Meet Brandon and Stephen of Towne Palm Springs Fri, November 30, 2018 by Randy Garner By Barbara Beckley “We’re men about town,” Brandon Hoskins says with a twinkle in his eye. That’s how he likes to describe himself and his partner Stephen Wilson. And so they are – as interior designers and co-owners of one of Palm Springs’ premiere interior décor boutiques, frequented by locals, visitors and fellow interior designers from LA to Paris. Architecture and Interior Design Of course, Brandon and Steve didn’t plan on opening a boutique. Or even living in Palm Springs. But as so often happens, the magic of the desert enticed the twosome into leaving LA, and following their passion – which luckily for locals and visitors — is pedigree architecture and interior design. Brandon is from LA – a fifth-generation Californian — and was a hairdresser. Steve is from Virginia Beach, Virginia, where he owned a graphic design firm. They met when Steve moved to California to work for Disney. As a hobby, the pair began buying, restoring and selling LA homes with architectural pedigrees. “This quickly morphed into being interior designers,” Brandon says. “As time went on we ended up with a warehouse full of furniture.” They thought they were moving to Palm Springs temporarily when they arrived in 2007 to restore a William Krisel-designed home, Brandon recalls. “But we loved the desert and quickly became part of the architectural restoration community and made so many like-minded friends that we never left.” What to do with the warehouse full of furniture? “It was a natural progression into the shop,” Brandon smiled. So the designing duo bought – what else – a landmark 1955 building designed by iconic mid-century architect E. Stewart Williams, and in 2014 opened Towne Palm Springs. The shop has been a hit ever since. More than 50 percent of their clientele are repeat customers. “Interior designers are the most frequent repeat customers, from LA, San Francisco, New York, San Diego and recently Paris,” according to Brandon. Source: Town Palm Springs Residential-style Boutique Going inside the residential-style boutique, it’s easy to see that they’re doing what they love. “The thing I love most about owning Towne are the people coming in to shop – from all over the U.S., Canada and the world,” says Brandon. “It’s like a party here all the time! The shoppers enjoy meeting each other and Steve and I, and sharing like-minded love of art and design. Being a hair dresser for so long, I love meeting people.” Brandon’s and Steve’s backgrounds in interior design, graphic design and architectural restoration give them an exceptional knack for mixing and matching. Their shop isn’t limited to vintage modernism – although there is always a fabulous collection of mid-century furniture and accessories. “We carry pieces that work together. Incorporating other periods and styles of furniture that look good with mid-century,” Brandon explains. “For instance, old farmhouse tables, and old iron lamps that were once hitching posts.” Towne Palm Springs Offers Lifestyle Shopping What sets Towne apart from other design boutiques? “We’re a lifestyle shop – furniture, art, clothing.” Their line of resort menswear from St. Barts in the French Caribbean and France is Palm Springs perfect. “And we think about everyone, with a range of prices, and large and small items,” explains Brandon. Offerings range from their Towne brand scented candles for $35 to $3,000 chest of drawers, and vintage belts and leather goods. “Visitors want something small they can carry back home. They love our vintage barware.” Locally Owned and Loved Where do the partners get their inspiration for merchandise? “From our friends who live here – they have such spectacular homes and décor.” And from their favorite shop in London, the Dover Market. “The Dover changes the interior of their shop all the time – not just furnishings – but new paint and new flooring, new everything.” So don’t expect Towne Palm Springs to look the same every time you visit. But do expect good conversation, impeccable taste and professional interior design tips. “Always decorate with things you love – and it will all work together,” is their favorite piece of advice. And, yes. Brandon and Steve also do interior designing, and continue to buy and restore pedigree houses. One of their most recent was a 1940s house in Old Las Palmas built in the ranch-style and remodeled in 1961 by mid-century architect Arthur Elrod. Their redo is featured in California Home & Design winter 2017 issue. Towne Palm Springs | 1345 North Palm Canyon Drive | 760-464-0480 The Shops at Thirteen Forty Five
