Category: Newsletters

I consume a ridiculous amount of cheese and, as such, have been eagerly anticipating the launch of this fromagerie ever since seeing its “coming soon” signage pop up on El Paseo last summer. Barely open a month now and it has already become a favorite. The gourmet market/deli/cheese shop is intimate, welcoming, and serves up some of the most scrumptious sandwiches in town (the Turkey/Brie and French Ham are my personal favorites), alongside stellar charcuterie boards, pizzas, salads, wine, and, of course, cheese.

Cathedral City native Tara Uziel has created an atmosphere of pure joy with her chic coffee shop Hot Lips. Offering “daytime disco for your heart and soul,” the café opened this past summer and promptly acquired a league of devotees. I finally popped in to sample the fare last week and couldn’t agree more with the glowing online accolades! The espresso is tasty, the service insanely friendly and the ambiance hip – think colorful chairs, retro art, and shelves teeming with fashionable vintage attire and handmade goods.

An inspired shopping concept recently hit El Paseo in the form of the Hat Bar by Pretty Please Collective. Patrons of the vibrant new shop are invited to craft custom hats – everything from felt to trucker to cowboy – using a curated selection of embellishments, including patches, pins, ribbons, dried flowers, matchbooks, and more. Skilled designers are on hand to help guide the overall process, as well as to burn words and graphics onto your creations. Not into hats? The shop also carries a fun selection of clothing, jewelry, and accessories.

Desert X has long been one of my favorite Coachella Valley happenings. This year’s exhibition doesn’t kick off until March 8th, but you can catch a sneak preview courtesy of Sunnylands, which is currently hosting The Living Pyramid, a stepped monolith covered in cacti created by nonagenarian Hungarian-American artist Agnes Denes. Per Dezeen, the plants “will sprout, bloom, grow and perhaps die over six months as part of the installation, reflecting the growth cycle of the surrounding desert.” Set against the gorgeous backdrop of Sunnylands Gardens, the work is a true sight to behold!

I recently had the pleasure of touring this Thermal equestrian facility and was introduced to a whole new world of desert adventures! Open seasonally each October through March, the expansive park offers 18 weeks of horse shows and competitions, as well as a plethora of special events, including concerts, trivia nights, bingo and more – all open to the public! Admission is free (as are many of the activities) and includes access to all of the park’s rings, arenas, warm-up fields, shops, and food kiosks. I highly recommend grabbing a brew from Cowdog Coffee when on site!

Designed by Stephen Chase in 1981, this singular 5,600-square-foot estate initially belonged to Robert Pond, heir to the creators of Pond’s Cold Cream. Flush with pristine original detailing, including a step-down living room and wet bar, the residence centers around a glorious atrium capped by towering skylights. A second atrium serves as the focal point of the primary bath, a luxe dream-like oasis with a soaking tub, oversized dual-head shower, and separate his-and-her water closets, equipped with a urinal and a bidet, respectively.

Overflowing with impressive stonework, curving walls, and stylized built-ins, this modern adobe pad is a revelation! Located high atop Andreas Hills, the spectacular views battle the sprawling living room and its stucco fireplace stretching 14 feet to the Viga and Latilla beamed ceilings above for standout feature. But there is plenty more to be had with oversized living spaces, walls of glass, and warm pueblo-inspired design elements throughout. The two-acre lot, complete with a pool, spa and loggia, is equally grand.

This butterfly-roofed architectural marvel stands seemingly miles above the Valley, overlooking nearly all of Palm Springs. Completed in 2007, the 3,200-square-foot property was crafted entirely of steel, glass, and stone, with sleek angles showcasing dramatic 360-degree views at every turn. Designed for entertaining, disappearing walls of glass open the ample double-island kitchen and dining area to the rear yard, a lush space featuring a pool, spa, fire pit, exterior kitchen, grassy expanse, and sparkling waterfall.

A trophy estate in every sense, this 8,000-square-foot behemoth is teeming with A-List amenities, including a theater, billiard room, gym/yoga studio, 9-hole putting green, regulation Pickleball court, resort-style pool, and spa, full outdoor kitchen, in-ground trampoline, walking path, and a private lake with a dock. Designed in 2001 by Rudy Herrera (one of Home Builder Digest’s best local custom builders) as his personal residence, no detail of the palatial dwelling’s construction was overlooked!

