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March in Palm Springs: Activities Galore

Village Fest Palm Springs

March is one of the best times to visit Palm Springs. The weather is balmy, lots of flowers are in bloom, and activities abound.  Whatever your interest may be — hiking, biking, culture, art, shopping, history, entertainment, eating or drinking — there is so much going on.  Here are some ideas about what to do in Palm Springs in March.

Month of March:  Photographs from celebrated photographer, Michael Childers, will be featured in an exhibit titled “Rockin’ Hollywood,” which opens February 29 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. The exhibit features portraits of such Hollywood greats as Elton John, Cher, John Travolta, Rod Stewart, and Ringo Starr and includes the fascinating history behind the celebrities portrayed.

March 4:  First Wednesday Art Walk at the Backstreet Art District, 2600 Cherokee Way, from 7 to 10 p.m. Art galleries and artists’ studios are open for art lovers to enjoy original art by local, national, and international artists. This is an amazing opportunity to interact with artists and to view their paintings, sculpture, photography, ceramics and jewelry, while savoring refreshments and vibrant camaraderie.

 

March 5, 12, 19, 26: Palm Springs Villagefest is a street fair held every Thursday along Palm Canyon Drive (between Baristo and Amado roads) in downtown Palm Springs, 6 to 10 p.m. More than 180 vendors feature food, art, crafts, and entertainment. This is always a wonderful time for sampling some great food, mingling, and shopping.

March 6:  Pulitzer prize-winning journalist Bob Woodward will be speaking about his career and current issues. Woodward is best known for uncovering the Watergate scandal with Carl Bernstein in 1973. Celebrated for his investigative skills and fair, objective approach, Woodward should be a fascinating speaker. He will offer a knowledgeable perspective on what’s happening in politics today. Richards Center for the Arts, 2248 Ramon Road, 7:30 to 9:30. Tickets $30 to $150 can be purchased online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/palm-springs-speaks-presents-bob-woodward-tickets-67044334409

March 7 & 8; March 21 & 22:  Desert Art Festival will be held at Frances Stevens Park, 555 N. Palm Canyon Drive, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Artists present their works in all media for visitors to view and purchase. This beautiful setting in Uptown Palm Springs is an idyllic spot for a leisurely weekend stroll. Admission is free.

March 7:  Wildflower 5K Fun Run/Walk at the Civic Center, 43900 San Pablo, Palm Desert. This is a family friendly event with strollers and dogs welcomed. Registration opens at 7 a.m. and RSVPs are required. Registration fee is $30 and includes a t-shirt. RSVP at https://www.desertmountains.org/calendar/2020wf-5k-ccpark

March 9-11:  Max Von Essen is performing at the Annenberg Theatre at the Palm Springs Art Museum, 101 Museum Drive, 6 p.m.  Max has won many awards, including a Grammy.  He has starred in the Lincoln Center’s revival of Falsettos and has appeared in Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita and Les Miserables. This should be a truly inspiring and entertaining performance. To purchase tickets, go to the Annenberg website (link above).

March 11:  Let’s Talk: Walk a Mile in My Shoes. Anthony Purnel, a member of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, discusses the many challenges he faced during his inspiring 132-day hike from Mexico to Canada along the Pacific Crest Trail. Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 East Baristo Road, 6 p.m. $10 for members of the Cultural Center and $20 for non-members.

March 13-15; March 20-22: How to Survive an Apocalypse is a surprisingly delightful romantic comedy (despite the title) about a young, stylish couple who are convinced that their chic, partying lifestyle is coming to an end. They become hoarders and hunters and learn a lot about their relationship. At the Palm Springs Woman’s Club, 314 S. Cahuilla Rd. Tickets available via website (link above).

March 7, 14, 21 & 28:  The Certified Farmers Market is held every Saturday morning at the Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 Baristo Road, from 8 to 12:30. This bustling outdoor market features a seasonal variety of fresh food products, craft items, and chef demonstrations.

March 27:  Palm Springs Community Drum Circle. This unique, inspiring experience is led by sound healer, Scott Meredith, and held at the Gallery at Crystal Fantasy, 268 N. Palm Canyon Drive, downtown Palm Springs. Free event.

March 29: Slim Man Rat Pack Big Band Show.  Award-winning jazz vocalist, Slim Man, leads a 17-piece big band with favorite songs from the 60s, recreating the era of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bobby Darin and Nat King Cole. At the Annenberg Theatre at the Palm Springs Art Museum, 101 Museum Drive, 5-8 p.m. Tickets available at  www.slimman.com

Also keep in mind that the Palm Springs Historical Society offers a wide variety of walking and biking tours throughout March, such as tours focusing on such topics as Architecture & Glamour, Rat Pack Playground, Frank Sinatra’s Neighborhood, Modernist Treasures, Uptown Design District and many more. To see what is available and sign up, go to the society’s website (link above).

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Capture the Holiday Spirit at the Walk of the Inns

Walk of the Inns

The holidays have come to Palm Springs. Just because the weather is warm (and beautiful) doesn’t mean that you can’t find the holiday spirit. One way to do that is to go on the Walk of the Inns on December 12, where you can enjoy a festive holiday vibe while going on an exclusive tour of many of the area’s lovely small boutique hotels. This self-guided tour is free and runs from 6 to 9 p.m.

Amin Casa for Walk of the Inns

The charm of these small hotels, many of them historic, creates the warm ambiance of the holidays with their twinkling lights and other decorations. The mid-century modern, Spanish, and Mediterranean architecture of many of these hotels enhances their appeal.  You can just imagine how Hollywood celebrities in the 1940s and 50s savored the holiday season in these magical retreats away from the buzz of Sunset Boulevard.

