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I’ve been a fan of this midtown Indio café—founded by CV natives Efrain Mercado and Matthew Ortega—and its sumptuous brews ever since my first visit back in 2023. So when they announced the opening of a second location in downtown Indio, I couldn’t wait to check it out — and am happy to report it’s even better than the original! Bright and beautifully appointed in the duo’s signature minimalist aesthetic, the new spot is inviting, with plenty of room to linger. As always, the drinks are stellar — and best of all, you can still grab a latte for under $6, which is practically unheard of these days.

Tucked behind an unmarked silver door in downtown Indio, this glamorous speakeasy is a literal hidden gem — not to mention an absolute dream! Brought to you by former Goldenvoice exec Skip Page (who was also behind Palm Desert’s Little Bar and Indio Taphouse), alongside business partner Roman Whittaker, Italica is dark, moody, and sexily styled. The Italian-inspired food and cocktails are equally divine — each served with a wonderfully theatrical flourish. While you won’t need a secret password to get in, reservations are strongly recommended.

I first discovered Italica thanks to a paint-and-sip session hosted there by artist and Brushour Paint Classes founder Danielle Guerrero. Lacking any real artistic ability myself, I’d never sought out such an event before — but when my friend Cherry of Roam.e invited me, I went along for the ride and wound up having an absolute blast! Danielle is a fantastic teacher, breaking each step down with clarity and ease while we painted, sipped cocktails, and enjoyed delicious bites. I even managed to walk away with a piece of art that isn’t half bad! New hobby officially unlocked!

Two of The Living Desert’s newest — and cutest — residents are an irresistible pair of baby bobcats named David and JoAnn! Orphaned in Oregon earlier this year, the six-month-old siblings were rescued and relocated to the zoo, where they’re now thriving in their new habitat — frolicking, playing, and generally winning the hearts of everyone who passes by! They’re a must-see on your next visit! Can’t make it out to the zoo just yet? Not to worry, you can still keep up with the kittens via their new  webcam.

Following some turbulent years that included a “suspicious” fire, a contentious eviction, and a lengthy closure, Palm Desert’s historic Red Barn has been completely revitalized by new owners Cyrus and Marcie Tahmasebi. Exhaustively reimagined, the bar now dazzles with rich colors, luxe textures, and vintage treasures at every turn — think lamps from Liberace’s estate, art from the Autry Museum, and flocked wallpaper. Once a self-proclaimed “five-star dive,” it’s now stylish, upscale, and a true feast for the eyes — with cocktails to match. Be sure not to miss the stunning pink restroom, easily my favorite feature of the entire place!

In short, no — at least I haven’t! I’ve always LOVED being outside and was fortunate enough to grow up in places where weather was never a second thought, so Palm Springs summers were a complete shock to my system. Nearly 15 years later, I still find myself sinking into a mild depression every May, knowing the scorching temps are right around the corner.

That said, I’ve definitely learned to cope better over time. My best advice is to stay active with as many indoor activities as possible – classes, workshops, social groups, etc. Our Valley certainly has plenty to choose from! Some of my favorites include Creative Classes with Elaine’smandala dot painting sessions (her Christmas in July class is a gem!), paint-your-own-pottery at Old Town Artisan Studios, candle-making with Mijo Co., Paint & Sip nights with Brushour, and Emerge Palm Springs networking events.

I also invested in a home treadmill and have some fantastic podcasts on rotation so I can keep up with my daily walks without braving triple digits. For me, the key has been to keep moving and engaging! It makes the summer fly by faster and the heat a touch easier to bear.

This question came from my neighbors during their first summer in the desert. I’d never tried it myself, so one 120+ degree day, we all ventured outside and cracked an egg right in the middle of our street. (Photographic evidence above!)

The result? The egg did cook . . . but slooooowly – think 15-20 minutes, with most of that time spent waiting inside in the air conditioning. I’ve since heard that a metal pan can speed things up, though I have yet to test that theory. Maybe next summer? The finished product wasn’t exactly appetizing, but the experience itself is a true desert rite of passage!

There’s pretty much nothing I love more than abandoned places, so a trip to the Salton Sea always tops my list. Once a luxury vacation destination, the area (about 45 miles southeast of Palm Springs) is now a post-apocalyptic dreamland. Agricultural runoff turned the local waters toxic and subsequent floods forced residents out, leaving behind a hauntingly beautiful, half-deserted/half-populated, thoroughly unique slice of Americana.

