North Palm Springs, California: Volkswagen VW Beetle Spider

When I visited Palm Springs I almost missed this unique sculpture. When you're heading south on Indian Canyon Drive there's a small gravel parking area on the right. You can pull in and take a few pictures of and with the giant spider.

The spider has a neat, lifelike look. There is a smaller spider in the yard and other metal work. The front gate is pretty cool also. It is next to a huge windmill field.

There are many variations with the VW Beetle. The advantage of this arrangement is that I've never seen this theme elsewhere, so it's original. I point out that the car that forms the body of the beast is full-size.

It was closed when I went, but there is a hill next to the fence where you can get a good picture. The Beetle is across the street from: 6555 N Indian Canyon Dr, Desert Hot Springs.

My family owns this lot and my grandfather built the VW Spider. He was a welder and mechanic, and at one point the landmark was a VW repair shop. Family has owned it for many years now, and my aunt, her husband and close friends currently reside in the warehouse which we have have always referred to as "hole in the wall." The property is essentially indicative of the lifestyle my grandfather lived -- eclectic, free and passion driven.

My family are friendly people who enjoy their privacy but if you happen to see them and get their attention they may show you around. My aunt knows the life my grandpa lived better than anyone and loves to spread his memory.