PRESENTS
THE
GUIDE TO GREATER
Written and Designed by: Jennifer and Amy Hood of Hoodzpah Art + Graphics
Fro 201 m the 2 Is sue Spring Mag of Lo azin cale e
PRESENTS
THE
GUIDE TO GREATER
Written and Designed by: Jennifer and Amy Hood of Hoodzpah Art + Graphics
4
TIP No.
etc. DON’T FORGET...
allow yourself at LEAST
A
A BOOK
TIP No.
1 CHECK THE WEATHER
D A Y S
SHADES
Before you pack or plan anything, you gotta check the temps. Here's the monthly averages of the area to help you in your planning. MONTHLY TEMPERATURE AVERAGES BIKES
You can't rush relaxation. Sure, you can do Palm Springs in a day. You can also wear gauchos, feed a dog chocolate and eat at the strip club buffet. That doesn't mean you should. Especially when it comes to gauchos. That being said, allow at least three days since one day will be half eaten up by travel. In the words of Sinatra, "nice and easy does it every time."
110˚
TIP No.
100˚
5
90˚
The whole point of a Palm Springs vacay is good ol’ fashioned R&R. So toss out your hour by hour itinerary conquering every site in town, head to the pool, and lounge for at least two hours. Then eat, drink, shop and explore at a leisurely pace. The minute your eyebrows start to furrow in stress, hit the pool/links/ spa and zone it out.
80˚ 70˚ 60˚
A SWIM SUIT ...OR TWO
50˚
DON’T OVER PLAN
40˚ 30˚ DO FORGET...
20˚ 10˚ 0
09
TO DO:
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WORK
MAKE RESERVATIONS
3 PALM SPRINGS IS DOG FRIENDLY
Make sure you don’t miss what you want to see/do/eat/drink/explore by planning ahead.
Call ahead to see if establishments have pet friendly rooms or outdoor dining areas.
TIP No.
2
TIP No.
UNSPOKEN ROADTRIP RULES: 1. Get directions. 2. Allow plenty of time. The 91 can get messier than an OC Housewife after a bottle of Pinot and a missed Botox appointment. 3. Hit the loo before you hit the road. 4. Bring snacks. 5. Create two driving playlists (one for snoozing/zoning and one for singing with your head out the sunroof.) 6. Start the road trip off with an epic anthem to set the
6 PACK RIGHT
7 DO IT LIKE OL’ BLUE EYES.
TIP No.
TIP No.
It’s the desert. Days are hot, but the nights can turn cold. Make sure and pack clothes for warm and cold weather, and when you go out bring layers just in case.
This is your vacation. Do what you want, not what the travel guide says (excluding this travel guide, of course. We will never lead you astray...). Sinatra did it his way, which was to try everything once and raise a little Cain along the way.
8
TIP No.
15 rules to prevent the car from descending into an MMA cage fight... mood. Any kind of '80s monster ballad is preferable. 7. Don't hog DJ duties. 8. If you get shotgun, be the Goose to your Maverick. Hold his/her drink, assist with directions and looking for exits, feed him/her snacks, etc... 9. Don't be a backseat driver. 10. If you're driving - PAY ATTENTION. 11. Take turns driving. 12. Stay positive and don't provoke. If someone starts
getting cranky just give them some quiet time to let the scenery and tunes melt away the cabin fever. 13. Don't sing along to every song. No one wants to hear you sing every vocal riff in Adele's "21" half a note off key. 14. If you bring goodies, share! 15. Stop for a photo shoot with the Cabazon Dinosaurs. It's not everyday you can get weird with the worlds' biggest dinos!
Will you be staying here? a quiz to find out...
TAXIDERMY a. Decor b. Do I use the 1040 EZ or the 1099 form? c. Good company BLACK a. Keys b. Tie c. Metal LEATHER a. Jacket b. Penny Loafers c. Underwear Mostly a's: Yes Mostly b's: Nu-uh Mostly c's: Maybe
ACE HOTEL
Prepare to take the best Instagram photos ever. You wont even need the “earlybird” filter, this place comes with a built in sun-faded lomo effect. One of a growing number of Ace Hotels, the Palm Springs location continues the Ace philosophy of “functionality meets simplicity” with plenty of unique flavor and scrappy style. The property is peppered with stone walls straight out of Marsha Brady’s house and amoebic wire framed chairs echoing a '70s college rec room. The place is stylishly worn, like your favorite pair of Levi’s jeans.
patios overlooking the swim area. Rooms start at around $175/night.