Our typical trips consist of full-day ventures down the eastern shoreline, with stops at the North Shore Yacht Club, Bombay Beach (lunch at the Ski Inn is a must!), Salvation Mountain, Slab City, and East Jesus(pictured). Each spot offers its own distinct landscape and flavor – from abandoned homesteads to large-scale installation art. It’s become one of my favorite adventures to share with friends and visitors, and no two trips are ever remotely the same. (For more on each of these places, scroll to the bottom of the Attractions section of Everything Palm Springs.)

This question was posed by Amy Bonaduce (one of my favorite locals to follow) on Instagram last year. I didn’t have an answer at the time (hey, I don’t know everything! 😉) but made a note of it. So when I came across a post from  The Unemployed Eater just a few weeks later praising the nachos at Blackbook, I forwarded it to Amy, who promptly ran out to order the dish and reported back that they are indeed the best in town!

I finally sampled them myself and have to agree – they’re phenomenal! Served “Palm Springs style,” crisped to perfection on individual baking sheets with the freshest of fixings, Blackbook’s nachos set the gold standard in the desert.

This is easily the question I get asked most often — and my answer hasn’t changed since I moved to the Valley: Adobe Grill at La Quinta Resort! The sprawling, tiered patio is nothing short of magical, with pristine mountain views, palm trees stretching as far as the eye can see, and a succession of red-tiled rooflines, all capped by a romantic canopy of twinkle lights. It’s desert ambiance at its finest! 

And the food is just as remarkable. The Enchiladas Verdes are hands-down my favorite meal anywhere, let alone in the Coachella Valley. I crave them regularly and have to pop in at least a couple of times a year to get my fix!

I’d been visiting Palm Springs since the mid-90s and always felt a deep connection to the area. I promised myself that one day, I’d live in California — and specifically, in Palm Springs. After 18 months of isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, I took the disruption as an opportunity to reevaluate my life. I made the decision to follow my dreams and finally made the move.

Absolutely. I’ve loved animals for as long as I can remember — since childhood, really.

I visited a cat café in Charleston, South Carolina in 2019 and was immediately enthralled by the concept. I remember feeling envious of the owner — she had created a life doing something meaningful and joyful every day: caring for rescue cats. That visit planted the seed.

We typically house around twelve cats, though we’ve taken in more during times when our partner, the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, is over capacity.

Guests book a session in the cat lounge to spend time with the cats. I speak with each potential adopter to understand what they’re looking for, then offer guidance on which cat might be the right fit. The process involves a one-page application, which we handle on behalf of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. We collect the shelter’s adoption fee, submit all paperwork, and the adopter gets to take their new furry family member home directly from Frisky Business.

One of my favorite stories is about Socksillini (pictured), a cat considered unadoptable due to his fractious temperament. He had been a long-term resident at the shelter before coming to Frisky Business. Over seven months, we helped him become social and affectionate. Eventually, one of our regular guests adopted him — a true transformation story.

Yes — Monty (pictured)! He was our former CFO (Chief Feline Officer) and a bit of a rebel. He once pulled down the screen doors, escaped the lounge in the middle of the night twice, and even set off the motion sensors — which resulted in police being called. Despite his antics, he had an undeniable bond with me, so I adopted him a year ago. He’s now living his best life at home.

Absolutely. Our Great Catsby Book Club meets monthly to discuss that month’s book and spend time with the cats. It’s grown into a tight-knit group of regulars who’ve been showing up consistently for two years.

Then there’s our cat-assisted Pawcatso Paint Party, which is both playful and interactive. Each guest receives an 8×10 canvas, colorful paints, and step-by-step instructions to create a “blank masterpiece.”

Here’s how it works:

1. You paint a base layer.

2. We seal your canvas in a thick ziplock bag.

3. Then it goes onto the cat lounge floor — with a sprinkle of catnip.

The cats do the rest, pawing and rolling across your artwork to create a one-of-a-kind abstract meow-sterpiece. Every guest leaves with a unique souvenir and a story that never fails to spark joy.

After 20 years in corporate life, something always felt like it was missing — it lacked soul. When I created Frisky Business, I knew I wanted to build something rooted in community, compassion, and service. My motto is: “Serve first, and the money will follow.” That philosophy has guided everything we do, from our Pay-It-Forward wall to our community cat food pantry to becoming a Certified Neurodiverse Workplace.

Vienna coffee and a ginger cookie.

Without a doubt — the community. It’s not just something we talk about; it’s the heart of Frisky Business. Over 50% of our customers are locals and regulars who treat the café like a second home. They don’t just come for the cats or the coffee — they come for each other. It’s become a place where people share stories, exchange advice, support one another, and build genuine friendships.

