Category: Newsletters

The JW is the only resort in the desert where you can take a boat to dinner, thanks to a 239-million gallon lake that winds through the grounds. The unbelievably vast and picturesque waterway is populated by fish, fountains, flamingos, and a fleet of manned electric boats tasked with ferrying guests around the grand property, including to each of the seven on-site eateries. The colossal basin also delivers some truly breathtaking views. There’s nothing else quite like it in the Valley!

If these walls could talk! The resort’s aptly named Sinatra Ballroom is where the celebrated crooner’s final performance took place on February 25, 1995, as part of his annual Celebrity Invitational golf tournament. Singing a 6-song set that capped off with The Best Is Yet to Come, Ol’ Blue Eyes is said not to have missed “a word or note!” The ballroom, which spans an incredible 25,000 square feet, is the Valley’s largest and remains the stuff of legend today with 21-foot ceilings, a fittingly blue motif, and a striking dimensional portrait of Sinatra greeting guests at the entrance.

The JW Marriott stuns from the moment one steps through the doors into the dramatic, eight-story atrium-like lobby — complete with an indoor boat landing and soaring walls of floor-to-ceiling glass that frame panoramic views of the lake and grounds, especially breathtaking at sunset as the water reflects the desert light. Pro tip: enjoy the scene with a Sinatra Smash (the lobby bar’s signature cocktail) in hand. (Free samples are even offered upon request.) Bonus: The grand space served as a wedding venue for Jessie Spano’s dad in a 1991 episode of Saved by the Bell.

The Marriott is home to a charming menagerie of animals, most notably a flamboyant flock of exotic birds. Near the resort entrance, Flamingo Island draws the spotlight with more than 30 friendly Chilean flamingos strutting, splashing, and posing for guests. Venture just beyond the lobby and you’ll discover the Desert Springs Aviary — a lush, two-room sanctuary filled with vibrant personalities, including Max the cockatoo, Romeo the eclectus, and Scarlet the macaw — all known for their bright feathers and even brighter conversation skills.

The resort’s 20-court Tennis Club is impressive on its own, but its crown jewel is the sunken grass stadium court, a true rarity in the desert. The mammoth arena even stood in for Wimbledon in HBO’s 2015 comedy 7 Days in Hell, filmed over the courseof two blistering 110-degree days in July. (Not exactly peak playing conditions!) While summer matches aren’t for the faint of heart, the club is a true gem during the season, so it’s no surprise the JW is regularly ranked among the top 10 tennis resorts in the world.

I’ve never been a huge burger person, which explains why it took me so long to try Grill-A-Burger, despite its loyal following. The delay was a definite mistake because everything we ordered during my mom’s rehab stay, from burgers and hot dogs to fries and onion rings, was absolutely top-notch! The chicken strips — forever my meal of choice — were especially tasty! The menu is massive (they offer pretty much everything burger-adjacent), the service incredibly friendly, and the vibes kitschy in the best way. Safe to say, Grill-A-Burger has earned a spot in my regular rotation.

A new large-scale art installation has landed in Indio! The Messengers — two colorful, robot-like structures (or “idols”) standing about 75 feet tall — were originally created as a trio by Sri Lankan artist Kumkum Fernando for the 2023 Coachella festival. Now permanently installed at the corner of Towne Street and Bliss Avenue, they’re vibrant, whimsical, and inspired by the temples and palaces Fernando visited during his childhood in South Asia — bringing a beautifully worldly air to the Valley. (Fun fact: the third Messenger can be found at a private home nearby.)

From restaurateurs (and Ladies of London alums) Matt and Marissa Hermer comes the Thompson hotel’s newest dining venture, Bar Issi. Wrapped in warm blushes, lush greens, and striking patterns, the space — designed by Tom Parker of Fettle and inspired by both The White Lotus and the Madonna Inn — is absolutely stunning! And the Italian-inspired menu is equally impressive. I visited for lunch, which means I (tragically) missed out on the housemade puccia bread and trio of butters that’s become an Instagram staple — but I plan to rectify that stat!

Pretty much everyone who walks into Kaylie Nicole’s El Paseo boutique comments on the mesmerizing scent — a divinely intoxicating blend of all-natural cardamom, cinnamon, iris, and sandalwood that lingers in the best way. And now, you can bring it home! The shop’s new signature fragrance line includes candles, diffuser oil, room spray, and an insanely nourishing whipped body butter! I snapped up a jar of the latter recently and am obsessed! My skin has seriously never felt (or smelled) better!