Johannes Palm Springs Tue, November 27, 2018 by Randy Garner Austrian-Asian Fare In A Modern Way Genius and ambition are a delectable pairing. We are defined by a romantic blend of abilities and passions… and, sometimes, by a distaste for baked potatoes. “I got too many baked potatoes when we were children. My parents didn’t have much money, so the cheapest food for us was buttermilk, cheese, and baked potato so I had a little bit of an issue with baked potatoes. A bad childhood memory.” Meet Owner & Chef Johannes Bacher These are the formative ruminations of Johannes Bacher, the world-class chef who lends his name (and voluminous talents) to Johannes Palm Springs. His restaurant is a gourmet adventure conveniently located squarely in the middle of Palm Springs. When asked how his style of cuisine initially melded with our hometown’s culinary landscape, Johannes recalls, “It really clashed because Palm Springs was pretty much a steak and potato town, and everyone expected a baked potato and a steak, and I wasn’t that kind of a guy.” Bacher’s tone is blunt yet deliriously friendly; his answers are as direct as they are delightful. In response to the question, What brought you to Palm Springs, he retorts, “My ex-wife.” Elaborating warmly, Johannes continues, “I used to be in San Francisco and never had intentions to move to the desert… So I came down in August of ’95, and I promised my girlfriend at that time that I’d stay a little bit and figure it out and got here in August. It was 120 degrees heat, and I said, ‘Two weeks and I’m out of here,’ I can’t stand the heat; it’s not for me. And now, 23 years later, I’m still here. But I don’t have a wife anymore.” He punctuates his anecdote with a laugh as robust as his flavor profiles, concluding, “But I have my own restaurant, so that’s the good part.” Bringing Europe to Johannes Palm Springs So, how did he brave the heat and fire up the collective Palm Springs palate? Answer: with a lifetime of experience and a global perspective to match. “I just basically came from San Francisco and traveled the world, so I incorporated all these flavors. I rolled it over to my own place and got my own style. When I opened my restaurant I had flavors from Thailand, Japan, Austria, and almost all over the world, incorporated in my menu.” And the Inland Empire’s appetite was never the same. “I give myself a little bit of credit for that, that I have changed eating in the desert, I would say, over the years.” It’s a conversation that is more give than take. Johannes credits his guests for shaping his brilliant evolution into the premiere tastemaker he is today. “I listen to my customers and my friends, especially to my customers. We have a broad variety of customers that come to my restaurant, all the way from Europe to Canada, East Coast, West Coast, famous people, infamous people, very famous people.” The Wiener Schnitzel Is A Johannes Palm Springs Must Bacher also listens intently to his celebrity ingredients, basing his menu on what he can source locally. “Well, there’s always a surprise, you know, it depends on what I get,” explains Johannes. “Everything we do in the restaurant is fresh, and we make up to order, so maybe that sets us apart in a lot of ways. The feedback from the customers is that we’re different. And even Europeans, they come here and they eat my famous Wiener Schnitzel, they say it’s so much better here. I don’t know if it’s the weather or if it’s the magic touch we put on I’m not sure. But we’ve definitely been a different restaurant all these years and I’m proud, with my staff, that we continue that for 19 years now.” It’s a far cry from the bland childhood potatoes he now eschews, but Johannes’ past still affects his present. “Me being from Austria, we do a lot of games in the winter. That means from kangaroo to wild boar to venison to elk, all these different things, different birds – quail, goose, duck, and stuff like that. That’s what we usually plate in the winter. A little bit richer food than in the summer. Summer is hot, so we need to plate it lighter.” Eat Well & Live Better Pivoting from strategy to soul, Bacher grows deeply reflective. “My motto is always ‘Eat well and live better’ – that’s what my mom always instilled in me. You eat well, you live better. So, that’s how we roll