By Diana Elizabeth Steffen
I discovered one of the most Instagrammable spots in Palm Springs.
While Palm Springs may be best known for its sunny skies and daytime activities — such as hikes and walks, bike rides, shopping sprees, and leisurely swims in gorgeous pools —its nightlife is just as abundant and enticing. There are many fabulous bars and nightclubs open until the wee hours, but here are five ideas for your nighttime excursions — from the inspiring and romantic to the hopping and rocking. These are all classic Palm Springs experiences.
The Purple Room Supper Club is one of my favorite spots for both stellar entertainment and delicious food and drinks. Located in the Trinidad Hotel, the Purple Room will carry you back to the rat pack era of the sixties, when celebrities such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Junior crooned on its stage. There are live shows every night (except Mondays) and all the ones I’ve seen have been wonderful. On Sundays, owner Michael Holmes presents the Judy Show, a wildly popular parody of Judy Garland’s television show. Other nights feature a variety of talented performers. You can enjoy the shows while savoring classic supper club fare (shrimp cocktails, prime rib, etc.) and specialty cocktails that are reminiscent of days gone by.
Seymour’s is an iconic speakeasy secretly hidden within Mr. Lyon’s, a popular upscale steak house. The secret entrance and dimly lit ambiance harken back to Prohibition days when patrons could sneak in to enjoy illicit alcoholic beverages in an intimate setting. This clandestine bar serves original craft cocktails as well as classic Prohibition-era cocktails, such as my favorite, the Last Word, made with gin, Green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and fresh lime juice. Vintage film clips above the bar add to the feel of days gone-by. This is the perfect place to wind down after a night on the town in Palm Springs. I’ve met the most interesting people at Seymour’s and the bartenders are personable and full of entertaining stories.
The Casablanca Lounge at Melvyn’s, adjacent to the charming Ingleside inn, is another special place where you can immerse yourself in the Hollywood glamour of the fifties and sixties. After a classic dinner at Melvyn’s, where tableside cooking is featured, you can adjourn to the lounge for an after-dinner drink, a lively piano bar, and perhaps a little dancing. You can just imagine Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe sipping martinis at this favorite getaway from the hubbub of Hollywood.
Moxie’s on Sunday nights is the place to go for a rocking, hip drag show called Foxie at Moxie — widely celebrated as one of the best drag shows in Southern California (also featured during a Sunday brunch). The rotating, talented cast of gorgeous, talented queens will entertain you while you sip on craft cocktails and nibble on delicious appetizers. There is also live music and dancing on Friday and Saturday nights. The casual rooftop bar is a great place to relax and soak up the midnight skies. For a memorable, authentic Palm Springs experience you can’t miss Moxie’s.
Toucan’s Tiki Lounge is another swinging nightclub where something is hopping every night of the week. This trendy spot features Palm Springs’ longest continuing drag show, Tomi Rose and the Playgirls. Each night has a different theme, such as Latin Fever, Jungle Boogie and Pop Diva Karakoke, and, if you’re lucky, the “Go Go Boys” dancers may make an appearance. The drink specials are creative and fun.
It’s getting even hotter here in Palm Springs, and I’m not just talking about the temperature. From the ashes of 2020, new establishments were born – some so new that locals haven’t even had an opportunity to try them! Some are fancy, some are grab and go, but they’ve all got one thing in common, they’re all brand-spankin’ new and they’re all fabulous.
Quick note: *means I have personally been here and loved it!
Bar Cecil – The brand new eatery is definitely going to be one of the hottest spots around. Check out the story and pix on their website.
Gabino’s Creperie – it’s small, and maybe a tad hard to find, but doesn’t that make it pretty special? Located at the tri-corner of E. Palm Canyon, S. Palm Canyon, and Belardo. If you run into Kreem, a fabulous vegan local ice cream shop, you’re in the right neighborhood. If you’re craving a nice glass of wine, or a frosty beer stop at Dead Or Alive just a few steps north where you can also order from Gabino’s!
Gabino’s Crepe courtesy of Gabino’s
Kreem courtesy of Kreem
Dead or Alive patio photo credit Andréa Morrisette
1501 Uptown Gastropub Pub – If you’ve ever been to *Eight 4 Nine, *533 Viet Fusion or *Roly China Fusion then you know you’re in the hands of two of PS’s finest restaurateurs, Willie Rhine and Chad Gardner. Make reservations, they’ve been booked solid since they opened.
Boozehounds located at the old Dink’s space at 2080 North Palm Canyon. Beverages of every ilk, a great menu, and 4 tables set aside as work spaces. Especially for dog owners (aka bring’em).