Palm Springs Museum interiorIf you want to participate, you can begin your walk at the Palm Springs Art Museum or the Palm Springs Women’s Club, where you will receive a map of participating hotels, enjoy live entertainment, and pick up a flashlight to illuminate your walk. At these two locations, you can also drop off gifts and toys for the annual fundraiser, Well in the Desert, which donates gifts to those in need in the Greater Palm Springs area. What better way to get in the holiday spirit than by giving to others.

Casa Cody poolOne of the oldest inns participating in the walk is Casa Cody, which includes lovely villas and cottages that were originally built to house athletes during the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics. Other enchanting boutique hotels will be featuring a cheerful holiday atmosphere during the walk.

Village Fest Palm SpringsWhile you are walking around, you can also enjoy Palm Springs’ Thursday Night Village Fest for enticing food, entertainment, and shopping for the holidays.  There’s no better way to launch the holiday season in Palm Springs.

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Desert X Entices People for Art Adventure

Tamanrasset is an installation of large-scale abstract paintings and light by Vivian Suter. Photo Lance Gerber.

There are plenty of us who love getting out to see the desert close up and personal. Especially this time of year, the cacti are starting to bloom, and wild desert flowers are peeking their fragile heads out of the desert soil. Breathing the fresh desert air is sure to revive a tired soul. Now, there is another way to explore and appreciate the desert… by exploring Desert X, which is happening now through May 16, 2021.  Book a romantic getaway with your sweetheart or take the kids to a family-friendly small hotel. Either way, prepare yourself for the creative desert adventure known as Desert X .

What is Desert X?

Desert X is an exhibition of 13 contemporary artwork installations, created by artists from eight countries, that are designed and built on site-specific locations through the 40 miles of Coachella Valley. The exhibition is  organized by the Desert Biennial Board, a California nonprofit that selected the sites and artists.

Students and scholars worldwide come here to study and write about the art and emerging and established artists who created these often monumental edifices in unexpected places.  Subject themes range from the environment, immigration, or climate change, to name a few.

However, what makes this adventure very special is that it is an activity an entire family can enjoy. Finding the locations, which are often obscure, may require one to use GPS coordinates. Get the whole family involved in the treasure hunt to find another installation often not visible from the road. The Desert X mobile app is a great tool for learning the details about  the art and its artist.

Here a few examples of the sites that will be revealed as you explore.

Desert X Wishing Well by Ghana Artist Serge Attukewei Clottey

These brilliant canary yellow cubes are constructed of plastic water buckets used to carry water in Ghana. The four-inch squares are connected with wire on four corners. The artist wanted to bring attention to the Coachella Valley’s future and its continuing dependency on water.

Desert X What Lies Behind the Walls by Saudi Arabia Artist Zahrah Alghamdi

This wall is about a quarter-mile hike up a slightly elevated path.  It is made out of insulation dipped in glue and then rolled in the earth surrounding the area. Metal rods in the interior hold it in place. Thus, it displays the different colors of the soil and forces one to think about people’s diverse cultures and experiences throughout the world.

Desert X ParaPivot by Poland Artist Alicja Kwade

This art installation is placed on top of a hill with a path that quickly gains elevation. More than one person has stood at the bottom of the trail and decided it is too much of a challenge to tackle on a warm Palm Springs day.  Representing glaciers, balanced in precarious positions, one walks through it and contemplates the what-ifs surrounding our everyday life.

Note: IF you have a disability placard, please let the volunteers know, and they will facilitate a way to see the art.

So make your reservations to come to Palm Springs. Pack your suntan lotion and your hats, and head out to explore this unusual way to see our valley.

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November Events Guide: Welcome To Season In Palm Springs!

A man and a woman sit on a restaurant patio and toast to the sunny day in Palm Springs

Season is officially here! We always kick off with a Halloween Party on Arenas, and then bang on into Pride, the biggest party of the year. 

The temperatures haven’t cracked 100 in a few weeks, and we’re about to dip into the 70s during the daytime and 40s or 50s at night. It’s the sweet spot of the fall. If you can, come experience the wonderful weather, and the great events that Palm Springs has to offer.

We try to keep everything local, just like our hotels. So by enjoying one of our hotels, eating in local restaurants, drinking in local bars, and purchasing goods from local shopkeepers, you’ll help keep their doors open for the next time you want to enjoy our little town.

A LOT is going on, so let’s get to it!

Recurring events you shouldn’t miss

People look at items for sale as night falls over the Village Fest street fair in Palm Springs

VillageFest vendors sell everything from handcrafted items to food. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

Thursdays — VillageFest from 6 to 10 p.m. (link has map). Parking might be tough, but not if you stay in one of downtown’s small resorts or hotels. You’re always within walking distance!

Purple Room — Live entertainment Monday through Thursday, no cover. Home to Sunday’s The Judy Show, Friday and Saturday are also ticketed events. Your delicious meal is on you. Last season (thanks to a friend) I saw the fabulous Liz Calloway (who I didn’t know was fabulous until I saw her) and had dinner; both were five stars. This used to be one of Frank’s favorite hot spots (that’s Sinatra). While they’ve leaned toward jazz and cabaret in the past, they’ve been bringing in some unique offerings. You know what? Just check the calendar.

V Wine Lounge and Martini Bar — Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday is live entertainment with a $10 cover to help keep the music alive. Wednesday is karaoke night. I think we have great local entertainers here, and I was heavily involved in the entertainment scene in Chicago and Los Angeles — not a brag, I’ve just been around a lot and a long time. V Wine Lounge and Martini Bar is located in the historic Kaptur Plaza, next to the mid-town Koffi, and is the largest intimate space I have ever seen. It’s basically divided into three rooms, but the concept is open, including the wraparound bar. The drinks are well poured and everything I’ve had on the bites menu was delish! 

