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The Palm Springs International Airport serves as a hub for welcoming people from all over the world, and visitors arriving in our open-air terminal marvel at the fact they can remove their jackets and immediately start breathing in the fresh desert air.
The first thing on the agenda is either getting through security or heading to the baggage claim area, both of which can be done effortlessly and efficiently at the streamlined facility. This modernist airport has kept up with the times, introducing the latest technology to make arrivals and departures seamless, and it’s also filled with several art installations. As these can be easy to miss amid the hustle and bustle, here’s a guide to several must-see pieces:
In the glass area by security:
“Tang,” aluminum with epoxy paint, by Tom Holland. Photo credit: Nadine Conger
Tom Holland is considered one of California’s most important contemporary artists. He grew up in San Mateo and started his studies at Willamette University while also working for Oregon Gov. Mark Hatfield. While waiting for Hatfield between political events, Holland started painting in the car. When he transferred to the University of California, Berkeley, Holland’s work turned from watercolors to oil on canvas and was labeled “funky.” He went on to experiment with aluminum and fiberglass, as it is light and didn’t need to be framed. By adding epoxy paint, Holland was able to have his sculptures reflect light and shadows.
Immediately outside the door of the main building:
“Caprice de Luberon,” French limestone, by Yasuo Mizui. Photo credit: Nadine Conger
Yasuo Mizui served as a technician during World War II doing casting. After the war, he enrolled at Tokyo University, where he wrote his thesis “Art – Casting Daibutsu.” Mizui received a scholarship from the French government, which resulted in him working in monumental stone art and participating in the International Sculpture Symposium. “I am for unification,” Mizui said. “The stone sculpture becomes my act, and my act becomes stone sculpture.”
In the courtyard near the escalator:
“Mai Chan IV,” lacquered steel, by Michael Todd. Photo credit: Nadine Conger
Born in Omaha, Michael Todd graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of fine art degree from Notre Dame. He was awarded both a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship and Fulbright Fellowship, and when offered a teaching job at the University of California, San Diego, he accepted and began working with steel (wood had been his previous material of choice). The steel from the shipbuilding industry activated his artistic design sense, and he started the compositions in space and the cosmos. Today he lives and creates in Encinitas, California.
On the walkway to the Regional Terminal (Regional Terminal Concourse):
“Model for Meditation,” mandala sundial in bronze, by Paul Jenkins. Photo credit: Nadine Conger.
Paul Jenkins was considered an abstract expressionist and exhibited with artists like Jackson Pollack. His abstract work was created by dripping, pouring, bleeding, and pooling acrylic paint directly on a bare canvas, then scattering it with an ivory knife. “I try to paint like a crapshooter, throwing dice and utilizing my experience and knowledge of the odds,” Jenkins once said. “It’s a big gamble, and this is why I love it.” In the 1970s, Jenkins finished his first drawing of “Meditation Mandala,” and in the 1980s took that same concept and poured it into bronze.
Outside the Regional Terminal:
“Big Horn Springs” by Joe Wertheimer, sculptor, and Mark Junge, painter. Photo credit: Nadine Conger
Joe Wertheimer spent 15 years in London as a conceptual and design artist for films and television productions created by American companies. After a highly successful career, he realized his true passion was creating sculptures. Today, his sculptures are found throughout the world in restaurants, hotels, and private residences. Wertheimer lives in Agoura Hills, California, where he said he continues to “take things off the page and put them into three dimensions.”
Mark Junge, a native of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, spent most of his life in California and now lives in Yucca Valley. He earned degrees in microbiology as well as fine arts, which worked together to help him develop his classical and traditional realism style. Junge specializes in Southwest desert and western landscapes.
Inside the Regional Terminal:
“A Tale of Survival in the Face of Crushing Inertia,” a collaboration between Debi Grupe and Linda Maxson. Photo credit: Nadine Conger
Scenes at the U.S.-Mexico border triggered a conversation between Debi Grupe and Linda Maxon. Grupe felt the heaviness of the situation and felt powerlessness; Maxon thought of the opposing forces at work and wanted to illustrate the restorative power of creating through color, symbols, and movement. Thus, they made a massive floor to ceiling art installation, unveiled at the Maxson Art Gallery in Rancho Mirage.