Built for Arnold Palmer in 1999, this charming hacienda (which is offered furnished) served as the golf great’s desert home for nearly two decades. Featuring striking postcard-like views from every room, the 2,600-square-foot residence is endlessly warm and inviting, with vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, plush living spaces and myriad upgrades. The primary suite – Palmer’s one-time personal office – is a genuine retreat complete with a kiva fireplace flanked by two leather club chairs formerly belonging to the four-time Masters champion.

I graduated from high school in 1978 and started Long Beach State that same year. I drove right from Palos Verdes to my dorm and then lived in Long Beach/Seal Beach from 1978 to 1989, when I came out here. I thought it would be a four-month thing to help my parents as they transitioned to a new location in Indian Wells and phased out their Rancho Mirage store. They had four months of two leases overlapping right in the prime of the season. So, I put my stuff in storage, left the restaurant I was managing in Seal Beach and headed here.

Just two weeks shy of my four-month stint, a guy walked into the store selling gift cards to Gold’s Gym. I bought one, but when I got to the gym, it ended up being bogus. The guy at the counter was very nice, though, and let me work out anyway. Semi-defeated, I got on a Lifecycle and it wasn’t long before I noticed this cute blonde boy running around with a lot of energy. He had a great personality, I could just tell. I heard him talking about tennis and I had played on the tennis team at PV High. So I walked up to him and challenged him to a match. And he said yes. We played tennis the very next night and just hit it off. And I immediately knew he was the one.

In the meantime, the Rancho Mirage store continued to be busy and I finally told my parents, “So many people have come in and said, ‘You can’t close this store! We won’t drive all the way to your other store.’ Whether I stay or not, you guys need to think about keeping this location.” But they couldn’t do it without my help. So I figured, “I kind of like it here. And I really like this boy. I’m almost 30, I’m not married. I’m going to just go ahead and give it a go!”

For the next ten years, we had two stores. I ran the Rancho Mirage one. And it was great! My dad was very competitive and we would have contests every day of who could sell more. Each night, we’d compare and sometimes it was uncanny! We’d be just pennies apart. Sometimes, I’d cream him. Those 10 years were just the best. And I eventually married the tennis player from Gold’s and we had three boys. 

My dad decided to retire. So we asked both landlords what kind of deal they could give us and our Indian Wells landlord made the better offer. We closed the Rancho Mirage store in 2000. Flashing forward, my dad passed away in ‘06, and my mom passed away in ‘09. 

Prior to that, my parents had really wanted to do cooking classes, but they just never got it off the ground. After they passed away, I found a notebook filled with names of people interested in taking classes. We were located in a smaller storefront in this same center at the time. And one morning, I saw that my current space was going out of business and I thought it would be the perfect spot to relocate and build a kitchen. I immediately called my husband, Gary, and he was on board. So we made the deal and officially opened the new store in 2009. We’ve been doing cooking classes ever since. 

So the kitchen is kind of a tribute to my mom and dad. I had a mural painted on the main wall 35 years ago with them standing in the doorway. It’s like they’re always there. 

And I can constantly hear my mom saying, “Janet Ellen, you’re burning the candle at all three ends again!” They would get mad at me because I had three kids and was running the store. But I love every part of my life. Over the years, all three sons have worked here. My oldest son, Ryan, worked here for a year before heading to Cal State Monterey Bay. My middle son, Evan, started working here during the shutdown and stayed for three years. And my youngest son, Troy, has been here for over two years now. My husband has been absolutely instrumental in running the shop, too.

Never. Never. When we hit 25 years in 2004, I decided to have a big party to honor that achievement. I brought in manufacturer reps, vendors and inventors and had little tables out front where people could show off their wares and demonstrate products. And that was the beginning of our anniversary party. Every year since we have had a celebration on the second Saturday of November. This year was the big one! 45 years! We had 20 tables with vendors. Chefs every hour on the hour in the kitchen cooking something up. We had lines to the back of the store all day. More than 700 people attended. Every year, it keeps growing and growing. The vendors always ask me when the next party is. They’ll clear their calendar to come and fly in from all over. [Pictured – the 25th anniversary party with Jan, her husband, sons, dad (Phil Carter), mom (Charlotte), and brother (Joel).] 