here in this restaurant.” Even as the interview draws to a close, Johannes galvanizes his commitment to hospitality. “I hope we see you at the restaurant.” His invitation is earnest and jovial. “If you’re in the area, please don’t hesitate to come in and we’re gonna take care of you… We will have a good time and great service and great food.” It’s rare for an establishment this upscale to feel so down-home, but Johannes achieves the dichotomy effortlessly. Thanks for the invite – we will graciously accept. Johannes Palm Springs 196 S Indian Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, CA. 92262 (760) 778-0017 You May Also Like: A Food Lover’s Guide to Palm Springs Feel Like You’re Traveling Abroad in Palm Springs
The Story of Thick As Thieves Mon, November 26, 2018 by Randy Garner By Samantha Caltagirone How It Began On a snowy December night in 2016, we decided we needed to make a change. We knew it wouldn’t be easy saying goodbye to the cozy St. Louis home we created together, our friends, family, favorite lunch spots and everything in-between. But where do two people with a big dream and little resources go? We ran through the familiar list of our favorite getaways – Austin, Nashville, Santa Fe… but there was only one place that seemed to be the perfect fit. There was a marathon of old western movies playing in the background that night. As John Wayne regally rode across the screen in El Dorado, it clicked. We have always loved the desert, and considering we would be getting married in the hi-desert a few months away, we decided that Palm Springs would be our new home. Cowboys in our own right, we packed up everything we owned and headed west for a new life and new opportunities. Thick As Thieves Is Inspired by Folk Crafts Inspired by our lifelong love of antiques and relics of times long gone, we wanted to open up our very own shop – carrying unique, handmade items that told a story. We renovated a 1920’s Spanish bungalow closer to (what we believe to be) its original condition. From there, we added a lot of rustic elements including reclaimed wood and black iron shelving to give it a masculine feel. Altogether we strive for an Americana/Folk aesthetic and that comes from a blend of the products we carry and the physical space itself, nodding our hat to the early settlers and mercantiles of the west. All of the Thick As Thieve display pieces are antique as well – our main table is a Hungarian work bench from the 20’s, we also have a biergarten table set from Munich, an old barber’s coat rack, victorian clothing rack, enamel baby tub from the turn of the century, all to create a unique shopping experience; Thick As Thieves. Discover A Unique Space In our space and in this town, we believe we’ve been able to create something uniquely special. In our minds, our products are conversation pieces, items you use to entertain and share with your loved ones and hold on to for years to come. We truly believe that the pioneer spirit that led people to Palm Springs all those years ago is alive and well. We hope to give people a little piece of that every time they shop with us. Thick As Thieves 183 S Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, 92262 (760) 832-8350
Levis, Leather, and Love Tue, November 20, 2018 by Alex David By Kevin Perry Our hometown is the ultimate playground. You get friendly, you get sweaty, and you might get a couple of skinned knees [ALT: and you might get dirty], but it’s all in the name of good, clean(ish) Palm Springs leather fun. And as with any playground, some of us prefer to play a bit rough. Well, we’ve got you covered… but just barely. The Palm Springs leather scene celebrates a bit of the grittiest and gruntiest. It’s more than just a leather fashion statement; it can be a dance of empowerment and raw fun. So , bring the testosterone tango out of the shadows and into the disco spotlight. Tool Shed 600 East Sunny Dunes, Palm Springs | 10 am – 2 am daily The buzz of a nearby streetlight tells the tale: the bar you are about to enter is safe yet secluded (and a bit on the dark side). Tool Shed is a short jaunt south of the bustling Arenas scene and well worth the journey. You muscle your way into the intimate space, adorned by burly shoulders and bearded smiles. The welcome wagon has never been this alluring. If the bar area becomes too condensed, you can always step out to the smoking patio. There, you’ll find locals enjoying cigarettes, medicinal fare, and oh-so-suggestive