Our latest Leadership Coachella Valley session might just be my favorite yet — though, truth be told, I say that after every session. Highlighting the Valley’s economic drivers, we visited the Coachella Valley History Museum and heard from an array of impressive speakers, including representatives from Goldenvoice, the Indian Wells Tennis Garden and Modernism Week, to learn what makes this region fiscally tick.
Best of all? A private behind-the-scenes tour of Acrisure Arena! Fun fact: the ice stays in place throughout the entirety of Firebirds’ season, even when other events are happening! The cold factor was certainly welcome on that particular 110-degree day! Read on to learn more about the tour, plus four other things I’m currently loving across the desert.
I may be a bit late to the game on this one (pun fully intended), but I only visited Acrisure Arena for the first time last month when a friend invited me to a hockey match. Though I’m not much of a sports fan, I had an absolute blast — the venue is modern, stylish, and well-designed. There’s truly not a bad seat in the house! The LCV tour really highlighted what makes the place special, taking us through every nook and cranny, from VIP suites to the locker rooms. Boasting 11 versatile spaces (including the chic Chairman’s Club – pictured), it’s just as impressive for private events as it is for concerts and games. (Now, I’m just waiting for Michael Bublé to announce a tour stop!) Want a behind-the-scenes look of your own? A private Acrisure Arena tour is up for grabs in LCV’s silent auction benefiting ABC Recovery Center. Bid online here—or better yet, grab a ticket to the event and bid in person!
My favorite local candle-makers just launched a candle bar — the desert’s first! — at The Place in Indio. Now accepting reservations and walk-ins, patrons are invited to blend their favorite fragrances into a custom-scented candle, choosing from an entire wall of aromas, with owners Adolfo and Vince seamlessly guiding the way. Having taken several Chicano Co. workshops, I can honestly say they’re some of my favorite desert experiences. The new candle bar, decked out in the company’s signature retro orange and brown hues, elevates the workshops to a whole new level. Bonus: the space is also available for group sessions and private parties.
MOLLER’S GARDEN CENTER GIFT SHOP
Tucked away on the grounds of Moller’s Garden Center, this hidden gem is one of my favorite local gift stores. Stocked with luxe trinkets and distinctive treasures — from décor and barware to faux succulents — I can’t walk in without buying something, much to my husband’s chagrin. (On my last visit, it was a mini Bukowski teddy bear with a heart on its foot that I simply couldn’t live without.) And don’t even get me started on their holiday offerings — some of the best in town! Whenever I’m at a loss for a birthday gift, this is my first stop — and I’m never disappointed, nor are the lucky recipients of my finds.
I only just dined at Liv’s for the first time a few weeks ago after Amy Bonaduce (one of my favorite locals to follow) declared the burger one of the best things she’d eaten in the Valley recently. Popping in with besties Heidi (of Lucky Linqs) and Cherry (of Roam.e) for a girls’ lunch, we were not disappointed. Situated on the bottom floor of the Palm Springs Art Museum, this spot is so much more than a museum café. Helmed by Gabriel Woo (of Bar Cecil fame) and enveloped in bright pastels and florals, Liv’s serves up stellar comfort food — from tuna melts to Cobb salads to lobster rolls — in a warm environment. Open for breakfast and lunch Fridays through Mondays, the eatery extends its hours on Thursdays for Free Thursday Nights, making it a scrumptious pit stop for locals and visitors alike.
As an admitted coffee fiend, I am constantly on the hunt for new cafés—as evidenced by the java-heavy content of previous Five Things issues. So I was thrilled to venture into this Italian-inspired establishment with my monthly lunch group recently and discover their perfectly creamy iced lattes. The eatery is endlessly stylish, to boot, with cute neon signage, charming bistro tables, colorful prints, rich lapis accents, and a sun-struck patio. I’ve been back several times since and am always delighted. (My husband is especially a fan of the Italian sodas.) It’s a bellisimo spot to sit, sip, and linger.