At the risk of sounding thoroughly and utterly basic, the Halloween season is my favorite time of year—and I don’t even like pumpkin spice! For me, it’s all about spooky decorations, dressing up in costume, carving jack-o’-lanterns, haunted happenings, and, of course, those cooler temps. There’s nothing quite like that first crisp in the air to set my heart aflutter.
Read on for a few of my favorite ways to soak up the season in the desert this year!
Hands down the best pumpkin patch in the Valley, All Color Growers nursery transforms into an autumnal wonderland each October. (This year’s festivities take place the weekends of the 17th and 24th.) Featuring a petting zoo, live music, a beer garden, endless photo ops, a lineup of local vendors (including faves Buena Matcha and Ruby & Co.), and more, the scene is very reminiscent of the patches I visited regularly as a kid in Half Moon Bay—aka the World Pumpkin Capital. It’s a Halloween can’t-miss!
In the mood for a Halloween-themed dinner and a movie? Fork N’ Film’s upcoming Hocus Pocus night on October 18th conjures up the perfect blend of film and fare. The “carefully curated” event offers a “fully sensory experience” inspired by the beloved 1993 Disney classic. On the multi-course menu: Graveyard Gnocchi, Spellbook Brownies, and Dead Man’s Toes (breadsticks served in a mini casket, natch!)—paired with spellbinding cocktails like Potion of Youth and Black Flame Candle. Bon appétit, indeed!
Photo ops, trick or treating, and face painting—oh my! Come celebrate the season the La Quinta way at Old Town’s annual Fall Festival, happening October 26th from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Along with the aforementioned festive fun, this family-friendly event features a wine garden, a pumpkin patch, a farmers market, live music, and more. My favorite, Lucky Linqs, will also be popping up with her beautiful permanent jewelry at Mimi & Rae, so be sure to drop in for a spell!
What better way to embrace the season than with a visit to a working farm? Through October 26th, 123 Farm in Cherry Valley (about 35 miles west of Palm Springs—and so worth the drive!) is hosting Lavender Nights, a celebration of all things lavender. Guests are invited to stroll 20 acres of sweet-smelling fields, sample lavender-infused fare, and wander olive groves draped in thousands of twinkle lights. The festivities also include wagon rides, a multitude of artisan shops, and hands-on activities like perfume blending, breadmaking, and tea tasting. It’s fall at its finest!
My favorite Halloween event in the Valley, I look forward to tours of La Quinta’s famous Haunted Hacienda (aka J & J Ranch) every fall. Nearly every square inch of the historic 2.5-acre 1920s-era private residence—owned by Halloween enthusiasts John Miller and James Blanton—is overhauled to chilling perfection with spooky décor that changes annually, including all of the outbuildings! Taking place on October 30th, tickets run $10 per person, with all proceeds benefiting the La Quinta Historical Society.
Thanks for fall-owing along! From pumpkin patches to lavender nights, the desert is full of charm—and community—this time of year. I hope this list inspires some fall fun for you and your family. And if you’re curious about finding a home that feels just as warm and welcoming, I’m here to help.
SPOTLIGHT ON KAYLA & NAHUM – OWNERS OF BUENA MATCHA
Few things make me happier than celebrating great people doing great things, so this month, I’m thrilled to be spotlighting my friends—Coachella Valley native Kayla Munoz and her husband, Nahum, the duo behind El Paseo’s Buena Matcha! These passionate, devoted former teachers turned matcha mavens—who also happen to be two of the kindest souls I’ve ever met—initially launched the company as a pop-up in October 2023 and quickly took the Valley by storm with their frothy, highly addictive creations. (Consider this your warning: one sip and you’ll be hooked!) Their matcha bar—the desert’s first—officially opened this past May and has already become a local sensation, serving up some of the best matcha around. Not a fan of the green-tea-based drink? That just means you haven’t tried Buena Matcha! As their cups proudly proclaim: “We heal matcha trauma.”
Read on to learn more about Kayla and Nahum’s matcha beginnings, their favorite desert hotspots, and more.
xo, Lindsay
How did you first get into matcha?
We’ve both always loved coffee culture and have visited hundreds of coffee shops, but due to health reasons, we began to look for alternatives. Once we discovered organic high-quality matcha, it became more than just a drink – it became a ritual and a part of our health journey. We fell in love with its calm energy, versatility, and the way it makes you feel good without the crash. It started as a personal obsession and turned into a passion we wanted to share with all our friends and family.
What inspired you to start selling it yourselves?
