No trip into Palm Springs is complete without a quick stop into Hadley's for some local trail mix, nuts, or some of the large variety of dates.

Hadley's did not invent trail mix, but they sure were part of the process of introducing it into the American culture. For generations, Angelinos knew about the wonderful mixes that were made at Hadley's. Today, you still can stop and sample one of the largest variety of trail mixes on the planet.

Then there are the dates. I didn't know much about dates, but at Hadley's they have all types of dates. I quickly learned that Medjools are the best and also the most expensive type of date, and Hadley's has some of the best. Again, you can sample all the variety of dates and get them stuffed with nuts or dipped in chocolate.

We can never pass up the food coolers to look at the large emu and ostrich eggs for sale. People actually buy these large eggs for omelets and scramble eggs. I was told that one emu egg makes the same size omelet a dozen chicken eggs make. We have never bought one, but we sure take a look at them every time we go into Hadley's.

Don't miss the snack shop at Hadley's. Date shakes have long been a part of the Palm Springs culture. Everywhere in Palm Springs used to sell date shakes, but today, fewer and fewer places are selling this delicious desert treat. Hadley's still makes an awesome date shake and sells it here at the snack shop. They also serve buffalo and ostrich burgers! It's a great place to stop for lunch on your way in or out of Palm Springs.

I know it's the age of the Internet and you can order any of the great trail mixes or dates treats from your home computer. However, there is nothing like a trip into Hadley's for a tasting of all the wonderful products they produce here. Hadley's hasn't changed much since 1931, and it's nice to have something that stays the same. This is one institution that I hope continues for generations.