Oscar’s is back and better than ever. Renovated inside and out, it’s home to the Sunday Tea Dance and The Bitchiest Brunch. Last season they debuted a new chef whose food inspired finger kisses. The entertainment has always been top-notch, bringing in inspired acts from Los Angeles and around the world. Check out the schedule for their fall shows.

Revolution Stage Company — Just over a year old, this theatre company not only has a season of plays, their stage is always busy in between with shows from all over the country. You never know what’s coming, but go in knowing that the sound system is one of the best, if not the best, in Palm Springs, and is a contender for the whole Coachella Valley. There’s a full bar, and some crazy fun good times to be had here. Last year’s Avenue Q was fantastic.

Dezart Performs — Consistently turning out terrific productions of plays with a message, don’t sleep on an opportunity to see any show this company produces. If “plays with a message” scares you off, please allow me to tell you they are delightful productions with a great deal of heart, and generally cast to perfection. 

Palm Springs Cultural Center — Formerly the Camelot Theatres, the new name might sound stuffy, however it’s everything except stuffy. The first cineplex in the Coachella Valley, the building has been transformed into an entertainment center. You’ll find many film festivals here, as well as plays, traveling acts, and during the week, upstairs, happy hour entertainment. 

Drift — Although this hotel is new-ish in town, it’s showing itself to be a great spot for gathering. Pool side hangs, Savasana on Saturdays, Jueves de Drift, Tacos y Tunes, sound baths, and happy hours at the house restaurant. 

Canopy Wine Lounge — Current November events are listed by date below, however if you are a connoisseur of fine wines, and caviar, this is your spot. Beautifully decorated, and the patio has a view of Marilyn and the mountains (although that will be gone when the new hotel is built at Graffiti Park).

Quadz — Making its first appearance on this list because I was talking to a gay friend of mine about Arenas. I said I didn’t go because I’m a girl, and I didn’t want to be a disruption. He told me that Quadz is the answer. It’s a video bar with fun games and a very welcoming atmosphere. Not that the others aren’t, but many are where gays meet other gays. It’s a party for sure, but bridal squads have been doing takeovers. 100 percent not cool unless you ask first, so I’ve been respectful. This is not the case for Quadz, I’m told. So go have fun! I’ll see you there.  

Retro Room — The only bar dedicated solely to karaoke. It’s small, but that makes it more intimate and less scary to take the stage.

Melvyn’s at The Ingleside Estate — Sundays are swinging at Melvyn’s with an ongoing lineup of the Valley’s best musicians. Programming varies with special guests joining regularly. One of the oldest properties in Palm Springs, Frank Sinatra’s favorite dish was Steak Diane, so don’t skip on the dinner. But definitely go for the Sunday Jams, 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Be prepared, sometimes well-known celebrities stop in and perform. In the past, Neil Sedaka and James Marsden entertained the crowd on a whim. $25 F&B minimum, seating is first come, first served.

Events by date

Palm Springs Vintage Market visitors peruse through retro items on a sunny day in Palm Springs

You never know what you might find while wandering the Palm Springs Vintage Market

Nov. 1: Boozehounds Bow Wow Ball

Nov. 1: Alumination at PS Art Museum

Nov. 1: Mid-Century Moderns long running jukebox musical at Revolution Stage Company

Nov. 1: Palm Springs Scavenger Hunt Adventure

Nov. 2: VELVET MARTINI at PS Underground

Nov. 2: Free Weekend Psychic / Healing Arts Fair (recurring)

Nov. 3: Grateful Goats Paint & Sip at Laster Ranch

Nov. 3: Palm Springs Vintage Market 

Nov. 5: Tomahawk Tuesdays at Kaiser Grille

Nov. 7: NoirCon 2024

Nov. 7: Sip & Savor Italy: An Evening with Paul Feinstein (book signing)

Nov. 8: The Palm Springs Sunset Music & Comedy Festival at Oscar’s

Nov. 9: Amanda Perez and NB RIDAZ at Oscar’s

Nov. 9: No Llores Comedy at Four Twenty Bank (dispensary and party lounge)

Nov. 9-10: PS Women’s Jazz Festival at Annenberg

Nov.10: Amazing Sundays Drag Brunch at Chill Bar

Nov. 10: Divas of the Desert. Doors open at 11:30 a.m., the music starts at noon. Celebrating the music of Roberta Flack and Anita Baker. Some of the hottest female jazz and blues singers in the area. 

Nov. 11: 27th Annual Palm Springs Veterans Day Parade

Nov. 13: Joni Mitchell — The Reckless Daughter at PS Underground

Nov. 15-16: Thorgy Does Christmas at Palm Springs Cultural Center. Famed for her charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent, from RuPaul’s Drag Race to concert halls, the Queen of Classical Music Thorgy Thor performs for two nights only during a fabulous musical holiday extravaganza! Tickets: $49-$79

Nov. 15: Desert Air Music Festival at the Palm Springs Air Museum. These events always slay.

Nov. 16: TASTE x The Shag House hosted by On the Mark. The Shag House is a fun visit — with noshes by On The Mark, it should be pretty special.

Nov. 22: 10th Annual Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival presented by Agua Caliente Casinos. This is not in Palm Springs, but I HAD to tell you about it.

Nov. 22: MOTOWN at PS Underground

Nov. 22: McCormick’s Palm Springs Exotic Car Auction

Nov. 23: 2024 Props and Hops Craft Beer Festival at Palm Springs Air Museum

I’ll clue you in about Pride in another post, same with Thanksgiving, so look for those. In the meantime, pop on over to the PSPSH website and book your stay. It’s the best thing you can do for an authentic Palm Springs experience.