A beautiful example of this is our hospice cat, Percy (pictured). He lives at Frisky Business and requires medication three times a day, every single day — even on days when we’re closed. Percy takes his medicine hidden in Churu treats, and thanks to the generosity of the local community, we’ve never run short. People regularly drop off Churus just for him. We even have volunteers who step in to help administer his medication, ensuring he receives the care he needs.

It’s moments like these — when the community shows up not just for the café, but for a single cat’s wellbeing — that remind me why we do what we do. The love here is real, and that’s the most rewarding part of all.

Serve first and the money will follow. And above all — never give up. There will be setbacks and red tape. But don’t let that dissuade you. Keep going, keep going, and keep going. It will work out in the end. Don’t quit 6 feet from gold.

Sunrises — waking up to the palm trees and the sunshine every morning is magical.

Shrimp Scampi at Sammy G’s and a basket of warm sourdough bread. (Pictured – Sammy G’s main dining room.)

Gabino’s Creperie in Palm Springs and Indio (pictured) is a favorite. And for outdoor adventure — hiking from the top of the Palm Springs Tram to Idyllwild is absolutely breathtaking. It’s a six-hour hike, but worth every step.

There’s no food I love more than chicken strips — the thinner, the better — so when I first sampled schnitzel on a trip to Switzerland years ago, I was instantly hooked. (I love it so much, we even named one of our cats Schnitzel!) You can imagine my delight upon discovering Alps Village, which specializes in the dish and was recently named by USA Today as one of the best restaurants in the country! Its schnitzel did not disappoint — nor did the spätzle, mashed potatoes, or jäger sauce! From the warm, welcoming owners to the extensive menu and absolutely delicious food, everything about the place is perfekt!

When local photographer Bre Flores generously reached out to offer new headshots recently, it felt like such a serendipitous connection — especially when she suggested using La Quinta Resort(one of my favorite spots) as our backdrop! We met up one particularly humid August morning, and despite the intense temps, Bre captured some truly beautiful shots. Warm, engaging, and relaxed, she immediately put me at ease as we wandered the hotel’s gorgeous grounds, chatting and posing away. Not only did I end up with photos I love — I also made a new friend. If you’re in need of portraits — or photography of any kind — I can’t recommend her enough.

I’ve always been an avid reader, but lately, have found myself in a bit of a rut. So Baby’s Marché’s new Blind Date with a Book nook felt like the perfect antidote. The concept is as charming as it sounds: each book is wrapped in paper (obscuring the title) and bundled with a sweet handful of goodies — pen, highlighter, sprig of lavender! — with a brief description and Goodreads rating included, making the unwrapping all part of the fun — and far more exciting than simply adding to cart on Amazon! I chose a mystery/thriller (my favorite genre) and was delighted to uncover The Lost Apothecary. It’s quickly proving the perfect cure for my reading slump, not to mention keeping me up far past my bedtime! The deli is also set to launch a virtual book club soon, so stay tuned.

My friend Heidi and I stumbled upon this charming vintage shop tucked down a quaint Palm Springs alleyway a few weeks back and instantly felt like we’d been transported to a Parisian haberdashery of yesteryear! Teeming with exquisite vintage treasures — each personally hand-selected and imported from Europe by the owner, Sophie, who speaks with the most delightful French turns of phrase — every piece is prettier than the last. From dresses and heels to purses and hats (all seemingly plucked straight from Mrs. Maisel’s closet), if you love vintage finds, Sophie of Paris is a must-visit.

I’ve long dreamed of giving my powder room a Palm Springs-inspired makeover — complete with this pink wallpaper (so Everything-Palm-Springs-coded, amiright?) and a mix of framed desert-themed prints hung about. So when I came across (BY) ALEISHA’S Other Desert Citiesillustrations at Mojave Flea Trading Post recently, I snapped one up — despite having no immediate reno plans. When the time comes, though, the piece will add the perfect pop of color and whimsy to my powder room, especially alongside this vintage menu art I have my eye on!

This question comes from my friend Nicole (artist, community leader, and founder of Botanical Verbiage, whom I  spotlighted back in April), and it’s honestly a tough one — I’m something of a professional celebrity spotter and have crossed paths with a number of stars over my decade and a half in the desert. Some memorable encounters include Kirsten Dunst at the Palm Springs airport, Matthew Modine at the now-defunct Peabody’s Café, Scott Bakula shopping on Palm Canyon, Huey Lewis at the JW Marriott Desert Springs, Chris Harrison at a lacrosse tournament, and everyone from Salma Hayek to Bono at the Palm Springs Film Festival. (My pic with the latter even made it into the pages of The Desert Sun!)

