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This question comes from my neighbor and friend Liz (of Shuffle Fine Cards), who has been gluten-free for years but loves dining out — and luckily, the Coachella Valley has plenty of great options for her to indulge.

A few of my picks:

Alps Village (pictured) – Pretty much everything on the menu at this German/Bavarian gem (one of my favorite desert eateries!) is available in a gluten-free variation — from spaetzle to pizza to schnitzel — all of it absolutely delicious and made fresh on-site daily!

Stuft – My pick for the best gluten-free pizza around. My neighbors have ordered it for various get-togethers and it’s never been anything short of fabulous.

Zin American Bistro – Easily my favorite downtown PS restaurant, this staple offers a solid selection of gluten-free options, including pastas and burgers. Don’t miss the Mushroom Truffle Soup or the Seasonal Burrata Salad — both naturally gluten-free and absolutely divine.

Grapefruit Basil – Located inside the Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort in Indian Wells, this place boasts a menu packed with gluten-free dishes — plus plenty of items that can be easily modified. My favorite? The naturally gluten-free Spaghetti Squash entrée, featuring roasted mushrooms, lemon Parmigiano-Reggiano broth, Campari tomatoes, sweet corn, Bloomsdale spinach, and pistachio gremolata.

Chef Tanya’s Kitchen – Everything at this fully vegan eatery (with locations in both Palm Springs and Palm Desert) somehow tastes just as good as the real thing! And there is also plenty of gluten-free fare on the menu. I’m partial to the Egg-y Salad, while my friend Heidi (of Lucky Linqs) swears by the Bahn Mi & You sandwich, both GF. Be sure to hit up the onsite Kreamery for the best GF/vegan ice cream and coffee in town!

Grill-A-Burger – This “hamburger heaven,” famously featured on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives, offers truly stellar burgers and hot dogs on equally stellar GF buns! Pretty much everything is made in-house, with tons of customization options, including chicken, turkey and veggie patties — plus plenty of vegetarian and vegan choices, as well.

Wildest – While I haven’t actually been here yet, I’ve heard nothing but great things about this Palm Desert eatery. The menu features a smorgasbord of inventive gluten-free (not to mention vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, nut-free, and seed-free) options — from English Pea & Black Truffle Ravioli to Oyster Mushroom Fried “Chicken” to Braised Beef Short Ribs.

This question comes from my foodie friend Cherry (of Old Town La Quinta’s Roam.e) and I didn’t hesitate with my answer — the chocolate chip cookies at Bar Cecil!

Homemade and served warm straight from the oven, these cookies are perfectly crispy on the outside and perfectly chewy inside. A side of McConnell’s vanilla ice cream — a pairing recommended by our genius server — is the perfect complement.

And yes — I did once make myself a bit sick overdoing it on this dessert. Zero regrets. Completely worth it.

This question was posed by Rae (of Old Town La Quinta’s Mimi & Rae), who had a friend visiting in December and wanted to know my favorite spots to experience the desert in all its glory.

A few of my go-tos include:

The Living Desert – One of my local happy places. Nothing beats a day spent walking the paths of this top-notch zoo and conservation center.

Sunnylands Center & Gardens (pictured) – Another desert happy place of mine. (Do I need to do a whole newsletter on this topic?) A stroll through the stunning gardens — which are free to visit — followed by lunch or coffee at the on-site café is always a crowd pleaser. 

Barbara Bar – Whimsical, over-the-top, and fabulously pink, this watering hole serves up seriously tasty bites and sips — and (bonus!) it’s a filming location! (Reservations required.)

Flannery Exchange – My favorite Palm Springs shopping destination! I love popping in, grabbing a latte from Cafe La Jefe and browsing the fab boutiques, including Bobo Palm Springs, Covet, Bean Goods and Los Angeleaves.

High Bar – Cocktails at this open-air rooftop bar come with some of the best views of downtown Palm Springs. Always a win with visitors.

Robolights – An only-in-Palm-Springs sight that has to be seen to be believed. While private tours are available, plenty of the massive art installation (created entirely from trash and scrap materials), which stands on the grounds of a private house in the Movie Colony neighborhood, can be enjoyed right from the street.

