City: Landers, CA

Category: Shopping

Telephone: (760) 364-2282

Address: 2200 Belfield Blvd.

Description: One of the country’s largest orchid growers, Gubler’s set up shop in the high desert in 1975. With temperatures that are 10 to 15 degrees cooler than in the Coachella Valley, year-round sunshine, and the controlled climate of greenhouses—at 155,000 square feet this spot is ideal for these exotic beauties. Gubler’s propagates their own orchids and gives tours of the growing areas where they nurture an Eden of orchid hybrids and carnivorous plants; and you thought the kids would be bored. The selection is huge, and they will ship just about anywhere—even Alaska. Prices are excellent, and the plants are top quality. Gubler’s also stocks special potting soil, fertilizer, pots, and baskets, as well as cards, T-shirts, and small gift items.

City: Landers, CA

Category: Tours & Attractions

Telephone: (760) 364-3126

Address: 2477 Belfield Blvd.

Description: A sun-bleached dome about 20 miles from Joshua Tree National Park, the Integratron is a legendary site in UFO circles. It’s just down the road from Giant Rock, a freestanding boulder that’s seven stories high, covers 5,800 square feet, and has a place in Native American lore as a site where elders received teachings from spirits.The Integratron began to take shape in 1947 when George Van Tassel, a Lockheed engineer and former test pilot for Howard Hughes, left his job, leased four square miles around Giant Rock, and moved his family to a campsite by the boulder. He claimed that his weekly meditations led to an encounter with aliens from the planet Venus who invited him onto their ship and gave him tips on rejuvenating living cells with sound.Combining these tips with theories involving the earth’s magnetic field and the locations of both the Great Pyramid in Egypt and Giant Rock, Van Tassel started building his “rejuvenation chamber” in 1954.For the next 18 years, UFO conventions and donations from thousands of believers kept the family afloat, but when Van Tassel died in 1978, the Integratron was not fully finished and the work was abandoned.The Integratron still stands, a pristine white dome looking as if it was painted yesterday. The 38-foot-high, 50-foot-diameter structure was built without nails, screws, or any metal framing to enhance its magnetic properties. The upper level is engineered to amplify sounds, with a central spot on the wooden floor that creates an almost living vibration. Here, two sisters who bought the property a few years ago give sound baths using Tibetan crystal bowls and explain the workings of “the Dome.” Although the Integratron has been featured on many TV shows, including one on the Discovery Channel, very few locals even know of its existence. This is truly an “insider place” and for those of the right frame of mind and persuasion, well worth the visit. Be sure to call or visit the Web site for driving directions, as the street address will be of little help. Self-guided tours, private group tours, sound baths, retreats, and workshops are held throughout the year. Because of ongoing restoration and times when the facility is rented to large groups, opening times vary. Check the Web site for updates.