What you get: The rooms are effortlessly thrown together, with simple linens, airy windows, flat screen TVs, and modest vintage furniture populating the space. Some rooms have record players with throwback vinyl collections, mini bars, fireplaces and private
The Amigo Room is the in-house bar, with artisanal cocktails and plenty of young, good looking company. Bottoms up.
The gym is 24/7, the Feel Good Spa offers all the standard services, and the pool and spa (open till 2 a.m.) come with plenty of hammocks, events daily (including yoga classes, DJs, and live bands), and a poolside bar that serves alcoholic sno cones! The hotel's diner, Kings Highway, is a laid back joint using local, seasonal and organic ingredients to cook up American fare for the foodie vagabond.
701 E. Palm Canyon Dr. | Palm Springs, CA 92264 760-325-9900 | acehotel.com/palmsprings
etc.
EAST COAST PIZZA IN THE WEST DESERT OASIS
LIKE A ROMAN HOLIDAY
What does it take to get a great East Coaststyle pizza with that signature thin crispy crust? 800 Degrees Fahrenheit and a jaunt down Palm Canyon Drive. Matchbox Vintage Pizza Bistro uses an authentic wood-fired masonry oven, fresh dough made daily, and exciting topping combinations to make the best pizza in town. Enjoy your pie in an urban style atmosphere overlooking downtown Palm Springs’ main drag.
An d d ge a br i OF ORY T S I H
2000-ish years ago The Coachella Valley is the home of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. They live near the natural hot mineral springs in the cold months, and then move camp to the canyons during the high temperature months.
Voted “Best of the Valley Thrift Stores” by The Desert Sun. Hunt for that Moby Dick of thrift finds at this mega consignment store of clothing, furniture, art, jewelry and more.
760-413-2883 scootpalm springs.com
611 South Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262 760-318-6491 | revivalsstores.com
becomes a state. hot
o by :
E d w ar d S . C ur
tis
THRIFT STORE shop: REVIVALS
The best way to cruise Palm Springs? On two wheels with a peppy horn. Located at the Ace Hotel
1850 California P
Palm n gs i r p S
155 S. Palm Canyon Dr. | Palm Springs, CA 92262 760-778-6000 | matchboxpalmsprings.com
DEAL: 100NSunny Promo • Standard King for $100 or a Standard Double for $129 • Half off your resort fee • $25 Feel Good Spa credit. Yo ho ho and a bucket of beers Blackout dates apply. Valid on Thursdays – Sundays through September 20, 2012. Promo code: 100NSUNNY
1853 “Palm Springs” is first coined by the United States Topographical Engineers when surveying the land.
etc. WISH YOU WERE HERE: SOUVENIRS DONE RIGHT
If you simply must do the souvenir thing, don't fall for the cheap tee or shot glass again, do it with class. Go to Just Fabulous in downtown Palm Springs for an upscale boutique full of retro gifts, books, art, music and cards, mostly priced under $50! 515 N. Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262 760-864-1300 bjustfabulous.com
ACE HOTEL
BACKYARD OASIS: THE SWIMMING POOL IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PHOTOGRAPHY, 1945 – 1982 The Pool: it's that magical summer place you longed for as a child, that harmlessly swanky place you went to show off and court peers as a teenager, the place that was made more useful to young punks on decks when it had no water. If it were to be the praised golden calf of any people, it would definitely be to those desert dwellers of Palm Springs. Raise a salute, or at least a brow, to the photographs that have ventured to capture the many sides of California's love affair with the pool. Showing through May 27, 2012 at the Palm Springs Art Museum. 101 Museum Drive | Palm Springs, CA 92262 760-322-4800 | psmuseum.org
TOURS & SITE SEEING A Map of Palm Springs Modern Stop at the Palm Springs Visitor Center on your way into town (it's that soaring roofed old building on the intro page of this guide). There you can pick up the Palm Springs Modern Committee's self-driving tour guide of the area's most famous architectural offerings by greats like Albert Frey, John Lautner, and Richard Neutra.