Russel Pritchard of the Palm Springs Arts Commission approached the artists about creating a similar piece for the Palm Springs International Airport. Today, a four-piece similar art installation hangs in the ceiling of the Regional Terminal waiting area.
The ambiance of the Palm Springs International Airport would be hard to match any place in the world — couple that with excellent boutique hotels and beautiful weather, and travelers can’t go wrong. Now is the time to book a flight, make a reservation at a boutique hotel, and explore everything Palm Springs has to offer.
When it comes to holidays, nothing says “gay” as loud as Halloween. While Arenas never lacks for action, it can’t be beat at Halloween — there’s a wild party with bands and costumes galore. It’s merrier than Christmas.
And you know what Halloween rolls right into, right? Pride! So why not come out and stay for both? Most of the men’s boutique resorts in Palm Springs have their own fridge, with many, if not all, supplying breakfast, and a few even have lunch brought in for their guests. You just need to worry about dinner. Some hotels have kitchenettes, and some are homes away from home with lots of living space, kitchens, and patios. Of course they all have pools — this is Palm Springs!
With many businesses allowing their employees to work remotely, you can (if necessary) bring your laptop and plug in. We have work space available if being in your room, poolside, or at a coffee shop is not your style (but we’ve got plenty of those too).
Halloween
“There is magic in the night when pumpkins glow by moonlight.” — Unknown
Halloween is so special in Palm Springs that it has its own website. But there are other very fun and notable Halloween-y events not on their agenda.
Oct. 27: From the owner of Chill Bar, new-ish nightclub Reforma is having a four-hour party with Gasolina for a night of reggaeton, a combo of EDM, hip hop, and Latin American-spiced music en español. I haven’t been yet, but word on the street is, “It’s fuego.”
Oct. 28: Four Twenty Bank & Dispensary is haunting the very cool lounge with some spooky fun. Enjoy a game of billiards or giant chess, play Operation or pinball, or just groove back and enjoy the atmosphere and the music.
Oct. 27, 28 & 31: Every year, PS Underground brings Bite back to life. The twist? Each resurrection it morphs into something different, straight from the brilliantly twisted brain of Michael Fietsam, but it’s always a thriller of a dinner show.
Oct. 31: If scary movies are your jam, catch Night of the Living Dead on the big screen at PS Cultural Center. Wear the adult diapers.
Pride
If Halloween is Gay Christmas, then Pride is Gay Independence Day. And it’s an even bigger, gayer party than Halloween. Let’s get into it.
Leather Pride
Oct. 26: Leather Pride Pop Up Museum benefit party in Hotel Zoso lobby
Oct. 28: Leather Pride Pool Party — The title says it all, except whether leather speedos are required. If you’re interested, you likely already know.
All the Pride
Nov. 4: Pride Ride from Townie Bagels — Grab a bagel with some protein, and get one for the road with a schmear. If you brought your own bike, yay. If not, your Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotel likely has a cruiser you can use.
Nov. 3-5: Desertopia Festival — An entire weekend planned for you at some very cool places. You’ve gotta find your own hotel though, and luckily I know a guy. Gays go here. All the other letters go here.
The hyperlinks on the official Pride website weren’t all working, so I’ve broken them out because I got you, boo.
First is the official Pride Guide with every event and a few working links; there’s also a party for those in recovery. For folks that aren’t traveling that road, you’ll definitely want to go to Friday night’s kickoff party, and of course I’m going to give you the link to parade details.
Curious about the colorful LGBTQ+ history of Palm Springs? Here’s a primer.
I can’t encourage you hard enough to book your Palm Springs stay now. It’s one of the busiest times of the year, and absolutely the best party you’ll ever attend outside your own wedding — and the success of that relies entirely on your family. Do the math.
See you on the street!
The charming Bearfoot Inn is the only gay men’s clothing-optional resort in Palm Springs’ historic Movie Colony neighborhood, putting it just steps away from all the action of downtown.
