The Waterfalls of Palm Springs Canyons Thu, March 9, 2023 by Randy Garner Looking at the San Jacinto Mountains, you wouldn’t think water streams were tumbling over rocks and spilling into waterfalls across Palm, Andreas, Tahquitz, Murray, and Chino canyons. But the water does flow as it has for thousands of years and we have access to see and experience this local beauty of nature. The rainfall mixes with snowmelt from nearby peaks and trickles through a web of tiny tributaries, which eventually merge into larger streams. They eventually course through the narrow Palm Springs Canyons and create fertile oases in an otherwise dry terrain. Early Agua Caliente Indians Early Agua Caliente people lived in the canyons and built small villages along the streams during the hot months. They relied heavily on Creekside resources such as mesquite beans, which they ground and ate as cooked cakes. Granite boulders dotted with deep and shallow mortars and flat rocks used as food prep areas remain in Andreas, Palm, and Tahquitz canyons. They serve as signposts to the Tribe’s rich history in the Palm Springs area. The Agua Caliente Indians later developed an intricate system to harness water from the streams that flowed through the canyons to sustain their crops and villages. A Cahuilla dam and reservoir near Andreas Canyon still exists, and remnants of rock-lined irrigation ditches that once carried water from Andreas, Chino, and Tahquitz canyons are visible in undeveloped areas of Palm Springs. Visiting the Canyon Falls The best time to visit the Palm Springs waterfalls is March and April simply because this is when the streams are usually at their highest levels. If there was a good snowpack during the winter, the snow melts and combines with February rains to run into the creeks. Pack a lunch and enjoy watching polliwogs and frogs that dart in and out of the creeks. Patient birders will delight in the variety of winged creatures – from verdins, wrens, and sparrows to owls, hawks, and ravens. Palm Canyon – West Fork Falls Palm Canyon is part of Indian Canyons, which also includes Murray and Andreas Canyon. This Palm Springs waterfall is a stunning natural attraction located in the Palm Canyon. The trail head is at the far end of the parking lot past the Trading Post. The waterfall is fed by natural springs and flows into a small pool surrounded by lush vegetation, making it a popular spot for hikers and nature enthusiasts alike. The hike to the West Fork Waterfall is short and takes you through a stunning desert canyon lined with towering palm trees and massive boulders. Along the way you may encounter a variety of wildlife including lizards and birds. As you approach the waterfall, the sound of rushing water becomes more intense, and you’ll catch glimpses of the falls peeking through the dense foliage. When you finally arrive at the base of the falls, you’ll be greeted by a refreshing mist and the cool, clear water of the pool below. Overall, the West Fork Waterfall is a beautiful and peaceful destination that offers a unique glimpse into the natural beauty of Palm Canyon. Credit: World of Waterfalls Tahquitz Canyon – Tahquitz Canyon Fall Tahquitz Canyon Waterfall is a stunning natural attraction and a very popular hike. This Palm Springs waterfall stands at a height of 60 feet and drops into a serene pool of water at the base. Access to the falls requires a moderate 1.8-mile (2.9 km) round-trip hike, which takes visitors through the beautiful Tahquitz Canyon and past various other geological features like rock formations, desert vegetation, and wildlife. The trail is well-maintained and provides several vantage points to view the waterfall and the surrounding landscape. The Tahquitz Canyon Waterfall is a popular spot for hikers, nature lovers, and photographers looking to capture the beauty of the desert oasis. Tahquitz Canyon Trail Map. To visit this fall, enter at the Tahquitz Canyon Visitor Center. They also offer educational and cultural exhibits. There is a display of artifacts, and observation deck, and a theater room for viewing The Legend of Tahquitz. 500 W Mequite Ave. Take the Tahquitz Canyon Loop Trail to the Tahquitz Fall. There and back is less than two miles and kid friendly. Swimming is restricted to the large pool below Tahquitz Falls. Note they are only open Friday – Sunday, July – September. Tahquitz Canyon was also where the 1937 film Lost Horizon was filmed. Murray Canyon – Seven Sisters Falls Murray Canyon is located between Palm Canyon and Andreas Canyon. It is a beautiful hike, with stunning views of desert landscapes, palm oases, and the San Jacinto Mountains. Along the way, hikers will pass by streams, waterfalls, and wildlife, including birds, lizards, and occasionally, bighorn sheep. The trailhead is located near the parking lot, and hikers will need to pay a fee to enter Indian Canyons. The canyons are sacred to the Cahuilla people and are home to several important historical and cultural sites, including petroglyphs, rock art, and village sites. Murray Canyon is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Palm Springs or the surrounding area. It offers a unique and unforgettable hiking experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression. Unlike other waterfalls, this 12-foot Palm Springs waterfall (also called Murray Canyon Falls or Seven Falls) is a multi-tiered cascade that descends down into Murray Canyon. If forms a stair-like feature. Access the falls on the Murray Canyon Trail and it’s just under four miles in and back. First section is flat and then it can get a bit rocky. Credit: World of Waterfalls Maintaining the Canyon Streams The Cahuilla tribe, who are the original inhabitants of the Coachella Valley area, have been actively involved in maintaining the canyon streams in Palm Springs. They have implemented various strategies to protect and preserve the natural resources in the area, including the streams. One such strategy is the creation of the Cahuilla Tribal Conservation Corps (CTCC), which is made up of tribal members who work to restore and maintain the natural habitat of the canyon streams. The CTCC team focuses on removing non-native invasive species, restoring native vegetation, and monitoring the health of the streams. Additionally, the Cahuilla tribe works with other organizations and government agencies to develop and implement conservation and restoration initiatives for the canyon streams. For example, they collaborate with the Desert Water Agency and the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service to improve water quality, control erosion, and protect endangered species in the area. Overall, the Cahuilla tribe’s efforts to maintain the canyon streams in Palm Springs demonstrate their commitment to preserving the natural environment and cultural heritage of their ancestral lands for future generations. You may also like: Explore Native Palm Springs 7 Hikes In Palm Canyons
Desert X 2023 Guide Sun, March 5, 2023 by Randy Garner Come See Art Across the Desert Landscape, March 4 – May 7 Eleven artists from Europe, North America and South Asia will present poetic and immersive works that span sculpture, painting, writing, architecture, design, film, music, performance and choreography, education, and environmental activism in the exhibition curated by Artistic Director Neville Wakefield and Co-Curator Diana Campbell. The Desert X 2023 exhibition builds on social and environmental themes. Since its founding, Desert X has provided a neutral platform where artists and audiences generate cross-cultural dialogue and new understanding about the world. “The artists are challenged by the desert, its beauty, harshness, and ever-changing environment,” says Desert X Founder and President Susan Davis. “For 2023, visitors will encounter immersive works that respond to the global impact of climate change, economic challenges and the social transformations we are confronting.” Desert X 2023 is free and open to the public. Hub: Ace Hotel & Swim Club. Pick up printed program and meet friendly volunteers. Hours: Generally sunrise to sunset. Parking: Follow signs and park in designated areas only. Desert X 2023 Map Desert X 2023 Art & Artists Rana Begum – No. 1225 Chainlink Approached from a distance, Rana Begum’s No.1225 Chainlink 2022-23 (top) appears as a shimmering pyramidal haze of color floating above the desert floor. Taking the form of a series of concentric rings that respond to the ubiquity of the chain link fence spread across the Coachella Valley, the maze-like structure allows light and air, sand, water, and people to filter through. It reveals a paradox whereby the place of greatest confinement can also be that of greatest freedom. Through her refined language of Minimalist abstraction, Begum blurs the boundaries between sculpture, painting and architecture. Her visual language draws from the urban landscape as well as geometric patterns from traditional Islamic art and architecture. Location: 74184 Portola Road, Palm Desert Lauren Bon – In The Smallest Sea with the Largest Heart Lauren Bon and Metabolic Studios create a poetic object that submerges visitors in the deep past and the distant future, taking inspiration from plants, which metabolize sunlight into energy, and the Blue Whale, the largest animal known to have lived on Earth. Fueling the potential for future life and visually transforming itself in the process, the work merges swimming pools in a landscape associated with tremendous water shortage. It reminds us of our own connection to water and that the desert was once a sea. Courtesy the artist and Metabolic Studio Credit: Lance Gerber Location: 2249 N. Palm Canyon, Palm Springs. On-site parking is limited. Please park along Via Olivera and Junipero Road west of Palm Canyon Drive. Gerald Clarke – Immersion Immersion by Gerald Clarke takes the form of a traditional Cahuilla coiled basket scaled to become a giant game board. The goal of reaching the center can only be achieved by correctly answering questions relating to the traditions and histories of the Cahuilla Indians and other sovereign cultures. By gamifying history Clarke sublimates prejudice. At the same time he reminds us how unattainable these same goals have become for those for whom such knowledge has been forcibly withdrawn. As you view his work, he asks that you do not simply compare or contrast it to “traditional Native American art,” but that you understand his work exists within a spectrum of Indigenous expression that is simultaneously ancient and contemporary. Credit: Nate Abbott Source: Desert X Location: James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center480 W. Tramview Road, Palm Springs Paloma Contreras Lomas – Amar a Dios en Tierra de Indios, Es Oficio Maternal Visitors encounter a dated car that has screeched to a halt. An absurd array of tangled limbs of two mysterious characters wearing long hats sprawl out of the car. Plush hands armed with soft-stuffed guns hang from the windows, barely camouflaged by the artificial overgrowth invading the sculpture. These strange characters accompany the visitor on a caricature of a Western-meets-sci-fi, audio-visual tour of the landscape, where the artist pushes back at the violent male gaze of the landscape. By using drawing, sculpture, performance, writing and multimedia installation, Paloma Contreras Lomas addresses subjects such as gender, violence, structure and political inheritance, class segregation and post-colonialism. Credit: Hada de Barro Credit: Desert X Location: Sunnylands Center & Gardens. 