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This charming non-profit art studio, nestled on a bucolic 3-acre campus in La Quinta, offers several fall-inspired activities for the creatively-minded, including daily paint your own pottery sessions with a multitude of Halloween and Thanksgiving pieces to choose from (think mugs, dishes and lanterns, most priced between $15-20), as well as a ghost and pumpkin votive-making class to really get you in the spooky spirit!

Get your weekly thrill on throughout the month via the Palm Springs Cultural Center, which is hosting scary movie viewings each Tuesday night at the Historic Camelot Theatre. Features include Fright Night, Rosemary’s Baby, The Cabin in the Woods, and A Nightmare on Elm Street. Additional October events include a showing of The Bad Seed with special guest Patty McCormack and a screening of Psycho emceed by Hitchcock experts Richard L. Edwards and Steven C. Smith.

Located about 40 miles west of Palm Springs, just off I-10 in Redlands, is Southern California’s largest pumpkin patch! My go-to ever since moving to the desert and a true smorgasbord of fall fun (you can easily spend an entire day there!), the place is chock full of such attractions as rides, food kiosks, photo ops, live entertainment, a petting zoo, a corn maze, and fields upon fields of pumpkins, all of which you can pick right off the vine yourself! (Open daily through Nov. 2nd. Entry fees vary.)

What better way to embrace the season than with a visit to an idyllic working lavender farm? Offering tractor rides, boutiques with handmade goods, strolls through olive groves, and an array of dining options – most featuring themed meals and cocktails (lavender sourdough pizza, anyone?) – all lit by more than half a million twinkle lights, 123 Farm (located about 30 miles west of Palm Springs) is a magical experience for the entire family. (Running now through October 27th.)

Palm Springs Bottle Shop is getting the scary season started right with an inspired wine, weenies & pumpkin carving evening this Friday at their Mojave Flea Trading Post location. (*BYOP!) Tickets run $20 and include two glasses of vino, a hot dog and a chilling good time! For those not wanting to partake, PSBS offers a truly stellar selection of non-alcoholic wines (which I’ve sampled and absolutely love!), as well!

All Color Growers nursery in Bermuda Dunes is hosting its 5th annual Pumpkin Patch the last two weekends in October, with onsite live music, a beer garden, a corn pit, barrel rides, and a plethora of craft and food vendors, including Valley fave Buena Matcha, who will be whipping up her famous green tea powdered drinks. (Though I’ve only sampled the delectable sugar-free options, I hear her pumpkin spice matcha latte is not to be missed!) 

Shop ’til you drop at Palm Desert Anthropologie’s Fall Soiree, taking place on October 19th from 12 to 4 PM. Partake of free apple cider and other treats as you peruse the store’s cozy line of autumnal goods, including candles, table settings and home décor. And you just might be able to catch a glimpse of the 2024 holiday collection (pending availability), as well! Because it’s never too early for some Yuletide cheer, am I right?

Old Town La Quinta’s Fall Festival returns Sunday, October 20th with countless activities on hand for kids and adults alike! Alongside the regularly scheduled farmer’s market (one of my preferred weekend haunts), the center will feature a pumpkin patch, face painting, live music, and photo ops. There will also be beer and wine offerings available for purchase courtesy of La Quinta Brewing Company – for those 21 and over, of course!

One of my favorite fall events and one of the La Quinta Historical Society’s most popular, tours of the famous Haunted Hacienda (aka J & J Ranch) will be taking place the evening of October 25th. Brave guests are invited to walk the spacious grounds and venture inside the original 1926 adobe and surrounding structures, all of which will be decked out in their signature, fabulously over-the-top Halloween splendour. (Tickets run $10 and are available at the door.)

A visit to The Living Desert is always a blast, but the place will be even more spooktacular during its annual Howl-O-Ween event on October 26th and 27th. With guests invited to dress in costume, all manner of Halloween-inspired pop-ups will be stationed throughout the park, like trick-or-treating, face painting, arts and crafts, and specialty food and drinks (including “worm juice” for the kiddos). Bonus – the zoo is currently offering a free child’s ticket with every adult ticket purchased.