But my favorite — though not necessarily most famous — celebrity run-in was with Luke Perry, whom I met at a golf tournament back in 2013. To say I was obsessed with Beverly Hills, 90210 growing up is an understatement, and of all the actors on it, Luke held the biggest piece of my heart. So when I heard he’d be appearing at The Warburton, I was there front and center to meet him.

And he could not have been nicer! When I asked for a photograph, he replied, “Of course, darlin’! That’s why we’re here this weekend!” (I mean, swoon!) After we took the pic, I couldn’t resist telling him he was my childhood crush and he responded by grabbing his heart and kissing me on the cheek. Despite being nearly 40 and married at the time, that kiss had me reverting right back to my 14-year-old self. My heart fluttered, my knees buckled, and I honestly thought I might pass out — so much so that my husband guided me toward a chair and told me to put my head between my legs.

All those years later, Luke still had that effect — and meeting him goes down as one of my favorite desert moments ever, made even more poignant following his untimely passing in 2019.

Yes! Speaking of Nicole, she also has a truly wonderful Little Free Library: La Quinta Cove Haus, located at 53251½ Avenida Velasco (Charter #118549). The charming nook, lovingly handcrafted by her family, is a miniature version of her actual home, with a roof and chimney adorned with more than 400 hand-cut and hand-laid tiles made from terra cotta pots.

In 2021, the Cove Haus was recognized as a Little Free Library of Distinction for its “unique design, creative outreach to friends and neighbors, and the enthusiasm of its stewards and patrons.” Regularly updated and refilled — and often adorned with seasonal décor and sprinkled with fun little surprises (just yesterday, Nicole tucked fresh roses among the stacks for visitors to take home!) — the repository is stocked with an “eclectic” mix of mysteries, children’s stories, spiritual selections, and self-help tomes. It’s an enchanting spot to pick up a new read and drop off a previously loved one.

P.S. If you’re ever looking for Little Free Libraries near you, the organization’s website features an interactive map showcasing locations across the world.

Sadly, I’m diabetic and don’t venture out for date shakes very often, though I have sampled my fair share over the years and do have a definitive favorite: Shields Date Garden’s version of the classic treat, recognized by California’s 56th Assembly District as The Official Date Shake of Riverside County!

Thick and creamy, it’s the addition of Shield’s signature date crystals — which give the drinks an unexpected (and thoroughly delicious) crunch — that sets them apart for me.

Not to mention, visiting Shields is an experience in and of itself! Packed with date-centric delicacies, nostalgic toys, and fun décor, it’s a fabulous place to pick up gifts. While you’re there, don’t miss The Romance and Sex Life of the Date, a quirky film detailing the fruit’s cultivation, shown regularly in the on-site theater.

I was asked this question at my last Leadership Coachella Valley session by a classmate lamenting the lack of age-appropriate clothing options for 30-somethings in the desert — and I felt her pain! That void seemed especially prominent when I first moved to the Valley many moons back. Fortunately, it’s much less of an issue today, thanks to some stellar additions to the local shopping scene.

My favorites include:

Kaylie Nicole (El Paseo) — A highly curated selection of both timeless and trendy staples in classic monochromatic hues, all offered at an unbelievable price point in an absolutely gorgeous setting (pictured). Also expect fun pop-ups on the regular — and literally the kindest owner you’ll ever meet!

Songbird & Sage (El Paseo) — A vibrant mix of colorful resort wear, evening ensembles, and whimsical accessories — all truly unique pieces you won’t find anywhere else. (I’m currently obsessing over this dress!) Owner Tatiana is a true gem, too.

Mimi & Rae (La Quinta) — My go-to for the cutest professional attire. I can’t seem to walk into the Old Town boutique without finding some must-have item, much to my husband’s dismay. The eponymous mother-daughter owners are also absolute delights. (Fun fact: Mimi was the first-ever subject of this newsletter’s Spotlight On series!)

Roam.e (La Quinta) — A delightful blend of boho-chic resort wear and casual ensembles (think prints, flowy dresses and breezy tops), plus some of the best locally sourced, desert-inspired gifts (including Mijo Co. candles, La Quinta sweatshirts, cactus slippers, and palm tree onesies). And owner Cherry is an absolute dear!

Notice a theme here? Great stores, yes — but even greater owners who make shopping in the desert such a joy.

In the spirit of spooky season — and because I’m a total true crime junkie who gets asked about local cases all the time — I had to include this question. And my answer is a doozy!