37977 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage Torkwase Dyson – Liquid a Place This piece is part of an ongoing series in which the sculptural installation becomes a mediation between the memory of water in the body and the memory of water in the desert. Our bodies are themselves arcs, vessels of existential as well as spiritual survival, reservoirs of stories and reservoirs of water. How these vessels relate to the architectures we design to house and contain them is essential to how we consider the future. Torkwase describes herself as a painter working across multiple mediums to explore the continuity between ecology, infrastructure, and architecture. Examining environmental racism as well as the history and future of black spatial liberation strategies, Dyson’s abstract works grapple with the ways in which space is perceived and negotiated, particularly by black and brown bodies. Source:: Suzie Howell Homme Adams Park72500 Thrush Road, Palm Desert Mario García Torres – Searching for the Sky For Mario García Torres the idea of the West comes home as entertainment. Searching for the Sky (While Maintaining Equilibrium) consists of a herd of mechanical bulls. The ‘animals,’ now rodeo facsimiles, combine to create choreography in which the synchronized oscillations of their reflective surfaces seek a harmony and balance that can never be achieved. Designed to make you fall, the mechanical bulls become a macho celebration of failure, where the wild ride of uncontrollable nature has been supplanted by the wild ride of a culture out of control. Credit: Antonella Dellarossa Credit: Lance Gerber Location: Pierson Boulevard between Foxdale Drive and Miracle Hill Road, Desert Hot Springs. This site involves a short walk to view the work. Matt Johnson – Sleeping Figure This might be a cubist rendition of a female in a harem except here the cubes are shipping containers and the harem to which they belong is that of the globalized movement of goods and trade. Conceived at the time when a Japanese-owned, Taiwanese-operated, German-managed, Panamanian-flagged and Indian-manned container behemoth found itself for six days under Egyptian jurisdiction while blocking the Suez Canal. Johnson’s figure speaks to a supply chain economy in distress. Johnson’s work investigates the human desire to interact with the given world through science, mathematics, religion, art, and architecture. His exploration points to our inherent need to connect with the cosmos, our desire to understand it, and our attempts to manipulate it Credit: Lance Gerber Location: I-10 Exit 110 to Railroad Ave. This site requires a half mile walk to view the work up close. Hylozoic/Desires – Himali Singh Soin and David Soin Tappeser For Namak Nazar, the artists invite visitors to think through ecological loss and the loss of home, seeking shelter somewhere in the radicality of love in their immersive audio-visual environments. For Desert X, this metaphor is found in salt. Inspired by the proliferation of conspiracies, from Ufologists, Scientologists, Cybernetic Spiritualists, Area 51, Flatearthers, Lizard people and Chemtrails, a salt encrusted utility pole proposes an era of flood from which dry land has only recently been reclaimed. Carried as if by the wind, the sounds and voices of ancient and modern mythologies, folklore, salt songs and other speculations into the known and unknown suggest the shifting sands of human presence. Image courtesy of the artists Location: Worsley Road between Pierson and Mission Lakes BoulevardsDesert Hot Springs Tschabalala Self – Pioneer Pioneer is an equestrian statue that inserts itself in a lineage that runs from Remington’s wild bucking broncos to a more overtly controversial rendition of a former mayor on horseback. Placed in the California desert, the work exists as a figure that is simultaneously born out of the historical event of America’s creation and one that has an short-lived quality. This Desert X 2023 work’s focus is on the largely unidentified Native and African American women whose bodies and labor allowed for American expansionism and growth–– a visual representation of their birthright and place within the American landscape. Credit: Shahid Sabil Sharafuddin Credit: Lance Gerber Location: San Gorgonio Street and Bubbling Wells Road, Desert Hot Springs. This site involves a short hike up a hill to view the work up close. Marina Tabassum – Khudi Bari View The Film This does not have a location. It is a film to be viewed online. Khudi Bari (Bengali for ‘Tiny House’) is an example of a modular mobile home that, in Bangladesh, is low cost, durable, and can be assembled and disassembled within a short time with minimum labor. It’s a rigid space-frame structure to save goods and lives in the wake of flash floods on tiny “desert islands” of sand known as ‘chars’ that are dotted precariously across the Bengal delta. Land is fluid on the floodplains of Bangladesh, and these islands often break off and erode into the water, making it necessary for people to physically move their home when the land it is placed on may no longer exist. Desert X 2023 has commissioned a film about the project in which Tabassum addresses dry and wet cultures and the role of design in enabling life in some of the world’s most extreme climate conditions. Credit: Christian De Fonte Héctor Zamora – Mexico City Héctor Zamora’s Chimera is a performative action that transcends, reinvents, and redefines the conventional exhibition space, generating friction between the common roles of public and private, exterior and interior, organic and geometric, savage and methodical, real and imaginary. Zamora implicates visitors’ participation and requires them to question the everyday uses of materials and the functions of space. From his technical expertise and knowledge of lightweight architecture to his meticulous emphasis on the process of conceptualization and construction of each piece, Zamora incorporates viewer participation to question the everyday uses of materials and the functions of space. Credit: Jasper van het Groenewoud Credit: Lance Gerber This is performance art so you will need to check for dates and times. Tyre Nichols – Originals Born and raised in Sacramento California, Tyre Nichols’ photographs of landscapes, sunsets, monuments and the architectural vernaculars of his adopted town of Memphis, Tennessee are the unassuming documents of a young man whose eye was drawn to the moments of beauty and evanescence that shape the rituals of daily life. “My vision is to bring my viewers deep into what I am seeing through my eye and out through my lens,” he wrote. “I hope to one day let people see what I see and to hopefully admire my work based on the quality and ideals of my work.” This work represents not just a vision that was brutally denied the opportunity to develop but the potential of all those individuals whose lives have been lost to the state sanctioned violence of institutional racism. Sited on billboards along Gene Autry Trail, Nichols’ work is also a reminder that so many of these needless deaths take place at the side of the road. Here the silent beauty of these levitated images stands in stark contrast with the terror experienced by Nichols and so many others on the shoulder below. But as with the vision the message is also one of hope: hope that with restrictions on pretextual stops California can lead the way in police reform; hope that together we can create a just society in which the fragile and beautiful talents of the likes of Tyre Nichols can flourish and grow. Credit: Lance Gerber Location: N. Gene Autry Trail, Between Via Escuela and the I-10 You may also like: Art Lovers’ Guide to Palm Springs Power To The Public Art
Top Local Palm Springs Bakeries Tue, February 28, 2023 by Randy Garner Palm Springs has many locally owned bakeries that offer a wide range of breads, sweets and treats. There’s so much to choose from. You’ll enjoy delicious, fresh-baked goods, a welcoming atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, and a wide variety of offerings to cater to different tastes and needs. Aspen Mills Bakery & Bread Co. – 555 S. Sunrise Way, #101 A local mainstay for breads and treats, their daily breads include 9-grain, sourdough, cranberry spice, jalapeno cheddar, cinnamon swirl, and two types of rye bread. Additional breads are available on different days, so there’s always something new to try. They also have a large variety of muffins, sweet breads, cookies, brownies, and specialty breads. Aspen Mills also offers wonderful sandwiches and salads for lunch. One popular option is their Lunch Box, which includes a sandwich served with potato salad, a crisp dill pickle, and a cookie. The Lunch Box salad comes with fresh-baked bread and a cookie. Order a Lunch Box and enjoy it outside in the Palm Springs downtown park or poolside. Bread & Flours – 211 N Palm Canyon Drive, Suite 105 This Palm Springs bakery is in North Palm Springs and only operates Thursday through Saturday, 10 am – 3 pm. Their signature bread is their amazing sourdough bread. This is a small, locally owned bakery, and while they have limited hours, they work all week on the bread. They craft only additive-free, preservative-free selections. The flour is stone milled, and all parts of the seed are used in the loaves. Each loaf takes 36 hours to craft before baking. Carousel Bakery – 440 El Cielo Road, #5 This is family-owned and located very close to the Palm Springs International Airport. It’s run by husband-and-wife team Alberto and Elizabeth, who have been baking for over 35 years now. It’s a small bakery great for morning baked