I have yet to experience one of PS Underground’s fabled “over-the-top theatrical culinary events,” but always hear excellent things! And what better time to jump in than with this year’s Halloween extravaganza, Ruby, hosted on October 31st. Set in a vampire’s lair, the evening is centered around an “exquisite selection of blood-red wines” and a “menu that sinfully delights in the dark and the decadent,” promising an otherworldly good time!

Within five minutes of my first Kaylie Nicole pop-up, I was embraced by owner Kaylie Nicole Feist and her guest vendors (think jewelry, skin care and more!), introduced to the many shoppers on site, bumped into – and promptly befriended – a realtor I’ve long followed on Instagram and encouraged to try my first matcha latte! I haven’t looked back since! Kaylie has created a genuine (and genuinely supportive) community with her Friday celebrations. They’re like a little boost of endorphins to get your weekend started right!

Speaking of matcha . . . I had never sampled the frothy beverage (made of finely powdered green tea leaves) before meeting Kayla Munoz of the insanely popular Buena Matcha pop-up bar (on hand each Friday at Kaylie Nicole). But I am now officially hooked! Kayla and her husband, Nahum, hand-craft their own ceremonial-grade blends and syrups, ensuring the tastiest matcha around! Being diabetic, I only partake of their sugar-free options (which are fabulous!) but I hear their pumpkin spice offering is not to be missed!

Broadcast from “the coveted corner booth” at Little Bar in Palm Desert, this podcast, hosted by KESQ meteorologist Patrick Evansand Coachella Valley Chronicles’ Randy Florence, highlights Palm Springs’ most interesting movers and shakers! Featuring hilarious in-depth interviews with local leaders, proprietors, and entertainers like Dodi Henry, owner of The Nest,and Michael Holmes of The Judy Show, Big Conversations, Little Baris my go-to for keeping my finger firmly on the pulse of the desert!

Calling all tiki lovers! Sven Kirsten and Peter Moruzzi have just published the ultimate guide to the Valley’s tiki movement! Part coffee table book, part history lesson, the tome is teeming with colorful tidbits and pics of Palm Springs’ Poly-Pop past. (Imagery of the now-defunct Desert Air Hotel and The Springs restaurant practically had me drooling!) Bonus – in honor of Modernism Week, the duo is hosting 3 signings this weekend – at Destination PSP on 10/25, The Reef on 10/26, and The Shag Store on 10/27.

The highly anticipated Thompson hotel has finally opened after seemingly endless delays – and I am happy to report it was worth the wait! The lodging is a gorgeous addition to the PS hotel scene, with some of the friendliest employees in town! Signature restaurant Lola Rose (pictured) is especially stunning, as is the poolside bar, which offers striking mountain views and some of the best “chicky tendiez” I’ve ever tasted! And there is even more to come – HALL Napa Valley is set to open in the coming weeks and an adults-only wing is also on the way.

I have been a huge fan of stationery designer Marlene Dunlevy ever since discovering her adorable line of Joshua Tree-inspired souvenirs earlier this year. So getting to meet her in person at her pop-up studio with mixed media artist Jess Fitzerald was easily the highlight of my tour experience! Bonus – Jess’ five-acre “creative compound,” the Landers Homestead, is an absolute delight, complete with a labyrinth, a pink trailer, and gorgeous views of the surrounding landscape!

This singular painting/mixed media studio is situated inside a former cow barn at Twentynine Palms’ first – and only – dairy farm, which was built in the 1930s. The original well is even still pumping away outside! Visiting the space was like stepping back in time, with owner Anna Stump, a mixed media artist who paints on found objects, regaling us with tales of the property’s unique history while we perused her colorful works.

Deep in the heart of Landers sits the studio of Cybele Rowe, whose large-scale sculptures are displayed throughout her acreage in a whimsical sculpture garden that has become a local roadside attraction. But meeting Cybele is the real attraction here! Warm, bubbly, and inviting, she is joy personified and all too happy to share her captivating tales of traveling the world to complete her many larger-than-life commissions.