Windmills –  A guided Windmill Tour is always a great adventure, but if time doesn’t allow, there are stellar views to be had of the massive turbines from the surrounding roads. A drive around to see them up close and personal is never short of awe-inspiring.

The Judy Show – One of my all-time favorite desert experiences! Legendary entertainer and celebrity impersonator Michael Holmes stars in this hilariously irreverent dinner show filled with music, comedy, and fabulous cuisine, hosted at the iconic Purple Room — a former Rat Pack hangout.

Copley’s – A little slice of Hollywood right here in the desert. This fine-dining spot once served as Cary Grant’s off-site guest quarters and now dishes up excellent food and cocktails. Even just stopping in for drinks makes for a memorable experience.

Sherman’s Deli & Bakery – One of my favorite lunch (the club sandwich is spectacular!) and dessert staples that’s always a hit with visitors. Bonus: gluten-free bread and other GF options are available.

Had you asked me this last week,  PS Air Bar would have topped the list — but it sadly closed just days ago (RIP to one of my favorite local spots). Thankfully, the Coachella Valley boasts a plethora of whimsically themed and visually stunning places to sip and dine.

The Pink Cabana (pictured) – This gorgeous, blush-hued spot was designed by Martyn Lawrence Bullard as a nod to the tennis clubs of yesteryear — and it’s just as chic & Instagrammable as you’d imagine.

Barbara Bar – Another mention of this more-is-more pink paradise fashioned by designer Dani Dazey — but I love it that much. Bold, playful, and wildly photogenic. (Reservations required.)

Bootlegger Tiki – A Polynesian paradise housed in the former location of legendary bar Don the Beachcomber (another Rat Pack hangout!). Classic tiki vibes done right with a pairing of Hollywood history. 

Bar Issi – A White Lotus–inspired maximalist gem with its wallpaper game firmly on lock, designed by Tom Parker of Fettle.

Italica – A design-forward downtown Indio speakeasy serving fabulous food and drinks in a moody, intimate setting. (Reservations recommended.)

Bar Cecil – A true masterwork of both brilliant design and cuisine, with fine art and cheeky collectibles lining the walls. Pro tip: don’t miss the bathroom. (Reservations highly recommended – this place is usually booked months out.)

The Tropicale – A stylish, punchy throwback to the supper clubs of yesteryear — with cocktails that match the vibe.

Bar Valerie – Fashioned by my friend (and designer extraordinaire) David Rios, this swank watering hole at Palm Springs’ Velvet Rope hotel channels over-the-top Old Hollywood glamour in all the right ways! (Currently only open Thursdays for Cabaret L’Amour.)

Canopy Wine Lounge – Outfitted by Christopher Kennedy, this is easily one of the desert’s most stylish spots to sip wine and unwind.

Billy Reed’s – Flush with oversized booths, rich red accents, and Tiffany-style lamps galore, this Palm Springs landmark is like Disneyland in the desert – and I mean that in the best possible way.

Del Rey – An intimately beautiful watering hole tucked inside the stunning Villa Royale hotel, which is rumored to have once been home to Olympic figure skater Sonja Henie.

The Red Barn – Recently revamped to the absolute nines, this stunner has it all — from Liberace’s former lamps to art from the Autry Museum to dramatically flocked wallpaper. (Be sure to check out the fabulous pink bathroom!)

A flight attendant friend recently stopped in Palm Springs for a brief layover, so I, of course, took her sightseeing to a few of my favorite local haunts — one of them being the famed Kaufmann House. While snapping photos out front, we met some snowbirds visiting from New York who asked if I could share the history of the home, to which I happily obliged! They now subscribe to my newsletter, so I figured I’d do an even deeper dive on the property.

The Kaufmann House is often described as one of the most famous residences in the world. Designed by architect Richard Neutra in 1946, the International Style marvel was commissioned by Edgar J. Kaufmann Sr., the very same man who commissioned Frank Lloyd Wright to construct Fallingwater, another of the world’s most iconic properties.

The pinwheel-shaped dwelling was fashioned from steel, aluminum, glass, and stone at a then-astounding cost of $295,000. Photographer Julius Shulman’s legendary 1947 images of the home catapulted it to architectural fame almost overnight. After Kaufmann’s death, however, the property sat vacant for an extended period of time and went through several ownership changes — Barry Manilow even called it home for a few years — along with a series of unfortunate renovations.

