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Quirky Stores in Palm Springs 

When planning your trip to Palm Springs, build in some time to explore downtown. Many Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels are within walking distance and you will want to check out the abundance of retail stores.

We have a few national chain stores, like H&M, Sephora, and Kiehl’s. However, Palm Springs offers a unique shopping experience because many of our stores are locally owned. I used the term “quirky” for you may be surprised by some of the offerings, with many items you don’t normally see in a retail store.

Just Fabulous

Just Fabulous is in the Uptown Design District. This area is known for its galleries and boutiques carrying an array of furniture and art for Modernism decor. 

Just Fabulous is the perfect place to find accents. Their book selection on Palm Springs and artists gives you the perfect opportunity to find that coffee table book or whimsical item to enhance your bookcase.

Balboa Candy

The exterior sign reading Balboa Candy outside of the store in Palm Springs

Satisfy your sweet tooth at Balboa Candy. Photo by Kathy Condon

Balboa Candy has been a family run business for over 20 years. Their affinity for saltwater taffy is evident because they carry one of the world’s largest selections of this popular candy. 

If you are yearning for a favorite from your childhood, chances are you can find it here. If you would, once again, like to taste some of your favorite sodas or pop (as we called it during my childhood in Wisconsin), you’ll more than likely find it. Yes, it’s the glass bottles you were familiar with back then. It is fun to wander through the aisles at Balboa Candy.

Palm Springs General Store

Palm Springs General Store is on a prominent corner downtown. When you walk in, stop and take in the view, for otherwise you might become a little overwhelmed. This store is like the old general store, with items stacked and displayed everywhere.

If you want a Palm Springs keychain, you will find many choices here, and clothing is also abundant. If you’ve forgotten something, from sundries to your favorite snack, you’ll probably come across it at the Palm Springs General Store.

Peepa’s

Peepa’s — even the name conjures up a question. Named after what he called his grandfather, the store’s owner searches high and wide to offer unique gift items. A wall of unusual greeting cards finds folks standing there snickering and sharing what they are reading because the cards are smart, pithy, and relevant for many occasions.

Specializing in local artists, this is a great place to add to your art collection. Keeping up with trends, you can find items recognizing the longevity of the Golden Girls to current affairs t-shirts designed by the owner. Peepa’s also carries brand named men’s and women’s clothing.

Crystal Fantasy

The rainbow painted exterior of Crystal Fantasy in Palm Springs

Crystal Fantasy holds special events every weekend. Photo by Kathy Condon

Crystal Fantasy is located nearer to the downtown area. It’s a very large store catering to anyone regularly using and exploring the application of meditation in her life.

Tarot readings and a variety of tarot card decks are available. If you been wanting to buy some crystals, the knowledgeable staff will help you select the appropriate object or piece of jewelry. Check out their website for the many special events, classes, and workshops Crystal Fantasy holds.

The Estate Sale Co.

The Estate Sale Co., located on the south edge of Palm Springs, is a consignment shopper’s dream. If you are looking for any kind of decor for your home, you will want to take the time to browse the multiple buildings, all filled to the brim.

You’re bound to find what you are looking for, may it be an ottoman or small knick knack which could be the perfect souvenir of your visit. You will need to take Lyft or Uber to get there from downtown, but it is definitely worth the trip. Near the Estate Sale Co. is Backstreet Art District, with galleries showcasing our local artists.

Cold Nose Warm Heart

Cold Nose Warm Heart is located in the heart of downtown Palm Springs. This shop is fun to explore even if you do not have a four-legged friend.

Looking at their display window with metal artwork shaped into animals is sure to make you smile (they would be adorable on bookshelves or coffee tables). This is the place to buy gifts for animal lovers or get supplies for your dog or cat.

Antique Galleries of Palm Springs

If you want to meet locals in a casual atmosphere, Antique Galleries of Palm Springs is the perfect place to head on the weekend. Most Saturday mornings the parking lot is filled with a few vendors and their tables of merchandise, displaying everything from chandeliers to pieces of jewelry. I took my 13-year-old granddaughter there and she found it all very interesting.

One could spend hours inside the nearby building, wandering through this space, reliving your childhood because many objects you grew up with are now already antiques. For example, rotary and pushbutton phones and glassware with gold leaves in a carrying tray perfectly preserved.

Great Shakes

The streetscape of downtown Palm Springs

After spending all day walking around downtown, a stop by Great Shakes is a must. Photo by Kathy Condon

When the hunger bug hits and you need a pick-me-up, head to Great Shakes. Yes, you can get date shakes at other locations. However, this is the place to throw off any pretense you are on a diet. Besides you are on vacation, and you can always cut back later.

Here you can get your shake made with homemade, antibiotic and hormone free ice cream created using the owners’ family recipe. There is no artificial flavoring or corn syrup. You are bound to smile when your shake or malt arrives, for not only is it piled high with real whipped cream, but on the straw is a small freshly baked donut.

This is just a smattering of the stores that draw people to Palm Springs. There are so many family-owned and operated stores. When staying at one of our Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels, be sure to ask the managers and desk clerks for their suggestions if you are looking for something specific. Chances are, you will find it — Palm Springs is not only a place tourists enjoy, but we residents are also proud to support our small businesses.

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Relax! It’s June In Palm Springs

“Doing nothing is hard. You never know when you’re done.” — Steve Martin

Welcome to June in Palm Springs! The temps are hot, and the pools are cool, so it’s the perfect time for a rain-free vacation in the land of sun and stars. 