Catch an up-close-and-personal glimpse at the art of hatmaking courtesy of “High Desert Hatter” Todd Fink and his handsome workshop/showroom in Twentynine Palms, where he boils, steams, sands, burns, and handcrafts headpieces for his many dedicated clients. Those clients include the cast of Kevin Costner’s new western film Horizon, for which Fink created many custom pieces.  You can even pick up a replica of Costner’s character’s headgear on-site.

Sheliah Bailey crafts gleaming metal sculptures from the shells of burned-out automobiles, transforming destruction into beauty, at her inventive Art-O-Motive Gallery in Twentynine Palms. Along with Sheliah’s pieces, works from sculptor Duane Byrd and painter Stacy Byrdare also on display. Be sure not to miss the local history room, filled with unique desert ephemera, as well as the two friendly-faced “greeters” parked out front (pictured).

This mountainside retreat was built for actress Lily Pons in 1954, with everyone from Danny Kaye to Lucille Ball attending the much-ballyhooed housewarming. Taken down to the studs in 2008 (only the footprint and stone fireplace were left intact), the property was artfully reimagined for the modern day, with well-appointed rooms, spacious living areas, and a second-story casita seemingly ripped right out of a magazine. The nearly 1-acre lot is equally magical, with bighorn sheep regularly descending upon the lush grounds. Bonus – Lily’s hand and footprint are embedded in cement beside the pool.

This Movie Colony landmark was designed by William F. Cody for Kansas furniture titan James Abernathy in 1962. A Class-I historic site, the pad is geometrically fashioned with “five pyramid-roofed pavilions arranged in a pin-wheel plan” comprising nearly 5,000 square feet (plus an additional 5,000 SF of covered outdoor space), all of it awash in Cody’s signature style with clerestory windows, walls of glass and terrazzo flooring. Not surprisingly, the dwelling is a mainstay of Modernism Weeks tours and has been featured in numerous photoshoots.

One of the Valley’s most unique homes, this steel, concrete, and glass marvel is the work of architect Ana Escalante, who consulted with the legendary Donald Wexler on its design. Nestled on a 0.6-acre hilltop lot in Mirada Estates, the pad is being offered for the first time since its 2006 inception. Flush with upscale amenities like Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, a Tesla charger, a misting system, bamboo flooring, panoramic views, and Ritz-Carlton privileges, the home’s stand-out feature is a 75-foot lap pool, which runs straight through the property offering dazzling underwater glimpses via a series of portal windows.

This sprawling parametric-style 1993 manse was designed by Narendra Patel (a protege of Donald Wexler) for Yellowstone Club founder Tim Blixseth, who hosted countless political fundraisers on the property, welcoming the likes of Presidents George H. W. Bush and Ronald Reagan. Most famously, it was at the home’s sunken wet bar that Gerald Ford endorsed Sonny Bono’s 1995 congressional bid. Recently remodeled to the tune of $2.5 million, the estate has been updated with such singular amenities as an 18-seat hibachi bar, a 2-ton Forno Piombo pizza oven, and a 5,000-bottle wine cellar that doubles as a dining room. (Open this Sat. & Sun., 10-12)

While this exquisitely renovated MCM is currently under contract, it still bears mention. Crafted by architect John Outcault for noted journalist/UPI chief Virgil Pinkley in 1961, its provenance is as impressive as its gorgeous interior. Bright and open with soaring redwood ceilings, the home’s handsome updates blend seamlessly with the myriad original details, which include built-ins, cabinetry, and a spectacular floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace. The resort-like rear and side yards are impeccably maintained and there’s even a hidden room tucked off the den, sure to bring all your Nancy Drew-inspired fantasies to life!

I have never been a huge fan of pumpkin spice – the flavor is just a bit too saccharine and artificial tasting for my liking. But when fave café Ernest Coffee unveiled its PSPS (Palm Springs Pumpkin Spice) Latte, I had to try it based on the name alone! And it did not disappoint! The frothy concoction, made with Ernest’s own house-made syrup (which I asked to be halved to cut down on the sweetness), is absolutely delicious and not overly cloying in the slightest! It is the perfect beverage to ring in the season!