In 1993, the house was purchased by art historian Beth Harris and her husband, Brent, who undertook a painstaking, years-long restoration to return it to its original glory. Their efforts are widely credited with helping spark the mid-century modern restoration movement that Palm Springs is now known for today.

Incredibly, at the time of their purchase, the residence had been on the market for more than three and a half years and was being listed as a teardown. It’s hard not to wonder how different Palm Springs might look today had it not been for their vision and dedication.

When the Harrises later put the home on the market in 2007, it wasn’t a typical real estate listing. The property was auctioned through Christie’s — and categorized not as a residence, but as a work of art!

Architectural highlights of the 3,162-square-foot, 5-bedroom, 6-bath home include floor-to-ceiling disappearing glass walls, a second-story “gloriette,” an outdoor viewing platform, and movable aluminum wall panels that can be closed to block the sun or opened to capture the desert breeze.

Over the years, the Kaufmann House has been featured countless times in print, including in the pages of Palm Springs Life, Time, and Lifemagazine, as well as in numerous architectural books. Most famously, it served as the setting for Slim Aarons’ iconic photograph Poolside Gossip, featuring then-owner Nelda Linsk. More recently, it portrayed Chris Pine’s home in the 2022 film Don’t Worry Darling.

Don’t let the exterior fool you! This intimate, wood-paneled watering hole tucked behind an unassuming strip mall storefront is one of the best spots in town — whether you’re talking food, cocktails, ormocktails. With its warm, Manhattan-y feel, PaulBar serves up genuinely excellent fare alongside cocktails expertly poured by a talented team of mixologists who take their craft veryseriously. While there isn’t a dedicated mocktail menu, it’s the kind of place where you can tell the bartender what you’re in the mood for and they’ll create a thoughtfully dry libation on the spot — something my mom and I love to do and the results never miss!

This perfectly pink bar inside the Trixie Motel — famously featured on the Discovery+ reality TV series of the same name — is best known for its over-the-top ambiance, but the food, drinks, and non-alcoholic offerings are just as notable. Along with a solid lineup of signature mocktails, the menu includes a handful of ready-to-drink NA options, like a Busty Lush Paloma and Kölsch from Best Day Brewing. If you’re ordering a mocktail, the Dry Cactus — a mix of prickly pear, lemon juice, elderflower tonic, and soda — is my personal favorite. But honestly, you’ll be sitting pretty (in pink!) no matter what’s in your glass. (Reservations required.)

Designed by Christopher Kennedy, Canopy is as stunning as it is welcoming — one of my favorite local spots to linger. The servers here are genuinely passionate about wine and the lounge’s many offerings, including NOOH Sparkling Rosé, a standout dealcoholized option that tastes remarkably close to the real thing. You’ll also find other well-curated NA choices, like ginger beer and a zero-proof Firestone Walker 805. For those looking for something lower-proof rather than fully alcohol-free, the menu features cocktails made with Ola Sol agave wine in lieu of tequila — a great middle ground for celebrating without going all in.

This speakeasy, hidden behind an unmarked door in downtown Indio, is celebrated for its immersive culinary experiences, with dishes and drinks smoked, flambéed, seared and foamed tableside. The non-alcoholic offerings are just as inventive, with five elegantly curated mocktails on the menu. I’m especially fond of the Sicilian Sunset, a vibrant mix of Ghia Apéritif, Roots Divino Rosso NA Vermouth, Pizzolato NA Sparkling White, blood orange purée, and pineapple and lemon juices, topped with a flambéed orange wheel. Drinks, food, flair and ambiance — Italica literally has it all.

Looking for mocktails to enjoy at home? This bustling bottle shop, located inside the sprawling Market Market emporium (with a sister location just up the road at Mojave Flea Trading Post), is packed with zero-proof and non-alcoholic offerings and mixers that extend Dry January well beyond a night out. Bonus — the fridge aisle is teeming with a wide array of chilled, grab-and-go choices, making it especially easy to stock up. Owner David Marks — whom I spotlighted back in November — recommends the canned mocktails from Aplós and Parch. Be sure not to miss the whimsical gifts and specialty foods while there — PSBS is just as fun to browse as it is to shop.