See you in December!

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Let’s Get 2023 Started: January Events In Palm Springs

A sign that reads "Welcome to Palm Springs"

I hope you all made it through 2022 as unscathed as possible. No matter the reason, you absolutely deserve a getaway vacation to Palm Springs. The late night temps are in the low 50s, while it’s in the mid-70s by noon and the sun is warm on your skin. Perfect tanning weather, and a heated pool will bring all of the aaahhhs.

Whether you want to keep the party going, or you’re looking to unwind from party season, Palm Springs is a cure. Have a look at our boutique resorts to find your particular jam. There are A LOT to choose from, each one unique in its own way — on the Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels website, you can use a filter to narrow down the choices. I’d do it for you, but you didn’t tell me what you were looking for, so I’m stumped. It’s pretty easy to navigate, so unless you’re a single cell organism, you’ll do fine.

The biggest thing going on this month is the Palm Springs International Film Festival, and I’m going to tell you about that in a different post, but you should get tickets yesterday if you want to attend. Other than that, we’ve got a lot of the usual suspects, a few one-offs, and a brand new nightclub. I’ll do a post about my favorite restaurants before Valentine’s Day so you can make a plan. But first, January 2023. Ready? Let’s go.

One and done

Jan 1: Vintage Market at the Palm Springs Cultural Center — First hour is $10 to get in (first pick!), $5 after 9 a.m. Vendors from all over the country.

Jan. 4: Leslie Jordan: Gone Too Soon. At Quadz Palm Springs, 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Jan 5-16: Palm Springs International Film Festival — Cruise the website yourself, or you can read about it here.

Jan 19-22: Palm Springs Winter Break — Line dance party.

Items for sale at the Vintage Market. Photo by Katy Carrier

Recurring tours

Historical Society Walking Tours — 14 different tour options, all spectacular.

Architectural Bike Tours — Your guide, Brennan, is all about mid-century modern. He is also a bus tour guide during Modernism Week. Many of our resorts have bikes available, so snag one for a few hours and book the tour.

Desert Tasty Tours — Get a taste of downtown Palm Springs with this fun walking tour. You get some great history, some adult beverages, and some delicious food from our locally owned spots. It’s a great mid-day adventure. Get $5 off when purchasing your tickets by using promo code “PSPHotel.”

MOGO Silent Disco — Get your boogie on with this dance tour. To be clear, you are the dancer. Curated music is pumped through your headset as you disco down Palm Canyon Boulevard. You won’t look weird — you’ll bring friends and make new ones. Use code “pspsh10” at checkout for a 10 percent discount for our readers!

Dance your way through downtown Palm Springs. Photo courtesy of MOGO Silent Disco Tour

Clubs with entertainment

Caliente Comedy at the Cascade Lounge on Fridays

Jazzville at the Cascade Lounge on Thursdays

The Purple Room — Rat Pack styled club with top notch entertainment from all over the country.

PS Underground — If you’ve read this blog before, you know I love this experience. Everything is spectacular, from the venue to the entertainment and the food. One of the most creative and fun events you will ever witness. Everyone becomes BFFs forever, including your hosts and creative team, Michael and Chef Dave.

Oscar’s — There’s a lot going on here, so peep the calendar. If you’re gay (or wanna hang with your gays), the T Dance is the best recurring party in town. If you’re straight, stay away from the bathrooms.

Oscar’s. Courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

PS Air — One-of-a-kind “speakeasy” masquerading as an airplane; it may even have a cockpit, I’m not sure (I mean, it is Palm Springs). But there is in-flight entertainment, and often a naughty stewardess.

Toucan’s — A drag queen institution and dance club on the north end of town near the very popular Boozehounds.

Come On Up — Palm Springs Cultural Center (formerly known as — or concurrently, I’m unclear — the Camelot Theater) is stepping it up. They still show movies, and there are two theater companies during season (which is now), as well as Come On Up, featuring recurring musical acts on different weekdays. There’s a lot of parking, so you can bring a crowd.

Nightclubs

Reforma (brand new) — Right next to BevMo. It just opened, and I mean just, like yesterday.

Pretty Faces (fairly new) — I haven’t checked it out yet. LMK if you go.

Theater

Jan 20-29: Palm Canyon Theater: Palm Springs Getaway

Jan 13-22: Dezart Performs: A Bright New Boise

Jan 17-29: CVRep: Dirty Blonde

Jan 27-29: Desert Ensemble Theater: Kill the Editor

There’s a new theater company in town, The Bent. I’m not sure if they’re doing anything in January yet, but peek their website. There are rumors that their very popular show, The Lincoln Debate, will be back in February. For those of you not in the know, Lincoln shared a single bed with another man for four years. The show uses that information as a jumping off point.

If you’re new to PS and you are a gay man looking for the action, you’re looking for East Arenas Road (fun article), two blocks of gay Shangri-La. Pair that with a men’s clothing optional boutique resort, and you’ve reached nirvana.

Okay, that’s it for January. Hope to see you around town enjoying our delicious weather. And as always, please shop and stay local, have a blast, and I’ll see you next month.

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Historic Hotels On View During Modernism Week

The late 1940s and ’50s was the start of modernism in Palm Springs, but it wasn’t until 2006 that Modernism Week first cast its spell on the world. Since then, the number of people attending has risen each year, with 2023 bringing in over 100,000 visitors, creating a revenue stream of $55 million.