Craving a turkey dinner with all the fixings prior to the big day? You’re in luck because The Grill on Main in Old Town La Quinta is serving up their popular Thanksgiving Feast every Thursday night all season long! Featuring freshly carved turkey paired with stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, and piping hot gravy, the entrée is certain to satisfy all your pre-holiday yearnings!

Fired Up Pottery in Palm Springs is hosting a slew of fall events throughout the month, starting with a Thanksgiving Plate session on November 15th, during which patrons can craft their very own plate for T-day dinner while imbibing on wine, pie, and other treats. Tickets run $10, plus the cost of pottery. Other November activities include a Kids’ Turkey Canvas Painting and a Harvest Moon Gnome Canvas Painting.

The Sandwich Spot in downtown Palm Springs is hosting its annual Friendsgiving Party on November 20th, with food, drinks, and musical performances on hand. Guests are asked to bring canned food and cash donations to benefit Well in the Desert. Can’t make the event? Pop by the deli anytime all month to grab a Cornucopia sandwich, a seasonal delight featuring turkey, cranberry sauce and stuffing, sure to get you in the holiday mood!

Think of it as the Valley’s version of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade as legions of balloons, many shaped like beloved characters, fill the desert skies during Cathedral City’s 10th Annual International Hot Air Balloon Festival, running from November 22nd through 24th. Daily balloon launches are free to attend, taking place at Agua Caliente Casino Rancho Mirage on the 22nd and The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort and Spa on the 23rd and 24th.

Get your T-day started off right with the Wild Turkey Trot, which kicks off at 8 AM in downtown Palm Springs, routing participants through some of the city’s prettiest neighborhoods on a “runner, walker, stroller, and doggie-friendly” course. The whimsical event “promises more bling than any of the other desert Turkey Day races,” with runners receiving a wild turkey hat and “crazy Thanksgiving-themed knee highs,” among other swag. Proceeds benefit Mizell Center’s Meals on Wheels program.

On the east side of town, the 18th annual Martha’s Village & Kitchen Thanksgiving Day 5K commences at 8 AM on El Paseo in Palm Desert. With food trucks, numerous vendors, a kids’ zone, a beer garden and countless onsite activities, the fundraiser promises to be a full-blown party for both participants and spectators alike, all benefiting a great cause – ending hunger and homelessness in the Valley! 

Enjoy Thanksgiving dinner with a view at the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway! Those wishing to celebrate at 8,516 feet can hit up either of the Mountain Station’s eateries, with the cafeteria-style Pines Café offering a combo tram ride/Thanksgiving feast for $41 for adults/seniors and $27.50 for kids and the more upscale Peaks Restaurant serving up a fine dining turkey dinner experience at $51 per adult and $26 per child (tram ride not included). 

PSP has long been one of the nation’s most charming airports. (That postage-stamp size! That historical vibe!) But it was also seriously lacking in several respects for many years. I am happy to report that is no longer the case thanks to a plethora of new shops & restaurants that have launched on the premises (all of which are open daily!), affording flyers a much more enjoyable travel experience! Along with the aforementioned Cactus to Clouds bar (pictured), Coachella Valley Coffee is especially inviting, with a warm interior, huge selection of pastries, and gorgeous water feature out front.

Palm Springs Air Museum has a new wingman in the form of Darkstar, Tom Cruise’s plane from the 2022 mega-hit Top Gun: Maverick, currently on loan from Lockheed Martin. The streamlined 70-foot hypersonic jet (which docents are quick to point out doesn’t actually fly) was proudly on view this past Veterans Day weekend, granting movie buffs (like myself) and aviation aficionados alike a thrilling close-up glimpse of the hallowed prop. (Darkstar is only on display occasionally, so be sure to call ahead if you’re hoping to see it.)