It all goes back to 1995, when B-movie maker Al Adamson — the mind behind such cinematic fare as Satan’s Sadists, Hell’s Bloody Devils, Five Bloody Graves, and Brain of Blood — met a fate as dark as anything he’d ever filmed when he was bludgeoned to death inside his Indio home by his live-in contractor, Fred Fulford — who, it turned out, had been using Adamson’s credit cards with abandon for his own expenses.

But that’s not the truly bizarre part.

In a twist that could have been ripped straight from one of Adamson’s own low-budget thrillers, following the killing, Fulford tore up the filmmaker’s beloved indoor hot tub, tossed his body in the hole, and covered it over with four tons of concrete before fleeing to Florida — in Adamson’s car.

It didn’t take long for things to unravel. Adamson’s brother soon reported him missing and alerted police to the torn-up tub, which he was certain Al never would have removed himself. When investigators uncovered the body, the story became instant tabloid fodder, inspiring lurid headlines like: “HORROR DIRECTOR SLAIN, ENTOMBED BENEATH HIS TUB!” and “ADAMSON DEATH WAS LIKE SCENE FROM A FILM!” Fulford was promptly tracked down, arrested, and tried. It took a jury less than two hours to convict him of the slaying.

While Adamson’s Indio house no longer stands (it’s now just a dusty vacant lot off Avenue 48 at the southeast end of Croquet Court), I can’t help but think of the slain director — and his bizarre end — whenever I’m in the area.

Want to take a deeper dive? The documentary Blood & Flesh: The Reel Life and Ghastly Death of Al Adamson (streaming on Pluto TV, Tubi, and Amazon Prime) brilliantly covers the case, complete with photos of the director’s former Indio home — including that ill-fated Jacuzzi room.

My husband Chris and I were living in San Francisco and bought a PS condo in late 2019, which we intended to be a rental property. We spent the next few months fixing it up, and on March 1, 2020, it was “ready to rent.” Two weeks later, the City of San Francisco was one of the first in the nation to shut everything down for COVID. We decided that sheltering in Palm Springs with more indoor and outdoor space than we had in SF made sense. As COVID dragged on, and Palm Springs began to feel more like home, we decided to make the move full-time.

While meeting up for drinks with our friends Gillian and Sierra (pictured), we all started to lament over the lack of interesting wine/liquor shops in town, as well as the lack of access to products from LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and women entrepreneurs. This is a larger issue that goes beyond Palm Springs. Over the next few months, we began to explore options and developed the idea of a shop that featured those products. And PSBS was born.

This community has been very supportive of our mission and we are thrilled! Palm Springs Bottle Shop is focused on brands created and led by Women, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and makers. We use a system of dots to color-code every product we sell so that the customer knows who they’re supporting. We also have a “dot” for brands that benefit/hire people with disabilities and brands that are generally doing Social Good.

We consider Palm Springs Bottle Shop to be a “modern-day corner store;” it was always our plan to feature specialty foods and lifestyle accessories to help people enjoy their stay in Palm Springs. Our Mojave Flea location is focused on poolside fun – we’ve got pool floats and organic turkish pool towels, and unbreakable wine glasses to pair with your beer and wine. Our Market Market location (pictured) sells spirits in addition to beer and wine, and it’s more cocktail and grocery focused. We stock barware, mixers, and pantry goods for quick, easy dinners to share in the house you’ve rented for the week – or weekend.

There are so many amazing, creative people making great stuff all over the world, and the internet has made it easy for retailers to connect with makers. By keeping our search concentrated on women, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ creators, we’re able to support these under-represented groups by introducing their products to our customers.

My go-to cocktail is a classic gin & tonic, and my favorite gin right now is FUTURE GIN. It is a queer, woman-owned gin that represents California: bright, bountiful, forward-thinking.

We have a huge selection of NA options at all our locations. When I’m not in the mood for alcohol, I’ll grab a canned mocktail from Aplós or Parch.

Modern Bloc’s dish towels are stylish, functional, practical, and mid-century inspired.

The Pink Bar is Market Market’s event space and brainchild. We pop up there about once a month with frozen boozy-slushies and glasses of wine. Oftentimes, there are also food and coffee pop-ups and a DJ spinning.

The seasonality of Palm Springs is extreme, and it’s very hard on a lot of small businesses. The difference in foot traffic between “High Season” and the rest of the year means sales drop drastically in the off-season. Be prepared for this/plan ahead.

ALSO – note to Locals: Your patronage at small, local stores really matters and makes a huge difference. Please go out of your way to shop SMALL and LOCAL, especially in the summer.

Early Spring. It’s always so cool to be lying by the pool while you can see snow on the mountains beyond the palm trees in the foreground.