They have over 350 things to do, and this post will help you navigate the event, but I’m gonna tell you about some of our preferred small hotels that are on the Modernism Week bus tour. You can make the event an exceptionally authentic one by also booking one of these boutique hotels. And this year, one of them is actually featured as a Modernism Week event. 

A Palm Springs classic: Casa Cody

Casa Cody, the city’s oldest operating hotel, isn’t from the modernism era — it was built in the late 1910s — but the property has been well maintained and has a fantastic history. Harold and Harriet Cody left Hollywood and came to Palm Springs (by wagon) in 1916, as Harold’s frequent tribulations with pneumonia were worsening and the dry desert air was considered a health benefit for anyone with lung ailments. Harold was a Los Angeles architect, and purportedly the cousin of the legendary Buffalo Bill Cody. 

Initially, Casa Cody was just their home, but in 1920 Harriet hung up a hotelier’s shingle, and the rest is Palm Springs history. Some of their more famous guests included Charlie Chaplin, American opera singer Lawrence Tibbett, and AnaÏs Nin. Harriet is said to be a direct descendant of Sir Thomas Moore and from one of the wealthiest families in Philadelphia.

Today, Casa Cody has 31 guest rooms and private rooms, two swimming pools, a jacuzzi, a spa treatment room, and a marketplace, and you can see it all on Feb. 19, 2024, during the hotel’s special Modernism Week event. You’ll get to go on a behind-the-scenes tour and hang out poolside, with cocktails and brunch items available. All of this can be yours for the low, low price of $50.

Even when it’s not Modernism Week, Casa Cody has movies by the pool and art events available to guests. This party is a great opportunity to roam the grounds and check out all of that history!

That’s not all…

The other boutique hotels you’ll see on the Modernism Week bus tour are:

Korakia Pensione — Originally called Dar Marroc and styled after Tangier, Morocco, Korakia was built in 1924. It’s the former hideaway of Scottish painter Gordon Coutts, and the rumor is that Winston Churchill painted (not the walls, canvases) in the Artist’s Studio. Forbes Traveler named it one of their sexiest hotels in America.  

Ingleside Inn — Home of the popular Melvyn’s Restaurant and Lounge, this estate began as a private home built in 1924 for Ethel Richards Birge and sold to Ruth Hardy in 1935 (you may have heard of her park, located on Caballeros). Even if you don’t stay here, go for a cocktail at Melvyn’s to check it out. Très cool. 

The Orbit In's retro pool surrounded by loungers and vintage umbrellas

The Orbit In is a spectacular mid-century modern classic. Photo courtesy of Orbit In

Orbit In — Designed in 1948 by Herbert W. Burns, a builder and innkeeper behind a number of small inns and private homes in Palm Springs during the 1940s and ’50s. His Town and Desert Apartments live on as The Hideaway, one of the Orbit In’s two boutique hotels. From Orbit you can see Swiss architect Albert Frey’s masterpiece builds (Frey I & II) in the mountains above you. Burns designed many of the buildings on Baristo, just west of Belardo.

Movie Colony Hotel — This property was designed by Frey, who left his mark all over Palm Springs. Built in 1935, its original name was the San Jacinto Hotel, a three-unit townhouse. Currently, the Bauhaus-inspired property is a 17-room boutique hotel (they expanded, they did not cut up three townhouses to make 17 rooms). If you can, book Unit 29 — it is considered the least changed from Frey’s original design.

A pink flamingo float in the pool at Skylark Hotel Palm Springs with the mountains in the background

The views are fantastic from the Skylark Hotel pool. Photo courtesy of Skylark Hotel

Skylark Hotel — Recently updated, the mid-century modern property was built in 1955 and was the backdrop for the movie Palm Swings. 

Willows — Located a stone’s throw south of the Art Museum, Albert Einstein used to stay here when he’d visit Palm Springs (and would “take the sun” in the buff). This is one of the 10 oldest structures in Palm Springs, and its eight guest rooms each have modern amenities while retaining their historic charm. You are right on the mountain, so you know you’re going to have a spectacular view.

Amin Casa — Formerly the home of Gloria Swanson, this beautiful estate dates back to the 1920s and accommodates 14 guests, adults only. For a unique experience, you can book Swanson’s original residence, a swanky two bedroom, two bath cottage with a grand living space.

That’s all we’ve got time for today, Modernettes. Hope to see you on the streets during Modernism Week!  

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June Is Bustin’ Out All Over

First, I regret the announcements: Not quite ready to take the plunge, Splash House has been rescheduled for August; Pride will happen in November. I know! I’m verklempt too. However, there’s still an awful lot of fun to be had this June in Palm Springs. And I hear they’ll be back soon.

Oh, before we get to events, it’s good to mention that we’ve got a few specials going on. Each boutique hotel has a different vibe and their own brand of swagger. Make sure to check them out here.

Okay. June. Planned events, then some build-your-own adventures. Let’s go!

Special Events

June 22-28 – At the top of the list is Palm Springs Short Film Festival. Per Variety, “Palm Springs Shortfest will be the first film festival of 2021 in California to hold all of its screenings in-theater when the event takes place at the Camelot Theatres (aka Palm Springs Cultural Center). Check them out too.

June 17th – Cast & Crew screening of Palm Springs Women in Film & Television’s two short films, “Accidental Date” and “Aftermath.” 6pm reception, 7pm screening followed by a Q&A for both films. Camelot Theater (PS Cultural Center) in Palm Springs.

Oscars – they keep adding events (yay!), so here’s what’s listed as of this writing. Check the link to see if there are additions.

  • Melissa Manchester @ Oscars June 17 & 18
  • Gunhild Carling @ Oscars June 10 5:30 & 9:30, Sweden’s Queen of Swing. Famous for playing trombone, she also plays bagpipes, trumpet, recorder, string instruments and will often play them all in one song, sometimes casually breaking into a tap dance or singing.