By now, you are probably thinking my love of Mijo Co. candles must be a paid endorsement, but I promise that is not the case. You’ll only find authentic recommendations here! I am just a genuine fan of the company, its candles, and owners Vince & Adolfo, who are now offering candle-making classes! I’ve had the pleasure of attending two so far and had a blast each time. From selecting the scents (there are over 30 to choose from) to hand-pouring the wax myself to learning about the process as a whole, the experience is both fun and enlightening – and you walk away with a great-smelling souvenir, to boot!

A roadside market isn’t the first place you’d think of to score some stellar tamales, but L & G Desert Storeserves up some of the best in town! The family-owned Indio landmark, established by Linda and George Thomas back in 1979, offers scrumptious chicken, beef, pork, and cheese varieties, homemade by a local family each morning. But you have to get up early to snag them – the tamales typically sell out by 9 AM every day. L & G also stocks some of the best produce in the desert (all sourced directly from local farms), especially the avocados, which are always perfectly ripened!

I discovered this family-owned Indio eatery via Instagram, lured in by images of their delectable comfort food dishes, which turned out to be just as tasty in real life as they appeared on the ‘gram. That’s no surprise as everything is hand-crafted on the premises (the kitchen doesn’t even have a microwave!), from the Lentil-Mushroom Soup to the Pot Roast to the Smoked Brisket. The UniQue’s Salad (pictured), topped with homemade fried chicken, is my personal favorite. UniQue Bite is also currently taking orders for fully prepped Thanksgiving meals for those who don’t want to cook this year.

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 OF 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!

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!

This elegant 1940 bungalow (rumored to have been designed by Cliff May for the Marlboro family) has the distinction of being the very first home ever erected in the Mesa neighborhood. Expertly overhauled by its current owners, the place exudes old Hollywood glamour today, with rich colors, luxe finishes, and perfectly styled touches at every turn. Nestled on an exceptionally private and serene lot dotted with mature trees, graveled nooks, and a sparkling pool, the property is a genuine retreat befitting any matinee idol!

This historic 1936 estate is bursting with charm! Once owned by George Whitney (aka the “P.T. Barnum of the West”) and recently updated to the tune of $600,000, with a plethora of original detailing left intact, the place is a Spanish Colonial dreamland! From the loft with built-in sleeping bunks to the Batchelder tilework to the beamed ceilings to the casita awash in blush accents, crossing the threshold feels like stepping back in time to Palm Springs’ golden age. Bonus – the pad sits just steps from the Uptown Design District.

Originally designed by renowned architect William Krisel in 1961, this sophisticated dwelling has been beautifully updated, while retaining its classic mid-century bones. Warm and inviting, the interior is a seamless mix of modern and retro living, with peaked ceilings, plush fixtures, and a succession of clerestory windows showcasing pristine mountain views. But the primary suite (pictured) is the real masterstroke here, complete with an open layout, vast double-head shower, standalone soaking tub, and oversized custom walk-in closet.

In the market for an abode with an architectural pedigree, classical butterfly roofline and sleek interior? Look no further than this Vista Las Palmas treasure, originally crafted by MCM titan Charles Du Bois in 1958. Gorgeously revamped, the dwelling is bright, open, spacious (four bedrooms, four baths, plus a den!), and perfectly appointed. Tucked against the mountains, the sprawling yard, boasting a pool, spa and grassy expanse, is a true oasis seemingly ripped straight out of a design magazine!

This Mesa estate is a breathtaker, literally! My heart lept into my throat as soon I stepped from the grand entry hall into the majestic great room and caught sight of the towering roofline, walls of glass, and dramatic double-sided floor-to-ceiling rock fireplace. Originally built in 1982, but recently refreshed with a down-to-the-studs remodel, the property exists on a massive scale, but remains warm and intimate, with the aura of Palm Springs’ finest boutique hotels. Equally magical is the massive lot, featuring a pool, spa, tennis court, and multiple terraces.

Craving a sugary treat? Head straight to The Heyday to snag the burger joint’s specialty holiday drink, a S’mores Hot Chocolate, offered each Friday through Sunday throughout the season. A true culinary delight, the cocoa-ey confection consists of rich hot chocolate accompanied by a Lotus Biscoff cookie and a marshmallow topping toasted in spectacular fashion via a blowtorch! Being diabetic, I was only able to sample a small bit, but let me tell you, it was worth the extra insulin!