A dynamic new space celebrating local talent has arrived in Indio! Community marketplace The Place is absolutely massive and packed with some of the best locally made goods the Valley has to offer. Nearly all of my favorites are there — including Mijo Co. candles (their pop-up, pictured, looks like an album cover!), Covet fine jewelry, Bobo Design Studio stationery, Jewelry by SARAHI baubles, It Refillspersonal care products, Palm Springs Bottle Shop spirits, and a beautifully curated display by Studio Hang. It’s a true one-stop shop for all of the Valley’s best finds!

A brilliantly grumpy detective, a lovably ragtag cold case team, and a razor-sharp script — Dept. Q gets an A+ from me! The irreverent British procedural (based on the Danish novels of the same name) follows Carl Morck, an acerbic Scottish detective recovering from a traumatic shooting, as he’s assigned to a dusty basement unit solving long-forgotten crimes. The casting is pitch perfect, the writing is smart, and the dry humor takes the edge off the decidedly dark material.

Where to watch: Free on Netflix

No vacation plans this summer? After watching this nightmare doc, you’ll feel very good about that! When a cruise ship loses power mid-voyage — and with it, all plumbing — 4,000+ passengers and crew are left stranded at sea in truly horrific conditions. (Translation: no toilets!) Most of the flick’s footage comes straight from passengers’ phones, making it part horror story, part human experiment, and 100% cringe-worthy — but also kind of a blast to watch from the comfort of your fully functioning home. (P.S. – The rest of the Trainwreck series is just as wildly entertaining.)

Where to watch: Free on Netflix

What happens when a grieving New York transit worker hires a quartet of fiery Italian grandmas — or nonnas — to cook in his new restaurant? Pure tear-jerking magic! Based on a true story, Nonnas serves up a heartwarming helping of nostalgia and charm. A tribute to second chances, late-in-life reinvention, and the unexpected friendships that form around a shared table, it’s definitive comfort viewing that will have you craving your mom’s Sunday Gravy — and maybe even some capuzzelle.

Where to watch: Free on Netflix

A ‘90s classic with surprise Coachella Valley cameos? Yes, please! Bugsy tells the story of mobster Benjamin Siegel, with several scenes shot right here in the desert! That “canker sore” of a casino Annette Bening’s character critiques mid-film? It’s actually the former George’s Men’s Store at 1667 6th Street in downtown Coachella — complete with movie signage still visible via Google Street View! The Flamingo Hotel set was built on a dusty patch near Ocotillo Wells, while cast and crew checked into the La Quinta Resort for the two-week shoot. News of the local connection inspired a rewatch — and good news, it still holds up!

Where to watch: Free on Hulu

This one surprised me! I went in knowing little about Barbara Walters (aside from that famous SNL parody) and left completely in awe. The inspiring doc charts her rise to the zeitgeist of television journalism, with Walters not just breaking barriers, but bulldozing right through them — blending news and pop culture in a way that changed broadcasting forever. Don’t miss the jaw-dropping moment when she secures an exclusive sit-down with Menachem Begin and Anwar Sadat, leaving Walter Cronkite and John Chancellor literally scrambling on a tarmac in her well-heeled dust.

Where to watch: Free on Hulu

Miti comes from the heritage of hospitality that runs in my veins! It is the Samoan word for “dream” – a nod to the rich culture that has created and cultivated my passion for service. It’s also a little pun, as it is pronounced like “Meaty,” which the boards are known to have.

I got very lucky! I applied for a grant before I had really started anything serious. It was my very first grant application and although I didn’t get accepted into that specific program, I did receive an initial grant of $7,000 from the Caravanserai Project in conjunction with the City of Palm Springs. If it weren’t for that, I wouldn’t have had the bravery to leave my job and go full-time on Miti Boards. Not only did the grant provide funds, but I received some AMAZING coaching from FREE mentors and gained an amazing amount of business prowess. Shout out to the team at Caravanserai for creating the network that they did!

Cooking was ALWAYS my passion – my favorite activity, hobby, stress reliever, attention grabber! Cooking and food have always been everything to me! I used to dream of being a Food Network star like Alton Brown (of the show Good Eats and now Iron Chef America) or one of the original Iron Chefs! The Japanese version of Iron Chef used to come on SUPER late at night, and I’d get in trouble for staying up through the night to watch it. That was when I was eight/nine years old. 

Then at 11, I became the family cook. I would beg my dad to buy me all the ingredients for some complex recipe I’d just seen on TV, and he’d take me to the local Vons and let me have my way. We were a family of six living on a single postal worker’s salary, and now I am very grateful to my dad for splurging on ingredients that were WAAAYYY too fancy for an 11-year-old. I built a pretty solid palate early on and LITERALLY spent all my money on eating. So, you could say I’ve always been a foodie.