RUTINA COFFEE

This beloved farmer’s market staple has finally opened a brick-and-mortar in Palm Desert — and it was worth the wait! Rutina (Spanish for “routine”) is a truly welcome addition to the desert coffee scene. The minimalist, chic setting is the perfect spot to gather for hours with friends over a warm brew. And the coffee? Absolutely superb! Being diabetic, I opted for a traditional latte, which was frothy and delicious. But my friend Kaylie, of Kaylie Nicole, swears by the shop’s slightly sweeter signature Pablo Latte — a sumptuous mix of espresso, condensed milk, and panela (raw, unrefined azúcar). Salud!

Very rarely am I a member of the clean plate club, but a recent dinner at this Palm Desert eatery had me practically licking my Pollo alla Piccata dry. Perfectly pounded, topped with a zesty sauce, and paired with the most delicious julienned veggies, I couldn’t get enough. My husband and mom were just as enamored with their meals — Pappardelle alla Bolognese and Carpaccio di Manzo — each disappearing just as quickly as mine. With its charmingly intimate ambiance and exceptionally friendly service, Trattoria Tiramisu has earned top billing in my family’s dining routine.

I have a notoriously low tolerance for alcohol and am always on the lookout for great mocktails whenever I find myself behind the wheel. So I was thrilled to recently discover the Non-Alcoholic Aperol Spritz at La Fe Wine Bar in Palm Desert while attending an Emerge Palm Springs networking event. Refreshing and crisp, the drink — made with Lyre’s Italian Non-Alcoholic Aperol and Lyre’s Classico Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Wine — is just as good as the real thing and had everyone I came in contact with asking what delicious concoction I was sipping. I’ve been back several times since, and the beverage always hits.

I’ve long been obsessed with Baltimore’s The Awakeningsculpture, crafted by J. Seward Johnson, Jr. (who was also behind Palm Springs’ Forever Marilyn statue), so stumbling upon a similarly designed installation in Palm Desert was such a thrill! Stretching 12 feet across a grassy knoll in Civic Center Park, Dreamer, unveiled in 1991, is the work of David L. Phelps and depicts a man casually lolling in the desert sun. It’s half-buried state immediately brought to mind Johnson’s iconic piece — and had me (and everyone else around) grabbing our phones to snap a pic. It’s a definite centerpiece!

I’m not exactly artistic, but when my friend Cherry, owner of Old Town La Quinta’s Roam.e, invited me to a Craft & Sip Welcome Mat Painting Workshop hosted by Coachella Valley Craft, I jumped at the chance! Offering custom designs, I couldn’t resist creating a doormat featuring a mock-up of my Everything Palm Springs logo. The process was surprisingly simple — I emailed a PDF ahead of time, and my design was waiting for me when I arrived at La Quinta Brewing Co. for the class. Thanks to the seamless instruction, painting it was a breeze, and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. It’s the perfect piece to welcome guests at my door.

When I was a kid, we used to vacation in the desert with my family — fun little road trips and weekend trips. During COVID, my siblings and mom decided we needed a change of scenery and moved out here. Best decision we ever made.

I have worked in retail since I was 16 years old. I’ve always had a passion for fabrics, style, and the art of expressing oneself through clothing. My first retail job was at Mervyn’s. I just loved it! I knew it was the start of a fun future. I have worked for several retailers, like Wet Seal, H&M, and Nordstrom. I moved from the customer side to the corporate side on my journey and worked for several merchandising companies. I held roles from Sales Associate all the way up the food chain to Regional Director, from buyer to corporate store development. Retail is fast-paced and I just loved new store openings — the excitement of the staff showing off all their hard work and the customers enjoying their shopping experience.

After 25 years in the industry working for some amazing companies, I decided it was time to do something for myself! It was time to open my own little shop — and I’m just getting started!

My parents always owned their own businesses — from gas stations to donut shops to Eastern European markets. My father was a serial entrepreneur. He taught us all that hard work pays off. Put your best foot forward and help your community grow. Even when I worked for other companies, I treated it like my own business. I love to see a business succeed and flourish.

