There are those moments in crossword solving when a clue just… clicks. The letters tumble into place, the theme becomes apparent, and you feel that satisfying rush of a puzzle falling into line. Then, there are the clues that make you pause, stare at the grid, and wonder if your brain has momentarily decided to take a coffee break without you. Today’s featured
crossword clue
, “Palm Springs or Puerto Vallarta, notably,” definitely falls into the latter category for many solvers.
It’s a classic example of a clue that asks you to find a common characteristic or category shared by two seemingly disparate, yet equally famous, entities. On the surface, Palm Springs and Puerto Vallarta are worlds apart. One is nestled in the California desert, a haven for mid-century modern architecture and poolside relaxation. The other, a vibrant coastal city on Mexico’s Pacific shores, known for its beaches, bustling nightlife, and charming cobblestone streets. Yet, the clue’s crucial word, “notably,” is the key to unlocking its secret.
When you encounter a
crossword clue
like this, the first instinct is often to list everything you know about each location. Palm Springs: golf, film festivals, sunshine, warm weather, resorts, desert oasis. Puerto Vallarta: beaches, ocean, tourism, resorts, Mexican culture, romantic getaways. The trick, then, is to filter these individual attributes through the lens of what they
notably
share. What is their most prominent, well-known commonality? What kind of place are both of them, in the grand scheme of things?
This kind of
crossword clue
often relies on broader categories or classifications. It’s not asking for a geographical coordinate or a specific historical event. Instead, it’s pushing you to think about their purpose, their reputation, or the experience they offer. Both locations conjure images of specific types of travel, specific atmospheres, and attract a particular kind of visitor. They are places people
go
to achieve a certain kind of experience.
Solving such a
crossword clue
requires a mental shift from specific details to overarching themes. It’s about abstracting from the unique charm of each locale to find the shared descriptor that applies equally and prominently to both. Think about what draws millions of people to these places year after year. What universal desire do they both fulfill for travelers? What word would encompass that primary function or identity for both a desert retreat and a coastal paradise?
The beauty of a well-crafted
crossword clue
like “Palm Springs or Puerto Vallarta, notably” is that it forces you to think beyond the obvious. It’s a test of not just your general knowledge, but your ability to categorize, synthesize, and identify the most salient feature among many. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the answer isn’t hidden in obscure trivia, but in a common, everyday concept that perfectly bridges two distinct examples. What do you think is the common thread that links these two iconic destinations? It’s a satisfying “aha!” moment when it finally clicks.
Available Answers:
GAY MECCA.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 1019-25 NY Times Crossword 19 Oct 25, Sunday