Thank you! Some of my skills are self-taught, but 85% of my technical skills and culinary understanding comes from my grandfather! He was a chef by trade. Any time spent with him was spent eating or cooking, even to this day! The rest comes from constant self-education and practice! I just have an obsession in life, and it’s food.

My wedding in October 2023! I decided I’d take a crack at creating my own grazing table for my special day (as I have a control problem) and it was such a hit! Guests kept asking for a business card, which was awkward because there was no business (yet!) . . . just me! And right then, the idea for Miti Boards was born! 

Fun fact, my hairstylist from my wedding became one of my earliest supporters and ordered charcuterie cups for her salon suite opening in Chino, and she REALLY blew me up on socials! It was such a fun 360 moment!

My charcuterie specialties are color-coordinated, perfectly styled pairings. Boards can get as custom as my customers want! I take a chef-like approach to my boards. Unless ordered as such, no two are really the same! Much like when a restaurant has a rotating seasonal menu, I do my best to bring clients the freshest ingredients, so seasonality plays a huge part in what goes on the boards. So really, my specialty is elevated pairings with a designer touch. The possibilities are endless!

One of my favorite setups — both visually and creatively — was for Kaylie Nicole’s one-year anniversary party. There was so much heart behind that celebration, and the design was truly bespoke. I was in love! Every detail was tailored to Kaylie’s taste, and it really showed just how custom we can go.

Lady Gaga was such a CRAZY order because they only gave me a few hours to complete it. The only request was to have the album name spelled out in cheese letters. They called at 4 PM and wanted delivery four hours later, during peak Coachella season. But one of my toxic traits is thriving under pressure. Some of my best moments come from being asked to put the pedal to the metal and make things happen. So it was a free-form design, and honestly, I don’t think she’d have it any other way. A one-of-a-kind design for a one-of-a-kind human!

Thank you again for the compliment! I don’t think I’m using the right measuring stick. In my mind, I haven’t done much! Until I’m able to hire a team and work on some huge projects consistently, I’m just a small guy doing what I can to grow and build! Maybe it’s because my aspirations for Miti Boards and myself are so big, I’m just out here keeping my eyes on the grind!! 

So my honest response is, I treat all my wins like they are a stepping stone to my true goal! My dream is to have a legacy of a business that continues after I do. It makes the accomplishments sweet and the failures a seed! I don’t get bogged down by the fluctuations because I’m just focused on the big idea ahead of me.

Yes! I am cooking up some really cool stuff for Miti Boards. The more I grow with my business, the more I enjoy the design and connecting aspects of dining and entertaining. I also love innovating, so I hope everyone will enjoy what I’m bringing!

The community support! The desert has its own back for sure! Many of my clients are referral-only. I have received such an amazing welcome, and I believe it’s because of that tight-knit community that I have been able to see so much success.

Do the boring stuff first! Create standard operating procedures and pricing sheets, calculate inventory and production costs, and then PAY YOURSELF FIRST! It may feel slow and it will DEFINITELY feel boring, but a good business person always keeps in mind the future and growth of the business. Work for the later! That’s what I would tell anyone. My dad wouldn’t have had it any other way, and I believe it’s that thinking that has brought me this far.

The slow pace! The desert is one of the few places in California with that magical ability to make you slow down and appreciate the small things. After spending my early twenties in Orange County, I can honestly say — the desert lets you breathe and enjoy life in a way that just doesn’t seem possible anywhere else.

SWIMMING!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m an island girl, and Kendra means “water child,” so TRULY I am built for the water! Ever since I was a kid, I’ve spent entire days in the pool. There’s nothing better than a blazing hot day, with the UV at 10, sunscreen on, fresh watermelon in hand, and hours upon hours in the water!

Woah, this one is tough, since I LOVE FOOD. My choice, however – the Galbi (Korean-style short ribs) at 8 Star K restaurant in Joshua Tree! It’s not down here in the valley, but as a resident, we all know that up the hill counts too! So please give this Korean family some shine, the food is so good!

BeeCH, please, bb.q Chicken, and Katsuyama (pictured). And for dessert, Uji Time! These restaurants are great at capturing the essence of the flavors that are familiar to any Asian or Island palate. So give these awesome spots a try! They deserve some shine, and we need more places like them in the desert!

Phillip K. Smith III’s latest work reimages the Cody family home via 11 vividly lit mirrored forms set at 0°, 90° and 120° within the glass‑walled abode, creating a dizzying feast for the eyes! As daylight transitions to night, the installation also transforms, unveiling entirely new but equally impressive perspectives. Now, lucky guests can fully immerse themselves in the vision-bending work thanks to 20 “editioned overnight experiences” currently being offered. Tickets and more information can be found here.