Four Twenty Bank and Lounge – The dispensary, lounge, and entertainment venue is located on Palm Canyon and Baristo (this is important, used to be at 777 Palm Canyon). They’ve got a great stage, but check their calendar. There was a Bowie tribute band and a Journey tribute band scheduled when I checked a day ago, but they’re gone, and others added. Things are still coming together on their line-up, but the Lounge is still pretty badass.

PS Underground: Book well in advance; these are the hottest shows in town. Ticketing links below.

  • June 11:  IMAGINE. A multiple course journey of music and food. “What would it feel like to climb into music and let it tantalize your every sense?”
  • June 13: GOSPEL –  a multiple course Sunday brunch with fantastic food and toe-tapping, hand clapping gospel music from the band onstage.
  • June 18: ENIGMA – a puzzling or inexplicable experience or occurrence. “Things are not always as they seem as we navigate through this feast for all senses. …an over-the-top unexplainable out-of-the-box immersive dinner experience.”
  • June 25: LIGHT – “Wear white and bring to the table an open mind and a sense of adventure. Prepare yourselves for an evening of the truly unexpected.
  • June 27: OVATION – A jazzed up Sunday Brunch, “Surprise performers and musicians…free-flowing, bubbly and Bloody Mary’s are included.

On-Going Events

I’m recycling some of these from last month because, FUN! Once again, an asterisk denotes that I have been and it’s fabulous.

*Thursday afternoons are free at Palm Springs Art Museum from 5-7 p.m. Make a reservation.

Saturdays: Saturday Night Flight at PS Air Bar.”Boarding time”  5 p.m.

Wine tastings at Bouschet. They keep adding dates so I’m just linking to their website. Also, their California Caesar is bowl-licking good (the fancy bowl makes it hard, though), and a friend likes their macaroni salad so much he asked for the recipe.

Saturdays: Not Your Grandma’s Bingo at Chill Bar from 12-2 p.m. The name says it all.

*Sundays: Palm Springs Drag Brunch, with Rosemary Galore and her queenly court at Roly China Fusion.

*Saturdays and Sundays – I have written about Palm Springs magic before, but Crystal Fantasy is our go-to guide for crystals, sage, tarot cards, and all things material to interact with or distract the spiritual realm. Saturday and Sundays they have a Psychic/Healing Arts Fair, where you pick your psychic (or did they pick you, hmmm?). Check the website for times and the cool classes they have during the week.

*Sundays: It’s the Pro-Jazz Jam from 2-5 p.m. at Palm Canyon Roadhouse. It’s all the best players in the Coachella Valley led by solid jazz musician, Mikale Karr.

And, drumroll please, the most raucous dance party in Palm Springs is back! It’s Oscar’s T-Dance, Sunday’s from 4-8 pm. You can hear it blocks away. Mostly gay men, but I’ve been and it was a gas!

Day-Time Activities

*Like Mid-Mod? Or the architecturally significant homes of the stars? Palm Springs Life has a self-guided tour app. It’s a great fix as we wait for tours to restart, and Modernism Week to return.

*CannaBUS Express Tours, there’s no other like it. Any canna-curiosity you might have will be replaced with knowledge from their Extreme Green Team. BONUS: it’s hella-fun.

If you’re staying in a boutique hotel, there’s a good chance there’s work by a local artist hanging on a wall, or sitting on a table. That’s because creativity is off-the-charts flowing unlike the rain in Palm Springs. Art has many expressions, and at the indoor Mojave Flea Trading Post, artists and crafters of every ilk come together in a 10,000 sq. ft. marketplace of makers & merchants from Joshua Tree, the Coachella Valley, and beyond.

And guys, check this out: you can take a ride in an old warbird at Palm Springs Air Museum! The Warbird Ride has six options: C-47 Skytrain, T-28 Trojan, PT-17 Stearman, P-51 Mustang and the T-33 Shooting Star Jet.  While you’re there, make sure to take a tour of the *Palm Springs Air Museum. It’s cooler than you might think.

That’s it for events, but I’m super excited to play show and tell with all of the fun and funky spots for your Instagram page. I found some fabulous filters, so I used them. Hope you likey. It’s my first try. You’ll find out why this chair sits on a pedestal.

As always, please shop and stay at locally-owned businesses. And if you go to any of our hotels or enjoy our recommendations, please be sure to tag us with your photos on IG, or @palmspringspreferredsmallhotel (yeah, it’s a lot to type, but we appreciate it!)  #PSPSH

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Pride Week: Stay Independent & Diverse!

The triangle-shaped roof at the Triangle Inn Palm Springs men's clothing-optional resort in Palm Springs, California

If you’re heading to Palm Springs for Pride Week, forget the big hotels and experience what community is all about. Palm Springs has dozens of charming, independently-owned boutique hotels that are just as unique as you.

And that’s important because Palm Spring Pride is like no other.  Here, community is defined very broadly and allies are enthusiastically celebrated.

Proof in point: this year’s Pride Week theme, inspired by (and in support of) “youth-led movement-building efforts that are awakening critical conversations for social change,” is Youth Power for Change. In a profoundly symbolic gesture, the youth of Coachella Valley were collectively named Grand Marshalls of the 2018 Pride Parade. 

The Palm Springs is unusual because it does not contain gay ghettos like most cities.  Decades ago, when Palm Springs was drifting into oblivion like so many small desert towns, it was the gay community who infused it with new life, starting hotels and other businesses that set the course for the Palm Springs of today.