cigars. Now, catch your breath; the bar beckons you anew. Rough Trade Gear 321 East Arenas Road, Palm Springs This destination is a must to gear up (pun firmly intended) for your leather vacation. Rough Trade is stocked with enough naughty and nice to make St. Nick blush from chaps to straps. Conveniently located across the street from Hunters, this daddy depot provides upscale products for down-and-dirty shenanigans. So, lace up those boots – the tour continues… Off Ramp Leather 650 E. Sunny Dunes Road, Unit 3, Palm Springs This is the Palm Springs leather place to buy your custom motorcycle leathers by Paul Johnson. He also offers off-the-rack items like belts, ties, lanyards, and vests. Your leathers are precious if you’re like the boys at Off Ramp Leathers. Exceptional customer service is Number One. They will bend over backward to ensure every customer is satisfied with their work. ONE MAN, ONE MACHINE, ONE PIECE AT A TIME. GUARANTEED. Paul Johnson, the creative force behind Off Ramp Leathers, will repair or alter almost any leather article. Your prized leather garments will be fixed like new ones. And Paul’s handmade custom leather pants, chaps, vests, and shirts are among the best anywhere. Paul has designed numerous one-of-a-kind title patches for the LGBT leather community’s contests and donates to our community charitable events. Gear Leather and Fetish 650 E Sunny Dunes Rd #1, Palm Springs We’ve always been passionate about great gear. Whether it’s the stuff you wear to flag your fetish or the toys and equipment you play with, great gear makes sex better. And great sex makes your life better. In 2005, we opened our retail showroom to share our passion for great gear. Our beautiful, light-filled shopping environment, outstanding service, and exceptional curated collection of quality fetish products quickly earned us widespread customer and industry acclaim. Our inventory includes over 2500 square feet of leather and neoprene clothing and accessories, BDSM gear, boots, briefs, jocks, socks, tees, gym wear, toys, and even playroom equipment. Events Palm Springs Leather Pride, Every October International Bear Convergence, Every February Hot n Dry, Four fun days of sobriety, fellowship, and sunshine Every June Blatino Oasis California, California’s Ultimate Gay and Bisexual Men Of Color Getaway & Retreat, usually the first weekend of May You May Also Like: https://visitpalmsprings.com/arenas-district-where-the-fun-is/
Palm Springs Wedding Venues Mon, November 19, 2018 by Kara Walker There are innumerable places you can choose for your wedding. While some want the amenities of a large resort or the outdoor ambiance of a golf course, there are also smaller, lesser-known venues that can be spectacular. Why not make your wedding day even more memorable by choosing a unique and beautiful place to get married in the Palm Springs area? O’DONNELL HOUSE | 412 W Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs Weddings аt thе O’Dоnnеll Hоuѕе are nоthing short оf magical. Tuсkеd аgаinѕt the desert cliffs, with a view оvеrlооking thе еntirе valley, this historic Sраniѕh Cоlоniаl еѕtаtе wеlсоmеѕ соuрlеѕ tо рlеdgе thеir lоvе in one of Pаlm Sрringѕ mоѕt romantic settings. Then enjoy your wedding feast and first dance оn a sweeping оutdооr tеrrасе beneath thе ѕtаrѕ. PALM SPRINGS AERIAL TRAMWAY | 1 Tram Way, Palm Springs If уоu’re lооking fоr a location that will make you the envy of your friends, why not hold your wedding miles above all other locations? The Palm Sрringѕ Aеriаl Trаmwау boasts panoramic views оf thе dеѕеrt and the Coachella Valley beyond. Not only will it be a memorable location, but there are also plenty of options for your wedding dinner. THЕ GАLVАN EЅTАTЕ | 232 W Santa Catalina Rd, Palm Springs If you want a more personal touch for your wedding, think small. This custom-built four-bedroom, three-bath еѕtаtе is situated on nеаrlу a 3/4 асrе lot. The Galvan Estate is just five minutеѕ frоm dоwntоwn Palm Springs, so while you’re close to the centre of the action and easy to access for guests, you still get thе utmоѕt in рrivасу and the personal feeling of being at a luxury home. PARKER PALM SPRINGS | 4200 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs A Pаrkеr Palm Sрringѕ wedding can bе аnуthing frоm a ѕmаll elegant аffаir, to a garden раrtу, tо an еxtrаvаgаnt сеlеbrаtiоn with fireworks аnd plenty of other surprises. The nаturаl lаndѕсаре will have you feeling as though you’ve entered