This tea and chocolate shop in Old Town La Quinta has long been a favorite spot to grab an iced brew. With the recent unveiling of a new tasting room in an adjacent space formerly used for storage, the locale is even more inviting! Dimly lit with a warm, moody ambiance, the enclave boasts cozy tables, plush seating, and tucked-away nooks, perfect for curling up with a book and one of the shop’s custom loose-leaf blends (there are over 200 varieties on hand!) while whiling away an afternoon.

This picturesque golf resort in La Quinta is open to the public, free to explore, and wholly worth a visit! Spread across 525 acres, the sprawling site features an award-winning course, multiple event spaces, and a park complete with bocce ball courts, walking paths, a meandering stream, public art, and gorgeous grassy expanses. The onsite restaurant, housed in the former residence of Home Savings & Loan founder Howard Ahmanson, is noteworthy, as well, offering stellar fare paired with stunning fairway views.

Disney has a way with, well, everything! Cotino, the company’s new Rancho Mirage development, is no exception. Named in honor of the Smoke Tree (aka Cotinus) in tribute to the Palm Springs community Walt once called home, Cotino is currently open to the public to tour – no real estate agent needed (but if you want one, contact me!) – with the massive 24-acre lagoon, Incredibles house, and 6 stylish model homes all on view. Be sure not to miss the Indiana Jones and Disney villains-themed designs!

This Palm Springs eatery has been on my to-dine list for what seems like eons! I finally made it there this past weekend and am happy to report it is worth all the hype – especially the much-heralded Cornmeal Jalapeno Drop Biscuits. Browned and salted to perfection, the buttery treats, paired with cardamom honey dip, practically melt in your mouth! The restaurant itself is warm & chic, and the bar menu brimming with upscale comfort food (my cuisine of choice), including a to-die-for Bacon Jam Grilled Cheese!

Sure, this locale makes for a fun visit any day of the week, but Thursday nights are where it’s at! With free admission starting at 5 and Pizza & Prosecco Nightscourtesy of onsite restaurant Liv’s, it’s the ideal spot to cool off with culture (and a little bubbly). Must-see works include Old Couple on a Bench (pictured), Spider II, and Robert Therrien’s stacked plates sculpture. Pro tip: Liv’s is open Thursday through Monday—no museum ticket required—so if Thursday nights don’t fit your schedule, you can still savor the charm of this new eatery on another day.

This place is summer in a bottle. When I popped by recently, it felt like stepping into a picture-perfect tropical vacation postcard: the bar area was buzzing with water-logged guests, sunbathers lounged on daybeds, meandering inner tubers dotted the lazy river, and waves were cresting and crashing across the 4-million-gallon surf pool. Not up for a full-day hang? The Restaurant is a perfect alternative! Grab a burger and craft cocktail and enjoy a front row seat to all the watery action.

Last year, a friend gifted me a ResortPass credit and it’s since become my husband’s and my go-to way to enjoy the best of the Valley’s resorts – no overnight stay required! For a simple daily fee, you can access the pools and amenities at luxe properties like Casa Cody(pictured, where we celebrated our anniversary last summer), Korakia Pensione, and Thompson Palm Springs. Passes start at just $22. Check in, chill out, and feel like a resort regular!

You can now ice skate in the desert! This 36,000-square-foot venue next to Acrisure Arena is home to the Valley’s only public NHL-sized, regulation rink, complete with 4 locker rooms, concessions, and seating for 250. Primarily serving as the official training center for the Coachella Valley Firebirds, the Iceplex also hosts a slew of events, including Frozen 5Ks, hockey classes, and daily skating sessions. I had the pleasure of visiting the sprawling facility earlier this week and trust me: there’s no cooler place in town!

Architect. Interior designer. Ceramic artist. My talented friend Pouneh Shahrestani does it all! From her charming Palm Desert studio, Pouneh crafts gorgeous bowls, cups, earrings, and more! And you can join her by signing up for one of her pottery classes! Offered to kids and adults of all levels, Pouneh provides everything you need to create your own bespoke masterpiece! It’s the perfect creative escape from the summer heat—and you’ll walk away with a unique keepsake and a brand-new skill! (Photo courtesy of Cirina Casaluci Photography.)