Four Twenty Bank Dispensary and Lounge: At 38,000 square feet, it’s in the running for world’s largest dispensary and cannabis lounge. Pool tables, pinball, Zoltar! and the game Operation are just a few ways to play while enjoying your purchases.
Four Twenty Bank and Dispensary Lounge (Zoltar)
Vegan Clean Green Eatin’
So many people have dietary restrictions these days. Some are by choice, others for medical reasons. Whatever your reason, we’ve got you covered. All have plant-based options, and for those of you who are gluten free, just about every eatery has something for you. Including the bakeries. Here are some of the great vegan friendly places. Keep in mind that vegan doesn’t mean gluten free. Seitan is made from wheat gluten, and tempeh is made with soy, but they all still have something for everyone’s appetite.
*Palm Greens, *Nature’s Health Food Cafe, *Native Foods, *Chef Tanya’s Kitchen, *Roly China Fusion, Monsoon Indian Cuisine, Kreem
Wake Up Winning With These Local Coffeehouses
You likely know about *Koffi, but here are some other local roasters and coffeehouses to get your caffeine on. Cafe La Jefa (Latina owned), Ernest Coffee, Gre Coffeehouse and Art Gallery (and they spin LPs). Bonus points: most are within walking distance of our boutique hotels.
Tootin’ Terrific Tours
There’s a LOT of great hiking to be done in Palm Springs, but sometimes you just want someone else to show you around. And that’s what tours are for. And some, like the CannaBus Express Tours, will take you to places no human dares to….nah, just kidding, but you will get to go places that most will never get to see. It’s from “Root to Toot” and it’s a three-hour tour, where you’ll visit growers, distillers, distributors with a “high light” at the end, aka a dispensary lounge where you can smoke’em if you bought’em but smoking on the bus is a no-no.
CannaBus Express Tours
Indian Canyons is one of the best places to hike in Palm Springs, there are tons of different trails, but Red Jeep Walking Jeep Tours is happy to show you around. They’ve got tours of the San Andreas Fault, Joshua Tree, and more. Check’em out. Some include lunch!
If you missed Modernism Week, then PS Mod Squad has some great tours for you. It’s all about the architecture – “see the works of William Cody, Albert Frey, Hugh Kaptur, William Krisel, E. Stewart Williams and Donald Wexler along with others that have been influenced by their version of Southern California Modernism. They’ve also got a socially distanced interior tour. Check ‘em out.
That should keep you busy for awhile! Next month, we’ll bring you more fun options because we have barely scratched the surface of all the magic that is Palm Springs. And let’s not forget those wise words from Kurt Vonnegut’s commencement speech, “If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists, whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience.” If you’re older than 20 then you know I just lied to you. That it was written by Kurt Vonnegut is an urban legend. Instead, it was written by Mary Schmich for the Chicago Tribune as a speech she would have liked to give to a graduating class. Vonnegut/Schmich, the message is clear and true: Wear sunscreen.
Say, 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
The Wesley is all about the fun. From giant Jenga and Connect 4 to the splashworthy courtyard pool, guests make memories here that will last forever.
The Wesley is a mid-century modern micro resort, where the flats are fully-stocked and the pool is always the perfect temperature.
The property, managed by AvantStay, has nine flats, and each one has its own kitchenette, toaster, refrigerator, and microwave, with Flat 10 equipped with a full kitchen, complete with a stove top and oven. The flats range from studio to two-bedroom, two-bath, and most have gas grills and private patios with views of lush gardens.
Thought went into every aspect of the property. There are complimentary bikes and board games for guests to use, a common grill area, and fun activities around the beautiful pool and spa area, including giant Jenga and Connect 4 and corn hole.
“You feel really invited to just relax and unwind when you get there,” AvantStay Customer Experience Specialist Dylan Perese said. “There’s robe to pool appeal — literally you can wander out with your morning coffee and take a dip in the pool. It’s right there and completely available to you. It’s your pool, it’s your pool house.”
Guests rave about the low-key vibe and how private the property is — The Wesley is essentially a gated community, and in order to gain access to the grounds, guests must have a code to put into the lock pad, and another code to enter their room. There isn’t a front desk, which gets guests to their flats faster, but assistance from hotel staff is just a phone call or text away.
The hotel attracts guests from all over the world, as well as locals looking to have a staycation. “We see a lot of overseas guests, and it’s really exciting that they get to experience the magic of Palm Springs,” Perese said. The Wesley also offers buyouts — families can rent all of the flats for a reunion, while corporations can have their own private oasis for team building.
“That’s when people can really relax and unwind and stretch out on their own time,” Perese said. “This is a place for you to create memories.”