a secret garden, while at the same time, there are areas of thе lush estate that fееl соmfоrtаblе enough tо bе a hоmе. COLONY PALMS HOTEL | 572 N Indian Canyon Dr, Palm Springs Colony Palms fеаturеѕ ѕоmе оf the most distinctive аnd glаmоrоuѕ еvеnt and wedding space in Palm Sрringѕ. Alwауѕ аrtful аnd is seductive, the sophisticated аnd ѕtуliѕh grounds provide a trulу unique bасkdrор. With a рооlѕidе tеrrасе, саbаnаѕ, аnd еxtеnѕivе gаrdеnѕ and grounds there are a vаriеtу оf ѕtunning locations on site fоr your unique wedding. AVALON HOTEL PALM SPRINGS | 415 S Belardo Rd, Palm Springs The Avalon Hotel Pаlm Sрringѕ iѕ a 67-rооm boutique rеѕоrt that takes you back to Hоllуwооd’ѕ gоld аgе аnd Pаlm Sрringѕ’ original еrа of glаmоur. Originally built in thе 1930ѕ and subsequently rеѕtоrеd thе rеѕоrt offers a сhiс, design-focused vеnuе аnd brеаthtаking views оf thе San Jacinto Mоuntаins. There are plenty of unique and beautiful venues for the ultimate Palm Springs wedding. Whether you’re a local hoping to make a splash or you’re planning a destination wedding for a large group, Palm Springs is sure to provide the perfect backdrop for a memorable day. You May Also Like: Wedding at Frederick Loewe’s Estate
Meet Andy and Bill of Townie Bagels Mon, November 19, 2018 by Alex David To find a great bagel in Palm Springs head to Townie Bagels in the south end of town. Andy Wysocki and Bill Sanderson, owners of the bakery and café grew up in New England. They put together a bagel menu based on the flavors of a New York bagel bakery. The bagels are made with no-additive flours, mixed and shaped the night before they’re boiled in malted water, then baked upside down for several minutes before they’re flipped over. The café also sells USDA Organic Certified breads including French baguettes, sourdough, and mini-honey flax, among other tasty treats. Despite the runaway success of their business, the couple were restaurant neophytes. Before moving to Palm Springs they ran a software company where Andy did most of the development and Bill did sales and marketing. “Andy has always liked to bake,” says Sanderson. “He baked pies and bread for most of our 25 years together. After we arrived in Palm Springs, he started making bagels for our weekly coffee meeting with friends. It was a personal challenge to make bagels every Sunday for a year to perfect them. Andy also took a baking class at the San Francisco Baking Institute for baguettes.” Clearly, Wysocki’s perfectionism has paid off since the café has been packed since the day it opened in 2015. “The locals have embraced us and our store,” says Sanderson. “Without them, we could not have done this.” Also serves breakfast and lunch sandwiches. Townie Bagels, Bakery, Café – 650 East Sunny Dunes Road 760-459-4555
Endless Sunny Days and Languid Nights Mon, October 1, 2018 by Kara Walker Palm Springs Summer Activities The sun in Palm Springs is one of our most popular attractions. That’s because the sun smiles on Palm Springs 360 days a year! When other cities are having rain, gloom, or frigid temps – you can count on Palm Springs’ warm sunny days for poolside lounging, hiking, biking, and all outdoor adventure including shopping, dining, and exploring. Palm Springs’ sunny serenity has long been a relaxing respite for sybarites, sanctuary seekers and sun worshippers. By day, Palm Springs simply offers the best of all worlds– environments from the sublime to the serene, and for every mood from revelry to relaxation. Fun in the Sun The options for enjoying Palm Springs summer activities are endless. Just read on. You may gaze at the towering San Jacinto Mountains and see them as stark unforgiving landscape but that’s a really big misconception. Surprisingly, our mountains hold secrets you wouldn’t expect. These mountains feature a lush oasis of spring-fed streams, refreshing pools, and a spectacular 80-foot waterfall. Indian Canyons You can discover these secrets for yourself just minutes from downtown Palm Springs with a visit to Indian Canyons. Located on the ancestral reservation of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, Indian Canyons are comprised of several canyons including Palm Canyon, the world’s largest fan palm oasis listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway For other memorable Palm Springs summer activity, take a trip on the world’s largest rotating tram cars of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway –– it’s the ultimate Palm