El Mirasol (pictured) – their enchiladas and chiles rellenos meet all the comfort food requirements from my childhood in El Paso.

Three of our favorite local small businesses: Covet, Bobo Palm Springs (pictured), and Phylum.

This 12-by-20-foot steel arachnid-like sculpture stands sentinel across from the Palm Springs Art Museum — the latest in Cathedral City–based artist Ryan Campbell’s Crawler series. While the name might seem a nod to its tarantula-like form, Campbell explains it actually references the statue’s poised appearance, as if caught mid-motion, ready to “get up and crawl away.” Coated in iridescent black paint, Crawler shifts in color as you move around it, flashing shades of deep green, purple, and blue, creating a mesmerizing, almost otherworldly, wholly immersive effect.

Spanning Museum Way in downtown Palm Springs, this temporary installation comes courtesy of sister city San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Created by artist Daniel “Mestiz” Valero, Deriva Floral — meaning “Floral Drift” — features 36 massive fuchsia blooms draped over and dotting the roadway, forming a cheerful vignette of color and joy. On view through the end of the month, the “immersive, Instagram-worthy”work celebrates cross-cultural connection by “building bridges across languages, customs, and generations.” 

This rainbow-clad display is the work of prolific Palm Springs artist Jim Isermann. Bearing the look of a kaleidocycle, the spirited piece brings together three mainstays of LGBTQ+ symbolism — triangles, rainbows, and lambdas — cutting a dynamic figure at the edge of Frances Stevens Park. Appearing to fold in on itself, the installation is a dazzling play of movement, color, and light, beautifully honoring the city’s rich LGBTQ+ history and community.

Turtles are my favorite animal, so this charming new sculpture on display at North Jackson Park in Indio holds a special place in my heart. Created by artist Peter Hazel, the 20-foot-long tortoise is fashioned from recycled glass and handmade ceramic tiles in rich purple and teal hues. With its friendly expression and piercing cerulean eyes, the mosaic reptile seemingly watches over its grassy surroundings, inviting parkgoers to pause, explore, and bask in its sweet presence.

This new mural gracing Indio’s Fred Waring Bridge was created by visual artist Hervey Garcia. Spanning 604 feet on each side, the installation draws inspiration from Eadweard Muybridge’s 1878 Horse in Motion experiments. Utilizing kinetic mechanical movement, the mural comes to life when recorded via smart phone, the lens magically transforming the static imagery into galloping horses and birds in flight. Composed of 700 frames and 556 hand-stenciled figures, the mural’s effect is best experienced while driving at around 35 miles per hour. (Safety reminder: only passengers should be filming.)

I’m all about an independent bookstore, so I’ve long been a fan of this spot — the Valley’s sole indie option! — owned by married local authors Paul Bradley Carr and Sarah Lacy. After a disheartening A/C debacle this past summer (which sparked a full-blown community rescue effort), the store has relocated to a new, even more charming site in the historic La Plaza center. It’s definitely worth a visit if you haven’t been! While there, be sure not to miss the staff picks table — always my favorite corner to peruse. Bonus: I hear Paul’s  latest book is an absolutely thrilling ride!

Join me in wishing bienvenue to Les Filles (French for “the girls”)! Launched in June by the wife-and-wife team of Candice Levy and Paola Balbini, who hail from France and Italy, respectively, the menu blends the best of both countries’ cuisines — pastries, gourmet sandwiches, and other sumptuous delicacies handmade fresh each morning. My mom recently tried her first cornetto here — the Italian cousin to a croissant — which was perfectly flaked with the subtlest hint of orange blossom. Not only is the fare sublime, but Candice and Paola are some of the friendliest hosts around, even sending me home with a massive loaf of their signature focaccia on my first visit! Fun fact: the duo met 18 years ago while vacationing in the desert — at a bar just steps from the spot where they now run their café!

On paper, I’m not exactly this Old Town boutique’s target demographic — I’m neither a golfer nor very active (my exercise routine consists solely of nightly walks while listening to true crime podcasts). But my friend Heididragged me in recently and I was immediately smitten! Alexandrite Active & Golf Wear carries a range of sporty ensembles perfect for walking, plus my favorite flip flops, Archies (which I practically live in!), and an entire section devoted to Liverpool, a brand I was previously unfamiliar with but am now officially obsessed! Think affordable, classically adorable professional wear. The shop is definitely worth a visit — even for decidedly not-sporty types like me.