2901 N. Palm Canyon Dr. | Palm Springs, CA 92262 800-347-7746 | palm-springs.org Grand Tour of Palm Springs 2.5 hours | Adults $48.95, kids $18.95 You'll cover all the best parts of the greater Palm Springs
1877 The U.S. Government gives Southern Pacific
Railroad half the land surrounding the railroad they were constructing in the So. Cal. Desert around Palm Springs. The Agua Caliente are given the other half of the property.
area, from Rancho Mirage (playground of the Presidents) to Cathedral City to Palm Springs itself, where you will see more than 50 celebrity homes - including those of Elvis Presley (see inset photo), Frank Sinatra, Liberace, and many more. Palm Springs Tours 800-409-3174 | palmspringstours.net Sunset Jeep Tour of the San Andreas Fault 2 Hours | Starting at $100 per person Great for families, active people, green enthusiasts, and photographers! Put your Indiana Jones hat on and hop in the
Big Red Jeep. Prepare to witness and learn about the science and history behind the amazing geological cuts and canyons of the San Andreas Fault zone, the natural palm oasis, and an old mining camp, all while the sun sets in the west. Reservations required! Desert Adventures 888-440-5337 | red-jeep.com Guided ATV Tour Tours range from 2 Hours at $150/person to Half Day at $250/person. $50 for passengers. What better way to see the Coachella Valley desert than on four screamin' wheels with the wind at your back? A guide will lead you on an adventure through the desert!
Quad Squad 760-861-QUAD | desertatvtours.com
1884 First white settlers make Palm Springs permanent home. It is San Franciscan Judge John Guthrie McCallum and his fam. He and the local Indians build an irrigation aqueduct that brings priceless pure water 19 miles from the source into Palm Springs.
1886 The first
hotel is built by Dr. Welwood Murray: The Palm Springs Hotel.
Palm Springs Hollywood Style bedroom.
Midcentury Nights Dream
PALM SPRINGS
in the style of
might do. From Madison Avenue to Beverly Hills, the rich and famous playboys of the 1960s found a private playground in Palm Springs. Exclusive clubs featuring the hottest acts in town, pools fringed by bikinied kittens sipping mai tais, days waned away playing golf with Bing Crosby. With the act perfected by greats like Sinatra and Elvis, why reinvent the system? Just take a walk in their shoes. And watch the suede, it stains.
THE BACHELOR PADS 1 “A Midcentury Nights Dream” 4 bedrooms, 4 Baths, Sleeps 8 Walking Distance to Palm Canyon Dr., Private Pool, and Internet Winter Rates (Until May 31): $520/Night | $3,220/Wk. What says '60s chic more than shag carpets, mid century modern architecture,
wood paneled and stone stacked walls, and a marble facade on the house's stately front? All you need are the Bond girls and a dry martini. This home was originally built and designed for the heiress of Philips Petroleum. The one story home is glamor in 3,200 ft.: fully furnished in designer vintage, kitchen fully equipped for entertaining, an original Terrazzo pool with lounge chairs, outdoor dining for 8, a gas fire-pit and BBQ grill, a private gate and walled off yard, and all rooms offering direct access to outside (for easier sneaking in and out).
1909 The Desert Inn is founded by Dr. Harry and Nellie Coffman. Originally a sanitorium for tuberculosis patients, the inn later evolves into a popular resort hotel visited by millionaires like the Vanderbilts and Hearsts. Palm Springs’ reputation as a playground for the rich and famous is already beginning.
2 “Palm Springs Hollywood Style” OPTION No.
3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, Sleeps 6 Private Pool, Spa, Internet Winter Rates (Until may 31): $295/Night | $1,550/Wk.
When in Rome do as the Romans do. When in Palm Springs, do as Don Draper
OPTION No.
Palm Springs Hollywood Dining Area
1919 Silent films
frequently film in the Palm Springs area, bringing the stars and buzz with them.
This Alexander-built William Kriesel home simply weeps style from its flirty lemon walls and rich black accents. The house was redesigned to echo the style and spirit of the famous Palm Springs Viceroy Hotel. Features include a heated pool with beautiful outdoor furniture, a whirlpool spa, beautiful mountain views with soaring palm trees, a quiet neighborhood located minutes from downtown, Cable TV and a DVD player, high speed WiFi, TVs in all rooms, an outdoor BBQ, and a fully equipped kitchen. You will truly feel like an A-lister of the golden era of Palm Springs when staying in this Hollywood Regencystyle home.