Once they arrived in Palm Springs, Glen Boomhour and Jerry Pergolesi knew they were in the right place.
The owners of the Bearfoot Inn originally had planned to open a hotel in Florida; as Canadians, this is the “go to sun destination,” Jerry said. Instead, they opened as a bed and breakfast in Toronto, which “gave us time to open our field of vision and take a serious look at Palm Springs,” Jerry said. “We’re glad we did.”
After 11 years in Toronto, The Bearfoot Inn in Palm Springs officially opened on Jan. 1, 2013, although word spread ahead of time and they opened their doors a few days early to welcome drop-in guests.
“What’s great about Palm Springs is the weather, of course, and Palm Springs is probably the most gay positive city in the U.S.,” Jerry said.
The Bearfoot Inn is in the historic Movie Colony neighborhood, the only clothing-optional gay men’s resort with this distinction, and just steps away from downtown. Its 11 guest rooms all have memory foam mattresses, extra-large showers, and flatscreen televisions, and guests can relax outside in the heated saltwater pool and spa.
“We love the desert and we love that Palm Springs is so cosmopolitan while retaining a small town feel,” Jerry said. “In many respects, that is reflected in our attitude about Bearfoot Inn. We’re small, laid-back, and casual, but a little savvy, too — at least we hope we are.”
Jerry and Glen enjoy being involved in the community, and appreciate the support and sense of camaraderie amongst the hoteliers.
“We’re so happy to be part of something that makes Palm Springs special, from being the city with the most LGBTQ hotels to being amongst the many boutique hotels that give Palm Springs its unique charm as a sun destination or a weekend getaway,” Jerry said.
If you’re reading this, YAY! You made it to the other side of 2023, also known as 2024! Here’s a roundup of all the good things that happened in 2023:
Scientists discovered that hitting the snooze button on your alarm has positive benefits.
And that concludes our roundup of good things in 2023!
There is, however, one thing that can soothe a beast of a year away, and that’s a visit to Palm Springs. That’s right, we’ve pretty much got the market cornered on sunshine, and we’re showcasing it 350 days out of 365. And not to brag or anything, but Palm Springs was named one of the top 10 most culturally vibrant cities in the U.S. in 2023. Take that other cities, we got all the culture right here. Don’t believe me? Line up, culture. Let’s go!
Culture roll call
Theatre? Yes ma’am!
The Bent, Desert Ensemble Theatre, Dezart Performs, and Revolution Stage Company
Music? Yes ma’am!
The Purple Room, PS Air, PS Underground, PS Cultural Center, Jazzville
Concerts? Yes ma’am!
Acrisure Arena, and the casinos
Museums? Yes ma’am!
Palm Springs Art Museum, PS Air Museum
Hiking? Yes ma’am!
Indian Canyons, Palm Springs Tramway
Art? Yes ma’am!
Michelin Guide restaurants? Yes ma’am!
We even have two places with “Cultural Center” as part of their names, for crying out loud.
Star power in Palm Springs
We’ve got other stuff, too — in fact we’ve got all the stuff and we’re not wasting any time rolling it out for you, because we’re starting off 2024 with an explosion of star power at the Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF). You can check out the entire schedule and more here. That’s Jan. 4-14, and there is a lot to do. Folks being honored? Well, there’s Colman Domingo, Cillian Murphy, Greta Gerwig, Billie Eilish, Emma Stone, and Carey Mulligan, just to name a few. You might see them out and about town too.
I mentioned cultural centers a nano ago, and PSIFF actually got its start at the Palm Springs Cultural Center (formerly known as Camelot Theaters). Built in the mid-1960s, Camelot was the first cineplex in Palm Springs, and has morphed into a home for all sorts of cool stuff. It’s not only still home to PSIFF, but abounds with other film festivals throughout the year. And it’s home to two theater companies. Plus there’s live music at least five days a week; just last month, the PSCC was lousy with Broadway stars singing their little hearts out. Yes, you could have seen Megan Hilty had you booked a wee vacation to our little slice of paradise.