Craving some pumpkin spice? ’Tis definitely the season, and no one is delivering better right now than Cali Rosina Tea Shop, thanks to their delicious pumpkin matcha! Handcrafted with ceremonial grade matcha, real pumpkin purée, warm spices, and raw agave — then topped with their signature plant-based pumpkin cold foam — each sip tastes like a slice of pumpkin pie in a cup. I tried one on the recommendation of my friend (and realtor extraordinaire) Jolie Leydekkers, and even though I’m diabetic and could only sample a small bit, it was absolutely worth the extra insulin! If you want to try one for yourself, act fast — the offering is a seasonal special that disappears after Thanksgiving.  Bonus: the tea shop has a whole lineup of festive treats — and the holiday décor couldn’t be cuter!

If you love music and wine, this vinyl listening bar in Indio is for you! Intimate, dimly lit, and moody in all the right ways, a friend and I popped in one recent cold, rainy night and were immediately warmed. With Japanese jazz spinning on the turntables, natural wines flowing, and plenty of tucked-away spaces to listen and sip, the place proved the perfect kind of cozy. We wound up chatting the night away with owner Adrian Romero (who is also behind local favorite Hermano Flower Shop) and our fellow barmates, feeling more like we were in a chic friend’s living room than a downtown Indio bar. With different tunes being spun nightly and specially curated events held on the regular, no two visits to this local hotspot are ever the same.

I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: chicken strips are my all-time favorite food. (I’m definitely a “most likely to order off the kids’ menu” kind of gal.) So when I learned that my friend Cherry — owner of fave store Roam.e in Old Town La Quinta — shares my love of the dish, it was like finding a kindred spirit.

Naturally, when she asked who makes the best strips in the desert, I had an immediate answer: The Local on 50th.

I first tried the tenders earlier this year while attending the Indio eatery’s weekly trivia night and devoured them in about two seconds. Since then, I’ve chosen the restaurant—and its strips—for every special occasion I’ve celebrated: my birthday in June, wedding anniversary in August, and plenty of random nights out in between.

Housemade to order, perfectly crisped, and served with their signature cheesy fries (which are equally excellent!), no other tenders in the desert can compare!

This question comes from my Instagram friend @marryb (one of my favorite locals to follow), who is looking to get festively creative this holiday season. And I’m happy to report there are four upcoming events that fit the bill:

Wine + Wreaths at Boozehounds
with local floral artist Lucie Doughty of The House of Florals
Dec 4th, 7–9 p.m. | $50
Fresh seasonal greens, ribbon & decorative items included — plus half-off wine & wine flights all night.

ItsLunaVisuals’ DIY Wreath Workshop at Canvas Palm Springs
Dec 6th, 2–5 p.m. | $65
Greens, ribbons & ornaments included.

TresRosas Floral’s Holiday Wreath Workshop at Rutina Coffee
Dec 6th, 6:30–8:30 p.m. | $55
Dried florals, fresh greens & your coffee drink of choice included.

Wreaths, Bagels & Mimosas at the Mizell Center
also led by Lucie Doughty of The House of Florals
Dec 7th, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.| $65 members / $85 non-members
Bagels, mimosas & all needed materials included.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned DIY-er, these workshops are a perfect way to kick off the holiday season!

While talking local delis with my good friend — and the queen of all things historical in the Coachella Valley — Kim, she hit me with this question. Though I’m not much of an adventurous eater (see the chicken strip question above), I take my sandwiches very seriously. And among the many fabulous delis dotted throughout the desert, I have a definitive favorite: the French Ham & Brie from the Wine & Cheese Shop on El Paseo!

I literally dream about this sandwich — and I don’t typically like ham! But the Wine & Cheese Shop’s Jambon de Paris is delicately sliced, deliciously flavored, and layered most sublimely with French double-cream brie and a pineapple conserve inspired by the holiday hams of owner Jen Iglehart’s childhood, all tucked into a buttery croissant. Calling it divine is not hyperbole.

I can’t tell you how many times I was asked this during our recent wet spell. My top pick for a rainy day activity in the Valley? A Taking of the Waters day pass at The Spa at Séc-he, which also happens to be my go-to gift for local loved ones.

The state-of-the-art, 73,000-square-foot facility in downtown Palm Springs sits atop an ancient hot mineral spring stewarded by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. Since opening in 2023, it’s earned countless accolades, including #1 Spa in the U.S. by Spas of America, #2 Best Day Spa in the Nation by USA Today, and Best Spa in Palm Springs by Palm Springs Life.

While the wellness center offers an impressive menu of treatments — massages, facials, cryotherapy, IV therapy, body scrubs, manicures, and more — you can spend countless hours simply enjoying the day pass, which grants access to 22 private mineral baths, a fitness center, salt caves, halotherapy rooms, two pools, a eucalyptus steam room, a menthol inhalation sauna, a cold experience shower, an earthing zone, a café, and a poolside bar. It’s a lovely escape — rain or shine.

