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‘Tis Season in Palm Springs: November Events

October was fabulous, but it was just the opening act to what we call “season” in Palm Springs. Not “the season,” just “season.” Batman knows.

November days are sunny but not too hot, and the nights are cool, but not cold. Not only is it great hiking weather, it is also excellent pool weather — the sun is warm and the air is cool, kinda like Hawaii without getting spit on by rain. Our streets are bustling day and night, and you’d be wise to make a reservation before going out to dinner at one of our many restaurants. It’s the weather that puts what we call “season” here in Palm Springs into full swing.

We’ve got BIG events, theater, music, tucked away places to try, and some brand new exciting night clubs and restaurants. I don’t want to keep you all day, so let’s go!

Events

Nov. 4-6: Pride — This link takes you to Gay Desert Guide’s links to Pride events. If you enjoy being confused and confounded, you can go here.

Nov. 6: Pride Parade

Nov. 11-13: Women’s Jazz Festival at the Palm Springs Convention Center

Nov. 18-21: JOGS Palm Springs Gem & Jewelry Show — The JOGS Gem & Jewelry Show is one of the largest jewelry trade shows in the Americas, bringing together a variety of manufacturers, wholesalers, and brands. IYKYK.

Nov. 19: Props and Hops Craft Beer Festival — At the Palm Springs Air Museum, from 1 to 6 p.m. Get buzzed on land and buzz around in the sky in a warbird. Tons of food and entertainment.

Pride brings everyone out to Palm Springs. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

Ongoing music and libations

Melvyn’s — At the Ingleside Inn … so old school Palm Springs you’ll squee. Celebrities often sit in at the piano bar. There’s GREAT music from Mikael Healy all through the week, and the Sunday Jam is not to be missed, with all of the best musicians P.S. has to offer.

Palm Springs Cultural Center — It’s not just movies! Upstairs (I think they’re calling it Come On Up?) during the week expect an eclectic mix of styles from local musicians.

V Wine Lounge 

The Purple Room — Open every day except Monday (and who knows, maybe they’ll open on Mondays again during season).

PS Underground — It’s pricey, but definitely a one-of-a-kind experience and totally worth every simoleon.

Oscar’s — Some great shows coming up, and if I can urge you to go see at least one thing there, please let it be Mid-Century Moderns.

Theater

Dezart Performs (Choir Boy is an official Pride event)

Desert Ensemble Theatre (at PSCC, good yet unusual theater)

Palm Canyon Theatre

Hooch-y hideaways  

Small and intimate spots to get away from the crowds.

The Tailor Shop

Seymours

La Boisson (at Fleur Noire Hotel)

Le Fern, 411 E. Palm Canyon Dr. (4-9pm 7 days a week)

The Front Porch

Del Rey (at Villa Royale)

PS Air

Welcome to La Boisson. Photo courtesy of Fleur Noire Hotel

Outdoor activities

Modern and More Bike Tours — You need your own bike, but if you’re staying in a boutique hotel, chances are they’ve got one for you. This is not for kids, it’s all about history and architecture and is operated by Brennan, one of our Modernism Bus Tour guides. All quiet streets, no hills, constant sunshine, and very little traffic. Even novices will enjoy this educational ride — however, people with back problems may not. Know thyself before you book.

Historic Walking Tours from the Palm Springs Historical Society — Good luck trying to figure out which one to book. I want to go on ALL of them.

MOGO Silent Disco — Dance like nobody’s watching down the streets of Palm Springs. Everyone gets their own headset and is jamming to the same tune on this dancing tour. Outrageous outfits are encouraged, and a little stamina (60 minutes of boogie is a workout!) required.

NEW!

Sancho’s — 411 E. Palm Canyon, Palm Springs.

Coming soon

Reforma Night Club (Nov. 4)

Clandestino

Churrasco Brazilian Steakhouse (December 2022)

Thanksgiving

Alert! Apparently there’s a turkey shortage, which I find weird. Have you ever been to Wisconsin? They’re all over the road. OpenTable put together a great list of every restaurant in the Coachella Valley serving up the remaining turkeys. Most of the Palm Springs options are on page 2, and include Melvyn’s at Ingleside Inn, Azucar at La Serena Villas, and Del Rey at Villa Royale.

See you next month!

The elegant dining room at Melvyn’s. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

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Be Your Own Muse In Palm Springs

At The Muse Hotel Palm Springs, prepare to be inspired.

This new pet-friendly boutique hotel in the Warm Sands neighborhood, formerly known as the Avance, is now owned by Greg Williams and Maggie Vineyard. The creative couple transformed this nine-suite property from the 1960s into a bright and airy space with feather chandeliers, bold floral wallpaper, striped awnings and pops of color everywhere. The layout lends itself to groups, and the hotel can be bought out for girls’ weekends, reunions, birthday parties, and other celebrations.

“We wanted to create a fun vibe that instantly relaxes people,” Maggie said, adding, “it’s really hard to be unhappy or stressed while under a pergola of beautiful flowers with a pink hotel in front of you.”

A woman wearing an orange hat lounges in a flamingo pool float at The Muse Hotel Palm Springs

Floating in the pool is a must-do for every guest at The Muse Hotel. Photo courtesy of The Muse Hotel

The Muse is their first foray into the hotel business, with Maggie having more than a decade’s worth of experience in the Airbnb world. Greg and Maggie enjoyed visiting Palm Springs during weekend getaways, and when they found what would become The Muse, both were excited over the possibilities.

“We were pleased with the environment and atmosphere and size, and thought we could really have fun with it and embrace the culture of Palm Springs,” Greg said. “It lacked a little bit of identity, so we brought in bougainvilleas to Palm Springs it out.”

Maggie and Greg chatted with guests who gave them valuable insights on what worked at the hotel and what didn’t, and they kept this feedback in mind while working on an 8-week property renovation. Cosmetic updates were made to each room, giving them a one-of-a-kind feel, but Maggie and Greg also worked with elements already in place, like the pool. 

“A new coat of paint and decor makes a huge difference,” Greg said. “Tile is also fun and livened things up.”

Greg is a musician, and one idea was to turn the new property into a Taylor Swift-themed hotel, reminiscent of the colorful trailer park from her “You Need to Calm Down” music video. From that brainstorming session, the name evolved to The Muse, giving guests the opportunity to embrace the Frida Kahlo quote, “I am my own muse, I am the subject I know the best, the subject I want to know better.”

A blonde woman in a white dress and white man in a dress vest and pants stand in a restaurant with the bar behind them

Maggie Vineyard and Greg Williams became engaged while staying at their hotel during renovations. Photo courtesy of The Muse Hotel

Maggie and Greg have already made lasting memories at the property. During the renovation process, they lived here with their dogs, got engaged, and discovered the little details that make The Muse stand out. Both love the pergola and swings and the “peaceful and serene courtyard,” Greg said. “There are some lounge chairs right there I could live in, with the mountains in the background and the pool right there.”

Guests also have access to a hot tub, community room, grab-and-go Aspen Mills pastries and croissants for breakfast, snacks, and picnic baskets. Several rooms have backyard areas and nearly all have full kitchens with stoves, ovens, refrigerators, and microwaves. If you like what you see, most of the hotel is shoppable, with QR codes so you can buy your favorite items and have them shipped home.

Greg and Maggie have one goal: to treat guests to a vibrant experience during their fabulous Palm Springs vacation. The Muse offers all of that and more in a “girly and fun” package, Maggie said, that leaves people “feeling good about themselves.”

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