The other cultural center is brand new, and it’s pretty exciting. It’s the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum (okay, not center, but close enough), and it’s recently opened to rave reviews. Built on an ancient hot mineral spa that was the foundation of the tribe for years, there are indoor and outdoor permanent exhibitions as well as some that will be ever changing. It’s definitely worth your time. Plus, it’s right next to the Spa at Séc-he, an extravagant indulgence you won’t want to miss. Sometimes an experience is worth every single penny, and this is one of those.
News and reminders
If you’re not into spas (what?), films, or movie people patting each other on the back, the long awaited Palm Springs Surf Club has opened! Catch a wave, or lunch, or just float down a lazy river — it’s a thrilling new addition to our little city that’s almost 10 years in the making.
We are also saying goodbye to Antigua restaurant, but are welcoming Alice B’s, Minerva’s, and Toucan’s — it’s now under the ownership of the same folks that brought us Chicken Ranch (yum!). A local newspaper tells me that Skylark Hotel is opening their own little eatery, but that’s all I can find. I’ll keep you updated on that as I know.
Reminders: Modernism Week is in February, and if you haven’t booked anything yet, good luck to you. There may be a few things left to do, but some of the local theaters and venues are rising to the occasion with their own non-Modernism Week mid-mod activities.
Don’t forget every weekend Crystal Fantasy has their psychic fair, so pop in and see what 2024 holds for you.
Just a reminder of how fun we are, there’s an entire new TV series set here. Palm Royale is an Apple production á la Slim Aarons with Kristin Wiig. She’s always a great anti-hero. The linked article talks about Palm Beach and Palm Springs, which confuses me, but I’m not worried — that’s fairly normal.
Don’t forget that the first Sunday of every month is the Palm Springs Vintage Market, but if you miss that, we’ve got scads of places off Industrial for you to get your mid-mod fix on (Antique Galleries of Palm Springs, 505 Industrial Pl.; Sunny Dunes Antique Mall, 507 E. Sunny Dunes Rd.; Little Shop of Treasures, 616 E. Sunny Dunes Rd.; Aida’s Antiques, 401 Industrial Pl.).
And then there are the tours:
Desert Tasty Tours — Three hours of foodie fun with a little bit of history thrown in for good measure
Palm Springs Historical Society (and museum!) — Many options here
Cannabis Express Tours — Call 310-467-6677
And just in case you weren’t aware, the folks here are so nice that you just might think we’re Canadian. But we’re not (well, some of us are) — we’re just happy you’re here so we can show off! We’re kinda proud of us, and want to share the love. Plus, it’s more fun when you’re here too. See you soon!
“If you saw a heat wave, would you wave back?” — Steven Wright
The heat is on. Just walking to your car is like doing hot yoga without doing the yoga. But honestly? It’s still paradise. The skies are the bluest, the mountains remain majestic, and the nights are always blanketed with a billion stars. Pair that with a cocktail in the pool, and that’s the Palm Springs way. We’ve got that laid-back, small town feel, but I humbly submit that we are the 5-star, A+ rated, James Beard version.
July isn’t really hopping with activities because triple digits, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t fun things to do. (For the Independence Day celebrations, check out our blog post here). We also have some upcoming posts about places to stay in Palm Springs that will keep you well fed and full of libations without ever having to leave the pool — because if you can’t be in the A/C, you’ll want to be in the water.
In the meantime, check out these events that’ll keep you happy outside of your resort during your stay in Palm Springs:
Palm Springs POWER Baseball
Recurring weekly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays until July 16.
Mondays and Tuesdays: Night Swim, 7 to 10 p.m., no fee for guests. Locals can reserve a spot for $10.
Wednesdays: Dive-in Movie. Watch a flick poolside on the giant inflatable screen, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. 7 p.m. showtime.
Fridays: Poolside BBQ & Yappy Hour, 3 to 6 p.m. Enjoy Happy Hour specials, complimentary dog treats, and BBQ favorites available for purchase
Saturdays: Pool Party from noon to 6 p.m., with DJs spinning from start to finish. Limited day passes available for locals.
Sundays: Bottomless Mimosas at Brunch. $30+tax per person, with a two-hour time limit.
