Five Things Im Currently Loving In The Desert: A Rebranded Local Landmark, A Twist On A Desert Treat & Lively Trivia Nights

Indio’s Bob Williams Nursery is entering a fresh era! The longtime local staple was recently acquired by new owners and rebranded as Madison Gardens – and given a glow-up to match! With updated displays and greenhouses, tranquil seating areas, pottery in every size, shape and color, and an adorable build-your-own arrangement bar, change certainly looks good on the four-acre garden center!  The locale also now offers design services for all of your landscaping needs.

I recently embarked upon a walking tour of the Movie Colony led by my internet friend, Jen Leavitt, a docent with the PS Historical Society. Though I consider myself well-versed in local history (especially when it comes to celebrity lore), I learned an incredible amount thanks to Jen’s wildly engaging and insightful commentary. The Society offers a range of biking and walking experiences through the city’s most iconic areas, sure to appeal to first-time visitors and longtime locals alike. With the heat setting in, only bike and private tours are currently available, but when Jen’s walks resume in the fall, I’ll be first in line!

This treat from beloved local confectioner Brandini Toffee has become a household favorite. Made of flaky, chocolately almond toffee crumbled into tiny bits, it’s the perfect topping for everything from a foamy latte to a scoop of ice cream to a whipped cream-dappled pie.  But it’s just as easily enjoyed straight from the fridge! My husband, the sweet tooth of our home, is known to sneak a spoonful right out of the jar when he’s craving a sugary midnight snack.

Looking for things to do as temps heat up? Rancho Mirage Library has you covered with a slew of free indoor activities for desert dwellers of all ages. This week alone, you’ll find two Observatory Exploration Nights, a reading session with therapy dogs, two youth theatre performances of Honk! JR., and a Dungeons & Dragons meet-up. Last fall, my mom and I attended one of the library’s fabulous Writers Series, where West Wing stars Melissa Fitzgerald and Mary McCormack discussed and signed free copies of their best-selling book What’s Next and posed for photos with everyone in attendance!

I didn’t expect my first-ever Trivia Night to end in victory – but that’s exactly what happened at The Local on 50th! My husband and I popped into the Indio eatery for the first time last week and ended up walking away trivia champs! Hosted by comedian Dacoda Miracle, the evening was an absolute blast, matched only by the standout fare. I was genuinely torn between several items on the menu (a rare occurrence for this picky eater), but went with the chicken strips, which were easily some of the best I’ve ever had! Safe to say, The Local is officially a new favorite!