You asked, I answered. Today I’m deep-diving into five great reader questions – from my favorite local wedding venues to whether JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy ever spent time in the Coachella Valley. Enjoy!
XO, Lindsay
What are your favorite or most unique desert wedding venues?
I’ve been asked this question twice recently—first by a TikTok follower and then by my friend Kim (queen of all things La Quinta history)—which tells me wedding planning season in the desert is in full swing! Thankfully, the Coachella Valley is teeming with unique places to tie the knot. Here are a few of my favorites:
The O’Donnell House (pictured) — Best for views
This stunning hilltop residence, built by oil tycoon Thomas O’Donnell in 1925, offers sweeping panoramas of the Valley. Set directly into Mt. San Jacinto nearly 500 feet above the city below, the backdrop is truly showstopping!
Casa Cody — Best for private buyouts
Tucked away on two acres in downtown Palm Springs, this boutique hotel (the city’s oldest!) feels worlds away from civilization. Gated and intimately private, the entire property—including all 31 rooms—can be reserved for full wedding buyouts.
The Cree Estate — Best for wedding weekends
This 5,000-square-foot home on 2.5 private acres features two pools (including a swim-up bar), more than 70 palm trees, and plenty of space to host a full multi-day wedding weekend. I attended a friend’s nuptialsthere and it was a truly dreamy affair.
Desert White House — Best for architecture buffs
If your Pinterest board is filled with midcentury modern inspiration, this MCM gem perched atop a bluff in La Quinta is for you. Sporting a dazzling hyperbolic-paraboloid roof and retro details at every turn, events here feel like a Mad Men episode come to life.
The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens — Best for nature lovers
One of my favorite local venues, offering seven distinct event spaces. Say “I do” on the giraffe platform, in the Elder’s Grove at Village WaTuTu, or at Bighorn Café overlooking the mountains. Bonus: proceeds support animal care and conservation.
Korakia Pensione — Best for romantic, intimate weddings
An impossibly beautiful boutique property with 1.5 acres spanning two historic estates: a Moroccan residence built by artist Gordon Coutts and a Mediterranean villa once owned by J. Carrol Naish. A true oasis of courtyards, arches, and shaded paths.
Villa Royale — Best for adults-only weddings
For a design-forward soiree, this Hollywood Regency-inspired, adults-only retreat is a must-see. Rumored to have once been the private home of figure skater Sonja Henie, it features 31 rooms across 3.5 picturesque acres, with a multitude of stylized spaces tailored for celebrating.
Twin Palms — Best for Old Hollywood aficionados
Get hitched Rat Pack–style at Frank Sinatra’s former Movie Colony estate. This modernist masterpiece, designed by E. Stewart Williams in 1947, is filled with sleek furnishings and nostalgic nods to the singer—including his original Valentino sound system. I attended a cocktail party there a few years back and it remains one of my most swanky and memorable desert experiences.
The Packhouse at Aziz Farms — Best for customizable weddings
This 10-acre working farm in Thermal is one of the desert’s most versatile venues, with six flexible spaces including a palm grove, grassy field, beach, and even a lake with a dock that looks straight out of Dawson’s Creek.
Parr House — Best for Disney fans
Calling all Disneyphiles! Modeled after the family home from Incredibles 2, the Parr House is now complete and available for special events. The caveat? It’s exclusive to Cotino Artisan Club members. Overlooking the sparkling 24-acre Cotino Bay, it’s truly one-of-a-kind—so if you have an in, book it . . . and don’t forget to invite me!
The Chateau at Lake La Quinta — Best for waterfront weddings
A genuine hidden gem, this 24-room boutique hotel sits along a peaceful lake, complete with docks and boats lining the shoreline. With gorgeous water and mountain views, the property can be fully booked for weddings, creating an exclusive and memorable weekend experience for all.
Rancho 51 Date Garden — Best for rustic desert weddings
This eight-acre date farm has long been my go-to recommendation for Coachella and Stagecoach camping, but it also makes a stunning wedding venue. A working family farm set among 600 towering date palms, the grounds provide a beautiful blank canvas for couples to create a truly personalized celebration.
Best places to shop for mother of the bride dresses locally?
Speaking of weddings . . . this question comes from my neighbor, whose daughter is getting married this year and has requested each member of the bridal party wear a specific color. Since I have no children of my own and got married over 15 years ago, I outsourced the answer to my bestie Heidi (of Lucky Linqs), who’s recently been to every corner of the Valley and back hunting for outfits for her daughter’s upcoming multi-day nuptials. Here are her top picks for upscale, not-your-everyday mother-of-the-bride looks:
Sophie of Paris – One of Heidi’s first stops, this downtown Palm Springs boutique specializes in vintage French designs. Owner Sophie greeted her with a warm bonjour! and quickly pulled several dazzling pieces, each of which made Heidi feel like a princess. Definitely a splurge, but every selection is a stunner.
Songbird & Sage – While primarily known for its elevated resort looks, this El Paseo boutique also carries a small selection of standout formal wear in vibrant colors, absolutely worth checking out!
Boulevard Consignment (pictured) – Heidi stopped in here on a whim and walked out with four different wedding weekend looks, thanks to the talented stylists and their curated selection of high-end pre-loved designer pieces.
The Fine Art of Design – This Palm Desert vintage boutique is where Heidi ultimately secured the dress for her daughter’s big day—plus a gorgeous Oscar de la Renta piece she couldn’t resist—no occasion needed!