Palm Springs Cultural Center/Camelot Theaters
July 2: Mamma Mia! Sing-a-long
Indoor Palm Springs Certified Farmers Market
Recurring weekly on Saturdays until Sept. 3
Jul 1: Cascade Nights Dance Party
Mondays: Mimosas, Martinis & Music with Don Wardell
Thursdays: Jazzville
Fridays: Caliente Comedy
Sundays: Latin Nights
That’s Amore! Photo courtesy of PS Underground
Three-course gourmet meals with a crazy good explosion of musical creativity and talent.
July 8: “That’s Amoré” — Gilmore Rizzo talks and sings about growing up Italian.
July 10: Cheese Brunch — cheesy songs, cheesy menu.
July 16: “The Sunny Side of the Street” — a tribute to Frank and Ella with Keisha D & Tod Macofsky.
July 17: Broadway Blind Brunch — one Broadway show and composer. Which one will it be?
July 22: Light — it’s the mack daddy of their shows. It’s pricey — $249 plus tax — but oh so special.
The only LGBTQ Theater in the valley. And they’re SO good.
Crimes of the Heart — through July 3.
I Dreamed a Dream Girl — a two-man journey through stories and music, with the stars of Bravo’s The People’s Couch. One night only, July 9.
Grey Gardens — Big Edie and Little Edie Bouvier Beale were bright names on the social register, before becoming East Hampton’s most notorious recluses. It’s a musical! July 22 through 29.
V Wine Lounge. Courtesy of Visit Palm Springs
Retro wine lounge in a historic Hugh Kaptur building on Tahquitz (TAAH-quits). Don’t be fooled by the photo — that’s just the bar. There are a bunch of other set pieces as well as a very large patio.
Mondays: LeAnna and Miguel
Tuesdays: I ❤️ Taco Tuesday
Wednesdays: Karaoke
Jazz, comedy, dinner, drag, and a tee dance, All are welcome.
July 1: Yve Evans — I love, love, love this woman and her music. Equal parts jazz pianist, jazz vocalist, and “jazz” comedian, she’s unique and super talented.
July 8: Nadya Ginsburg presents Anxious and Dangerous! The producer and star of the critically acclaimed Madonnalogues brings her new stand-up show, Anxious and Dangerous! to the desert. “Madonna” and “Cher” appear as special guests. Called “the woman of 1,000 voices,” she’s played New York, Los Angeles, and London stages, and has appeared in network television and feature film.
Wednesdays: Marc Antonelli’s Sultry Summer Nights, followed by The Marc & Tony Show.
Saturdays: Bitchiest Brunch (also Sundays), Mimosa Men, and Oscar’s Cabaret celebrate the great women of song. As it says in the description: “We’ve hired the best men for the job.”
An inside view of the Palm Springs Art Museum. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs
Palm Springs Art Museum
Thursday evenings are free from 5 to 7 p.m.
Exhibitions: Outburst: Mr. Wash (ends July 3); Gonzalo Lebrija: Miracle of the Eternal Present, (ends October 2); Pattern Play: The Contemporary Designs of Jacqueline Groag (ends Nov. 20); Leon Polk Smith: 1945-1962 (ends August 28)
Summer Film Series: Y Tu Mama Tambien on July 28
Various events
July 6: Backstreet Art District Art Walk — held the first Wednesday of every month.
Thursdays: Village Fest — a festive, pedestrian street fair on Palm Canyon Drive. 7 to 10 p.m. Perimeters are Indian Canyon Drive to the east, Belardo Road to the west. Vendor booths are set up on both sides of the street, and visitors are able to stroll through the traffic-free event.
July 16: Comedy at the Kimpton on the rooftop — the rooftop bar is one of the best views in town.
CannaBus Express Tours — what Silicon Valley is to tech, cannabis is to the Coachella Valley. One of the best tours you’ll ever take is the CannaBUS Express Tour. Learn all about the cannabis industry as you ride in an air-conditioned Mercedes Sprinter, from growing to distilling to distribution — and finally to some local dispensaries, using the CannaBus discount. Your tour guide is sassy and you’ll have fun while you’re learning.
