The Living Desert, one of my absolute favorite places, is currently nominated by USA Today as one of the country’s 10 Best Zoos — such an exciting recognition for our little corner of the Valley. (Vote daily through March 9th to get it to number one!)
For years, one space there felt almost mythical to me: the Desert Conservation Lodge in Village WaTuTu. Long used as a private meeting and special events venue, I would peer through the cracks in the front doors every time I walked by, hoping to catch even the smallest glimpse inside.
Last November, the glass-walled space opened to the public as part of the new patas monkey habitat — and I’m happy to report it’s even better than I imagined. My most recent Leadership Coachella Valley session was held there (yes, it’s still available for private events), and with floor-to-ceiling views of the zoo’s four new resident primates, it may just be one of the desert’s coolest meeting rooms.
Read on to learn more about it — plus four other things I’m currently loving locally.
XO, Lindsay
To say The Living Desert’s new patas monkeys (the zoo’s very first primates and the world’s fastest!) are entertaining would be a vast understatement. While our Leadership session featured some truly compelling speakers (hello, Patrick Evans!), the spotlight was consistently stolen by the family of four — especially baby Maisha. A ball of energy, the 10-month-old simian rolled, tumbled, and playfully pestered her parents and grandmother for hours on end, providing endless laughs throughout the day. If you haven’t yet visited the patas monkeys — and stepped inside the Desert Conservation Lodge (pictured) — consider this a sign to plan a visit!
The local coffee scene has reached new heights as of late, with a wave of stellar independent cafés popping up across the Valley — and Saguaro Coffee in downtown Indio is a definitive standout. My mom and I wandered in recently after a shopping trip to The Place next door and were both genuinely impressed. The space strikes the perfect balance — warm minimalist décor, excellent brews, and plenty of space to settle in and stay awhile. Sweet treats from Con Amor, Nina y León pair beautifully with seasonal favorites like Café de Olla and Honey Fig Cardamom, showcasing syrups made from scratch and beans roasted onsite. It’s the kind of spot where one cup easily turns into two.
REFLECTIONS OF GLAMOUR: BOB MACKIE
As a longtime Hollywood enthusiast, I’ve been chomping at the bit to see the new Bob Mackie exhibit at the Palm Springs Art Museum (on view through March 30th). The intimate display features a selection of the designer’s iconic creations, including Cher’s 1985 Met Gala gown and Carol Burnett’s “Starlet O’Hara” dress (pictured). My personal favorite? A gemstone-encrusted frock worn by Carol Channing in Lorelai that beautifully embodies Mackie’s flair for the dramatic. Also on view is a series of the designer’s original hand-drawn sketches, offering a rare glimpse into his creative process. Seeing the intricate concepts on paper alongside the finished gowns is nothing short of captivating.
This upscale Old Town La Quinta consignment boutique, which opened last November, has quickly become a darling of the desert. The luxe space is filled with expertly curated, distinctive pieces from labels like Louis Vuitton, Prada, PatBO, and Zimmermann, and the consultants are genuine pros at hand-selecting items tailored to each client’s style and silhouette. My bestie Heidi of Lucky Linqs — whose gorgeous jewelry is also sold at Boulevard — recently stopped in to browse and wound up walking out with four stunning ensembles for her daughter’s upcoming multi-day destination wedding in France (purses and shoes included!), each fitting as if they had been made just for her.
I’m by no means a vegan, nor do I typically seek out plant-based meals, but I recently visited this Palm Desert staple with my monthly lunch group and was blown away by the offerings! My Egg-y Salad was absolutely delicious, and Heidi declared her Banh Mi the best she’s ever had. The ice cream from the on-site “kreamery” also received rave reviews from everyone at the table. I’ve since returned a few times, and each meal has been excellent. Meat-eaters, take note: Chef Tanya’s is fabulous no matter your diet. Not nearby? You can also pick up Grab n’ Go fare from the eatery at local Tower Markets. And don’t miss the adjacent pet store, which regularly hosts cat adoptions.