Trina Turk – This one is my recommendation because I can’t hear “color” and not think of Trina Turk! The brand’s bold prints and vibrant pieces are ideal for weddings calling for specific palettes.
What are your go-to spots for hostess gifts in the Valley?
Headed to a gathering and need a thoughtful (and perhaps locally-themed) gift to bring? These are my staples for unique scores:
Kitchen Kitchen – Always my first stop for foodie gifts. Packed with culinary finds and local favorites (think Desert Dust and Tutu’s Tortilla Chips), owner Jan is a pro at assembling the perfect hostess gift basket.
Moller’s Garden Center Gift Shop – An under-the-radar gem full of upscale and unique finds ranging from small trinkets to luxe treasures.
La Quinta Resort Gift Shop – Ideal for desert-themed hostess gifts, offering everything from local history books to décor to Coachella Valley keepsakes.
Plants and Cards 4U – Exquisite faux succulent arrangements, locally-themed gifts, and the cutest line of tote bags featuring Coachella Valley cities.
Thick as Thieves (pictured) – A Palm Springs favorite offering fun tea towels, candles, art prints, bath and body products, and the daintiest handmade jewelry—in case you’re looking for a little something for yourself, too!
Palm Springs Bottle Shop – My go-to when I’m tasked with bringing spirits. Truly robust selection of wine, liquor, and mocktails, plus gourmet snacks and cheeky gift items.
Modern Hippie Interiors – This Indio design studio carries a beautifully curated selection of desert-inspired décor and gift items (cactus tequila board, anyone?).
Lotus Garden Center – High-end gift offerings and some of the most stunning floral arrangements in the Valley—sure to please even your most discerning friends.
Good lunch spots in Palm Desert for monthly lunch groups?
My friend Cole, who organizes my monthly Palm Desert lunch group, recently asked for recommendations for new eateries to try (in the hopes of not wearing out our welcome at our usual stomping ground, Chef Tanya’s Kitchen). Requirements? Casual vibe, space for 8 to 12 people, and the ability to split checks without headaches. While most of my favorite delis (The Lunch Spot, The Real Italian Deli, and The Wine & Cheese Shop on El Paseo) are a bit too small for our needs, these spots fit the bill:
La Provence Patisserie & Cafe (pictured) – Definitely on the pricey side and the food can be hit or miss, but when it hits, it really hits—and the ambiance is bar none! The daily quiche is a personal favorite and the pastry case alone is worth a visit.
Sherman’s Deli & Bakery – A desert institution with a massive menu, huge portions, and some seriously stellar sandwiches.
Luna Grill – One of my mom’s local favorites, offering a nice selection of healthy Mediterranean fare, including kebabs, salads, pitas, and bowls.
Katsuyama – Highly recommended by my foodie friend Kendra, this fast-casual spot specializes in katsu (one of my favorite meals!), plus ramen, salad, and a small sushi selection.
Billy Q’s – I tried this place recently and loved the friendly atmosphere and versatile menu. Dietary flexibility—including five different pizza crust options—is a definite bonus.
I’ve also heard great things about Sweet Basil California Eatery, Casuelas Cafe, and Fisherman’s Landing, though I have yet to try them myself.
Did JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette ever spend time in the desert?
If you’re anything like me, you’ve spent the last few weeks utterly obsessing over Hulu’s Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette.I’ve bought pretty much every book about the couple I can get my hands on, watched countless documentaries, and spent copious hours searching for wardrobe dupes to replicate Carolyn’s style. (At this point, I’m fairly certain my Amazon algorithm will forever be CBK-coded.)
Naturally, I started wondering if the couple ever visited the desert—and promptly got to researching. For anyone curious, here’s what I found:
While JFK Jr. and Carolyn don’t appear to have spent any notable time in the Valley, JFK Sr. certainly did. Most memorably, the then-president descended upon our desert the weekend of March 23, 1962. Upon landing at PSP, he was greeted by Harry Chaddick, the “High Sheriff” of the Desert Circus, a local Old West festival, who presented him with an honorary sheriff’s badge.
Chaddick also handed over a tiny pair of white cowboy boots and nickel-plated six-shooters to bring home to John Jr., while singer Phil Regan and Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce president Toby Curtis gifted a cowgirl outfit and a set of junior-size golf clubs, respectively, for Caroline.
During his stay, JFK met with his predecessor, Dwight D. Eisenhower, at the former president’s winter home at Eldorado Country Club in Indian Wells, attended Sunday morning mass at Sacred Heart Churchin Palm Desert (humorously described by one newspaper at the time as a “rural church”), and spent two nights—plus quite a bit of time poolside—at Bing Crosby’s estate in Silver Spur Ranch (now part of Ironwood Country Club). Fun fact: JFK’s pew at Sacred Heart (pictured) remains intact today and is marked with commemorative plaques.
Ahead of his visit, several news outlets reported, “The word in California is that when President Kennedy visits Palm Springs, movie actors and actresses who visit him will be asked not to tell their press agents about it. In other words, don’t use JFK for publicity, kids—he’s tired of it.” A bit ironic, considering it was during this trip that Kennedy is long rumored to have trysted with the most famous actress of them all, Marilyn Monroe—an episode that has become one of the most talked-about of his all-too-short life.