goods and pastries. A great stop before your flight. Try their giant, gooey sticky bun, the savory ham, feta and spinach croissant, or the perfectly balanced cheese and guava turnover. Pies are made seasonally. Over The Rainbow Desserts – 1775 E. Palm Canyon Dr., #150 This is a trendy Palm Springs bakery for cupcakes and cakes. The menu changes all the time, and there are huge selections. Their signature flavor is the chocolate-covered potato chip. It’s a rich chocolate cupcake with chocolate buttercream, topped with chocolate covered chips the rolled in crushed potato chips. Master Menu. The do have gluten free and vegan options, but you usually need to pre order. They take a lot of orders for weddings and special events, so we highly recommend getting any custom order in as soon as possible. Place a custom order by emailing orders@overtherainbowdesserts.com or calling 760.322.2253. Peninsula Pastries Palm Springs – 611 S Palm Canyon Drive, #1 Peninsula Patisseries handcrafts their breads and pastries with actual French products such as imported French flour and butter. Owners Helene & Christophe Meyer are from France and opened this Palm Springs bakery in 2015: Christophe, a maître pâtissier (in other words, a pastry genius). The cases are filled with art. Baguettes may include other ingredients like gruyere cheese, bacon, or olives. Popular are the sticky buns with candied on top, as is the butterscotch pecan twist. Some say these pastries are better than you’ll get in France. It’s very popular, and don’t be surprised if there is a line. Townie Bagels Bakery – 650 E. Sunny Dunes Rd, #5 This wonderful bagel store is locally owned by Andy Wysocki and husband Bill Sanderson. They serve authentic traditional water boiled bagels based on the flavors of a New York bagel bakery. This gives them that crispy, crackling exterior, and a soft center. In addition to bagels, the bakery also has a variety of breads, including French baguettes, sourdough, and rye, among other options. Menu In addition to bagels and breads, they also have a breakfast and lunch sandwich menu. You can build your own by choosing your bagel flavor (up to 24 flavors), spread (12 choices), and topping. Some breakfast sandwiches have egg and cheese, and you can add sausage, ham, and/or bacon. There is B.L.T., turkey, chicken salad, and ham for lunch. Online Palm Springs Bakeries These bakeries are in Palm Springs but do not have storefronts. Orders are made over the phone or online, and you can select curbside pickup or local delivery. Crown Town Cakes – 1050 Ramon Road Crown Town Cakes, locally owned by Jim and Eric, bakes custom cakes to order. You choose a size, flavor, filling, and design. They will work with you on developing all the elements to make the cake beautiful and flavorful. One recent customer raved about the 3-layer chocolate sponge cake with strawberry filling and whipped chocolate frosting. They can also do cupcakes. The Fabulous Flamingo is one of their signature designs. Start Your Consultation. The Butter Cake Studio The owner, Nathan, believes that every custom cake showcases your taste, your vision, and beyond. He will work with you to help you create your story through the art of buttercream, fondant, sugar paste, and wafer paper. Each cake is made from scratch to your requirements. Delivery around Palm Springs is free. Pastelaria Pastelaria is owned by Aria, a passionate pastry chef creating unique desserts for your special events and occasions. Being personally selected and mentored by Rachel Ray, I was awarded a scholarship to the French Culinary Institute of NYC and apprenticed Jacques Torres at his Manhattan Chocolate Factory. Call 208.339.0463 or email anastasio_arianicole@hotmail.com for a consultation. Palm Springs Bakeries in Restaurants Billy Reed’s Restaurant & Bakery – 1800 N. Palm Canyon Billy Reed’s is an old-school restaurant (opened in 1975) that serves ample portions of American meals in an antique décor. They make all their pastries, breads, cakes, and pies in their little bake shop. Think of classic pies like lemon meringue, Boston cream, and southern pecan. The fruit pies are seasonal. Cakes include rum, carrot, coconut, German chocolate, and dark chocolate raspberry cream. Stop in on your birthday for a complimentary slice of Boston cream pie. Sherman’s Deli & Bakery – 401 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way Sherman’s has an on-site bakery and is made in-house daily. They offer a wide variety of cakes, cheesecakes, pies, cookies, and specialty items. The selections are constantly changing. This is a long-time locally owned and family-run business that’s very popular. It’s not uncommon to see a line of people waiting outside the door for a table. L’Atelier Café Palm Springs – 129 La Plaza This is a beautiful hidden gem that features Parisian-style light breakfasts and lunches. Delicious artisan-crafted breads are baked daily in the French style. They also have homemade French pastries. They don’t have a website, but you can check them out on Instagram. Manhattan’s of the Desert – 2665 E. Palm Canyon Drive Manhattan’s of the Desert is a Jewish deli-style restaurant like Sherman’s. However, when you enter the restaurant, you will be greeted with many full cases of baked goods and desserts. These can be ordered by the individual serving or as whole cakes and pies. They also have Danishes, Tiramisu, bread pudding, cream puffs, apple strudel, and jumbo brownies, among other things. Palm Springs Donut Shops The Jelly Donut – 1753 N. Sunrise Way The Jelly Donut is in an interesting location right next to the Steel Gym. You can enjoy a donut and then go work it off. It’s locally owned and run by Nick and Lyna Fong. They open at 5 am. Swiss Donut – 555 S. Sunrise Way, #102 Swiss Donuts is in the same complex as Aspen Mills Bread, which is also locally owned and run. In addition to a wide selection of donuts, they also have sandwiches and a drink menu. It’s another hidden gem that’s not downtown and worth the visit. It’s old school and fits the Palm Springs vibe. The bacon maple bars are popular. Winchell’s Donut House – 1717 E. Vista Chino Located in the Sunrise Vista Chino complex, this is part of the donut chain founded by Verne Winchell in 1948. You’ll find them mostly in Western states. This location is open 24 hours. You May Also Like: Palm Springs Burger Guide Palm Springs Happy Hour Guide A Food Lover’s Guide to Palm Springs
Palm Springs Vacation Rental Guide Fri, February 24, 2023 by Randy Garner Palm Springs has over 2,500 registered vacation rentals to choose from, so there are a lot of choices and options. Benefits of a Palm Springs Vacation Rental It can often be much more cost-effective to rent a vacation home than to stay in a hotel, especially for families or groups/friends that can share the cost. You still get the privacy of your room while sharing much larger living spaces with amenities such as a private pool, well-equipped full kitchens, outdoor barbecues, washers & dryers, and other amenities not generally available in a hotel. Plus, you have your privacy without mingling with other hotel guests. Choosing a Palm Springs Vacation Rental The hallmark of Palm Springs architecture is our midcentury style. If you want to experience living in the iconic Palm Springs retro style, look for homes built in the 1950s with lots of glass and outdoor space. These are generally smaller 3-bedroom, 2-bath homes because they were originally built as second homes, but there are some estate sizes as well. Most have been modernized, offering a great experience you can’t find anywhere else. Figure out your transportation. Palm Canyon Drive is the main street through Palm Springs. If you choose a property close to Palm Canyon Drive, most things will be within walking distance, so you may not need a car. The closer you are to downtown, the more you’ll pay. The more North you go, the better value. Like most cities, some neighborhoods are more desirable than others, and the rental prices will reflect this. Vista Las Palmas, Old Vista Las Palmas, and the Movie Colony carry a premium and also offer larger, more luxurious homes. There are also many condos available for rent, some with boutique-size private pools and others shared. Checking In If your rental is in the City of Palm Springs, an in-person meet-and-greet is required before or within 24 hours of occupancy. This is part of the Palm Springs vacation rental city ordinance. The meet can be at the local rental office or scheduled at the rental property. The basic function is to review applicable regulations and responsibilities to ensure everyone is well informed. The City of Palm Springs requires an additional written contract which you will be sent by the rental agency before your arrival. The city also requires that renters supply a copy of their government-issued ID and license plate numbers of personally owned vehicles. Many Palm Springs Vacation Rentals are now keyless, so you will be provided a personal code. Short Term Rentals Short term Palm Springs vacation rentals are defined as stays of 28 days or less. They are all registered with the city and there is a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on your bill, just as hotels. Seasonal Monthly Rentals On rentals of 28 nights or longer, there is no city bed tax, but the renter is generally responsible for the entire gas and electric bills from check-in to check-out, based on meter reads. A utility deposit, which is in addition to the security deposit, will generally be taken to guarantee payment of the utility charges. These can be very cost effective for long term stays over hotel or resort properties. Local Palm Springs Vacation Rental Agencies Vacation home rentals can be booked through many different sites just like hotel rooms. Bookings on third party websites such as Airbnb, Booking.com, VRBO, Marriott Homes and Villas or Plum Guide may be subject to different cancellation policies set by the specific channel. They can also include different fee structures and payments. We recommend making your reservation directly with a local business that can handle all aspects of your rental experience, from fees and payments, to on-site management. This can also save you money. Consider one of these local Palm Springs vacation rental company options. Local office addresses are noted, where applicable. 