Springs experience. The tram cars transport you up a mile-and-a-half to the top of the magnificent Mt. San Jacinto Peak in 10-minutes. At the 8,500-foot mountain top, you can hike along 50 miles of hiking trails. Be sure to check the weather at the top – there can be up to a 30 to 40 degree temperature difference from the desert floor! This is a year-round fun day trip. In winter you’ll be able to play in the snow, in summer you can enjoy the cool mountain air. At the top there are restaurants, an observation deck and a gift shop. Moorten’s Botanical Gardens Founded in 1938, Moorten’s Botanical Gardens is another top Palm Springs summer activity you should put on your list. Moorten’s is an enchanted historic garden of more than 3,000 specimens of rare cacti and succulents. This three-generation family-run business is carrying on the legacy of Cactus Slim and Patricia Moorten. You can even take home a specimen from their retail garden. Palm Springs Summer Fun Poolside Of course, our poolside parties are the ultimate Palm Springs summer cool fun. There are several hotels throughout Palm Springs that host poolside parties with live DJ’s such as the ACE, the Saguaro, the Arrive, the Margaritaville and many other hotels. The biggest poolside party is the annual Splash House held in the summer months. And don’t forget about one of our favorite spectator sports in Palm Springs – people watching. You can find numerous outdoor patios at which to enjoy breakfast, lunch, or coffee or a drink while watching the world go by. Magical Starlit Evenings Palm Springs’ days may be leisurely languid but at night, the celestial and celebrity stars come out to shine. When the days turn to dusk, the fun in Palm Springs heats up. By night, you can count on purple mountains and twinkling stars, the perfect time for dining, imbibing, romancing and/or dancing with a variety of options for every mood. The party in Palm Springs hasn’t stopped since the 1930s and 40s when Hollywood glitterati escaped to unwind in our desert community. The party continued in the 1950s and 60s when the Rat Pack burnished our glamorous hospitality. Sipping martinis in the footsteps of legends has never been more fun. The new rooftop deck at Kimpton’s The Rowan Hotel, the tallest structure in the city, is the perfect vantage point to experience the sun setting behind the mountain and to plan your evening of fun. Balcony at The Rowan by Kimpton Summer Food and Cocktails
Palm Springs Confidential: A Hollywood Pedigree Fri, August 24, 2018 by Kara Walker By Lydia Kremer For more than 80 years, Palm Springs has been a magnet for the rich and famous. Sure, the Brits have the royal family, but the City of Palm Springs lays claim to its own royalty – Hollywood royalty. And so began Palm Springs Hollywood history, which would continue to grow over the decades. Palm Springs as Celebrity Playground Dating back before the 1930s, Palm Springs has been a celebrity playground for Hollywood’s A-list. Ever wonder how that evolved? At the time, most Hollywood celebrities were under contract in the “studio system,” which required that actors remain within 2 hours away in case the studio required their services. That made Palm Springs the perfect escape from the glare of Hollywood and provided Hollywood actors and actresses a welcoming place to enjoy the sun and let their hair down. Residents who grew up in Palm Springs recall that there was an unspoken rule not to approach or bother celebrities who came to town. Bob Hope could play golf, Jack Benny could sneak into See’s Candies, and Frank Sinatra could stroll downtown eating ice cream – all with relative anonymity. Source: Palm Springs Historical Society Palm Springs Hollywood History Haunts From the 1930s to the 1960s, the world-famous Racquet Club was ground zero for the glitterati, where they played tennis, romped poolside, and sashayed at the Bamboo Lounge, where Marilyn Monroe was said to be discovered. Founded by actors Charlie Farrell and Ralph Bellamy in 1934, the Racquet Club hosted Clark Gable, Spencer Tracy, Natalie Wood, Tony Curtis, Jayne Mansfield, Kirk Douglas, and countless others, all of whom held court, partied, and enjoyed convivial camaraderie while relaxing away from Hollywood. Our Mayor of Palm Springs at the time was the late Frank Bogert, a talented promoter. Mayor Bogert was known for taking photos of Hollywood’s elite frolicking in Palm Springs, which were seen around the world. His gambit worked, thus