1276 N Palm Canyon Dr., Suite 211 Palm Springs, CA 92262 760-778-7832 or 800-590-3110 Book Online 24/7! vacationpalmsprings.com Davis Meyer (Sales & Marketing Manager) 760-778-7832 ext. 122
1938 The Village of Palm Springs is incorporated. Palm Springs is already the escape destination for Hollywood stars like Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, Charlton Heston, Lucille Ball and others.
PALM SPRINGS
etc.
in the style of
FOR THOSE WHO LIKE THEIR '60s WITH LESS LUST AND MORE SINGING:
CONT'D.
DRESSING THE PART Deja Vu Vintage Finery
"PALM SPRINGS WEEKEND" (1963)
PUT ON YOUR DINNER JACKET, WE’RE GOING TO Melvyn's
DINNER
It’s where Frank Sinatra and Barbara had their pre-wedding dinner. And the menu has hardly changed since. Preserved as pristinely as the elegant tuxedos on the waiters flambéing dishes table-side, Melvyn's is a relic of the golden era of Palm Springs. The food isn't enlightening and the crowd tends to be a bit older, but the atmosphere and history more than makes up for it. Melvyn's dining rooms are opulent and rich, each with a unique décor. The restaurant is named after it’s owner/ proprietor Mel Haber, who was once the largest employer in Palm Springs, and former owner of Cecils, a lavish Palm Springs disco that rivaled Studio 54 in star power. After dinner, slip away to Melvyn's Casablanca Lounge for live piano music and dancing starting at 8 p.m. nightly.
200 West Ramon Road | Palm Springs, CA 92264 760-325-2323 | inglesideinn.com/melvyns_restaurant
Is your '60s nostalgia more in the vein of Frankie Avalon? Then rent this gem: a sugary sweet romcom film set in Palm Springs in the '60s. It even delivers the random and totally unnecessary song number typical to "Beach Party" type films.
Deja Vu is the place for real, fine vintage clothing for men and women. Unlike many “vintage” shops who just carry grossly used consignment clothes and a few scrappy period pieces, Deja Vu is carefully curated, a beautiful collection of sumptuous, quality clothing dating from the 1940s up to the ‘80s. William Miller, an interior designer, and Caroldean Ross, a fashion femme fatale, co-created the boutique planting it in the Uptown Design District. The boutique carries high-end period designers like Nina Ricci, Judith Leiber, Oscar de la Renta, Louis Feraud (Rachel Zoe picked up a number by him at Deja Vu), Mr. Blackwell and Oleg Cassini, a famous designer who also served as First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy’s official and only couturier, creating her signature “Camelot Look.”
644 N. Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92264 760-699-5365 | dejavuroom.com
GAMBLIN' B
E
A
Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
Order a shaken not stirred and hit the poker tables at Fantasy Springs for some responsible gaming and irresponsible winning.
Offers: 2,000 slot machines, 40+ table games, Pai Gow, Mini baccarat, Poker, Jackpot bingo (no self respecting Mad Man would ever), Off-track betting Fantasy Springs also has a 24/7 bowling alley, stand up acts at their Improv Comedy Club, and The Rock Yard, an outdoor concert stage that hosts tribute bands, house bands, and top-name recording artists. Admission is complimentary with shows running March through October.
84-245 Indio Springs Pkwy. | Indio, CA 92203 800-827-2946 | fantasyspringsresort.com
1939 A 1939 census
numbered 5,336 year-round residents with a seasonal jump to over 8,000 people
Oleg Cassini and Jacqueline Kennedy
To be well dressed is a little like being in love.” – OLEG CASSINI
1940s During WWII, General George S. Patton chooses 18,000 square miles of Arizona and California Desert surrounding Palm Springs to train American troops. Patton calls the US's newly acquired land in the southwest the Desert Training Center. Troops called it “the place God forgot”. The training is to prepare US Troops to take on Rommel in North Africa.
1940s Palm Springs’ Torney General Hospital treated U.S. wounded during the war. Italian Prisoners of War were used as hospital laborers.
It's.. some sort of old money hideaway, a mischievous Hotel California Wonderland that has a culture and time zone all it's own."
