Palm Springs maybe renowned as the playground for Hollywood's rich and famous, but to me, it will forever be known as Date capital of USA. 

I quickly learn, the Medjool, one of the most popular type of date is grown in the area, and served in almost every restaurant in one form or the other - ranging from sweet date shakes to savoury bacon wrapped dates. 

The best way to sample a variety of dates is by attending Village Fest, held every Thursday evening in downtown Palm Springs.  Streets are closed off and lined with stalls overflowing with the best the region has to offer from locally produced arts and crafts, to talented locals performing in street bands.

The atmosphere is electric with just about every vendor pleasantly willing to partake in conversation and a sampling of their wares.  Village Fest is also an opportunity to mix and mingle with social localities, a very diverse collective somewhere in between Miami retirees and LA's hip and funky. 

Although the city's streets are lined with imported palm trees, we attempt to find expert advice as to whether any of them are date palms, which apparently look exactly the same as their sister trees. 

The 4P Posse decide it's time to partake in one of Village Fest's other popular activity, visiting one of the many eateries that line the streets pumping live music. 

We decide on a Mexican diner, and almost as soon as we enter the crowded bar, we are greeted with a friendly waiter who drops a basket of corn chips and salsa onto the table even before we order.  American hospitality has never been better, and although it's obvious each wait staff is working toward a tidy 20 per cent tip, the Californian service has been the friendliest in the country. 

People watching has to be another great pass time in Palm Springs, and before long we spot short skirts, tight tops, fake tans and those are the women pushing 60.  There's even a visor-wearing bleached blonde, and we're not sure if some of the fashion fiasco's are due to the desert heat.