There weren’t many places in the desert and throughout Southern California offering quality organic matcha, so we thought—why not us? We started small, doing pop-ups at local markets, and quickly saw there was a real demand for quality matcha and fun, elevated drinks. The pop-ups allowed us to connect directly with our community and refine our vision. In fact, our first official pop-up was at a pumpkin patch at All Color Growers nursery in Bermuda Dunes. There, we discovered that we may have created something the valley really wanted and appreciated. Soon after, we continued popping up at the Indio Farmers Market on Saturdays and from there expanded to pop-ups at Blonde Alibi hair salon in La Quinta, Kaylie Nicole boutique on El Paseo, and Hagit Taylor Design on El Paseo. We are so grateful for the partnerships we developed with all these amazing businesses that allowed us to grow as a business and share our matcha with the valley.
Your drinks are truly next-level! How did you master the art of matcha?
Lots of trial and error! We definitely dove into tutorials online, read everything we could, reached out to farms in Japan, and experimented nonstop. But honestly, most of it came from hands-on experience, trying things out, listening to feedback, and learning what people loved. We still treat it like a craft we’re always perfecting.
What sparked the decision to handcraft your own syrups?
We value quality and organic ingredients. We wanted full control over flavor and quality. A lot of store-bought syrups are packed with artificial ingredients, and that didn’t feel aligned with the purity of matcha and our personal health standards. Creating our own syrups allows us to get creative and seasonal, and we think it really sets our drinks apart. We also have several friends and customers who overcame cancer through holistic methods such as consuming organic products. It became important to us to offer drinks that would align with people’s health standards
Best part of starting Buena Matcha?
The community. 100%. We’ve met so many incredible people, from loyal customers to fellow small business owners who have now become our friends – many like family. Watching people light up over a drink we crafted is honestly the best feeling.
We create matcha moments for people to connect, feel loved, and enjoy life.
How did you land on your El Paseo location and what inspired its design?
We always had our eyes on El Paseo. It’s a vibrant, walkable area that felt ready for something fresh and modern. We are grateful to Michelle Davidson from The Firm Brokerage, who helped us find a space on El Paseo that had the outside look we were going for. Design-wise, we wanted it to feel like an escape—minimal, calming, organic, and a little unexpected. Hagit Taylor and her amazing team—Thea and Salome— took our vision and made it a reality! Even though our space is small, it is mighty: beautiful and inspiring!
Favorite Matcha flavors currently?
Tough call, but right now we’re loving our coconut matcha—it’s perfectly soothing and refreshing for the summer. Ask us next week, though, and we might have a new fave! We do love our secret flavors that we change often with seasonal and surprise creations.
Editor’s note: I’ve never been a coconut person (like at all!), but tried their coconut matcha on a whim and am hooked. It’s that good!
What surprised you about owning a business in the desert?
How supportive the majority of people are! It’s a smaller community, but people show up and rally behind local businesses. Also, we’re constantly surprised by how many people are craving new, wellness-forward options like our organic matcha
Best business advice for newbie entrepreneurs?
Start before you’re ready and work really hard. Seriously! You’ll never have it all figured out, but if you wait for perfect, you’ll miss your shot. Stay flexible, stay humble, and build a brand that feels true to you. Choose to celebrate others and don’t forget to prioritize your family in the midst of all the hard work.
Your following grew so quickly! Any words of wisdom for others hoping to build a strong community around their brand?
Be consistent, be authentic, and engage. Care more about people than just your business. Show your face, tell your story, and don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. People connect with people, not just products.
What part of desert living brings you the most joy?
The pace. There’s something grounding about life in our valley. There’s a reason why so many individuals choose to vacation and retire out here. There is peace and tranquility with lots of luxury available, as well as nature and simplicity. Such a beautiful combination – great for raising a family or simply finding rest and relaxation.
Best meal in the desert?
We have so many great spots throughout our desert. We are big fans of Gabino’s Creperie (pictured). We also enjoy taco trucks and the amazing restaurants on El Paseo!
Be sure to swing by Buena Matcha for what is certain to be the best matcha of your life! I recommend the coconut, lavender, strawberry and vanilla versions—though you really can’t go wrong with any flavor! In the meantime, follow Kayla and Nahum here to keep up with all of their matcha adventures!
(PS: If your dream home is also on the menu—please reach out! From matcha to move-ins, I’ve got you covered!)
Thanks for Reading . . .
. . . and for celebrating the Valley in all its rosy shades with me! If your Palm Springs story is ready for its next chapter, I’d love to help you find a desert paradise of your own—pink door optional.
One scroll through Everything Palm Springs and it’s clear that Palm Springs pink is pretty much my entire brand! I am definitely a Barbie girl living in a Barbie world. So for this week’s newsletter, I couldn’t resist putting together a little guide to the Valley’s blush-toned best—think lattes, dinners, dreamy stays, and of course, a photo op or two. Read on for a few of my favorite spots to soak up a pop of pink in the desert!
