sculptures – NO time for boredom today

Borrego Springs is special for so many reasons – my favorite is the wildflower season. Every year we make the drive to the desert to catch the wildflowers. In recent years, we have arrived too late for the big display. This year, the rain has been intense and we opted to make the drive a few weeks earlier than our usual schedule. It paid off. The flowers were out in full bloom along Henderson Canyon Road with a beautiful array of purple and white flowers. In addition, we found some beautiful purple blooms on Borrego Springs Road near the famous dragon sculpture that stretches over both sides of the road. The Anza-Borrego State Park Visitor Center had lots of yellow blooms along with a few traces of red and blue flowers.

Upon entering town, we first went to the Visitor Center. Not only is it a great place to stretch your legs but the staff is extremely friendly and helpful. We bought a book that identifies all the wildflowers in the area and received a map showing all current areas of wildflowers.

Next, we made the short drive through the one-street town of Borrego Springs to Henderson Canyon Road. The wildflowers were outstanding. Because rain was forecast for the afternoon, there were no crowds. It was us and three other couples taking in the glorious sight of vibrant flowers. From there we drove another 15 minutes to the nearby canyon. There are nine canyons in the Borrego Springs area. As an added bonus, we saw the Salton Sea in the distance.

On our way back into town, we stopped by the enormous dragon sculpture (it’s 350 feet long) that goes across both sides of the road. The sculpture is one of numerous sculptures by Ricardo Brecedo that you will see throughout Borrego Springs. More purple wildflowers flowers surrounded the sculpture.

Normally, we stop at the amazing Pablito’s for delicious Mexican food. This time, we decided to try the famous Carlee’s that so many people have told me about. The food is wonderful but I warn you that the portions are enormous. We were there by 11:30 AM and the place was already busy. We were the only out-of-towners. Carlee’s is clearly popular with the locals. The steak quesadilla known as “The Andy” did not disappoint. My husband loved his shrimp basket that came with delicious homemade warm chips.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center

I am fortunate enough to live within two hours of Borrego Springs. Usually, my husband and I visit during the wild flower season in early spring. This year, we opted to visit in late June. Given the heat factor, I was not sure of what to expect. Our visit was a pleasant surprise. This is a place where a large community of artists thrives and I can see why. The natural desert scenery is beautiful. The combination of mountains, plants and colors are inspiring for painters and photographers. Right in downtown is both the Borrego Springs Art Center as well as an performing arts center.

In particular, the larger than life collection of outdoor sculptures is breathtaking. Each visit, I seem to come across sculptures I missed on previous visits. There approximately 130 sculptures, created by Ricardo Breceda, scattered throughout the area. On my most recent visit, I discovered the dragon that appears to emerge from the sand and stretches over both sides of a local highway.

Everyone has a favorite restaurant in Borrego Springs and for my family it is Pablito’s for killer cocktails and delicious Mexican food. The restaurant first opened in 1995 and has a very casual atmosphere with a mixture of indoor and outdoor seating. It is located in the same shopping center as the community performing arts center.