I wish I had a fun story here, but my brother-in-law really helped me come up with the name. We sat around the table one April night and came up with Songbird & Sage. It was perfect — expressing my love for songbirds and the color green. There’s something so calm about the sage green color.

During my adult years visiting El Paseo, I noticed there was a gap in the shopping market. There are several beautiful stores on the block, but nothing that reflected my Orange County flair, was affordable, and on trend. I  definitely manifested my shop at a young age.

When I arrived in the desert in 2020, El Paseo was shut down and I was still working at my corporate job. In 2023-2024, I decided to start out on my own. I began at the La Quinta farmers market, working with women’s groups from Ghana and bringing in beautiful hand-woven baskets and fans to the market. 

El Paseo was coming back to life during that time and I decided it was time to bring something different to the neighborhood. Several people told me it was too ambitious, but I’ve always lived by the “go big or go home” motto — and I love a good challenge. So far, it’s paid off. Customers are enjoying the shop and I love meeting and styling every one of them.

Songbird & Sage captures the effortless beauty of modern bohemian style — where laid-back California ease meets timeless sophistication. The boutique’s aesthetic blends natural textures, earthy palettes, and feminine silhouettes with an undercurrent of wanderlust and quiet luxury. Think soft linen dresses, embroidered details, artisan-made accessories, and curated statement pieces that feel both romantic and lived-in. Each collection is designed for the woman who values authenticity and artistry — she’s grounded yet adventurous, polished yet free-spirited. From sunlit neutrals to dusky desert hues, every piece tells a story of ease, intention, and understated elegance.

Over the years in retail, I’ve come across many different brands, vendors, and artists. I’ve always had a love for something unique — clothing with texture and expression. I buy items for my shop with trends in mind, but I also like to make sure they are accessible to a wide range of customers. There is something about going into a store and falling in love with several pieces and knowing that your friend, mom, or sister would love them, too. I have two sisters and their personal style and love of fashion help inspire the variety in my shop, allowing me to curate a selection that’s diverse yet cohesive.

That’s a tough question. I love to buy for fall!! I’m jacket-obsessed even in the desert! I’m a maximalist, so I love to layer fashion to create a unique look.

It comes from my own personal expectations and the service I used to provide to my customers in the past. Going above and beyond is second nature. I genuinely enjoy seeing my customers happy and making their day. So often, you go shopping or out to eat and the service is terrible, but the environment, food, or shop is great. Sometimes you attempt a second visit, but usually it’s spoiled by that first impression. I take pride in giving all my customers the best experience every single time they visit.

It’s definitely a unique dance. Sometimes I don’t have it all balanced, but I trust the process. I really enjoy managing all parts of the shop and it’s incredibly rewarding to watch your hard work unfold into an amazing experience for a customer.

I’m real — no fluff. I genuinely want to get to know my customers, whether it’s helping them find exactly what they need, enjoying a little window shopping, or just having a chat. Sometimes I don’t have exactly what they’re looking for, but I always know where to send them. I’m here to make their shopping experience the best it can be.

I’m the oldest of three siblings. Sometimes you have to joke a little to get through the day and that definitely helps when it comes to working with customers. And sometimes you just vibe with people and they become an instant friend.

Melie Bianco handbags! (The Carrie is my favorite.) I personally love a good handbag. I worked in the accessories division for 10 years of my retail career and a good handbag can make or break an outfit.

My favorite item right now is the Oxana Faux Fur Coat. OMG, I love a good fur moment. This coat is perfect with jeans and a graphic tee — but you can also dress it up for a night out on the town.

Feedback from all the customers. All my hard work has not gone unnoticed.

Understand your market. Do some research and observe the customer base.

Honestly, working in L.A. and Orange County, you never have time to look at the sky and take a breath. Life is very go, go, go. I love that at night here, I can see every star in the sky. I can take time to relax and enjoy my environment. I was even able to rescue a pup, my favorite little boy Connery.

Mexican food, of course! My mom and I always go to Pueblo Viejo Grill in Indio (pictured)! Yummy, yummy!

There are so many amazing places, but my top favorites are: Hundenfolk — the best dog shop in the desert; Thai Smile on El Paseo; Rosemary HiFi (pictured) in Indio (music and wine — yes, please!); and The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens — I love feeding the giraffes!

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.

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.

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 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.