The Wesley is what you make it, Perese added, and they are always looking for ways to make the property “more spectacular.”
Happy New Year!
The holiday season has gone its merry way, and we’re all feeling a little less flush in the pocket and a little more snug in the waistband. And that’s okay! We’ve got a full year to refill the coffers and pare down the pooch so screw it, let’s put it all on the back burner and have some glorious “it’s all about me” time basking in Palm Springs’ hospitality. You worked hard all year and you deserve a break, damnit.
It’s hot tubbing, spa treatments, and hot toddies time! Come on. You know you wanna.
Before we get started, a wee bit of bad news: Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) has canceled its gala due to the new and highly unwelcome Omicron coronavirus variant. Keep an eye on PSIFF’s website for schedules and possible changes. So far, it’s the only event to (wisely) take that precaution, but these are strange times. Everything can change in a nano.
And now, it’s time to plan that “me” time!
Courtesy of PS Air Bar
Starting January 2, check out Disco Boozy Brunch at PS Air Bar. Recurring weekly on Sundays until March 27. Also, check out their Saturday night movies and grab yourself some fine wine from their downstairs parent, Bouschet. And by grab, I mean pay for it.
Desert Rose Playhouse has the world premiere of a new musical, Mid-Century Moderns. Set to the music of 1966, it’s the story of a plucky Wisconsin widow who transforms from frump to fabulous when she finds herself at the center of modernity in Palm Springs. Featuring the music of Tom Jones, Petula Clark, Lesley Gore, Frank and Nancy Sinatra, The Association, The Monkees, and many more. Sounds fun!
Palm Springs Air Museum has tons of great events coming up, including a show about Amelia Earhart. They also still have the Warbird Experience.
PS Underground
Lots of fun. You never know what to expect. All of their shows are delightful, delicious, and wildly entertaining.
The Purple Room. Photo courtesy of The Purple Room
Purple Room offers entertainment six days a week, with ticketed shows on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Always Rat-Packy, and always classy. I’ll say it again: You’ve gotta see The Judy Show.
Palm Springs Tramway
Wear layers and heavy coats for the top.
Cascade Lounge at Agua Spa in downtown Palm Springs offers Caliente Comedy every Friday night, and Thursdays belongs to Jazzville.
Oscar’s is always coming up with innovative entertainment, so make sure to check their website. Every Sunday is the T Dance and Bitchiest Brunch.
Toucan’s Tiki Lounge is known for the city’s longest continuously running drag show, Tommi Rose & The Playgirls, as well as weekly theme nights, ranging from Latin Fever Monday to Neon Thursday to Dirty Pop Saturday. The club also brings in top tier cabaret and performance talent as part of Toucans Live on Stage.
CannaBUS Express Tours Canna-Sprinter. Photo courtesy of CannaBUS Express Tours
CannaBUS Express Tours
Greater Palm Springs is basically the Silicon Valley of cannabis. This is a very lively and informative 3-hour tour behind the scenes of the big business.
V Wine Lounge has music on Mondays, tacos and margaritas on Tuesdays, and karaoke on Wednesdays. Plus, they have a bomb selection of unusual wines. The lounge has a super cool vibe, so check it out.
Keep an eye out for a new franchise restaurant opening at 190 E. Indian Canyon later this month. Although these restaurants can be found all over Florida and in many other states, this will be the first I Heart Mac and Cheese in California. Comes with a side of Lipitor. (I’m kidding. It’s extra.)
Every Thursday is the Village Fest, every Saturday is the Certified Farmers Market, and the first Sunday of the month is the Vintage Market. If you’re craving vintage items on a day that is not the first Sunday of every month, then head on over to Sunny Dunes and Industrial Place and the Antiques Mall.
Oasis Music Festival is brand new event, and man do they have a lot of great acts during their five-day run. January 26 to 30 are the dates, and the venues are all over Palm Springs. What a great way to hear some great music and check off some of those venues you’ve been meaning to try.
The Shag poster for Modernism Week 2022. Photo courtesy of Modernism Week
Notes to your future fun selves:
February is Modernism Week. It is likely many events have sold out (enthusiasts be enthusing), so get cracking on signing up. If you’re too late, you can always scratch your mid-mod itch with a copy of their new Shag poster here, or pop into Shag’s store to get an original. This is the fifth poster for Modernism Week by the local artist.
BNP Paribas Open is in March, so start planning now.
It’s never too early to prepare for Coachella or Stagecoach. Start booking rooms and getting tickets now. Looks like Coachella is already waitlisted!