burnishing the town’s reputation as a desired location to see and be seen. Those were fondly remembered glamorous bygone days. But the lure of Palm Springs has continued its seductive appeal. Source: Palm Springs Historical Society Melvyn’s Another popular hotspot with a long history of entertaining celebrities is Melvyn’s at the Ingleside Estate. A 1925 Palm Springs Class 1 Historic Site, the Ingleside Estate’s list of guests reads like a “Who’s Who” of Hollywood. Greta Garbo slept there. Carol Lombard and Clark Gable honeymooned there. Frank Sinatra threw a lavish pre-wedding dinner the night before his wedding to Barbara Marx. An Intersection for Old and New Hollywood During Palm Springs’ colorful history, it has received countless accolades and has been lauded as one of the hottest international destinations. But now the secret is out! This might explain why New Hollywood has continued to enjoy the mystique of Palm Springs. Palm Springs has continued to offer a new generation of Hollywood celebrities sanctuary and privacy in our laidback playground. And it’s not just bold-faced names who find our resort town a relaxing respite. Palm Springs is also a hot travel destination for more Gen Xers, millennials, boomers, and leisure travelers from around the country and throughout the world. They all flock to Palm Springs for fun in the sun. Today, visitors make the pilgrimage to enjoy our spectacular scenery, warm, gracious hospitality, and historic charm. During the largest music and art event in the world, Coachella Music & Arts Festival, held each April; Palm Springs is the destination of choice for artists, musicians, celebrities, and cultural icons to hide out for the duration of the festival. Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby. Source: Palm Springs Historical Society Ready for Its Close-Up Palm Springs natural wonders are extraordinary and have been a sought-after location for numerous films and TV shows. Scores of fashion photo shoots, music videos, feature films, and lifestyle TV shows have used Palm Springs as a set piece. The palm tree-lined avenues, the sweeping views of Mt. San Jacinto and the Santa Rosa Mountains, and the stunning desert landscape all have lent a popularized sense of place in countless film shoots. Movies Filmed in Palm Springs HGTV’s Desert Flippers, now in its third season, has showcased Palm Springs’ famous architecture and design aesthetic. And let’s not forget the annual Palm Springs International Film Festival, which draws the world’s elite film stars each year since its inception in 1989. Held in January each year, the Palm Springs International Film Festival has become a reliable barometer for predicting the Oscars™ — in fact, 48 of the last 53 honorees have captured the golden statuette. Among the Hollywood stars that come out to shine for this glamorous event are Gary Oldman, Johnny Depp, Nicole Kidman, Matt Damon, Brad Pitt, Helen Mirren, Jessica Chastain, and countless others who have added to the town’s star power. El Mirador Hotel. Source: Palm Springs Historical Society Tinsel Town Tours Palm Springs has also been home to many famous residents, too. Celebrities from Frank Sinatra to Leonardo DiCaprio and many others in between have been among the town’s residents who fell under the spell of Palm Springs’ tranquil beauty. For the inside scoop on the history of celebrities who have lived, loved, and played in Palm Springs, take a Celebrity Tour to learn a who’s who of famous names who have had hideaways in Palm Springs. The Celebrity Tour is a 2-1/2 hour in-depth overview of fun and interesting historical tidbits about celebrities who have had homes here. The tour takes you by 50-60 homes in many of Palm Springs historic neighborhoods. Celebrity Tours is considered one of the top such tours in the country and has been operating for more than 55 years, which gives them their earned “street cred” on the history of Palm Springs’ Hollywood pedigree. Another way to discover some of Palm Springs’ celebrity residents is to take a self-guided tour along Palm Canyon Drive to see the many bold-faced names with stars on the famed Palm Springs Walk of Stars. Whether it’s your first visit or you are a frequent guest, we treat all our visitors as celebrities! We welcome you to our desert paradise. You May Also Like: History of the famed Bob Hope House https://visitpalmsprings.com/secrets-of-hollywoods-hideaway/
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