365 Vacation Rentals This company is a family run business with a diverse inventory of homes and condominiums. Choose midcentury modern or old Spanish style from early Palm Springs. ACME House Company ACME House Company has a portfolio of privately owned, impeccably maintained, and centrally located Palm Springs vacation rentals. Each property is qualified through a rigorous screening process for design, quality, amenities, and cleanliness. Acme has a large inventory of luxury vacation rentals and always get the best deals if you book direct. No worries when you book with ACME. Local Office at 750 N. Palm Canyon Drive Altamira Vacation Rentals Local office at 611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, #7-528 Desert Star Palm Springs This is a historic midcentury modern resort built in 1956 with studio apartments for rent. It is more of a traditional resort style stay but operates as a vacation rental. It’s a Class 1 Historic Site. 1611 Calle Palo Fierro Iron Tree Inn Just next to Desert Star is the Iron Tree Inn, also build in the 1950’s. Although similar in style to a boutique resort, it operates as a vacation rental. Most have kitchens. There is also a deluxe 2-bedroom, 3-bath bungalow. Rates are offered daily, weekly, and monthly. They don’t accommodate pets or children under the age of 18. 1600 Calle Palo Fierro Desert Vacation Villas This is more of a condominium style property that also operates as a vacation rental. Amenities include bicycles, barbecue grills, and a basketball court. Located in the Uptown Design District around the corner from the Arrive Hotel. Most condominiums are two bedrooms with private patios or balconies and a full kitchen. 250 W. Vista Chino Dry Heat Resort You will be provided a guest service agent that can be reached by email or cell phone. All condos are self-check in. Houses usually require a personal check into the property at a prearranged time. Local office at 611 S. Palm Canyon Drive Luxsy Palm Springs Luxsy specializes in short term rentals and includes concierge services. From poolside massages and relaxing facials, kitchen stocking, and executive chefs, to child care. They intentionally keep a lower inventory of about 20 home rentals for better service. The partner with L’Occitane for in-home soaps, shampoos, and products. Homes also include luxury linens. Local office at 777 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Suite 200-115 McLean Company Rentals This is a long-standing locally owned management firm with a large inventory. They offer anything from a one bedroom condo to a large 9 bedroom home. Local office at 2500 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite B-5. Mod Mansions Mod Mansions is a locally owned vacation rental company that also owns all the properties. The portfolio is all higher end luxury properties very well maintained and furnished. Parties and events are not permitted. The Cuckoo’s Nes home was the home of Dale Wassermann who wrote “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” and includes 7 bedrooms. Or there is the 6-bedroom 4,000 square foot Betty Grable Estate. Natural Retreats Natural Retreats manages the Frank Sinatra Estate, along with a number of other luxury homes. You can also rent the Frank Sinatra Twin Palms Estate for events. But they have a nice mix of prices and sizes. They also manage Villa Sierra also known as “That Pink Door.” This company is national and manages properties across the US with destination based teams. Oasis Rentals Inventory includes a selection of unique midcentury, modern, and luxury vacation home rentals. Generally they request a minimum 3-night stay unless otherwise stated. Some properties are available for events and weddings. Local office at 1111 E Palm Canyon Drive, #205 Oranj Palm Springs Vacation Homes Local office in the Smoke Tree Village Shopping Center – 1775 E Palm Canyon Drive, #205 Palm Springs Luxury Vacation Homes Mostly larger estate luxury homes, most requiring a minimum 5-night stay. Pets generally welcome. There is a minimum 24-48 hours in between guests’ departures/arrivals for cleaning. The properties are located in Vista Las Palmas, Old Las Palmas, and Racquet Club Estates neighborhoods. Palms at Park These are three large homes that sit next to each other in the Sunrise neighborhood, all owned by the same owners. They are newer construction and very similar layouts. They were built specifically with vacation rental in mind, so all rooms have their own bathroom. They include high-speed Tesla chargers. Poolside Vacation Rentals Poolside Vacation Rentals is locally owned and operated. They offer a nice inventory of very affordable vacation rental options that can compete with many hotel rates. Some great affordable options for families. Someone is available 24/7. Local office at 301 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite 103-1020 Private Villa Management This company offers a range of properties, including Sundance Villas Properties, which are privately owned condo style properties with a private pool. 303 Cabrillo Road Relax Palm Springs Homeowner(s) expect RELAX Palm Springs to be available to every guest throughout your stay. You’ll likely be texting with the owner directly to make sure you get quick responses and effective service. Someone is also available at the office for added support. Payments for these properties go through VRBO, so this vacation rental company acts more as a local management team. Someone will meet you at the home for keys and show you around. 2225 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Ste 4 Savvy Travels This company has a small collection of Palm Springs homes for rent. One property, The Flat on Alexander, was featured in Modernism Week. They also manage the Estee Lauder Estate in the Movie Colony, featuring 5 bedrooms and 6 baths. Services include 24/7 Guest Concierge. 840 N Indian Canyon Drive The Twist Palm Springs This is one complex in a newer building in the Uptown Design District. Rooms surround a common pool, so the outdoors is more of a hotel feel while the indoors is more of a home feel. Everything is walkable. It’s midcentury modern style. Choose from a ground-floor unit with large private patio with fire-pit or an upper floor unit with private balcony to enjoy stunning mountain views. Each decorated in true Palm Springs modernism with colorful modern designs. 140 W. Via Lola Vacation Palm Springs by Vacasa Offers a large inventory Palm Springs-area vacation houses, condos, and more for both short-term and long-term stays. Local office at 901 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Suite B200 Palm Springs Vacation Rental Policies To Know The City of Palm Springs requires you fill out a Vacation Rental Statement of Rules and Regulations form. This identifies the primary responsible party and contact information, usually the name on the rental contract. You will be provided a copy of the Good Neighbor Brochure. Maximum of any vacation rental is 12 people with no more than 2 people per bedroom, no matter how big the home. NO MUSIC or SOUND (TV, cell phone, radio, etc) are allowed outside at any time. Any type of SOUND from any sound producing device is not allowed outside of your Vacation Rental unit. This includes music coming from the inside of the home that can be heard outside. If your neighbors can hear the noise, you are in violation of the City Ordinance. While NO MUSIC or SOUND (TV, cell phone, radio, etc) are allowed outside at any time, QUIET TIME is between 10pm and 10am. Please consider moving indoors after 10pm. If you choose to be outside, please be considerate of the neighbors and use low voices. Please remember our neighborhoods are quiet, surrounded by mountains and voices can easily carry. A CALL from the neighbors to the City will bring Code Compliance Officers to your door. Our officers may issue you a citation if you exceed the allowed noise levels or if another violation is observed. So please, keep the noise down and be considerate of the neighbors. You may be on vacation, but other occupants in homes around your vacation home may not be. Please keep in mind that you will be cited or fined by the City, or even immediately evicted by the owner, for creating a disturbance or for violating any provisions of the City’s Vacation Rental Ordinance. The minimum fine is $500 per violation. The surrounding neighbors have been given a 24-hour number to CALL should they need to report a complaint.
Palm Springs Big City Loop Bike Tour Tue, February 14, 2023 by Randy Garner This great introductory self-guided bike ride will introduce you to parts of north, central, and south Palm Springs. Begin at Ruth Hardy Park Ruth Hardy Park is a beautiful public park in Palm Springs. It features numerous attractions, including a playground, picnic areas, tennis courts, and large lawn areas. There is also a Wellness Park on the northeast corner. Ruth Hardy Park has a beautiful atmosphere, making it a great spot to begin your bike tour. There are also public restrooms. Tachevah Drive is on the north side of the part. This is where you will begin your Palm Springs Big City Loop Bike Tour. Head East to N. Sunshine Way. Ride through the Movie Colony neighborhood. It is a historic neighborhood that quickly became a popular place for Hollywood celebrities to escape from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. Today, the neighborhood features picturesque homes, lush gardens, and plenty of palm trees, contributing to its unique atmosphere. Many well-known movie stars have called the Palm Springs Movie Colony home over the years, including Frank Sinatra, Cary Grant, Tony Curtis, and Janet Leigh. Continue East to N. Sunshine Way. Turn Right on N. Sunshine Way Cross the street at N. Sunshine Way. There is a bike lane on the East side of the street. Meander on the landscaped bike lane until you come to Alejo Road. Turn Left on E. Alejo Road This also has a bike lane. Continue down E. Alejo to North Civic Drive. To the right is the Sunrise Park neighborhood, filled with great examples of midcentury modern homes from the 1950s. Feel free to explore and then return to E. Alejo. You’ll cross over North Farrell Drive—E—Alejo deadends at the Palm Springs International Airport. Turn Right on N. Civic Drive This is a bit industrial, a few blocks from the airport and engineering buildings. Follow the road as it makes a turn to the left and then right, but the name of the road remains N. Civic Drive. This will bring you to the Palm Springs Dog Park and Palm Springs City Hall on your left. Follow N. Civic Drive until you reach E. Tahquitz Canyon Way. Turn Right on E. Tahquitz Canyon Way There is a bike lane on the right. Behind you is an excellent view of the Palm Springs International Airport and fountain. If you follow Tahquitz to its end, you