Reminder: We love you and every single one of our neighbors, which means indoor events require a vax card. I got an electronic copy of mine here, then told Siri to take a screenshot and saved it in my iPhone’s Notes. Super simple.
Stay safe, and I hope to see you around town!
Oh my goodness, October’s weather was exceptional, and it’s just going to be better in November. Unlike the majority of the United States, November in Palm Springs brings bright, bright, bright sunshiny days. Everyone is riding bicycles and walking because it’s just too gorgeous to be inside a car. The nights are cooler, but can also get a tad chilly, so make sure to pack a light jacket or sweater just in case. I don’t want you to catch cold — we’ve had enough catching things!
Of course, Pride is this month. The parade is on November 7, but there are tons of activities the week leading up to it. Really hope you booked earlier in the year, but if not there may still be some openings at our boutique hotels and resorts, so scurry on over to Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels to see what’s still available. Good luck!
And now, in no particular order, November’s events and happenings:
Courtesy of Hunters
Hunters is taking their entertainment, literally, to the sky. Airotic Soirée is a brand-new sensual burlesque-style circus cabaret combining the best of burlesque, cirque-style entertainment, and astounding acrobatics. Shows are scheduled every Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. through the end of the year. It’s gonna be so hot you can leave your sweater at home.
The Best Shows in Town
Purple Room — Sunday is The Judy Show! Squee!
Melvyn’s at Ingleside Inn — Sunday Jams are back. $10. Make a reservation…it’s a hot ticket.
PS Underground — Rouge, Ami Kumar, Dirty Bingo, Cavern, and Bacon are the shows and dinners scheduled for November. A big congratulations to owners Michael and Dave who, after 25 years together, tied the knot. Mazel!
Oscar’s — Great Pride lineup: Bruce Vilanch and Poppy Champlin, Priscilla Presley, and more.
Toucans Tiki Lounge — Everything is dragtastic!
Cascade Lounge at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs has Jazzville, Latin nights, and comedy all month.
Keep your eye on Copa Nightclub. I hear Lipstick may be returning this month, along with Jason Weber in his 5:30 to 7:30 show Thursdays, replacing Mod Squad (which had replaced Jason Weber!). We’re hoping Mod Squad finds a new home…it’s a great show!
November 19 to 21: SoCal 356 Club’s Palm To Pines road trip for those with the need to…never mind, it’s a leisurely trip, no speed necessary.
Courtesy of Palm Springs Air Museum
For those with a need to speed, purchase a ticket for a warbird experience at Palm Springs Air Museum, where you get to ride in the warbird of your choice! Follow it up with the F-117 Stealth Fighter Experience in late November. This is your chance to see an F-117 Stealth Fighter #-833 up close and personal at the Palm Springs Air Museum. Each day will feature a 90-minute speaker engagement to enlighten the crowd on the historic aircraft. Purchase your tickets in advance from their website as space is limited. Note: these fighters are not usually on display.
Theater
November 4 to 21: Hedwig and the Angry Inch at Desert Rose Playhouse. I’ve got my tickets!
Tuesdays at 7 p.m.: Electricity at Oscar’s – I’ve see this two-man play, and it’s very good.
November 7 at Chill Bar: Jennifer Holiday — the original Dreamgirl.
For car lovers: The 25th annual McCormick’s Palm Springs Exotic Car Auction on November 20, 21, and 22 will feature over 500 classic, exotic, sporty and high-end cars. Admission is free all day Friday; Saturday and Sunday are pay days.
Palm Springs Cultural Center
November 18: Get dressed in your best circus costume and head over to the Greatest Showman interactive event. Join us for cocktails at 6 p.m., with the DJ spinning the hits at 7 p.m. (We will DANCE!) Theater doors open at 7:30 p.m., with the singalong starting at 8 p.m.
November 19: Martinis and Moxie, a musical salute to Sinatra with special guests…some of whom had first-hand experience with the Chairman himself.
Photo credit: Lani Garfield
Pride
Above photo by Palm Springs resident Lani Garfield
Learn more about Palm Springs’ rich gay history, and the origins of Pride, here.
Have questions about this year’s big event? The official website has all the answers.
Some stand out events include:
November 5: Coming Out Celebration – A Night of a Hundred Stars
November 6: Skater Girlz Jam presented by Lesbo Expo. Cool event featuring women skateboarders with some great talent. 5 to 7 p.m. at PS Skate Park.
Third Eye Blind, Jody Watley, and A Flock of Seagulls are among the performers who will hit the stage at Pride — this great article from Palm Springs Life has the details.
All indoor venues require a vaccination card or a recent negative COVID-19 test, so be prepared and be safe. A mask is like a condom — it helps contain the spread of disease. And because life is a bit weird in a mask, it may help prevent pregnancy, too.