Happy Alley, the colorful art installation tucked off Miles Avenue in downtown Indio, has been given a holiday-themed glow-up, its usual rainbow-hued umbrellas swapped out for red and green versions. The merry pass-through, which is the work of the city’s Human Resources and Public Works departments, makes for a vibrant and thoroughly festive photo-op that, befitting of its name, sparks some serious Christmas joy!

The downtown Palm Springs gift shop Just Fabulous is always a good time, but the store really comes alive at Christmas with decorations galore, including a display of more than 40 trees, each vividly bedazzled, flocked, and decked with highly curated collections of cheeky ornaments. On display are faux firs and pines inspired by such themes as the Royal Family, fast food favorites, mid-century architecture, outer space, Pride, and high fashion! There’s literally something for everyone!

In a feat of exterior illumination that would make Clark W. Griswold proud, Minerva Road in Cathedral City is transformed into Candy Cane Lane each Christmas! A sight to behold, the scant one-block, easily walk-able enclave of about 40 homes is a glimmering wonderland, complete with towering candy canes lining the sidewalk, a wide array of inflatables, a charming “Santa’s Workshop” garage diorama, and a staggering amount of twinkle lights! It’s a beaut, a real beaut!

While wandering in downtown Palm Springs recently, I happened upon the whimsical Home Alone-inspired front window display at Peepa’s (one of my favorite local shops), which thrilled this movie lover’s heart to no end! Perfectly executed, the set-up features paint cans, scattered Micro Machines, a Christmas tree, a train, and Kevin’s Battle Plan sketch! All that’s missing is a lovely cheese pizza from Little Nero’s!

Celebrate the heyday of Hollywood with the new Neighbors installation by John Cerney, the Monterey-based muralist who was also behind Popsicles. Rising 12 feet on a vacant lot at 605 E. Sunny Dunes Rd., the largescale piece depicts five luminaries who resided in the desert during Tinseltown’s Golden Era (Monroe! Sinatra! Davis! Martin! Liberace!), all standing at their local mailboxes. The artist was inspired “to depict the iconic stars in an everyday act, getting the mail, after he took a celebrity house tour across the valley.” A man after my own heart!

I headed out of town for the holidays this year and was apprehensive about finding onsite parking at the airport shortly before Christmas. So I was thrilled to learn that PSP now posts live parking and TSA wait time updates on its homepage, both of which, in my experience, were 100% accurate. Upon arrival, I found plenty of open spaces in Section D and breezed through security in under 10 minutes, just as the website predicted, making my travel day that much smoother.

If you’ve traversed CA-111 in Palm Desert at any point over the past year, you’ve undoubtedly noticed a café with a large sign reading “Eat” under construction next to Thriftology. I am happy to report that Wonder has finally opened its doors – and it was worth the wait! Featuring a lovely blush schematic, the space is not only adorable, but also serves up some fabulous breakfasts, pastries, and lattes, which my mom and I happily partook of last week. (Lunch is offered, as well.) The eatery is a stellar addition to the PD restaurant scene!

I have long been obsessed with abandoned and desolate places, so the Salton Sea called my name as soon as I moved to the valley. Those with a similar affection should head straight to Andy Dickson’s new exhibit at the La Quinta Museum. The artist, who spent much of his childhood at his grandparents’ North Shore home, captures the area’s unique beauty with a series of haunting paintings and sketches on display through March. Bonus – Dickson is speaking about the collection at a special reception at the museum this Saturday at 5 pm.

There are few things I love more in this world than fried chicken, so I was devasted when longtime valley staple Murph’s Gaslight shuttered in 2020. But I am happy to report that the eatery’s famous “Original Pan-Fried” meals, complete with all the fixings (mashed potatoes, cornbread, veggies, and biscuits!), are now being served every Saturday at Neil’s Lounge in Indio, courtesy of Murph’s former owner Josh Rush. And the chicken is just as crispy and finger-licking good as I remembered! (Meals are also available to go.)