will be in the heart of downtown Palm Springs. Continue to S. Farrell Drive to the light. Turn Left on S. Farrell Drive Continue S. on Farrell Drive to Sonora Road. As you cross over Ramon, you will bike through the center of the Prescott Preserve. This is a 100-acre preserve that once was a golf course. It’s open to the public and welcomes dogs on leashes. Continue south to Sonora Road. Turn Right on Sonora Road Follow to South Cerritos Drive. This weaves you through several condo housing complexes to see various residential areas and backstreets. Turn Right on S. Cerritos Drive Head north to East Mesquite Avenue. Turn Lest at E. Mesquite Avenue Turn Left at S, Sunrise Way Head South in the bike lane. You will pass by the Saguaro Palm Springs hotel on your left at E. Palm Canyon Drive. Credit @bikepalmsprings Continue forward to the south Palm Springs neighborhood. As you cross over, the street name changes to La Verne Way. Continue on La Verne Way to Toledo Avenue. It will be the second street on your left after passing the Smoke Tree Village Shopping Center. Turn Left on Toledo Avenue You are now in South Palm Springs. Canyon Estates is to your right. The neighborhood began as a residential area and grew in popularity, eventually becoming home to many prominent Hollywood actors and wealthy business owners. As the area developed and newer homes were built, the neighborhood experienced rapid growth and development. Today, Canyon Estates is an affluent residential area with classic Palm Springs midcentury modern architecture. The area is also known for its lush, green landscaping and stunning views of the surrounding mountains and canyons. The main clubhouse is at the end of Canyon Estates Drive. Smoke Tree Ranch, a private and historic community, is to your left. Walt Disney owned two different homes in this neighborhood. At the end of Toledo Ave. is Smoke Tree Stables, where you enjoy horseback riding. Turn Right to Murray Canyon Drive Indian Canyon Golf Course South is on your left, and Indian Canyon Gold Course North is on your right. These are on the land of the Agua Caliente tribe, which owns much land throughout Palm Springs. You will be biking through Indian Canyon Golf Course North. Turn Right on S. Camino Real Follow S. Camino Real and make your way back to La Verne Way. Continue forward on South Camino Real to E. Palm Canyon Drive. The Ace Hotel Palm Springs will be on your left. On the corner is an old Denny’s, now their signature restaurant, Kings Highway: excellent food and a fun atmosphere. Koffi and PS Underground will be on your right. Feel free to stop in and take a break. Turn Left on E. Palm Canyon Drive Go just one block to the left, cross over the street, and you will be on S. Camino Real. You will see the Desert Riviera Hotel on the corner. A few feet away, you will see the road split. Take the right. Turn Right to S. Camino Real This picks up S. Camino Real again as you head north. You will see Villa Royale. Continue heading north as we make our way to the Deep Well neighborhood. Before you get to E. Mesquite Avenue, you will see Cahuilla Elementary School to your right. A couple of blocks later, the Palm Springs Presbyterian Church will be on your left. This is a great way to see the wonderful neighborhoods and beautiful architecture. Cross over Tahquitz Creek wash to North Riverside Drive. This area is in place to absorb the vast amounts of water that come off the San Jacinto mountains during heavy rain, protecting the streets and neighborhoods. Turn Left on N. Riverside Drive Head west to Sunny Dunes Road. One Eleven Vintage Cars will be on your right. This western section of Sunny Dunes has several retail shops and is known for its vintage shopping malls, such as Sunny Dunes Antique Mall. A block to the right is Townie Bagels Bakery & Cafe, which is locally owned and one of the most popular places for a bagel in Palm Springs. Turn Left at Sunny Dunes Road Cross over South Palm Canyon and continue west toward the mountains to S. Belaro Road. If you turn left, the next road you’ll come to is W. Mesquite Ave. Turning right will bring you to the entrance of Tahquitz Canyon. Remember this for your next hiking adventure. Instead, you will turn right. Tahquitz Canyon Waterfall Turn Right at S. Belardo Road Belardo Road runs parallel to S. Palm Canyon and has a bike lane. The first street you will come to on your right is East Camino Parocela. This is a good spot if you want to stop for a bite or rest. A Peninsula Pasteries and Palm Greens Cafe caters to a vegan/vegetarian menu. There is also the Palm Springs Cyclery, should you need anything for your bike. If not, continue to head north on S. Belardo. At the corner of Belardo and Ramon Road, you will see Ingleside Estate (formerly Ingleside Inn) on the left corner. A Spanish Revival landmark is hidden behind a row of lush hedges, which feels like a private retreat — just steps from downtown Palm Springs, yet tucked away from it all. In 1922, the heirs to the Pierce Arrow Motor Company–regarded as the “American Rolls-Royce”–tapped Santa Barbara architect and Spanish Colonial Revival specialist George Washington Smith to design this hedged two-acre estate, personified by architectural detailing and antiques that spared no expense. Ingleside arrived in Hollywood social circles as Ruth Hardy’s invitation-only hideaway, with Elizabeth Taylor, Marlon Brando, and Marilyn Monroe just a handful of fabled icons signing the register. Decades later, owner Mel Haber ushered in a 1970s renaissance, restoring and opening the Inn to the public and adding Melyvn’s restaurant and lounge. Turn Left on Ramon Road Turn Right to S. Cahuilla Road You are now entering the historic Tennis Neighborhood. This area is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Palm Springs. It has one of the first churches built in the area, which opened its doors in 1936. Pioneer Pearl McCallum McManus settled in the area and developed the Palm Springs Tennis Club in 1940. This facility brought world-class tennis to the Desert. Overall, eleven structures located within the tennis neighborhood are found in the historic registry. This area truly captures the magical essence of old Palm Springs. It’s known for having an extensive collection of our smaller boutique resorts and Inns. At the corner of S. Cahilla Rd and W. Baristo Rd, the Palm Springs Women’s Club is on your right. Once you cross over W. Arenas Road, Casa Cody will be on your left. This is the oldest continuously operating hotel in Palm Springs. Built in 1922, Casa Cody is also one of the oldest buildings in Palm Springs and boasts a sizeable 8-acre estate. The luxurious rooms are beautifully appointed with antiques, and the property also includes two guesthouses. Continue north to Tahquitz Canyon Way. You’ll make a slight jog to the left to Museum Way. You will see The Rowan Palm Springs Hotel to your right and a parking structure in front of you. Once you make the jog, you will be on North Museum Drive. There’s a lot to see here. The Palm Springs Art Museum is on your left. The new Palm Springs downtown park and the giant Marilyn Monroe statue are to the right. Spend some time exploring the park and area. When you’re done, continue north to reconnect with Belardo Raod. There is a bike lane. Follow until you reach W. Alejo. As you bike down Belardo, the O’Donnell Gold Club will be on your left. This private club is owned by the City of Palm Springs. Turn Left on W. Alejo To your right on Belardo and Alejo is Our Lady of Solitude Church. It has a rich history that dates back to the late 1800s. The original structure was built during the Spanish Colonial period and served as a place of worship for the small local population. In the 1920s, the church was rebuilt in the Neo-Gothic style, with beautiful stained glass windows and intricately carved details. It has since undergone several renovations, most recently in 2019, to expand its capacity. Liberace owned a home one block away and had his funeral service here. Turn Right on N. Cahuilla Road Temple Isaiah Jewish Community Center will be on the corner. Go one block. Turn Left on W. Chino Drive You are now heading into the exclusive Old Las Palmas neighborhood. It dates back to the mid-1920s and boasts the largest number of celebrity homes in Palm Springs. Celebrities who have lived in Old Las Palmas include Leonardo DiCaprio, Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell, Lily Tomlin, Dinah Shore, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, Elizabeth Taylor and Mike Todd, Liberace, Red Skelton, Donna Reed, Debbie Reynolds, Mary Martin, Kirk Douglas, Ann Miller, Edgar Bergen, Rona Barrett, William Powell, Alan Ladd, Lena Horne, Jack Warner, Samuel Goldwyn, Edward G. Robinson, Clarke Gable, Gene Autry, and many others. Turn Right on N. Patencio Road On the corner to your left is the Welwood Murray Cemetery. Welwood owned the first hotel in Palm Springs called the Palm Springs Hotel. Turn Left on W. Crescent Drive T Turn Right to N. Via Monte Vista Enjoy the beautifully manicured neighborhood with some of the most exceptional examples of midcentury homes in Palm Springs. You will notice many homes have high hedges around their property. This is because the homes feature an indoor-outdoor style of living where the house opens to the front and back yard, expanding the overall living space with walls of glass. Head north to Vista Chino and turn right. Shortly after you turn, you will see the Kaufmann house on your left. The Kaufmann House in Palm Springs is a quintessential example of modernist architecture and is widely regarded as one of the most iconic homes in America. Designed by architect Richard Neutra in 1946, the home was commissioned by the wealthy Kaufmann family, who wished to create a sanctuary away from the bustling city life of Los Angeles. The house features Neutra’s signature post-and-beam construction and extensive use of glass and steel to create an open and airy interior. Bike two blocks. Turn Right on N. Koweah Road Head south to Camino Norte. You’ll need to go right or left at the end of the street. Go right, then your first left onto N. Camino Centro. This takes you through the heart of Old Las Palmas. Continue south until the road ends. Turn Left to Camino Sur. Go one block. We are returning to Ruth Hardy Park on your Big City Loop Bike Tour. Turn Right to Camino de Corte Bike to the end of the street and turn left on W. Via Lola. It will bring you to N. Palm Canyon. Cross over just to your left to E. Tachevah Drive. Continue east. Desert Regional Hospital will be on your left. Once you pass the hospital, the Wellness Park at Ruth Hardy Park will be on your right. Arrive at Ruth Hardy Park Your Palm Springs Big City loop bike tour is complete. Take time in Ruth Hardy Park to relax and recover. Perhaps you packed a lunch or some snacks to enjoy. You might also like: Self-Guided Bike Tour – South Palm Springs Deepwell Ranch Estates Bike Tour Bike Tour