See ya in December!
The Palm Springs Hotel (https://www.palmspringspreferredsmallhotels.com/stay/palm-springs-hotel) is sleek and modern, but owner Denise Adams made sure to include a nod to some of Hollywood’s finest.
All of the rooms at the Palm Springs Hotel are named after celebrities, including several who used to roam the desert — Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Elvis Presley, Paul Newman, and Raquel Welch. The rooms come with private patios, and all of the furniture and artwork was custom curated for the hotel, meaning you won’t see these combinations anywhere else.
There are pops of color in each room, as well as outside, where bright orange umbrellas provide shade around the huge pool. At night, the pool — which is open 24 hours — lights up, making night swims a must-do.
Another colorful corner of the hotel is the Instagram Wall, which features a large orange Palm Springs sign in a retro font. There’s no better way to commemorate your stay than by grabbing your camera and getting that perfect shot.
We’re in the Orange! We got off to a great start in April with a toe-in-the-water, scaled-down, sold-out Modernism Week, and in May you can wade into Palm Springs well above your knees.
Mornings bring bright-blue, sunny skies, a back-drop for our majestic mountains, with crisp to perfection temperatures. When the sun drops behind the mountains, millions of stars light up the night and you’ll be falling into the cool, cool, cool of the evening when it’s time to hit the town.
So, let’s jump right into all of the wonderful and crazy fun options available to make this one of the most memorable times in your life.
Quick note: *means I have been here and it was fabulous!
Ongoing Events
Fridays and Saturdays: Illusions Drag Queen Show, Pete’s Hideaway – Located just behind Pete’s Hideaway in Wendy’s Hideout. But make sure to have cocktails and a nosh at Pete’s, too. The bar they’ve branded as “the Cheers of Palm Springs” has a new chef!
Saturdays: Saturday Night Flight at PS Air Bar “Boarding time” is 5:00 p.m. Located inside Bouschet is the kitschy PS Air that gives you Mad Men on a plane feels. The three-hour “flight” is described as “Great Music, Fine Food, Classy Cocktails, First Class Service, Naughty Stewardess”
Naughty Stewardess at PS Air
*V Wine Lounge – all dressed up in 1960s kitsch, this terrific, large wine bar offers unusual wines for you to try. They also have a rental space for private parties. There’s a huge patio, too, as well as live music Monday and Saturday evenings.
Saturdays: Not Your Grandma’s Bingo at Chill Bar from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. The name says it all.
*Sundays: Palm Springs Drag Brunch, Roly China Fusion. Located on the North End of Palm Springs. It’s dim sum and it’s delicious. They accommodate vegans, too. And the show is outstanding. Rosemary Galore and her queens work hard for the money!
Me and the drag queens at Roly
Oscar’s: Home of the Sunday “T” dance, the most raucous dance party in PS (which is on hiatus because…pandemic), also has some fun shows:
5/1 Sherry Vine, 5/1/2021 5:30-9:00 p.m.
5/6 Open mic event with former American Idol vocal coach, Michael Orland every 4th Thursday @ 5:00pm.
5/28 & 29 Tiffany Takes Over 7:00 p.m. “Sharing her ‘rocktails, favorite food, and doing an acoustic set.”
Sundays: 11:00 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. Bitchiest Brunch that is, as they put it, “Serving Attitude”
Check out Wang’s in the Desert for the Ladies: Hunk-O-Mania Friday’s & Saturdays. Ticketed event starts at 10:00 p.m.
*PS Underground – outstanding, themed dinner shows with some of the best talent PS has to offer. Their unique take on entertainment and their gourmet food is more than worth the price of the ticket. Multiple events during May.
Being “Atmosphere” behind the scenes at PS Underground’s A Night at The Chi Chi
*Wednesdays thru Sunday: Melvyn’s Ingleside Inn’s Casablanca Lounge is back! From 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. the iconic lounge is where all the celebrities go to sing with resident maestro Mikael Healey. You gotta play dress up, but how fun is that! For rezzies: 760-325-2323
*Sundays: Jazz fans should definitely carve out 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Palm Canyon Roadhouse. Band leader and solid jazz player Mikale Karr leads the pro jazz jam featuring the best of the best at this unlikely R&R venue.
*5/2 Vintage Market 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the first Sunday of every month. It’s a great walk-about, surrounded by all things vintage.
One-Time and Pop-Up Events
5/14: Green Dragon Dispensary – 353 S. Palm Canyon, 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
All born out of the pandemic, up-and-comers PerfectPint760, SmokeyLips BBQ, and The Best Cookie PS have teamed up with Green Dragon to offer a cure for the inevitable munchies. Grab some deliciousness after you shop, and take it home for later.
