By Karen Sprinkles
Framed by majestic mountains, the
resort community of Sun Lakes Country Club in Banning, California, brings a wealth of recreational amenities to residents 55 and older. A master-planned enclave not far from Palm Springs, Sun Lakes includes championship golf courses, excellent indoor and outdoor recreational facilities and a small-town, friendly atmosphere.
Recreation
Visitors to Sun Lakes will enjoy an 18-hole, 7,017-yard (from the longest tees) championship golf course, along with tennis and paddle tennis courts, a health and fitness center, swimming pools and spa, shuffleboard courts and a billiard center.
Entertainment
The resort's restaurant and cocktail lounge are just some of the venues where Sun Lakes residents can relax and enjoy quality cuisine and live entertainment. Social clubs for seniors are also offered, including arts and crafts, cards and bocce ball, along with country western dancing, drama clubs and cooking classes.
Climate
Idyllic year-round temperatures define Sun Lakes in the high desert, where delightful breezes help maintain a climate that is at least 15 degrees cooler than Palm Springs in the summertime. During the winter months, San Gorgonio mountain and the San Jacinto mountains provide a magnificent, snow-capped backdrop.
Nearby Attractions
Originally serving as a stagecoach and railroad stop between Arizona and Los Angeles in the 1800s, Banning boasts a rich and colorful history. The Gilman Historic Ranch and Wagon Museum includes the homestead ranch built by frontier pioneer James Marshall Gilman in 1854.
Gilman Historic Ranch and Wagon Museum
1937 Gilman St.
Banning, Ca 92220
(951) 922-9200
rivcoparks.org
About the Author:
Karen Sprinkles has been a freelance writer since 1988. She's currently the managing editor of a luxury home magazine and has written for regional newspapers and magazines. Sprinkles received the Award of Excellence from the Hawaii Book Publishers Association for "The Hawaii Home Book," which reached No. 1 on the Hawaii bestsellers list. She earned a bachelor's degree in English from the University of California.