The Palm Springs Aerial Tram on its way to cooler temperatures. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs
Don’t forget about the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. It’s way cooler up there.
New restaurant alert! It’s fast food, but come on, it’s freakin’ I ❤️ Mac & Cheese. And it’s open very late!
The Mom Factor: I’m not a mom, so I’m not yours. But I’m gonna mom you. Wear sunscreen, drink plenty of water, then repeat. A lot.
Don’t forget to shop and stay local, and if you come visit, please tag us on your Instagram posts. Our Instagram; our tag #pspsh. Thanks, you’re swell!
I’m gonna be here again next month, yacking away about all things Palm Springs. Hope to see you then!
“Spring is nature’s way of saying, ”Let’s party!'” — Robin Williams
Welp, it’s time for Coachella again, and what a beast of a party it’s going to be this year with Billie Eilish, Harry Styles, Swedish House Mafia, and Kanye (billed as Ye) headlining. There’s already a titch of craz-ye in the air.
Per their website, the lineup also includes Phoebe Bridgers, Megan Thee Stallion, Lil Baby, 21 Savage, Danny Elfman, Doja Cat, Run the Jewels, Jamie xx, Carly Rae Jepsen, Vince Staples, Japanese Breakfast, Baby Keem, Caribou (and Daphni), City Girls, Denzel Curry, Caroline Polachek, 100 gecs, DJ Koze, Turnstile, Rina Sawayama, Freddie Gibbs & Madlib, the Avalanches, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Arooj Aftab, Orville Peck, Nilüfer Yanya, Disclosure, Brockhampton, PUP, the Blessed Madonna, Peggy Gou, Spiritualized, Amber Mark, Slowthai, Fatboy Slim, Mako Kream, Idles, J.I.D, girl in red, Duck Sauce, BadBadNotGood, Amyl and the Sniffers, and many more.
That’s more people than my high school graduating class.
The festival runs two weekends: April 15-17 and April 22-24. If you have tickets, have tons of fun, wear sunscreen, check out how to get there, and here’s a list of their services.
If you don’t have tickets, and you have the sads, you can watch the festival from the comfort of one of our resorts with a cocktail, inside your air conditioned room, or by the pool at the Coachella page on YouTube.
Right after Coachella, it’s Stagecoach starting April 30. So wash, rinse, repeat. But don’t do that with your hair. That’s just a ploy so you’ll use more product, unless you went to a music festival — then definitely wash, rinse, repeat.
That’s what a lot of folks are pumped about for April, but for those of you who eschew everything that comes with being in a huge crowd, yet love a good party (raises hand), read on…
Free things to do (and some food, too)
April 3: Opera in the Park will be held at Sunrise Park in Palm Springs. The free concert will feature accomplished opera professionals accompanied by a professional orchestra. Event attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy a day of beloved opera arias.
April 6: Rock The Park, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Kenny Metcalf performs Elton John: The Early Years.
April 28: Dining Out For Life — Check the website for a list of participating restaurants. It’s a lot.
Thursdays Free at Palm Springs Art Museum
Thursdays Village Fest — just ask your host, or follow the crowd.
Ticketed events
April 1: Rouge Ballroom Bash by Nickerson Rossi Dance. Salon Rouge returns to the International DanceFestival. A praised sold-out program that this year will feature this award-winning dance team and ballroom instructors, Beverly Durand and Curtis Collins. Learn basic social dancing, hit the dance floor to strut your moves, and be ready to move. Oh, and the drinks are on them!
Through April 29: Glow In The Park at The Living Desert, a spring lantern festival. This is The Living Desert’s brand new and larger-than-life illuminated experience. This extraordinary nighttime event will feature intricate, immersive, and truly awe-inspiring animal and naturescape lantern creations representing wild places from around the globe. Get ready to see The Living Desert in a whole new light.
PS Historical Society has a bunch of walking tours and biking tours (rental bikes) that look fantastic. Listed by days, the website has offerings like Golden Era Hollywood Homes, the Rat Pack Playground, the Heart of the City, and more.