Perfect Pint760, BBQ Lips & Best Cookie in PS @ Green Dragon Dispensary courtesy of Perfect Pint760
Also 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
“In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.”
– Coco Chanel
Named after Saint Valentine, the patron saint of lovers, epileptics, and beekeepers (weird three to lump together, but whatever), Valentine’s Day somehow took on the persona of the Greek god of love, Eros, which then morphed into Cupid, the god of desire. So now Valentine’s Day is symbolized by a chubby baby flying around with a magical bow and arrow shooting people in the heart with expectations of a lusty outcome. Fun!
The expectations and nerves leading up to Valentine’s Day are also (à la Gwen Stefani) B.A.N.A.N.A.S. Candy, a card, flowers, a fancy dinner, and perhaps a piece of jewelry are de rigueur, and while those are nice, why not do something different? Something that shows the object of your affection your creative streak. Here are some ideas to make the day a little easier (I got you!):
Date One: The Outdoor Adventure Date
What you’ll need: hiking shoes, a backpack, and dress in layers
Breakfast: Cheeky’s for breakfast. It’s very popular and it’s busy.
Coffee: Koffi is great, but try something new, like Ernest Coffeehouse
Lunch to go: The Sandwich Spot. Pre-order your sandwiches and put them in your backpack. Or try On The Mark for a fancier fare.
Adventure: The Tram. Take it up the mountain (wear your mask, you are in an enclosed gondola). Once you get to the top, there are great views, telescopes, and two places to eat. Explore the manmade stuff and then hike your trail. You can see all of them here, and make your choice with your date.
Alternative adventure option: Replace the tram with a hike in either Indian Canyons (so many trails!) or a lazier sexy hike at Tahquitz (tah’quits) Canyon to Tahquitz Falls. Once you get to the falls, it’s lunch time. Dangle your feet in the clear pool and enjoy. Don’t forget to pack up everything (no littering please) and hike back to civilization.
Dinner: The Rooster and Pig is only doing takeout at the time of this typing, but check the website. Things are opening back up. In keeping with the Asian theme, we have Fusion Five for pho, and 533 Viet Fusion on the south end of Palm Springs. If you want the best burger in town, head over to The Heyday. They also have a delicious magic mushroom burger (the magic is it tastes like beef, it doesn’t get you high). If you choose the Heyday option, you can go to the casino after and try your luck! 
Date Two: Bagels, Antiquing, Thrifting, Smok’em If You’ve Got’em
What you’ll need: A sense of adventure and a car. This date takes you to the south end of Palm Springs.
Breakfast: Townie Bagels — a very busy breakfast spot, but it gets you across the street from your first stop.
Cannabis?: If you’re cannabis friendly, there are three dispensaries in this area. Have an edible and let’s get on our now merry way.
Antiques, thrift stores, trading posts are across the street from Townies, and all along Industrial Place.
Antique Galleries, 505 Industrial Place gets you to the Antique Galleries and you can use your eyeballs from there.
Sunny Dunes Antique Mall, 507 E Sunny Dunes Rd. Sprawling shop featuring antique dealers selling vintage furniture, jewelry, and other collectibles.
Little Shop of Treasures, 616 E Sunny Dunes Rd. Unassuming store selling an array of antique furnishings, collectibles, clothes, and dishes.
Q Trading Co., 606 E Sunny Dunes Rd. Get your car and go to Sun Center Mall (turn right on Palm Canyon, then it’s less than half a block on your left).
Revivals, 611 South Palm Canyon Drive. This is a great little thrift store that benefits Desert AIDS Project.
Lunch options at Sun Center:
Palm Greens Cafe — Organic and vegan
PS Air inside Bouschet — Yummy salads
Spaghetteria for pizza
Lunch options at The Plaza (near your next stop):
Farm — Outstanding lunch selections, French inspired
More antiquing and thrifting:
P S Trading,140 N Palm Canyon Dr.
Bon Vivant, 766 N Palm Canyon Dr · Near Trio Restaurant, (760) 534-3197
a La MOD INC, 886 N Palm Canyon Dr · Near Trio Restaurant, (760) 327-0707
Deja Vu Vintage Finery, 664 N Palm Canyon Dr.
Flow Modern, 768 N Palm Canyon Dr.
Mohave Flea Trading Post, 383 Indian Canyon Dr..
Angel View Resale, 462 N Indian Canyon Dr.
Dinner: Birba — New wave Italian American fare. Sit on the twinkly patio.