The people, the customers. We’re a family business, going on three generations and so many of our customers knew my parents. They love coming in and seeing the owner’s daughter and grandsons running a business they’ve been going to for decades. When I do speaking presentations, I always ask for a show of hands of people who used to shop in our Rancho Mirage store and there’s always more than a handful. The loyalty behind that is just incredible. The customers are really what keep you going. I love hearing their stories.

The second thing I love about this business is when I get to go to the buying shows because I get to play the customer – walking the aisles, meeting the inventors, sampling the new gadgets and figuring out what I can bring into my store. It’s overwhelming and energizing at the same time.

When I go to these big housewares shows, I spot the vendors attracting the biggest group of buyers and then just keep walking! I look for the little booths at the end caps. Because those are the brand new inventors. And I’ll ask them about their products, how they came up with the idea, how they created it.

Not that I don’t order things that the big guys are ordering because, of course, I have to have a lot of that, too. But I really try to source the most unique, hard-to-find items.

The Zyliss chopper (pictured). It’s always going to be a favorite. And the newest thing that my people are going crazy for is the Dreamfarm Fluicer. It’s a flat juicer. All my chefs use it in our cooking classes. It’ll squeeze out a lemon, lime, orange, or grapefruit, but because it’s a two-handed product, you can get 25% more juice! And because it’s flat, it fits in your drawer a lot better than most juicers. Dreamfarm has become one of my new favorite companies. They are based out of Australia and they just build the better mousetrap.

ScanPan cookware. It’s made in Denmark and is such a joy to cook with! We’ve carried it for 45 years and use it in every cooking class. All my chefs love it. They’ve all purchased it for themselves to use at home. I have a customer who is from New Zealand. Some people will have pictures of their dogs or their grandkids on their phones, but she has pictures of what she’s cooked in her ScanPan. She’ll show the photos during classes. She has pulled up so many pictures of what she’s cooked in her ScanPan.

Food items. We carry really wonderful oils, vinegar, pesto sauces and pasta. A lot of people came in to order gift bags or gift baskets. They make great hostess gifts.

On Christmas Eve, it’s typically all men coming in for the free gift wrap. The complimentary gift wrap was my mom and dad’s idea back in ’79. We take great joy in wrapping each product with love and creating that special Kitchen Kitchen feeling for the person opening it.

It wasn’t really a surprise, but it’s such a joy to live here. I came from the beach and thought I would never leave. But I love the desert. I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. I love the mountains. I love the serenity. I love our weather. I don’t mind the hot summers. Because with that comes less crowds. My business doesn’t love fewer crowds, but personally, I love it.

When I started working here 36 years ago, my perception of the store was that mom and dad were just sipping coffee and schmoozing with their customers. That’s what I thought owning a business was. You can come and go whenever you want. But that is the furthest thing from the truth. You are tied to your store. And even though I have great employees (I have Anthony, who is amazing!) and I can leave and know everything is in good hands, I really can’t go far. People rely on having the face of the store here. Especially because I’ve been here so long. Sometimes, a customer will come in and say, “I need to speak with the owner. I need to talk to Jan.” And then their question will be, “Where are your garlic presses?” It’s a happy/sad thing. It’s so nice customers want to connect with me, but I want people to know that my employees are really great, too.

When people ask my opinion about opening a business, I tell them to think long and hard! At night when I go to bed, the store’s all I think about. When I wake up, too. I’m attached at the hip to this place, but I love 99% of it. You really have to love what you do. I know that everyone says that, but you do. 

I worked a lot of jobs before Kitchen Kitchen. I was a tour guide on the Queen Mary. I was a pearl diver at Marineland. I was a lead service agent at Amtrak. I went up and down the rails. I managed restaurants. And owning a business is that times 100. So you better make sure you love it, because you will be at it seven days a week. But it’s also incredibly rewarding. I know it’s so cliche, but I sincerely love my business. I walk around here at night sometimes after we close up and think, ‘I just love it here.’