MOGO Silent Disco: I still wanna go to this. Curated music in your ears, dancing down the street with a non-intrusive tour guide. Come on! How much fun!
Live theater
Desert Ensemble Theater: Great little company at the Cultural Center.
Palm Canyon Theater: Spamalot playing in April.
Dezart Performs: Last chance to see one of their terrific productions of the 2021/2022 season.
Desert Rose Playhouse: Check out Palm Springs The Musical: Born to Sparkle.
Music and comedy
Fridays – Caliente Comedy: Not the all-star comedians, but funny, funny people.
Thursdays – Jazzville: What a show! If you like jazz and you’re here on a Thursday, get yourself a ticket.
Purple Room: Rat Pack vibes, dinner and entertainment. Amazing local performers Tuesdays and Thursdays. Fridays and Saturdays are ticketed events with well-known entertainers, and on Sundays, check out my beloved The Judy Show.
PS Underground: Musical madness from two creative geniuses. Dinners and brunches like you’ve never experienced before. They also have an Easter Gospel Brunch (adults only).
Oscar’s: So very gay, so very fun. That’s not the name of an act, just a description of Oscar’s.
PS Cultural Center: Not just movies, farmers markets, and the vintage anymore. On April 17, check out Alohana, a tiki day celebration. And there’s Martinis and Moxie on April 13.
Drag brunches
If you haven’t yet, take a ride up the mountain on the tram and hike our gorgeous trails before it gets too hot.
If that’s not enough excitement for you, head even higher into the skies with a warbird ride at the Palm Springs Air Museum, available every weekend.
May is the Oasis Music Festival; I’ll tell you more about that next time.
Until then, stay safe, shop and stay local, and if you go to any of the clubs or theaters, tell them Kay from Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels sent you. No one can pronounce my last name, Kudukis, but it’s often hilarious when people try. But that’s just me. You won’t get a laugh, or any discounts, but they won’t kick you out — I don’t think. Hmmm. Do me a favor, give it a try and let me know? Thanks, you’re the best!
Tune in on Saturday, April 8 at 4 p.m. PT for the latest episode of “Palm Springs Sunshine Stays,” the show that’s all about things to do and see in Palm Springs.
In this episode, “Spring in Sunny Palm Springs,” Big Blend Radio’s Lisa Smith and Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels’ Kimberli Munkres will chat about April events in Palm Springs, the new Frisky Business Cat Cafe and Boozehounds restaurant, and the five “gayest” drinks in Palm Springs, as chosen by PSPSH blogger Gregory Douglass.
Palm Springs Sunshine Stays is a partnership between Big Blend and PSPSH, with new shows premiering on the second Saturday of the month. Guests include Palm Springs hoteliers, restauranteurs, and business owners who share their insights on Palm Springs and tips and tricks on how travelers can make the most out of their visits to this vibrant city.
There are several ways to listen to Palm Springs Sunshine Stays, including via YouTube, the Big Blend Radio website, and SoundCloud.
“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.”
The Santiago Resort celebrated its 20th anniversary by undergoing a complete transformation, but its mission remains the same — to provide guests with outstanding service in a serene environment.
The Santiago first opened its doors in the 1990s, and came under new ownership in March 2015, when three partners purchased the hotel and set out to “redefine what a premier gay resort can be,” general manager Kent Taylor said. All 23 rooms have been completely upgraded in the Modern Ranchero style, with custom-designed furniture, luxurious linens, Saltillo tile, and FLOR carpet.
Outside, guests can lounge around the pool, which is the largest of any of the men’s gay resorts in Palm Springs, make their way through the tranquil gardens, and stop by the 24-hour cantina with complimentary beverages and snacks. As the resort is swimsuit-optional, there is a large hedge surrounding it, ensuring privacy for all guests.
The staff goes out of its way to make sure guests are comfortable and feel welcome, and they enjoy getting to meet a variety of people. “We have world travelers who have so much to say and so many interesting stories to tell,” Kent said. “I love that every single day is different. One would think it is the same thing over and over, but it’s quite the opposite — every day is a new experience, a new challenge, and new faces.”
