small, $3.99 for a large.
 |
| Julianne and Rachel sip their date shakes in the garden patio. |
Another delightful surprise is the garden patio behind the market. There are colorful plants and tables with umbrellas. Take in the mountain views
a few miles north of Palm Springs.
This is a great little place to kick off your visit to the Coachella Valley. Chances are you will want to come back for a second Daily Special, or another delicious date shake.
 |
| Fresh dates. (Julianne G. Crane) |
Windmill Market
17080 N. Indian Canyon Dr.
Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240
Take out orders: (760) 251-4489
Hours:
Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m.- 3 p.m.
Directions:
From I-10, Exit 120 and head north for about 1-1/2 mile. It’s on the right (east)
From CA 62 (Twentynine Palms Highway), turn east on Dillion Road, 3.2 miles to Indian Canyon Drive, turn south and spot it on the left (east).
(Near the corner of Indian Canyon and Dillon)
To read more RV lifestyle articles by Julianne G. Crane go to RVWheelLife.com
Photos by Julianne G. Crane. Click on photos to enlarge.