Other fun rainy day ideas:

• Cozy up with a book and warm drink by the fireplace at The Rowan Hotel’s Window Bar.
• Partake of the many events at the Rancho Mirage Library — my mom recently spent two rainy Fridays in a row enjoying a film lecture series there.
• Go ice skating at the Berger Foundation Iceplex.
• Explore The Estate Sale Co., a sprawling, 100,000-square-foot family-owned desert staple comprising nearly an entire block of indoor antique shopping, with everything from art to furnishings up for grabs — perfect for wet-weather wandering.

The Salton Sea seems to be top of mind for everyone in my orbit lately—from local friends asking about its current state to a pal in Atlanta who texted me a link to a podcast covering its history just last week. So . . . what is the Salton Sea, exactly? And is it even still there?

The Salton Sea (which isn’t actually a sea at all, but an endorheic lake) is a geographical anomaly, unintentionally created in 1905 during what the fabulous documentary Miracle in the Desert: The Rise and Fall of the Salton Sea (recently recommended by yet another friend) calls “one of the greatest engineering disasters of modern American history.” Simply put, the lake formed when poorly constructed irrigation canals — built to carry Colorado River water into the newly formed Imperial Valley — overflowed during a massive two-year flood, inundating the surrounding basin.

The Sea went on to become a buzzing mid-century tourist destination, but rising salinity, fish die-offs, frequent flooding, and that infamous sulfur smell led to its eventual decline in the 1970s. Today, the lake and the communities surrounding it face a deeply uncertain future.

But yes—the sea is very much still there. In fact, it remains California’s largest lake, spanning over 343 square miles (nearly twice the size of Lake Tahoe!). That said, it’s currently shrinking at an alarming rate—about 1.3 million acre-feet of water each year, according to the Salton Sea Authority—due to Colorado River water reallocations. Left unaddressed, the evaporation and toxic dust left behind on the dried lakebed could have potentially catastrophic impacts on the Imperial Valley, the Coachella Valley, and beyond.

Curious to learn more? I highly recommend Miracle in the Desert (available to rent on Amazon Prime). It makes for a fascinating and absolutely sobering watch.

If exterior illumination is your thing, this Cathedral City enclave should be at the top of your holiday to-do list. The roughly 40 homes lining the quaint one-block Minerva Road don’t just go all out for the season—they go in, around, and utterly beyond, creating a full-blown holiday extravaganza! Candy canes, twinkle lights, miniature trains, gingerbread houses, towering Santas . . . every inch is joyfully over the top. It’s a sparkling spectacle sure to satisfy all the Clark W. Griswolds in your life.

LOTUS GARDEN CENTER
A florist isn’t exactly the first place that comes to mind when thinking about Christmas decorations, but this spot—tucked just off El Paseo—transforms into a veritable winter wonderland come December. Hustling and bustling with décor galore, exquisite Yuletide-themed treasures, and red-and-green merriment of every sort and shape, each room is more beautifully adorned than the last. It’s also my go-to for the jolliest holiday-inspired hostess gifts around.

A clothing boutique the majority of the year, this spot hurtles into full Holiday Headquarters mode each Yuletide season, its halls thoroughly decked with boughs of holly, twinkling lights, baskets of ornaments, and a variety of festive evergreens—all available for purchase. (Yes, that includes the trees!) Bonus—the Nicole team will also come to your house to trim your holiday firs for you! And be sure not to miss the side courtyard, equally dressed to the nines, for even more festive finds.

Beautiful any time of year, this park next to La Quinta City Hall truly comes alive in December, when all 17.5 acres glimmer with merry lights. The charming esplanade makes for an enchanting evening stroll, with pathways that wind over twinkle-lit bridges, beneath canopies of glittering snowflakes, and past towering palm trees and glowing, larger-than-life holiday vignettes—offering a delightfully desert-flavored over-the-river-and-through-the-woods experience.

This is the spot where Frank Capra penned his 1946 classic It’s a Wonderful Life, so it’s only fitting that the resort goes all out for the season, with holiday finery strung around every nook and cranny and a dazzling 50-foot tree (the Valley’s tallest!) at the center of it all. Each Saturday, visitors can also enjoy roasted chestnuts, dessert demos, and holiday movies under the stars. As an added treat, the La Quinta Historical Society is hosting its annual tour of the hotel, led by longtime GM and genuine gem of a human Judy Vossler, on the 13th. I can’t wait to see the historic property through her eyes! Tickets and more info can be found here.