Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of touring local artist Phillip K. Smith III’s latest work, 0/90/120—a brilliantly immersive light intervention housed within the historic former family home of architect William F. Cody. While public tours have, unfortunately, concluded, the dazzling installation is currently available for special overnight stays through May 16th. Scroll down for the full scoop—plus four additional current desert must‑sees.
0/90/120
Phillip K. Smith III’s latest work reimages the Cody family home via 11 vividly lit mirrored forms set at 0°, 90° and 120° within the glass‑walled abode, creating a dizzying feast for the eyes! As daylight transitions to night, the installation also transforms, unveiling entirely new but equally impressive perspectives. Now, lucky guests can fully immerse themselves in the vision-bending work thanks to 20 “editioned overnight experiences” currently being offered. Tickets and more information can be found here.
CALI ROSINA’S NEW TEA ROOM
This tea and chocolate shop in Old Town La Quinta has long been a favorite spot to grab an iced brew. With the recent unveiling of a new tasting room in an adjacent space formerly used for storage, the locale is even more inviting! Dimly lit with a warm, moody ambiance, the enclave boasts cozy tables, plush seating, and tucked-away nooks, perfect for curling up with a book and one of the shop’s custom loose-leaf blends (there are over 200 varieties on hand!) while whiling away an afternoon.
SILVERROCK RESORT
This picturesque golf resort in La Quinta is open to the public, free to explore, and wholly worth a visit! Spread across 525 acres, the sprawling site features an award-winning course, multiple event spaces, and a park complete with bocce ball courts, walking paths, a meandering stream, public art, and gorgeous grassy expanses. The onsite restaurant, housed in the former residence of Home Savings & Loan founder Howard Ahmanson, is noteworthy, as well, offering stellar fare paired with stunning fairway views.
COTINO: STORYLIVING BY DISNEY
Disney has a way with, well, everything! Cotino, the company’s new Rancho Mirage development, is no exception. Named in honor of the Smoke Tree (aka Cotinus) in tribute to the Palm Springs community Walt once called home, Cotino is currently open to the public to tour – no real estate agent needed (but if you want one, contact me!) – with the massive 24-acre lagoon, Incredibles house, and 6 stylish model homes all on view. Be sure not to miss the Indiana Jones and Disney villains-themed designs!
ALICE B.’S BISCUITS
This Palm Springs eatery has been on my to-dine list for what seems like eons! I finally made it there this past weekend and am happy to report it is worth all the hype – especially the much-heralded Cornmeal Jalapeno Drop Biscuits. Browned and salted to perfection, the buttery treats, paired with cardamom honey dip, practically melt in your mouth! The restaurant itself is warm & chic, and the bar menu brimming with upscale comfort food (my cuisine of choice), including a to-die-for Bacon Jam Grilled Cheese!