Author: lindsay

  • Kaufmann House

    Kaufmann House

    470 WEST VISTA CHINO
    PALM SPRINGS

    One of the most famous residences in the world (let alone Palm Springs!), the Kaufmann House was designed by Richard Neutra in 1946. Famed photographer Julius Shulman’s 1947 images of the place turned it into a landmark virtually overnight, and it has gone on to become one of the most photographed pads in history – so much so that when it was listed for sale with Christie’s auction house in 2007, it was categorized not as a piece of real estate, but a work of art! The property also boasts a handful of non-architectural claims to fame – not only did singer Barry Manilow call it home for several years, but it appeared prominently as Chris Pine’s pad in 2022’s “Don’t Worry Darling.”

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  • St. Theresa Catholic Church

    St. Theresa Catholic Church

    2800 RAMON ROAD
    PALM SPRINGS

    This stunning sanctuary is the work of architect William F. Cody. Erected in 1968 and eloquently described by ”Explorer’s Guide” as ”a modernist contemplation of a Gothic cathedral,” the church is a marvel, featuring sloping walls that cinematically curve upward toward a soaring wood-beamed ceiling. Cody, who crafted everything from the structure’s stained glass windows to the baptismal font, was recognized by the Golden Palms Award Committee for his design, which garnered quite a celebrity following, with everyone from Bob and Dolores Hope to Loretta Young attending mass on the modernist premises. Sonny Bono’s funeral was even hosted at St. Theresa’s following his untimely death in 1998, as was Cody’s in 1978, just a decade after the church’s completion.

    Webiste

  • Palm Springs City Hall

    Palm Springs City Hall

    3200 EAST TAHQUITZ CANYON WAY
    PALM SPRINGS

    Designed by powerhouse architects Albert Frey, E. Stewart Williams, John Porter Clark and Robson C. Chambers, Palm Springs City Hall was constructed over a period of five years beginning in 1952. The one-story concrete block structure is fronted by a handsome brise-soleil forged from aluminum piping and a massive canopy complete with a circular cutout through which three towering palms grow. The striking visage is an impeccable reflection of the city’s modernist heritage.

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  • Shields Date Garden Gift Shop

    Shields Date Garden Gift Shop

    780225 CA-111
    INDIO

    Tchotchkes and spices and candies, oh my! This gift shop, located at Shields Date Garden, is bursting at the seams with all manner of date ephemera (including the company’s beloved date crystals), but there is plenty more to be had, such as t-shirts, books, mugs, magnets, signs and a plethora of retro novelty items. Reminiscent of the roadside stands of yesteryear, you’ll also find nostalgic games (Highway Bingo, anyone?) and plenty of other trinkets to keep kids busy on long car rides. It’s a must-stop when in town.

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  • Madison Gardens

    Madison Gardens

    48575 MADISON STREET
    INDIO

    This longtime Valley nursery (it originally opened in 1979!) was recently acquired by new owners and given a full-blown glow-up. The 4-acre garden center features flowers, plants, and cacti of every size, shape, and color, a plethora of pretty pots, a conservatory with gorgeous displays, a coffee kiosk with a sunny patio, an arrangement bar, and a high-end gift shop. When it comes to all things flora and fauna, Madison Gardens has you covered!

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  • Modern Hippie Interiors

    Modern Hippie Interiors

    49870 JEFFERSON STREET, SUITE 104
    INDIO

    This high-end gift shop/design studio is endlessly charming! Stocked with highly unique, upscale gifts and décor, this is the place to head when on the hunt for a present for that hard-to-buy-for friend. Offering everything from cards to candles to pillows to furnishings to whimsical accessories, there’s something for everyone here. The boutique also provides professional interior design services for those seeking to re-create Modern Hippie’s stylishly warm ambiance at home.

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  • Mimi & Rae

    Mimi & Rae

    78010 MAIN STREET, SUITE 101
    LA QUINTA

    Catering to a young professional demographic (an innovative and much-needed concept in the Coachella Valley!) with a “West Coast minimalist chic” aesthetic, this boutique’s offerings are sophisticated, stylish and shockingly affordable. From basics like classic tees and jeans to upscale cocktail dresses and even festival attire, the mother-and-daughter-owned shop is chock full of adorable options (most selected from female-owned, Los Angeles-based lines), and the inventory is updated regularly, so stepping inside is always a new experience!

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  • Coco Rose

    Coco Rose

    78065 MAIN STREET, SUITE 102
    LA QUINTA

    Bright, colorful and sourced mainly from Bali, Coco Rose features some of the area’s most beautiful goods. Started by a mother-daughter team who vacation regularly on the Indonesian island, the establishment stocks necklaces, bracelets, earrings, purses, hats, cover-ups, dresses, home décor and other bohemian treasures – many handmade by Balinese artisans. It’s a great place to pick up presents for jewelry-obsessed friends. The company also has numerous sister shops in the area, so you’re never far from a Coco Rose fix anywhere in the Valley!

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  • Roam.E Boutique

    Roam.E Boutique

    78010 MAIN STREET, SUITE 106
    LA QUINTA

    A delightful clothing, jewelry, gift, and card shop with a decided farmer’s market vibe, this newish spot (it opened in 2022) boasts a splendid selection of fashionable finds, many hand-crafted by local vendors and artists. Attractively arranged, reasonably priced and geared toward the desert’s younger set, Roam.e Boutique is an extremely welcome addition to the desert’s shopping scene.

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  • Old Town La Quinta

    Old Town La Quinta

    78100 MAIN STREET
    LA QUINTA

    With a bevy of restaurants and shops, as well as a fabulous Sunday morning farmer’s market and monthly art show, one can easily while away countless hours at this charming plaza. My favorite stores are detailed individually below, but additional not-to-miss spots include Main Street Coffee (featured in my Coffee section above), Stuft Pizza (listed in my Happy Hour section), La Quinta Olive Oil Company, and elizabeth & prince.

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