And to this day, many Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels are owned or managed by members and allies of the LGBTQ community.  

Where to Stay

Case in point: For women who remember the Bee Charmer Inn, it is now called La Maison and under the gay-friendly new ownership of allies Cornelia and Robert.  Voted one of the most romantic inns in the country by Trip Advisor over the past few years, La Maison provides a safe and welcoming haven for solo travelers and couples. Exceptionally serene and lush, La Maison prides itself on small touches of perfection that make guests feel cherished.

The woman-owned, Alcazar Palm Springs, is managed by the talented Robert Hunt. This stunningly beautiful contemporary hotel is conveniently located near some of the best restaurants and shopping in town. Known for its diversity and inclusiveness, The Alcazar enjoys bragging rights for its salt water purified pool and garden courtyard with fire and water walls. It’s even pet friendly.

If clothing-optional man space is your thing, there is no better place to celebrate Pride than at one of the men’s resorts on San Lorenzo Road. In one short block, you’ll find at least four of the best (and most beautiful) resorts owned and operated by and for men, including: The Triangle Inn Palm Springs, Santiago Resort, Tortuga del Sol, and Escape Resort.

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Things We Don’t Do In The Shadows: October In Palm Springs

Did you know that the Latin root for October is “octo” which means … yep, eight. So, why is it the 10th month? Who cares, let’s get going on what’s happening in Palm Springs this month!

Ya Get One Chance This Year, And This Is It

Oct. 6-8: Power Trip featuring Metallica, Iron Maiden, Guns N’ Roses, Tool, AC/DC, and Judas Priest. The festival is being described as the “sequel to Desert Trip.” Ozzy Osbourne was scheduled to perform on Oct. 7, but canceled his appearance less than three months prior to the event due to ongoing health issues.

Oct. 13: Wine & Dine Around The World. Yes, it’s a fundraiser, however Wine & Dine Around the World is a wine-tasting event featuring hundreds of wines from multiple countries, paired with regional hors d’oeuvres. The culmination of “Wine Down Wednesday,” general admission for the event is 6 to 9 p.m.; VIP has early entry at 5 p.m. with an after party ’til 11 p.m. A portion of the proceeds benefits your choice of one charity per ticket. The dress code is desert casual.

Oct. 15: Alohana at Palm Springs Cultural Center. All things tiki — market, movies, and mai tais.

Oct. 19-22: Modernism Week October. 50+ events. See article posted here.

Sunnylands tours. These are part of Modernism Week, but I’m putting them here because if you’re gonna spend some $$ on something, think about a Sunnylands tour.

Oct. 28-29: Taste of On The Mark Fall 2023. A variety of delicious foods and drinks from our favorite vendors — savory to sweet, and everything in between. 111 N. Palm Canyon Drive (at On The Mark). $70-95

Oct. 29: Halloween is such a big deal in Palm Springs it has its own website. From 4 to 9 p.m., if you’re into Halloween, it should be on your bucket list. It’s a scare with flare.

Recurring

A man hikes on a mountain in Palm Springs

There are trails everywhere to explore in Palm Springs. Courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

Hiking with T. If you’re an enthusiast, she has the scoop about what’s going on with all the hiking trails.

Mid-Century Moderns, last year’s hit show, will be playing at a brand new theater, The Revolution Stage Company. Besides it being a fun and funny jukebox musical, the theater itself has a full bar, 128 gorgeous blue cushioned theater seats, and an ice cream bar!

Sunday Tea N’ Shade with Sabryna Williams and the Luchettes. “Prepare to sashay into the most fabulous Sunday afternoon experience in Palm Springs!” Every Sunday at 2 p.m. in the Boozehounds dining room, Sabryna Williams and The Lunchettes will host a drag lunch extravaganza, with two guest queens joining in on the fun every week. If that’s not enough, know this: you can order bottomless drinks!

Desert Tasty Tours. There are six restaurants on this terrific tour of Palm Springs that touches on all things iconic along downtown’s three most buzzy blocks. There’s a little booze, a lot of food, and some fun facts to take home with you.

MOGO Silent Disco is back! All you need to know is in their motto: “Shut up and dance!” I’m definitely going this year.

Jazzville. Always a great time with an eclectic mix of music from around the world.

PS Underground. Truly an experience to remember. The food, the entertainment, and the sheer creativity in the heads of Producer Michael and Chef Dave is nothing short of astounding.

The Purple Room. A classic Palm Springs experience, the ambiance at the Purple Room is Rat Pack heaven. During the week you can expect to be entertained by some of Palm Springs’ finest performers and musicians, and the ticketed shows on the weekend are worth way more than the price of admission. The food and drinks are also superb. And lordamercy book a ticket for The Judy Show and do it well in advance. What a show!

VIP Lounge at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Formerly known as “Come On Up,” they’ve got the same terrific acts as they had when it was Come On Up and some new things too!

Reforma. Modeled after a supper club, guests enjoy their dinner in a dramatic environment. After dinner, the space is transformed into a large dance floor with a state-of-the-art sound system and light show. A private lounge and bar offer additional environments to have a meal or late-night bites with a unique craft cocktail. Entertainment will include DJs and live performances. (They had very cool drag show themes this past summer, but that seems to have fallen off the schedule. Hope it’s back soon because a Taylor Swift Drag Brunch? Yes please.)

Three In The Pink. Drag show at Trixie Motel. This is brand new.

New Restaurant/Bar Alert

A row of chairs lined up at the bar at Maleza in Drift Palm Springs

Share a toast with friends at the Maleza bar. Photo courtesy of Drift Palm Springs

Maleza — In the new Drift hotel. That hotel has got it going on!