Date Three: Spaaaah Date
Breakfast: L’Atelier in the Plaza. Pastries, quiche, salads, and champagne.
Spa options:
Our Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels have some exceptional spa options in gorgeous settings.
Palm Springs Beautiful Spa Massage, 109 S Indian Canyon Dr. (760) 656-1028
Palm Springs Spa Massage, 471 E Tahquitz Canyon Way #226. (760) 808-4205
Lunch: grab and go eat in the new park (on Museum Way down from Marilyn).
After the spa, check out the Palm Springs Art Museum, Marilyn Statue, and art installations. Behind The Block on Museum Way.
Dinner: It’s been a nice relaxing day, and dressing up and going out to dinner might be a bit much. If you’re a planner, a few weeks in advance you can order a custom dinner from Three Queens Catering. I recently went to an event they catered and the food was awesome! Plus, I know two of them, and they are some of the funniest people on the planet.
Bar Cecil (pronounced Sess’-ill) — Super fancy and the trendiest place in Palm Springs right now.
John Henry’s — Off the beaten path on Tahquitz on the way to the airport. Blink and you’ll miss it.
Date Four: Classic Palm Springs and the Rat Pack
Breakfast: Spencer’s, Grand Central, Melvyn’s at the Ingleside Inn
Coffee: Gre Coffeehouse — Great cup of java and vinyls to peruse and purchase.
Adventure: You’ll need a car. Download the Palm Springs Life tour app. It will take you on three different tours. That should take up most of your day.
Alternate plans: Open houses! This site tells you where they are the day of.
Lunch: Holiday House
Drinks: Del Rey inside Villa Royale or Melvyn’s
Dinner: Johnny Costa’s is super old school Italian fare with a Rat Pack vibe. The chef was one of Frank Sinatra’s favorites. Try the chicken parm.
Date Five: Traditional Valentine’s Day
Toffee from Brandini’s
Flowers (in advance) from Jensen’s (a beautiful plant will remind them of you year- round)
Valentine’s Day card from Just Fabulous
Dinner at Tropicale, Copley’s, Roly China Fusion (by the pool)
Finish up your evening at Dead or Alive Wine Bar or Seymour’s (inside Mr. Lyons) on the south end of town. Both are quiet and great before sexy times — if that’s your goal.
Happy Arrow-Slinging Chubby Baby Day everyone! I hope you’re with someone you love, and as the song says, “If you can’t be with the one you love, love the one you’re with.”
Holy Ned, October is jamming! We’ve got Modernism Week Preview plus Palm Springs Leather Pride. If neither of those float your boat, there’s HALLOWEEN! It’s a huge holiday here in Palm Springs, and Halloween on Arenas is sick (in the best way possible). Costumes are off the charts creative, and the whole town is one big party.
And now that it’s cooling down, all of our venues are heating way up. Keep in mind many indoor events require a vaccination card and a mask. Hey, the world is a bit of a horror show these days, but Palm Springs knows how to be safe and party.
So now, without further ado, say hello to October events:
Jazzville Shows at Agua Caliente Casino Cascade Lounge
MFUO Featuring Jacques Lesure — Thursday, October 7, 7 p.m.
Rumproller Organ Trio at Jazzville Palm Springs — Thursday, October 14, 7 p.m.
Dan Delgado Sextet — Thursday, October 21, 7 p.m.
Agua Caliente Casino Caliente Comedy
Craig Conant — Friday, October 1, 8 p.m.
Pablo Francisco Comedy — Friday, October 8, 8 p.m.
Brian Scolaro — Friday, October 15, 8 p.m.
Tom Arnold — Friday, October 29, 8 p.m.
Lalo Guerrero Tribute Show — Thursday, October 28, 7 p.m.
Cultural Center – Camelot Theatres
Drag O Rama featuring Rosemary Galore
Sunday, October 3, 2:30 p.m. (repeating Sundays)
Tickets starting at $15
Presenting Drag O Rama
REPO! The Genetic Opera — special screening of the cult horror film
Thursday, October 7, 6 p.m. social hour, event at 7 p.m.
Chip ‘N’ Dru: Our Favorite Sings
Saturday, October 9, 6 p.m.
Multi-talented singer Dru Rutledge and veteran Broadway pianist Chip Prince present Our Favorite Sings. Featuring a multi-genre selection of songs in the style of Rodgers and Hammerstein, Debussy, Puccini, Stephen Sondheim, Leonard Bernstein, Broadway, Opera, Top 40 chart toppers, and more!
Martinis and Moxie: A Society Social
Friday, October 15, 6 p.m.
A “My Way” society revue celebrating the life and music of Frank Sinatra.