Your pink journey starts the moment you land at PSP, thanks to the airport’s new The Pink Door coffee shop. Decked out with blush accents and playful nods to Palm Springs’ most Insta-famous house, Villa Sierra, it’s a charmingly rosy welcome to the desert. Bonus: The café serves up delicious brews from local favorite Joshua Tree Coffee, whose blush packaging is perfectly on-brand! Consider this your first sip of Palm Springs pink!
Step into 1930s bliss at The Mesa Bungalows—a bloomy-hued oasis once owned by Josh Evans, son of actress Ali MacGraw and mega-producer Robert Evans, and later fully renovated by F1 racer Jenson Button and his interior designer wife, Brittny. Inspired by the ethereal hues of The Beverly Hills Hotel and Jayne Mansfield’s Pink Palace, the property now serves as a dreamy vacation rental. Draped in romantic pastels and chic décor, the abode makes for both a sublime retreat and Insta-worthy backdrop. (Photo courtesy of The Mesa Bungalows.)
More is more at this Palm Springs watering hole! The brainchild of Trixie Mattel of RuPaul’s Drag Racefame, the blushy drinkery feels like a Pepto Bismol fever dream come to life—and I say that with 100% adoration. From cheeky patterns and blushy bricks to fuchsia furnishings and pastel accents galore, it’s over the top and perfectly pink in all the right ways. The cherry on top? The food—upscale comfort fare—and drinks—think whimsically named cocktails like Queen of Hearts and Pink Flamingo—are absolutely delish. (*Reservations required.)
Drenched in pinks of every shade, this chic eatery is easily one of the Valley’s most Instagrammable. The work of famed interior designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard, the space draws inspiration from the desert’s midcentury-era social clubs, as well as the lush gardens of Marrakesh’s legendary La Mamounia hotel. And the fare? Just as fab as the ambiance! Go for the endless photo ops; stay for the Green Chile Chicken Tacos and the Roasted Turkey Club (my two favorite entrees)—and be sure to wash it all down with a 50 Shades of Pink cocktail!
Possibly the most famous door in the Valley (and maybe all of Instagram), no pink-in-Palm-Springs itinerary is complete without a stop at That Pink Door, aka Villa Sierra. The swank pad is so Everything Palm Springs-coded, its visage graces both my homepageand my business cards! Swing by for the ultimate photo-op—or fully immerse yourself in its grandeur with an overnight stay! Once owned by actor Telly Savalas, the glam estate currently operates as a vacation rental. This is Palm Springs pink at its most ico
Thanks for Reading . . .
. . . and for celebrating the Valley in all its rosy shades with me! If your Palm Springs story is ready for its next chapter, I’d love to help you find a desert paradise of your own—pink door optional.
Following a restful and joyous Thanksgiving celebrated with family and friends, I am feeling invigorated and eager to embrace the ever-present hustle and bustle of the holiday season! And there are plenty of festive ways to get your merriment on in the Coachella Valley, from WildLights at The Living Desert to The Ritz-Carlton’s Teddy Bear Holiday Tea to the Aerial Tramway’s annual tree lighting ceremony, which this year features special guest, American Idol winner Abi Carter! All of my favorite ways to ring in the season across the desert are detailed below.
XO, Lindsay
Light Parade on the Terrace
The beloved Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade is taking place on December 7 and there’s no better place to watch than from Lola Rose Terrace located on the second floor of the Thompson hotel, which boasts unparalleled views of Palm Canyon Drive. Tickets cost $50 and include Yuletide treats and warm cocoa and tea. Holiday-themed libations will also be available at the bar. Bonus – attendance is free for kids under 12.
Walk on the Inns
I’ve never attended this annual event, showcasing downtown Palm Springs’ many boutique lodgings, but have heard countless good things. Taking place December 12 from 4 to 7 pm, guests are invited to tour 8 local inns at their leisure while partaking of decorations, live music and refreshments along the way. It’s a fabulous and festive way to embrace not only the season, but Palm Springs’ history – and it benefits a good cause, as well, with participants asked to bring an unwrapped toy to donate to Well in the Desert.
Paint your own snowman ornament al fresco using the mandala dot technique with Elaine of Creative Classes with Elaine on December 13 at the Rancho Mirage Farmers Market! I have taken several of Elaine’s fabulous workshops and thanks to her easy way of teaching and refreshing focus on breath work and mindfulness, always walk away feeling centered and relaxed – not to mention shocked at my ability to create something beautiful! Can’t make this class? Elaine is hosting several other holiday-themed courses throughout the month.