A Cultural Oasis in the Desert Mon, February 6, 2023 by Kara Walker Palm Springs is a vibrant oasis in the California desert. It’s known for its stunning landscapes, warm weather, and booming cultural scene. The area boasts a diverse range of attractions, from art galleries and museums to an eclectic mix of music, cuisine, shopping, and nightlife. Our special mix make it an ideal destination for those looking for a unique cultural experience. Palm Springs also offers plenty of outdoor activities, such as hiking, horseback riding, and exploring the surrounding mountains. With its modern amenities, Palm Springs provides a place for culture and relaxation that can be enjoyed year-round. The Agua Caliente Tribe of Cahuilla Indians have lived in the Palm Springs area for centuries. The tribe offers their own distinct culture, language, and traditions. The Agua Caliente tribal government is based in Palm Springs and provides a variety of services to the local community, including health care, housing assistance, and environmental services. The tribe also sponsors numerous events. The tribe is committed to preserving and promoting the rich history and culture of the area, while simultaneously adapting and growing in the modern era. Healing Ancestral Waters Opening in April 2023, the Spa at Sec-he, located in the new Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza, celebrates the ancient healing waters of the Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Spring. This sprawling wellness space will be complete with treatment rooms, men’s and women’s bathhouses, a tranquility garden, a salon, a fitness center, and outdoor mineral pools. The Spa at Séc-he features 22 private mineral baths, 15 treatment rooms, a cryotherapy chamber, two float pod suites, a boutique fitness area, a grounding room, an acoustic wellness lounge, a tranquility garden, a menthol dry sauna, a eucalyptus steam room, two halotherapy salt caves, a resort-style mineral pool with four Jacuzzis, luxury cabanas, full-service salon with scalp treatment beds, a cafe and a poolside bar with food service. The water from the Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Spring is estimated to be over 12,000 years old. It is truly unique, as it contains a mineral composition that has not been found anywhere else in the world. The Tribe has shared the healing water with visitors for more than 120 years, and the hot spring was the first tourist attraction in Palm Springs. This new spa will be the fifth bathhouse or spa at the site, with the first one operating in the late 1880s. Palm Springs Cultural Outdoor Oasis You’ll also experience a variety of Palm Springs cultural oasis outdoor recreation in Palm Springs to round out your visit. A few minutes from downtown on another part of the Agua Caliente tribal reservation is one of the historical and recreational gems in the desert – Indian Canyons. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Indian Canyons are comprised of four distinct canyons. While they are a culturally sensitive environment, the canyons are open to the public for wonderful outdoor recreation. Indian Canyons includes Murray Canyon, Andreas Canyon, and Palm Canyon Palm Canyon Fifteen miles long, Palm Canyon is one of the areas of great beauty in Western North America. Its indigenous flora and fauna, which the Cahuilla people so expertly used, and its abundant Washingtonia filifera (California Fan Palm) are breathtaking contrasts to the stark rocky gorges and barren desert lands beyond. A moderately graded foot path winds down into the canyon for picnicking near the stream, meditation, exploring, hiking or horseback riding. While in Palm Canyon visit the Trading Post for hiking maps, refreshments, Indian art and artifacts, books, jewelry, pottery, baskets, weaving, and conversational cultural lore. Andreas Canyon The contrasting greens of the magnificent fan palms and more than 150 species of plants within a half-mile radius beckon the desert-weary traveler to this lush oasis. A scenic foot trail leads through the canyon passing groves of stately skirted palms, unusual rock formations and the perennial Andreas Creek. One can still see bedrock mortars and metates used centuries ago for preparing food. This tranquil setting is excellent for photography, bird-watching, or a picnic at one of the tables along the trail. Andreas Canyon Murray Canyon Murray Canyon is an easy to moderate hike south from Andreas Canyon. Foot and equestrian trails take visitors to beautiful recreation areas featuring many palm trees. Fortunate visitors may catch a glimpse of a Peninsular Big Horn Sheep (an endangered species), mule deer or other wild animals still roaming the high ground above the canyon. Less visited, Murray Canyon has its own secluded beauty. The endangered Least Bells Vireo bird is also known to nest here. Credit Casey Schreiner Tahquitz Canyon Tahquitz Canyon is one of the most beautiful and culturally sensitive areas of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Reservation. Tahquitz Canyon is home to a spectacular seasonal 60-foot waterfall, rock art, ancient irrigation systems, native wildlife, and plants. Located at the entrance to the canyon, the Tahquitz Canyon Visitor Center offers educational and cultural exhibits. The Center offers a display of artifacts, an observation deck, and a theater room for viewing The Legend of Tahquitz video. Palm Springs Cultural Oasis Arts Palm Springs’ multi-dimensional cultural offerings extend to the arts and live performances. Palm Springs Art Museum The Palm Springs Art Museum may be another surprise. Visitors are often astonished to discover our small town has a world-class museum! Founded in 1938, the same year that the City of Palm Springs was incorporated, the Palm Springs Art Museum has 150,000 square-feet of exhibition space, two outdoor sculpture gardens, and a café. The Museum features a sophisticated collection of art that rivals many urban metropolitan museums, and includes works from Marc Chagall, Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Donald Judd, Louise Bourgeois, Alexander Calder, Henry Moore, Robert Rauschenberg, Antony Gormley and Ansel Adams. Spread over the 150,000 square feet, the museum boasts major collections of modern and contemporary art, glass, photography, architecture and design and Native American and Western art. Palm Springs Architecture and Design Center The Palm Springs Architecture Design Center is an educational, cultural, and social center of modern midcentury architecture and design located in downtown Palm Springs, California. Through the preservation of important historical buildings, the museum hosts exhibitions, lectures, and special events that bring attention to the region’s unique mid-century architectural heritage. The museum also serves as an educational resource, offering classes and workshops on topics related to modern architecture and design. In addition, the museum features a range of permanent and rotating exhibits exploring the history and impact of modern architecture and design in the desert, as well as its place in the contemporary art world. Palm Springs also offers a bounty of other live theater productions by several local theater groups who produce stellar theater productions throughout the season. Palm Springs Cultural Center The Palm Springs Cultural Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and preserving the culture, heritage, and traditions of the Coachella Valley. Located at the former Camelot Theater, if offers a range of programing including art exhibits, live music, films and film festivals, plays, and many other cultural events. The Center also hosts educational talks by local experts, theatrical performances, outdoor movies, and an outdoor farmers market and vintage market. Palm Springs Art Scene The art scene in Palm Springs is vibrant and growing. With numerous art galleries, museums, street art, festivals, and events, Palm Springs is an ideal destination for those looking to explore the creative side of the city. From traditional paintings and sculptures to contemporary experimental art and digital installations, the diverse array of art forms on display in Palm Springs can inspire and delight all types of visitors. Every year, the city’s Arts Commission brings together local and international artists to create a unique and inspiring experience. List of Art Galleries & Supplies You also might like: See the World’s Largest Reserve of Fan Palms Art Lovers’ Guide to Palm Springs Palm Springs Local Art to Check Out
Reforma – Palm Spring’s Newest Music Venue Mon, January 30, 2023 by Randy Garner Sponsored Palm Springs is known for unique entertainment and dining venues, many of which you just can’t find in other cities, and that’s just what you’ll discover at Reforma Palm Springs. With 9,000 square feet of space to dine, play and be entertained, it’s the largest venue of this type in Palm Springs. Meet The Owners Rob Giesecke and husband, Bill Vastardis, made their way to the hospitality industry by chance. Having sold their New York and San Francisco based financial services business, they came to Palm Springs full-time in 2017. When Chill Bar on Arenas Road became available for sale, they jumped at the opportunity to own a bar in Palm Springs, something he had always dreamed. Since then, Chill Bar has grown, known for top-quality entertainment in a fun, casual environment. They are an anchor in the Arenas District among other LGBTQ nightclubs and restaurants. At the end of 2020, Bill and Rob decided to expand their business in Palm Springs with second venue, Reforma Palm Springs. Historic Midcentury Building The location in the historic J.W. Robinson’s building is perfect. Originally built as a department store and designed by Charles Luckman and William Pereira, it was completed in 1958 and is an important part of the Palm Springs midcentury architecture collection and retro vide. It also gave the couple an opportunity to rehabilitate an icon midcentury building. The property includes ample parking and a large space for both dining and entertainment. Located at 333 S. Palm Canyon Drive. Why the name Reforma? Paseo de la Reforma (Promenade of the Reform) is a wide