I’m honestly not sure what I love more – this store’s vibrant inventory (think tropical print dresses, whimsical accessories & purses for every occasion) or its owner, Tatiana! She is as fun and cheeky as her offerings, making shopping at her El Paseo boutique an experience all its own! I first wandered in after spotting a ringon the store’s Instagram that reminded me of my late father’s watchband, and have popped in countless times since, snapping up such fun finds as cherry-shaped hair clips, bright pink shorts, and a denim dress that takes me right back to high school – in all the best ways.

If you know me at all, you’re aware that I LOVE coffee. It’s practically part of my personality! So, I’ve been eagerly awaiting the launch of Coffeeism Co. ever since seeing sneak peeks of its gorgeous design pop up on Instagram. It finally opened last week and was worth every bit of the hype! The café is minimalist, chic, and welcoming — the kind of place you can happily while away an entire afternoon, sumptuous coffee and delicious baked good (from local gem Con Amor, Nina y León) in hand! Stop by and see why it’s already one of my Valley favorites!

Tucked on 10 acres in Thermal, this family farm might just be the Valley’s most unique event venue! Offering a wide array of backdrops, including a serene lake complete with a beach, dock, and boat, my recent visit felt like stepping into an episode of Dawson’s Creek! Hosting everything from weddings to retreats to photo shoots, Packhouse is endlessly versatile and picturesque. Not currently planning an event? Sign up for one of their farm-to-table dinners! You’ll not only enjoy an insightful tour of the premises, but a meal prepared by a local chef utilizing produce grown right on the grounds!

What’s old is new again at the Palm Springs Airport thanks to the installation of a handful of concrete jet-set style benches replicating those of the site’s initial 1966 design! Fashioned by Doty & Sons (the very same manufacturer that built the originals) using some of the original molds, the chaises are part of a large-scale rehabilitation project spearheaded by Gary Wexler, son of the airport’s architect, Donald Wexler. (Keep an eye out for restored signage and landscaping coming soon!) PSP has truly never looked better!

I couldn’t be more excited to dive into this opportunity full force – especially the regular field trips, which grant participants behind-the-scenes looks at fascinating corners of our Valley. Past sessions included visits to the Robotics Institute at Eisenhower and the historic Sunnylands Estate, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store this year! Our welcome party is on September 18 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Desert Willow Golf Resort. It’s open to the public, so if you’d like to learn more about LCV and join me in celebrating this incredible program, grab your ticket here!

A confounding murder mystery unfolds against the hauntingly beautiful backdrop of Yosemite National Park in this gripping new series. Easily one of the best crime dramas to hit the small screen in a long time (not to mention one of the most stunning!), the show is worth a watch for the scenery alone –  though you’ll certainly want to stick around for the taut story line, sharp dialogue and rich cast of characters, led by a spectacular Eric Bana and Lily Santiago.

Where to watch: Free on Netflix

Cold case mysteries seem to be my procedural obsession du jour. Last month, it was Dept. Q; this month, it’s Ballard, the new Bosch spin-off based on Michael Connelly’s Renée Ballard novels. Starring the impeccableMaggie Q as a taciturn LAPD detective relegated to  an underfunded basement cold case unit alongside a quirky team of unpaid reserves and interns (all impeccably cast), the series packs a serious punch. Not familiar with Bosch? Not to worry – Ballard stands firmly on its own.

Where to watch: Free on Prime

Hands-down one of the funniest comedies streaming right now, all three seasons of this Office-esque Australian series (the latest of which just dropped) are wildly bingeable. Kitty Flanagan shines as Helen Tudor-Fisk, a deliciously awkward, down-on-her-luck contracts lawyer, supported by a stellar ensemble cast so pitch-perfect, watching almost feels like a masterclass in comedy. Each episode is sheer hilarity all the way through.

Where to watch: Free on Netflix

Tongue twister of a title aside, this historical drama is wholly heartwarming and poignant. Adapted from a bestselling novel, it chronicles a British author’s journey to the Channel Islands to uncover the story of an unlikely book club formed there during World War II. Told via a dynamic timeline that flashes back and forth between the Nazi occupation and its aftermath, the film is by turns compelling, uplifting, and devastating – and the real-life talebehind the book’s publication is just as bittersweet.

Where to watch: Free on Netflix

Based on another bestselling novel, this charming comedy follows four true-crime-obsessed septuagenarians who stumble onto – and set out to solve – a murder mystery in their plush Kent community of Coopers Chase, aka “Britain’s First Luxury Retirement Village.” (The Valley may have some fab senior living complexes, but this place is seriously next level!) Boasting an all-star cast (all bringing their A-game!), the flick is as sweet as it is funny, with the perfect amount of intrigue tossed in.

Where to watch: Free on Netflix

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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