Days are spent lounging poolside, shopping for vintage, or enjoying a nosh at one of our local restaurants. If it’s particularly warm, and you can’t take the heat, you can spend a day up in the cool of Mount San Jacinto State Park (take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up). If you’re going to hike make sure to take water, follow the trail, bring a flashlight, and check for the time of sundown. No one likes to get stuck on the mountain, although it is interesting for locals watching your little lights trying to find their way down at night. 

Speaking of night, there’s still plenty of stuff to do, but make sure you spend a few moments gazing at the stars. We have low light pollution outside of the major streets, so there are lots and lots of bright twinkly stars to be seen in the night sky. 

Must-dos in Palm Springs this June

A woman pours dressing on her shrimp and crab Louis salad at Ingleside Inn in Palm Springs, California

Melvyn’s Restaurant at the Ingleside Estate is participating in Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week. Photo courtesy of Melvyn’s

June 1: PS Card Show convention offers all the collectibles in cards — sports, Pokémon, whatever else card collectors collect, I have no idea. I am trying to get rid of stuff. But you do you. No judgment. (Maybe a leeetle — just a skoosh!)

May 31-June 9: Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week — pick a couple of places you’ve always wanted to go, and benefit from their discounted prices. Not everything on the menu will be available at this special rate, but you’ll get a good taste and a feel for the place.

June 7 and 8: Big Gay BBQ — June is Pride month for most cities who celebrate, but we have it in November. That doesn’t mean we can’t throw a party in June though. On Arenas.

June 11: Movies in the Park: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off in the Downtown Park next to Marilyn. 

June 18-24: PSIFF presents ShortFest at the Palm Springs Regal Theaters. Short films from around the world. Check it out.

June 20: GameAcon West at the Palm Springs Convention Center. “Where fans unite for competition, cosplay, merchandise, parties, and more.” I hope they dress up and come out to play. I miss Let’s Make A Deal.

Crystal Fantasy Psychic/Healing Fair on Saturdays and Sundays. There’s usually at least two psychics/readers in different practices. Plus they’ve got crystals galore. Robert Downey Jr. has been a customer for over six years.

Historical Society private tours — group walking and biking tours are over for the summer, but you can still book a private tour. You bring the ride, they provide the guide. 

PS I Love You scavenger hunt at PS Art Museum — unleash your inner detective as you delve into the heart of Palm Springs. Engage with friendly locals, discover intriguing tales of history and culture and capture the essence of the city in photos, videos, and audio files.

Cascade Lounge in Agua Caliente Palm Springs. Check website for special events. Throw some money in a slot while you’re there, or save your dough and have dinner in their terrific steakhouse.

Agua Caliente Cultural Museum and Séc-he Spa

Get cultured

PS Underground — there’s nothing like it anywhere but Palm Springs: creative and themed live shows featuring some of Palm Springs’ finest entertainers, with delicious culinary delights sprung straight from the mind of Chef Dave. Great event space, too.

Revolution Stage Company — you should definitely book an evening or afternoon show here. There’s nothing like live entertainment, and Palm Springs is all entertainers and artists, so Revolution has a little bit of everything. Musicals, cabarets, comedy, piano riots, burlesque shows, and well, you just never know. Their homegrown productions have been fantastic so far, and next up is Baby the Musical running through June 9. 

Coming in from far away places:

June 15: Irene Tu, an L.A.-based stand-up comedian of Comedy Central and Netflix fame. 

June 27, 28, and 29: The Edgar Allen Poe Speakeasy, a chilling cocktail experience lifting four of his stories off the page and onto the stage. Poe historians are pairing each tale of horror with four classic cocktails to set the mood. 

Palm Springs Cultural Center — film festivals and special events fill the Center during the summer. Located in the historic Camelot Theatre, they have the largest screen in the Coachella Valley.

June 14: Leanna and the Free Agents Space Odyssey, an immersive music experience

Wine, tequila, and tacos — what more do you need?

The Plush Cosmo in a martini glass

The Plush Cosmo at V Wine Lounge. Photo by Gregory Douglass

V Wine Lounge — Live music Monday through Friday (Karaoke on Wednesday)

Reforma Nightclub — it’s a nightclub and a restaurant. Check their schedule for DJs and music. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.

Tequila Tuesday’s at Zin — 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., get 25% off tequila cocktails. (OT: I recently had their mussels in wine and frites. Thumbs up!)

Tuesdays at Maleza (in Drift Hotel) there’s live Latin music from 7 to 9 p.m.. Happy hour starts at 3 p.m.

Thursdays at Drift: 7 to 10 p.m. is Jueves de Drift. Tap into the Cabo spirit weekly with live DJs, $5 tacos a la plancha, $5 beer, $8 cocktails, and night swims.

Village Fest — Thursdays, 7 to 10 p.m., Tahquitz and Palm Canyon is a great place to start. Parking can be an issue, but not if you’re staying in one of our downtown boutique hotels! 

Wang’s in the Desert is back. In the Rat Pack era it was called Jilly’s (he was one of Frank’s guys). I just checked and they’re bringing back entertainment, and it looks like Keisha D will be headlining. She’s a terrific performer with an incredible voice, so have a meal and let one of our desert divas take you to church!

And last, the Twin Palms neighborhood has opened a mid-mod little free library on Navajo Road between La Jolla Road and Marion Way. The neighborhood is also sponsoring a $2,000 scholarship in architecture. 

And that’s it for June. Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and please stay and shop local. It’s imperative in small towns, and if you’ve ever been here, you know ours is pretty special. 

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