avenue that runs diagonally across the heart of Mexico City. Think of it similar to what the Champs-Élysées is to Paris. La Reforma refers to modernizing measures that were taking place in Mexico in the 1850’s. Today, the Reforma is bustling with tourists, enjoys new and hip restaurants, luxurious hotels, an array of public art, just like Palm Springs. Reforma Palm Springs takes its name after this famous promenade. The name evokes the inspiration for the restaurant’s modern cuisine, cosmopolitan fare inspired by the metropolitan centers of Latin America. Enjoy a combination of elegant plates and imaginative street food. The Reforma Experience The service at Reforma Palm Springs is modeled after a supper club. Guests enjoy their dinner in a dramatic environment and can stay and dance the night away. The space is transformed into one of Palm Spring’s largest dance floors with a state-of-the-art sound system and light show. For a quieter evening, a private lounge and bar offer additional environments to have a meal or late night bites with a unique craft cocktail. Entertainment will include DJs and live performances. Events Calendar A striking mural by artist Ricardo Ruiz (the elder) enhances the Latin interior setting. Each of the four panels are 6 1/2 x 9 feet. This is one of the panels. Navigating the Menu While the name is a nod to Mexico, the cuisine includes flavors from Mexico, Argentina, Spain, and Peru. Think of it as metropolitan Latin American and the capital cities. The flavors are the creation of executive chef Erick Hernandez. Lunch At the present, lunch and Happy Hour starts at 3pm. Lunch service will begin at 11am in the near horizon. The Cubano is a wonderful sandwich with roasted pork, Swiss cheese, and sliced ham. They also have a lovely chicken milanesa, which is chicken pounded thin and served with an egg on a brioche bun. Ask about their the chef’s burger of the week, which is a ribeye blend and served with french fries. Dinner Start with a sharable. Perhaps something from the sea like Spanish beer steamed mussels made with Mexican chorizo, fennel, and pickled Fresno chiles. Or, the Peruvian Ceviche served with sweet potato chips. For an entrée, they feature the Peruvian Lomo Saltado with stir-fried steak, served with a variety of fresh veggies. The Mexican Short Rib Mole is also wonderful. If you want to really treat yourself, their La Reforma Argentinian Tomahawk (32 oz. Argentinian beef) is over the top. Grilled to your preference and topped with house-made pomegranate chimichurri sauce. Continuing with a seafood theme, the Spanish Paella Del Mar includes sea bass, mussels, Spanish chorizo, and shrimp. Finish with a creamy house-made horchata ice cream. It sings with the comforting flavors of cinnamon and toasted rice. Or enjoy the more traditional butter pound cake with fresh tres leche cream. Reforma Drinks There is also a variety of specialty cocktails that pair nicely with the menu, but they are also great stand-alone. The featured cocktail is the King Bayabas – Don Julio Reposado, lime, grapefruit, guava, agave, and aromatic bitters. The name comes from a Philippine legend king folktale who is said to have given us the guava fruit. Cocktails include specialty liquors like Spanish gin, Mezcal, Oaxaca Rum, Havana Club Rum, Nixta Corn Liquor, and Pajarote Guava liquor. 3-2-1 Happy Hour Special! Enjoy Reforma’s unique 3-2-1 deal from 3 – 6 pm daily, which is $3 off all liquor, $2 off craft cocktails or wine, and $1 off all beer. Events Calendar Make a Reservation
Il Giardino – A Hidden Gem Wed, January 25, 2023 by Randy Garner Eat Like an Italian Sponsored If you like Italian food, Il Giardino Palm Springs is the real thing. This Palm Springs Italian restaurant is located at 333 Indian Canyon, which doesn’t get the same foot traffic as central Palm Canyon, so you might miss it. We advise you not to! The food is fresh, like what you would get at an Italian Mama or Grandmama’s home. It’s amazing authentic Italian cuisine right here in Palm Springs. Owners Rosario Cultaro and his wife, Chef Teresa Attardi, are from Novara, a city in Northern Italy near Milan. However, they were originally born is Sicily, a southern Italian. Let’s Talk Food The menu brings all original family recipes to the kitchen. Chef Teresa learned to cook from her aunt, making traditional home-style Sicilian food. Because Sicily is close to the sea, many dishes feature seafood and pasta like ravioli. All very simple and healthy. Because they also lived in the north, she mixes in regional northern dishes like the risottos and polenta. It’s the little things that can count. Novara is famous for gorgonzola, so the owners still order their cheese from their cousin in Italy. When you look at an Italian menu, you’ll see it’s divided into several sections, one for each course. You don’t have to order every single course, but the general rule of thumb is to order at least two (and you can split one of them). So a couple, for example, might share one antipasti, order individual primi, and then share a secondi. The wonderful thing is it’s not in a straightjacket of starter, main course, and dessert like most restaurants. Antipasti Antipasti are a colorful and delicious way to set the stage for a coming feast. It basically means before the meal. There is a variety of choices to begin and get your appetite working. Try the Polpette Al Sugo is beef and pork meatballs in a tomato sauce. It is a classic Italian recipe and often made on Sunday with the family. You can pair it with homemade focaccia bread topped with chopped tomato, basil and garlic. Or there’s the ciabatta garlic bread with mozzarella cheese. For the vegetarian, order the oven baked eggplant roll filled with capellini pasta, mozzarella, and tomato basil. Insalate Enjoy authentic Italian salads at Il Giardino. The burrata cheese with grilled tomato, red and golden beets, EVOO, and a drizzle of Modena balsamic is delicious. The La Caprese salad is also a favorite with fresh Fior di Latte (“the flower of the milk”) mozzarella, tomato, fresh basil, EVOO, and a splash of balsamic. Be sure to pair all those wonderful ingredients in one bite. Remember you can also share a salad. Primi Primi is your first dish and is usually includes a selection of pastas. It’s generally a smaller portion than a traditional American size entrée. Don’t hesitate to ask your waiter for a recommendation about to eat. This Palm Springs Italian restaurant makes all their sauces in-house. The Ravioli Della Nonna (grandmother) is a homemade ricotta filled ravioli with ragu of ground beef and pork. The recipe is from the owners grandmother, thus the name. The Cannelloni Florentina is oven baked thin rolled house-made pasta filled with spinach, a mixture of ground beef and pork, ricotta cheese, tomato sauce and béchamel. For the vegetarian, order the potato gnocchi serves with homemade tomato sauce and mozzarella. There’s also angel hair pasta in a tomato sauce with cappers, Kalamata olives and wine. Feel free to ask your waiter for other option not on the menu. Their salsiccia, or house-made sausage used in the recipes, is a mix of Sicilian and Northern together. The salsiccia is the family recipe from Sicily and Chef adds cream as they do in Novara, a Northern Italian city they lived for 24 years. Taste this when ordering the Penne Crema E Salsiccia Della Casa. It penne pasta with the salsiccia house-made sausage, cream sauce, mushrooms and grana padano cheese. This cheese has a similar taste to parmesan, but isn’t as crumbly. There’s always the classic lasagna, which is a house favorite. Secondi This is the meat, fish or vegetable main dish. Choices a Il Giardino include sea bass, veal, New Zealand lamb, salmon, chicken, shrimp and steak. The Branzino Al Forno is a popular crispy and tasty baked sea bass, in a fresh lemon sauce. The Cotoletta Di Pollo Valdostana is a chicken cutlet encrusted in breadcrumbs and baked in the oven served with tomato sauce, bacon and homemade spaghetti with pesto. Other choices include filet mignon, veal scaloppini piccata, baked salmon and sautéed shrimp with cheese tortellini. Sautéed shrimp, lightly spicy sauce, cheese tortellini Italian Dessert A special mini off menu and special dessert are served every week. Owner and Chef Teresa makes tiramisu, a coffee and custard dessert. Or try the cannoli with ricotta cream stuffed in a crispy shell just as Chef Teresa learned to prepare in the tradition of Sicily. Open Monday – Saturday, 5 – 9 pm Call 760.322.0888 for reservations or reserve your table online
Best Burgers in Palm Springs Mon, January 23, 2023 by Randy Garner No trip to Palm Springs would be complete without a taste of our no-nonsense noshes and trying some of the best burgers in Palm Springs. The right burger puts you in the mood for indulgence and fuels your paradise party with protein power! We’re stacking up the competition for your dining pleasure, so open wide and take a ride on the succulent side… The Heartstopper @ John’s Be still our beating palates! John’s is serving up excess with maximum success. Their Heartstopper burger piles bacon, sausage, cheese, and a fried egg atop a 1/3-pound patty. It also features a tomato slice because… health. And if you like your burgers served up midcentury rare with a side of fierce fries, then John’s is an essential stop on your tour of the Palm Springs diner scene. Step back in time while simultaneously enjoying fresh grub and throwback aesthetics galore. Tip: This pick for the list of best burgers in Palm Springs is a favorite of the locals and often overlooked by visitors because of its more basic decor. Blackbook Two-Handed Burgers The signature Blackbook burger includes ½ pounds of Angus beef, applewood-smoked bacon, lettuce, pickles, and Blackbook house-made hickory sauce, all served on a buttered bun. It is located in the fun and festive Arenas District. Gastropub Burger @ Native Foods Take a break from the meat-quake with a plant-based selection from Native Foods. The Gastropub burger marinates your taste buds in a tomato “bacon” jam and garlic aioli wonderland of vegan flavors. The texture of the velvety patty juxtaposes brilliantly with the crunch of fried onion rings, and the entire production nestles seductively in a mouth-watering pretzel bun. We’re twisted in joyous knots just thinking about it! Heyday Burgers The Heyday has been a local pop-up favorite for some time now. Their most recent location is just off the lobby of the Hilton Palm Springs. They are moving into a new permanent home in the Uptown Design District across from the Arrive Hotel at 