Sitting in the morning having a cup of coffee with my husband and my three dogs at my feet on my patio overlooking the mountains. It’s my very favorite thing about this desert.

The best meal is at Kitchen Kitchen with my chefs in our cooking classes (pictured). Second best is Copley’s. Copley’s is where I go for my birthday. Andrew Copley and I go way back. I love Jillian’s. Jay, the owner also shops at my store and I’ve known him for years. Lavender Bistro because again, I love the owners there, and the food and patio are amazing. I’d recommend those three spots for a special meal.

For more casual dining, I love Fisherman’s Market for salmon, The Grill on Main for their incredible salads, and El Ranchito for Mexican food. The Blushing Peony and Chúla Artisan Eatery are also great.

La Provence Patisserie & Cafe (pictured) for coffee and Serena’s Resort Wear in our own center for clothing. I also really like just walking around El Paseo. It’s a nice way to spend time.

PASADENA HUMANE

I lived in Pasadena for 13 years and in that time adopted several cats from Pasadena Humane, so the organization is very near and dear to my heart. Following the Eaton Fire, the facility took in hundreds of displaced and injured animals and is currently in need of monetary donations as it continues to provide emergency services and shelter. Locals who come across injured wildlife can text the society for assistance at (626)344-1129. For help with all other animals, contact animal control at (626)792-7151 ext. 970.

Endless Instagram scrolling has led me to many other fabulous rescue groups also in need of donations, including The Labelle Foundation (currently offering free pet care and supplies), Animal Wellness Foundation (run by vet Annie Harvilicz, who is housing countless displaced pets), In Defense of Animals (a group working on the frontlines to provide emergency aid and safe haven), & Friends of Normie (which is seeking fosters for over 100 displaced cats they rescued combing fire-ravaged neighborhoods). Cleo & Hooman is also busy compiling a database to reunite lost animals with their owners and Vetster is offering free virtual vet appointments for pets of fire victims.

With so many scrambling to find shelter, the Hotel Association of Los Angeles has compiled a helpful list of lodgings offering discounts to those displaced by the fires. (Most properties also accept pets.) The list is organized via a Google spreadsheet and updated regularly. The city of Anaheim has also put together a similar resource for local hotels offering special rates, as has Visit Greater Palm Springs for desert-area lodgings doing the same. Those looking for more long-term stays can contact Cohost of the Desert, an Airbnb property management firm that is going above and beyond welcoming fire victims to the valley.

In my previous life, I documented filming locations and historic places for nearly two decades on my blog Iamnotastalker. So many of those sites have tragically fallen victim to the fires – a devastating blow to the rich fabric of the city. The Los Angeles Conservancy is currently assessing the scope of the damage and asking for help from locals who can provide boots-on-the-ground information by filling out Fire Impact Forms detailing notable lost sites. The data will help the Conservancy determine where to allocate resources as the city rebuilds.

Wildfires are something I’ve had the luxury of never really having to worry about. But after seeing that the Eaton Fire had stretched to within one literal block of my former Pasadena residence, I realized how woefully underprepared I had been. Not only do I now have a go bag prepared for emergency situations, but Watch Duty has secured prominent placement on my phone. The highly regarded app provides vetted real-time fire alerts far more detailed and timely than those furnished by other outlets, offering a small bit of peace of mind in emergency scenarios.

Looking to volunteer? Mutual Aid Los Angeles Network has you covered with a detailed spreadsheetchronicling daily volunteering opportunities across L.A. County. Updated regularly, the list catalogs countless ways to offer support, from sorting through donations at various dropoff centers to transporting goods to local shelters to translating opportunities. Organizations needing volunteers can also submit requests via the same document.

Seconds Market has devised an inspired way to help by connecting donors wishing to contribute clothing to the many in need. Sign up online and the company will match and put you in touch with a like-sized fire victim, creating an extremely intentional and personalized way to donate, as well as offering a “sense of normalcy and hope” to the countless affected. So far over 75,000 people across the country have signed up to be matched with a person in need! As a veritable clotheshorse myself, this program speaks to my heart. Sign-up info for both donors and applicants can be found here.