2021 Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival
Thursday, October 21, 7:30 p.m.
Founded in 2000 by the late mystery author and Palm Springs community leader Arthur Lyons, the popular Film Noir Festival includes an eclectic mixture of prestigious and obscure black and white B movies from the classic film noir period. The festival is known for unearthing and screening rare films, restored classics, and for the special appearances of the stars who were in them.
Tuesdays: Rose Mallett
Wednesdays: Michael Holmes and Darci Daniels
Thursdays: Sharon Sills
Fridays and Saturdays: Ticketed events
Sundays: The Judy Show
That’s Amore, an Italian feast set to music.
Saturday, October 2, 7 p.m.
Gospel Brunch featuring great music and Keisha D.
Sunday, October 3, 11 a.m.
Ovation! A Jazzed Up Sunday Brunch
Sunday, October 10, 11 a.m.
Death by Cheese, a ghoulishly cheesy Sunday brunch.
Sunday, October 24, 11 a.m.
420 Bank Dispensary and Lounge
Cheech Meet & Greet
Friday, October 1, 3 p.m.
Kottonmouth Kings with DLOC
Saturday, October 23, 9 p.m.
Rabbit Country
Friday, October 15, 6 p.m.
Open Mic Night
Thursdays — October 7, 14, 21
Saturdays: Mimosa Men (Brunch)
Sundays: Bitchiest Brunch
Sundays: World Famous T-Dance
Edie Las Vegas Showgirls: Unleashed (ticketed event) — Saturday, October 2, 7 to 9 p.m.
Sandra Bernhardt — Monday, October 4 and Tuesday, October 5
Remembering The Golden Girls — Wednesday, October 6
An Evening With Cameron Ross — Thursday, October 14
Melissa Manchester outdoor concert — Thursday, October 21 and Friday, October 22
Theater
Desert Rose Playhouse Presents Xanadu
Thursday to Sunday, through October 17
(Note: So far their season has been spectacular!)
Sordid Lives — Through October 3
Shrek The Musical — Beginning October 22
More options
Wind and Wine Paint Party
Saturday, October 16, 11 a.m.
Palm Springs Windmill Tours
Wine glass painting class and Windmill Tour
Paint Splatter at Superbloom Studios
Thursday, October 14, 6 p.m.
Starts at $150.00
The Gem Show at Palm Springs Convention Center
October 21 through 24
Modernism Fall Preview
October 14 through 17
Halloween
Palm Springs Cultural Center
Jazzville Creepy Cocktail Party
Sunday, October 31, 3 p.m.
Cinema Bizarro: Best of Retro Cartoon Halloween Specials
Sunday, October 31, 1 p.m.
Jazzville Presents The Jazz Cartel Halloween Special
Sunday, October 31, 5 p.m.
Hocus Pocus hosted by the Sanderson Sisters
Sunday, October 31, 5 p.m.
A screening of Hocus Pocus with special guests the Sanderson Sisters. Kids receive a (kinda) real magic wand from the spooky woods of Salem.
Zombie Burlesque Cocktail Party
Sunday, October 31, 6 p.m.
The Three Michaels playing the Halloween score live, plus private party
Sunday, October 31, 8 p.m.
An ode to John Carpenter’s Halloween with the musical score, scares, and skits performed live in front of an abbreviated version of the film projected on the big screen.
Dirty Little Secrets Presents Shock Theater Spooktacular
Sunday, October 31 8 p.m.
California’s longest running burlesque and variety show. From zombies to fire performers, this eclectic shock theater of sensational striptease will keep you laughing and howling all night!
PS Underground
BITE – a bloody vampire dinner
October 26, 27, 28, 31, 7 p.m.
Halloween on Arenas Road – The Queen Of All Halloween Parties
The party starts at 4 p.m. and goes until 11 p.m.. Take an Uber/Lyft, parking will suck, and you’ll likely get pretty boozy. There’s too much to talk about, so I’m just sending you to the link. Prizes up to $1,800!
For Gay Men Only
The Dirty Show with Skyler Gentry
Wednesday, October 6, 7 p.m.
$25 includes complimentary booze, snacks, pre-show and post-show party after every performance. The venue is outdoors with spaced seating.
Hot Uncle at the Barracks
Saturday, October 16, 9 p.m.
Palm Springs Leather Pride 2021: Unlocked: Full Release
Begins October 26 and runs through October 31. Multiple venues, starting at Eagle 501 bar. SO MANY EVENTS! Event packages (too easy) here. Need some leather? Try Gear and Rough Trade Gear.
That’ll do it for October. Don’t forget to shop and stay local. See you in November!