There is no place quite like the La Quinta Resort during the holidays, which is fitting considering it’s the spot where Frank Capra penned his 1946 classic “It’s a Wonderful Life!” Embark in merriment throughout the sparkling grounds with festive cooking demonstrations, outdoor holiday movies, Santa breakfasts and (my personal favorite) freshly roasted chestnuts served weekends in the main plaza amongst a sea of twinkling lights, glowing garlands and a magical 70-foot tree – the Valley’s tallest!
La Quinta’s Old Town Artisan Studios is transformed into an adorable winter wonderland each Saturday in December, offering three acres of festive fun for kids and adults alike to enjoy, with activities including cookie and ornament decorating, paint-your-own pottery, rock painting, plenty of photo opportunities and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus in a charming cottage. There are also holiday treats and live musical performances. Best of all, the event is free to attend!
Old Town Artisan Studios is also offering holiday-themed classes, including a hand-blown glass ornament workshop, which my mom (that’s her in the photo!) and I recently attended and absolutely loved! Led by La Quinta locals Jason and Nicole McQuaid of McQuaid Glass, the hands-on experience led us through the entire glass-blowing process, from rolling, blowing and reheating to adding color and shaping. The McQuaids are hosting another ornament workshop on December 18 and I can’t recommend it enough!
Christmas Nights
Step inside a wintry-themed fairyland at 123 Farm, a 2,400-acre working farm in Yucaipa, which is festooned with over one million twinkle lights come nightfall. Located about 30 miles west of Palm Springs and featuring an abundance of attractions like Santa’s Workshop, a Christmas village with shops (Ebenezer Scrooge’s Coal Foods Market, anyone?), a life-size gingerbread house, an interactive Elf on the Shelf exhibit, a European-style Christmas market, a holiday maze and tractor rides, the venue makes for a cheery evening outing.
I have been hearing rave reviews for The Judy Show ever since starting Everything Palm Springs earlier this year, but only just made it out to The Purple Room to catch the Christmas version (running each Sunday in December) and am thrilled to report it surpassed all expectations! The show and its star Michael Holmes are pure delight, accompanied by a stellar meal, a fabulous soundtrack, and an abundance of hilariously irreverent holiday cheer! It’s the perfect way to indulge in the season!
Earlier this month, Forbes magazine published a feature highlighting La Quinta and its must-see sites — but many of my favorites didn’t make the list. Piggybacking off my recent Instagram Reel showcasing a few of the landmark spots the article missed, this week’s newsletter dives even deeper into the many gems of the Gem of the Desert.
This hotel has long been my family’s favorite staycation spot! With gorgeous grounds, dramatic views, over 40 pools, and an array of restaurants and shops, there is plenty to soak up and enjoy. But for me, it’s all about the history! Established back in 1926 – five decades before LQ was incorporated! – the property became so iconic that the city was eventually named after it! Frank Capra wrote It’s a Wonderful Life here, Greta Garbo made it her desert retreat, and Ginger Rogers got married on-site. The hotel is also home to Adobe Grill, where you’ll find my favorite meal in the entire Valley – the unparalleled Enchiladas Verdes.
When it comes to coffee and baked goods, Yes Please truly lives up to its name! My mom and I can’t make a trip into Old Town without popping in for one of the café’s frothy lattes and buttery croissants. Everything – from the scones to the biscuits to the cannoli – is baked fresh on-site each morning by delightful owner Gina Mallano – and each treat is seemingly more addictive than the last! The eatery also serves up a stellar breakfast and lunch, best enjoyed on the inviting sun-dappled patio.
This bohemian wonderland of home décor, founded by Shannon and Eileen Burke—the mother-daughter duo behind the Valley’s beloved Coco Rose clothing boutiques—is packed with unique finds. From whimsical gifts to stylish furnishings to fun kitchenware (all personally sourced from the Burkes’ travels to Bali and other far-flung locales), it’s become my go-to for hostess gifts. The shop also regularly gives back to the Bali community, making it a place where you can feel genuinely good about each and every purchase.
Lakeside dining in La Quinta? You’ll find that at Mélange, a New American restaurant perched waterfront at the boutique hotel Chateau at Lake La Quinta (another local gem). Serving elevated fish, chicken, and steak dishes with a Mediterranean twist—and unbeatable views—this spot is a true hidden gem, and one of my favorite places for an aperitif! Sipping a cocktail on the sprawling patio as the sun sets over the tranquil lake feels like being transported to an enchanting European village.
This elegant eatery—“where every night is a special occasion”—was founded in 2008 by French-born chef Michel Despras and his son, Nicolas, and has been lauded as the city’s most romantic restaurant pretty much ever since. While the interior is lovely, it’s the magical rear patio that truly steals the show, thanks to its picturesque canopy of trees strung with thousands upon thousands of twinkle lights. And the fare is just as impressive! Be sure not to miss the Wild Mushroom Soup and Kobe Beef Sliders, both personal favorites.
