If you should find yourself driving on California's Highway 62 through Yucca Valley—and who hasn't—try turning northwest on Pioneertown Road. It'll take you to a strange and intriguing place called—you guessed it—Pioneertown.

That is, after you've traveled about a zillion miles through barren desert.

 

It's worth it, because you'll find there an old west movie set that has been used in a number of films, none of which I can name. But take my word for it.

The set has a dirt main street, complete with a church, a jail, and of course, a saloon.

 

The town also boasts a truly bizarre collection of desert folk art which can only be seen, not described.

And by the way, people actually live there.

 

But the real jewel of Pioneertown is Pappy and Harriet's Pioneertown Palace—which would be worth noting if just for the name. But it's an oasis of fun, food, and music.

 

The food is good, the atmosphere is casual. And yes, some big-name musical acts appear there from time to time.

Oh, you don't believe me?

 

Yes, that's Paul McCartney, performing in his 2016 suprise appearance at Pappy & Harriet's.

See, what did I tell you?

 

If you make the trek, you'll see more people than you ever imagined lived in this desolate patch of earth. They all seem to find their way to Pappy and Harriet's.

So, now you know.