Sol Agave — I’m seeing rustic yet fancy Mexican. Looks divine.

Mickey’s Mexican Cuisine — Located in Shamrock’s Irish Pub.

Low Desert — In the Smoke Tree Village shopping center. Not far from downtown, and if you’re staying in one of our boutique hotels on the south end, you can probably walk.

Impala Bar and Grill — Next to Reforma, it’s more of a bar that serves Mexican fare, but it’s cool.

Zadie Cafe — Not named after one of my local heroes, Zadie Bunker, the flying grandma. But it is actually the Yiddish word for grandma.

Cafe Mon Amour — I hear it’s very French. They don’t have a website. Make your own joke.

The Evening Citizen — Easily the most fun website entrance; click on “subscribe” to get it. I also can’t tell you where it is. You’ll have to make a reservation at the 30-seat bar to find out. I have a hunch it is on or near Arenas, as it seems to be owned by the former head bartender from Blackbook.

Coming soon: Play Lounge with games, a bar, and food. I hear they’re going to have a pool table too!  

November Alerts

Participants in a Pride parade in Palm Springs

Pride is right around the corner. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

Nov. 3-5 is Pride! 

Starting Nov. 8, Cabaret6: Desert Stars will take place every Wednesday for six weeks at the Revolution Stage. Full bar and ice cream station. All of Palm Springs’ favorite performers — Keisha D., Francesca Amari, Tod Macofsky, Brian Scott, and Rose Mallett — will be doing shows they’ve performed in the bigger cities and rarely in town.

And finally, from timeanddate.com: As we established earlier, the meaning of October comes from the Latin word octo meaning eight. The old Roman calendar started in March, so October was the eighth month. When the Roman senate changed the calendar in 153 BCE, the new year started in January, and October became the 10th month.

Which reminds me, the latest trend on TikTok is to ask a man how often he thinks about the Roman Empire and see what happens. Tell me about it when I see you.

Ciao!

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Things Are Heating Up in Palm Springs This May

A group of women jumping into a swimming pool

Pretty sure May in Palm Springs is gonna be like everyone else’s early July: hot and sunny, but sans the swarms of bugs you find everywhere else. If I didn’t live here, I would be looking at my options of where to stay on my visit.

The big festivals are over, snowbirds will have left, and traffic will be peaceful again. More importantly, summer rates are upon us, so book a cozy vacation for two or weekend getaway with your besties in the place locals call paradise.

Here’s what’s going on in May (as well as some reminders of a few important future events):

Special events

May 3: Rock the Park — Journey cover band, 7 to 9 p.m., Downtown Park next to Marilyn (Belardo and Museum Way).

May 5-7: Superbloom Art Event — Local artists display their latest depictions of the superbloom.

May 5: Cinco de Mayo celebration at Low Desert — One of our newest Mexican restaurants, on the south end in the Smoketree Shopping Center.

May 11: Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival at Palm Springs Cultural Center. Through May 14.

May 17: Movies in the Park: The Girl Can’t Help It, starring Jayne Mansfield. Beer and wine available for purchase. Free event.

May 25: Chef-driven five-course prix fixe meal with wine pairings from Plumpjack Winery at Melvyn’s in the Ingleside Inn. Tickets here.

May 26: Stars on Ice at Acrisure Arena

May 29: Memorial Day Flower Drop at the Palm Springs Air Museum — A fly-by and flower drop of more than 3,000 red and white carnations from a CH-47 Chinook Helicopter. This most impressive ceremony is a salute to the fallen. Visitors are invited to pick up a flower to take home. Flight exhibitions and activities scheduled all day.

May 31: Movies in the Park — Funny Face, with Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire. Beer and wine available for purchase. Free event

Recurring

PS Air: Movies, live music, drinks, food and drag. Oh and it’s kind of on a plane? So fun you’ll never want to touch down.

Reforma Nightclub: Food, dancing, drag shows, it’s the latest nightclub in town.

Purple Room: Rat Pack-y vibes with very cool entertainment, including my favorite show in town, The Judy Show. Great dinner options, too.

PS Underground: Themed dinner shows, and each one is very different. They’re always evolving, always doing something new. Money well spent here.

Oscar’s:  From drag to plays to celebrity shows, and their famous 4 p.m. Sunday Tea Dance.

V Wine Lounge: Right out of Mad Men, so many seating areas, all mid-century modern, and an eclectic wine selection. Beer and cocktails, too.

Cascade Lounge in Agua Caliente Spa

Desert Blues Revival: Wednesday nights

Jazzville: Thursday nights

Caliente Comedy: Friday nights

Latin Nights: every Sunday (unticketed)

Welcome to the Cascade Lounge. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

Palm Springs Cultural Center

Markets: Farmers’ Market on Saturdays, Vintage on designated Sundays.

Come On Up: Weekly local music, great cocktail hour spot, 5 to 7 p.m.

Concerts and Musical Events: Films, concerts, events (I guess I already said that).

Activities

CannaBus Express Tours: What you don’t know about cannabis you’ll know by the time this three-hour tour is through. From growers to distillers to dispensaries, tour guide Lynne rolls with the vibe. As she likes to say, “Let’s ride.”

MOGO Silent Disco: Shut up and dance.

Desert Tasty Tours: This is a three-hour walking tour of Palm Springs. Learn some history, visit the most Instagram-able spot in Palm Springs, and eat delicious food from a variety of restaurants (there are four or five food stops).

Heads up on upcoming big events:

Splash House June

Modernism Week February goes on sale Nov. 1, 2023

Power Trip October – Metal music festival

The Dinah is September 20-24

Pride is November 3-5

That’s it for May. Hope to see you around town, and don’t forget to shop and stay local!

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