1550 N. Palm Canyon. Their specialty is the smash burger made with house beef blend, cheese, caramelized onions, shredded lettuce, special sauce, on a buttery gridled potato bun. The Eight4Nine Burger Everything about the Eight4Nine burger is bespoke. They concoct their own garlic dill thousand island spread to slather on a brioche bun to create a gourmet foundation upon which to build a legendary lunch plate. Choose between white cheddar and blue cheese as you thrill to the refreshing mélange of ripe tomatoes and butter lettuce. And the patty de résistance: ground tenderloin beef cooked to your specifications. Eight4Nine adds up to burger perfection! One of the best burgers in Palm Springs. The Big Wow @ Smokin’ Burgers & Lounge Smokin’ Burgersare made with fresh, never frozen, 100% angus beef. The “Big Wow” is a one pound burger with two beef patties, bacon, avocado, provolone cheese, crispy onions, pickles, house dressing, lettuce and tomato. Bacon Cheeseburger @ Tyler’s “Meat” us at Tyler’s Burgers for a Palm Springs foodie experience like no other. This cozy café is situated in the beating heart of downtown and their menu is unassuming yet refined and robust. Pair your burger of choice with a root beer float or homemade lemonade and immerse yourself in gastronomic elation. The Big Kahuna @ Bongo Johnny’s OK, the warm-up is over: it’s time to get real… real big, that is! Bongo Johnny’s supersizes your smile with a Big Kahuna that really lives up to its grand reputation. Hoisting two half-pound patties onto a bun of your choosing (potato, vegan, or brioche), the saucy staff doubles the bacon and triples your pleasure. Garnished with herb mayo and Bermuda onion, this behemoth will transport you to burger heaven. The 1501 Burger at 1501 Uptown Gastropub The 1501 burger come with 1⁄2 pound fresh ground beef, tomato onion jam, cave-aged cheddar or gruyere, smoked bacon, romaine, dill pickle, on a brioche bun served with house fries or horseradish slaw. The Original Zin Burger For a zin-ful option packed with Zen galore, visit Zin American Bistro. Their Original burger elevates your palate with Imperial Farm Wagyu beef, then brings you gently back to earth with hearty red onions, caramelized into silky sweetness. Fiscilini white cheddar dances along the ½ pound patty jauntily as fresh tomatoes mingle juicily with the other intoxicating ingredients. Anything @ Wilma & Frieda We love to serve up options aplenty, so we’re ending with a smorgasbord of selections. Wilma & Frieda craft their superlative patties from chopped chuck and short ribs, then they leave the meat of the matter up to you. Cheese things up with your choice of havarti, mozzarella, Brie, blue cheese, or Gruyere, just to name a fabulous few. Add sautéed onions or bacon to rocket your taste buds further into the burger stratosphere! You May Also Like: Meet Bongo Johnny’s Owner: Robb Wirt Meet BLACKBOOK Bar owner Dean Lavine
Plan Your Spring Getaway Fri, January 20, 2023 by Randy Garner Make it a Palm Springs Getaway! Spring (March – May) is a great time for travelers who want to experience all that Palm Springs has to offer. From hiking in the canyons, exploring art and architecture, touring a wind farm, or just relaxing by the pool. There are plenty of activities that make Palm Springs an ideal getaway in Spring. Enjoy Incredible Weather The weather is ideal with warm temperatures in the day and while remaining cool in the evening. Great for doing all the outdoor activities you love in the morning and the relaxing poolside in the afternoon. March – H 81, L 52 F (27/11 C) April – H 87, L 57 F (31/14 C) May – H 95, L 64 F (35/18 C) Book Your Spring Getaway Stay With our stunning views, many boutique hotels, and luxurious resorts – you’ll be sure to find the perfect accommodation for your stay. No kids and don’t want to be around the kids, no problem. There are over 40 resorts that cater to adult only stays. We are proud of our large and unique collection of small hotels and Inns. Many are architecturally significant and historic. Over 40 are in our iconic midcentury modern resort style. If you’d like to do a little cooking, consider booking a room with a kitchenette. We also offer over 2,000 vacation home rentals, which is a great option for families or good friends willing to share the cost. You get your own space and your own pool. Tip: High season is considered January – March. As we move into May, you’ll find better values on hotel rates. Sunday – Thursday rates are always better than weekend rates throughout the year. Check Out Seasonal Events To make the most of your time in Palm Springs, it’s a good idea to find out what events are happening during your stay. From art exhibitions and live music performances, drag brunches and film screenings – there is no shortage of exciting things going on throughout the city. First Wednesday Art Walk at the Backstreet Art District. 2600 S. Cherokee Way. 5 – 8 pm. This offers a diverse collection of galleries, working artist studios, and art businesses. Bring your running shoes and join the annual Shamrock 5K run. Palm Springs Vintage Market at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. (2300 E Baristo Road) It is the first Sunday of the month. 7am – 2pm. Shop for a variety of items including midcentury modern, vintage Americana, retro fun finds, food, and entertainment. Plus there are lots of events every week at the Cultural Center, from movies to live shows and enterai Outdoor Tours & Indoor Spas Once you’ve settled into your hotel room it’s time to start exploring this remarkable city! Spend some time wandering around downtown taking in all the sights and sounds – from art galleries and shops selling vintage clothing, to trendy restaurants serving up delicious cuisine from around the world. For the Adventurer For those looking for a real adventure while visiting Palm Springs try out an off-road tour. These guided tours will take you through desert terrain full of cacti forests while learning about local history along the way! Desert Adventures Red Jeep Tours offers a number of tours. On the San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour adventure you will learn about the plants, animals, geology, and history of the California desert. Take a walk through a slot canyon created by the powerful forces of plate tectonics, water, wind, and time and enjoy spectacular views as your guide describes the geologic forces and local history that shaped the Coachella Valley. They also offer an Indian Canyons Tour and Painted Canyon Jeep Tour. Big Wheel Tours offers biking, hiking and jeep tours. Enjoy exploring the city, or the surrounding area like Joshua Tree. They even have a popular mountain bike tour. There’s also Off Road Rentals. For the horse lover, the legendary Smoke Tree Stables offers some fun equine therapy. The Murray Canyon Haul Ride is in the beautiful and scenic Indian Canyons riding along streams and native Palm Groves. Quite Stunning. Palm Springs Hiking Guide For a Relaxing Stay – Book a Spa Day You will have a great one at Estrella Spa at Avalon Palm Springs. It all begins with a glass of bubbles in the living room of this idyllic garden hacienda. A seasoned therapist will pamper and heal with a natural menu of options, from body scrubs to Natura Bisse facials and reflexology massage, and perhaps a nibble of chocolate. The healers at the Feel Good Spa at Ace Hotel Palm Springs use organic botanicals made from pure, natural ingredients that make you feel like it’s the dawn of a new, more healthful epoch. The treatments are both practical and indulgent, with an emphasis on the pleasurable enhancement of health. The largest spa in Palm Springs is the St. Somewhere Spa at Margaritaville featuring 18 treatment rooms, private men’s and women’s locker rooms with steam rooms. Relax before or after your treatment in the tranquil Blue Haven Lounge with Watsu pool, spa and cabanas. Their expertly trained clinicians and estheticians deliver unforgettable massages, body treatments and skin therapies designed to bring out your best self. St. Somewhere Spa The Yacht Club at Parker Palm Springs is also very impressive. See the full list of spas and salons. Spas to Find Serenity Nightlife When the sun sets, Palm Springs comes alive with its vibrant nightlife. Take a stroll down Palm Canyon Drive and check out some of the local bars and clubs or attend one of the live music events held at various venues throughout the city. Purple Room is a popular rat-pack style supper club. Michael Holms performs. Do not miss The Judy Show on Sunday. Palm Springs Happy Hour Guide PS Air Bar is literally in a fuselage with first class and economy seating. This air-themed speakeasy offers dinner, cocktails and entertainment. Welcome aboard! Oscars Café & Bar also has a lot of live entertainment that delivers the fun. On the Weekend you will be entertained at the Bitchiest Brunch. Sunday’s also feature the Mimosa Men. The events calendar changes frequently, so check for your visit dates. Afterwards, explore some local bars and clubs featuring DJ’s spinning top hits until late at night; perfect way to cap off an unforgettable day in this sunny desert oasis! Pretty Faces at Hotel Zoso is a party destination with wacky art, eclectic cocktails, and DJs spinning the hottest music. Open Thursday – Sunday. https://visitpalmsprings.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/11133209/Palm-Springs-Village-Restaurant-Nightclub-Sports-Bar-.mp4 The Village Palm Springs is a diverse and casual place in downtown Palm Springs that includes a restaurant, sports bar and nightclub offering good food and fun until 2 am every night. They welcome everyone to dance, make friends, eat, relax and enjoy. Arenas District, where the fun is! Looking for a little more playtime, take the Mogo Silent Disco Tour. Springs is a great time of year for this outdoor evening tour as temperatures are cool. MOGO is a music-based tour with fun 70’s disco music. You will be provided headphones and stroll down Palm Canyon with your guide. You’re encouraged to wear your wildest outfits, kaftans, cowboy hats, or something with sequins. VillageFest Street Fair VillageFest takes place in downtown Palm Springs on Palm Canyon Drive every Thursday night. The street is closed to vehicular traffic and is transformed into a festive, pedestrian street fair. The perimeter of the event consists of Indian Canyon Drive to the east and 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. Hours at 6 – 10 pm in Spring. Palm Springs VillageFest Block Party
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