Five Things I’m Currently Loving In The Desert – Bagels, Brews & A Bit Of Surf
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: one of the things I love most about Leadership Coachella Valley is the connections formed. Joining the Class of 2026 has made this Valley feel so much smaller for me — in the best way possible. I can hardly set foot anywhere these days without meeting or running into an LCV alum.
During our most recent session, lunch was provided by H&H Bagels, a new Palm Desert outpost of the iconic New York eatery. Opened in April, the restaurant is owned by Brian “Murph” Murphy, a member of the Class of 2025, who stopped by to introduce himself and make sure the bagel sandwiches were to our liking. It was such a treat to hear the backstory of bringing H&H to the desert — the culmination of Murph’s 14-year-long dream to own a bagel shop — as well as about his travels to New York to learn the art of bagel-making directly from the Big Apple institution.
And I’m very happy to report that the bagels absolutely live up to the hype!
Read more about H&H, plus four other things I’m currently loving across the desert, below.
XO, Lindsay
H&H BAGELS
One of the laments I hear most often from desert dwellers is that, beloved Townie Bagels aside, truly great bagels can be hard to find locally. Thankfully, the new H&H outpost makes the search a little easier. Located in the Plaza de Monterey shopping center, the shop serves authentic, kettle-boiled New York-style bagels, which, as I said, are absolutely delicious. In fact, I didn’t waste any time popping back in the day after our session to check out the breakfast fare, which was just as fabulous. It’s like having a little slice of NYC right here in the desert — and, thanks to H&H’s many movie and TV cameos, a little slice of Hollywood, too. Naturally, I’ve already talked to Murph about hosting a Festivus celebration come December — unadorned aluminum pole and all!
WILLIE’S AFTERNOON TEA
My mom has been itching to attend a high tea in the desert for ages now, but aside from the Teddy Bear Tea at the Ritz during the holidays, the offerings have largely been slim to none. Thankfully, Willie’s Modern Fare in Rancho Mirage began hosting Sunday afternoon tea about two years ago, which my mom and I finally made it to last week — and it was divine. A truly elegant (and tasty!) experience, the service includes Harney & Sons tea blends (I opted for the Hot Cinnamon Spice) along with finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, and the most exquisite cakes and pastries. The chicken salad sandwich was my favorite, but the clotted cream was honestly the star of the meal. I could have happily eaten it straight from the ramekin and called it a day.
PLANTS & CARDS 4U
I am seriously late to the game on this one because, up until recently, I had no idea this Rancho Mirage staple even existed. As someone who loves snail mail, I’m always on the hunt for great greeting cards — and this luxe gift boutique has them in spades. Glorious aisles upon aisles and racks upon racks that I browsed through for what felt like hours. The shop is also stocked with fabulous gift items (many of them desert-themed), specialty foods, home décor, beauty products, and a massive array of faux succulent arrangements. I’m told it’s the place to shop for Halloween and Christmas decorations, as well, so you know where I’ll be stocking up this holiday season.
J.CREW FACTORY
While you’ll most often find me shopping local (heeey, Kaylie Nicole, Roam.e, Mimi & Rae, and Songbird & Sage!), I’ve had a lifelong love affair with J.Crew —or, as my grandma adorably called it, “The Crew,” typically phoning me before my birthday each year to ask what I wanted from “The Crew.” I used to frequent the El Paseo store regularly (so regularly that I’m still Facebook friends with one of the former employees) and was devastated when it closed in 2018. So I was beyond thrilled to spot a “J.Crew Factory” sign while driving down Fred Waring recently. I immediately pulled over to pop in, and honestly, it felt like coming home. The store is beautiful and, although part of the Factory line, has the feel of a traditional J.Crew, with a plethora of cute finds. Had my husband not been with me at the time, I could have done some serious damage in there.
PALM SPRINGS SURF CLUB’S NEW EVENT SPACE
Palm Springs Surf Club recently unveiled a stunning new event building — and it may just be the desert’s most unique party venue. The new two-story structure features three separate bookable spaces (including a spectacular rooftop deck!), all boasting sweeping views of the wave pool and surrounding mountains. I’ve attended several soirées on the premises, in the lower-level ballroom and the second-floor premium lounge, and both are absolutely gorgeous. Between the striking views, beachy décor, and unmistakable Palm Springs vibes, this is easily one of the coolest places in the desert to host a celebration.