In a similar vein, 14-year-old Pasadena resident Avery Colvert created Altadena Girls to help her friends and schoolmates through this trying time. The teen has amassed a huge collection of clothing, toiletries, makeup, and beauty products (much of it brand new!) at a “neatly categorized” boutique-like Boyle Heights warehouse, where fire victims can “shop.” Colvert told the L.A. Times, “I started this to help girls affected specifically by the Eaton Canyon fire who lost their homes feel like themselves — and feel confident again.” Her efforts have inspired a similar Altadena Boys pop-up to assist males in need.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The beloved Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade is taking place on December 7 and there’s no better place to watch than from Lola Rose Terrace located on the second floor of the Thompson hotel, which boasts unparalleled views of Palm Canyon Drive. Tickets cost $50 and include Yuletide treats and warm cocoa and tea. Holiday-themed libations will also be available at the bar. Bonus – attendance is free for kids under 12.

WALK OF THE INNS

I’ve never attended this annual event, showcasing downtown Palm Springs’ many boutique lodgings, but have heard countless good things. Taking place December 12 from 4 to 7 pm, guests are invited to tour 8 local inns at their leisure while partaking of decorations, live music and refreshments along the way. It’s a fabulous and festive way to embrace not only the season, but Palm Springs’ history – and it benefits a good cause, as well, with participants asked to bring an unwrapped toy to donate to Well in the Desert.

Paint your own snowman ornament al fresco using the mandala dot technique with Elaine of Creative Classes with Elaine on December 13 at the Rancho Mirage Farmers Market! I have taken several of Elaine’s fabulous workshops and thanks to her easy way of teaching and refreshing focus on breath work and mindfulness, always walk away feeling centered and relaxed – not to mention shocked at my ability to create something beautiful! Can’t make this class? Elaine is hosting several other holiday-themed courses throughout the month.

There is no place quite like the La Quinta Resort during the holidays, which is fitting considering it’s the spot where Frank Capra penned his 1946 classic “It’s a Wonderful Life!” Embark in merriment throughout the sparkling grounds with festive cooking demonstrations, outdoor holiday movies, Santa breakfasts and (my personal favorite) freshly roasted chestnuts served weekends in the main plaza amongst a sea of twinkling lights, glowing garlands and a magical 70-foot tree – the Valley’s tallest!

La Quinta’s Old Town Artisan Studios is transformed into an adorable winter wonderland each Saturday in December, offering three acres of festive fun for kids and adults alike to enjoy, with activities including cookie and ornament decorating, paint-your-own pottery, rock painting, plenty of photo opportunities and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus in a charming cottage. There are also holiday treats and live musical performances. Best of all, the event is free to attend!

Old Town Artisan Studios is also offering holiday-themed classes, including a hand-blown glass ornament workshop, which my mom (that’s her in the photo!) and I recently attended and absolutely loved! Led by La Quinta locals Jason and Nicole McQuaid of McQuaid Glass, the hands-on experience led us through the entire glass-blowing process, from rolling, blowing and reheating to adding color and shaping. The McQuaids are hosting another ornament workshop on December 18 and I can’t recommend it enough!

Step inside a wintry-themed fairyland at 123 Farm, a 2,400-acre working farm in Yucaipa, which is festooned with over one million twinkle lights come nightfall. Located about 30 miles west of Palm Springs and featuring an abundance of attractions like Santa’s Workshop, a Christmas village with shops (Ebenezer Scrooge’s Coal Foods Market, anyone?), a life-size gingerbread house, an interactive Elf on the Shelf exhibit, a European-style Christmas market, a holiday maze and tractor rides, the venue makes for a cheery evening outing.

I have been hearing rave reviews for The Judy Show ever since starting Everything Palm Springs earlier this year, but only just made it out to The Purple Room to catch the Christmas version (running each Sunday in December) and am thrilled to report it surpassed all expectations! The show and its star Michael Holmes are pure delight, accompanied by a stellar meal, a fabulous soundtrack, and an abundance of hilariously irreverent holiday cheer! It’s the perfect way to indulge in the season!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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