I flew out of Palm Springs International Airport for a quick trip this weekend, the first time I’d done so in almost two years, and was thrilled to experience the facility’s many new amenities, including the Cactus to Clouds outdoor bar, which was open bright and early, allowing this nervous flyer to grab a much-needed – and much-appreciated – cocktail before my 7 AM flight. Read more about PSP’s new features, as well as four other things I’m currently loving in the desert, below.
xo, Lindsay
A PSP GLOW-UP
PSP has long been one of the nation’s most charming airports. (That postage-stamp size! That historical vibe!) But it was also seriously lacking in several respects for many years. I am happy to report that is no longer the case thanks to a plethora of new shops & restaurants that have launched on the premises (all of which are open daily!), affording flyers a much more enjoyable travel experience! Along with the aforementioned Cactus to Clouds bar (pictured), Coachella Valley Coffee is especially inviting, with a warm interior, huge selection of pastries, and gorgeous water feature out front.
DARKSTAR AT PS AIR MUSEUM
Palm Springs Air Museum has a new wingman in the form of Darkstar, Tom Cruise’s plane from the 2022 mega-hit Top Gun: Maverick, currently on loan from Lockheed Martin. The streamlined 70-foot hypersonic jet (which docents are quick to point out doesn’t actually fly) was proudly on view this past Veterans Day weekend, granting movie buffs (like myself) and aviation aficionados alike a thrilling close-up glimpse of the hallowed prop. (Darkstar is only on display occasionally, so be sure to call ahead if you’re hoping to see it.)
MIJO CO. CANDLE CLASSES
By now, you are probably thinking my love of Mijo Co. candles must be a paid endorsement, but I promise that is not the case. You’ll only find authentic recommendations here! I am just a genuine fan of the company, its candles, and owners Vince & Adolfo, who are now offering candle-making classes! I’ve had the pleasure of attending two so far and had a blast each time. From selecting the scents (there are over 30 to choose from) to hand-pouring the wax myself to learning about the process as a whole, the experience is both fun and enlightening – and you walk away with a great-smelling souvenir, to boot!
L & G DESERT STORE TAMALES
A roadside market isn’t the first place you’d think of to score some stellar tamales, but L & G Desert Storeserves up some of the best in town! The family-owned Indio landmark, established by Linda and George Thomas back in 1979, offers scrumptious chicken, beef, pork, and cheese varieties, homemade by a local family each morning. But you have to get up early to snag them – the tamales typically sell out by 9 AM every day. L & G also stocks some of the best produce in the desert (all sourced directly from local farms), especially the avocados, which are always perfectly ripened!
UNIQUE BITE EATERY
I discovered this family-owned Indio eatery via Instagram, lured in by images of their delectable comfort food dishes, which turned out to be just as tasty in real life as they appeared on the ‘gram. That’s no surprise as everything is hand-crafted on the premises (the kitchen doesn’t even have a microwave!), from the Lentil-Mushroom Soup to the Pot Roast to the Smoked Brisket. The UniQue’s Salad (pictured), topped with homemade fried chicken, is my personal favorite. UniQue Bite is also currently taking orders for fully prepped Thanksgiving meals for those who don’t want to cook this year.