R' EDI TO
S
THE PARKER
What is now called the Parker, was once the first Holiday Inn in California, which a singing cowboy named Gene Autry later bought to house his baseball team, the Angels, when they came to Palm Springs to practice (he renamed the inn Gene Autry's Melody Ranch). The property was eventually bought by hotelier Jack Parker, who hired famed designer Jonathan Adler to give the Parker new life. Adler transformed the hotel into a snarky and wonderfully merry place to mellow out. In fact, you'll never want to leave (despite the omen on the ceramic frieze below the concierge desk that reads “eat drink and be merry for tomorrow you shall check out”). The Parker hotel was designed to give visitors the feel of visiting a rich old aunt's estate. Think Miss Havisham without the dust and old wedding dresses and sinister matchmaking. It's that kind of destination – some sort of old money hideaway, a mischievous Hotel California Wonderland that has a culture and time zone all its own. It will hypnotize you with croquet and gardens, pools and hammocks for acres (13 acres to be specific). The amenities are vast and luxurious, the 18,500 square foot spa
1940s An airfield was built to
receive and dispatch military cargo and personnel. Today it is the Palm Springs Regional Airport.
is infamous, and the house restaurants range from sunbathed to swanky (in an interview with Travel + Leisure, Jonathan Adler described Mr. Parker's restaurant as “a clubby little lair for Mr. Parker but with lurid psychedelia, because he's a little dissolute, as if Mick Jagger had bought a castle in seventy-two.”). The estate is one exceptional layer after another. “The Parker has all the luxury of a five star without all the stuffiness and pretension,” says Marisa Zafran. She's in charge of media and press relations for the Parker. Zafran has carried on Jonathan Adler's style and spirit for the Parker by working with the hotel management and a film director to create a series of unceremonious and stylish teaser videos for their website. The shorts give a humorous and vivid look into every quirky and grande aspect of the hotel, a virtual tour that all-out trumps flat photos and text on a website. Do yourself a favor and spend about 30-minutes to watch every short on their website. You'll immediately know why it is the pinnacle of “stays” in Palm Springs.
Rooms range $300-$1000/night during winter season 4200 East Palm Canyon Dr. | Palm Springs, CA 92264 760-770-5000 | theparkerpalmsprings.com
1962 John F. Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe’s
only night of intimacy in their rumored affair occurs at Bing Crosby's house in Palm Springs according to Daniel Spoto, a Monroe biographer.
1988 Sonny Bono becomes mayor of Palm Springs and serves 4 years.
1990 Bono founds the Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF)
etc.
FAMILY FUN 1
OPTION No.
Cabazon Dinosaurs
There's no better Palm Springs photo opp than with the world's biggest dinosaurs! Go inside the T-Rex museum, dig in the sand for fossils, and learn what you never knew about dinosaurs, the existence of man, and the creation of the world. Exhibits are curated by scientists from around the world.
50770 Seminole Dr. | Cabazon, CA 92230 951-922-0076 | cabazondinosaurs.com
OPTION No.
2
Knott's Soak City Palm Springs Beat the heat with 16 acres of water rides and fun! You can tough it out in the Wave Pool or just cruise the day away on the Sunset River. Go online to buy tickets and plan your visit.
1500 S. Gene Autry Trail | Palm Springs, CA 92264 760-327-0499 | soakcityps.com
OPTION No.
3
The Living Desert Zoo This will be a family favorite day trip. It is so much more than a zoo. You can feed the giraffes, see the elusive jaguar, or hike some of the 1080 acres of undisturbed Sonoran desert that is part of the Living Desert's nature preserve. Visitors can even go behind the scenes on a docent led tour through the Wildlife Hospital and Conservation Center to observe animal examinations and learn
GOLF
what it takes to care for the Living Desert's animals. Make sure to stop in at the new Miriam U. Hoover Discovery Center too, where interactive exhibits teach kids what makes the Coachella Valley tick. Go online for rates and hours.
4
OPTION No.
Palm Springs Air Museum Feast your eyes on the nation's largest collection of World War II flying aircraft. Besides the fascinating planes and artifacts, documentaries are shown daily, an extensive library related to aviation and American military history is at your fingertips, and Saturday commemorative education programs often showcase demonstration flights.
745 N. Gene Autry Trail | Palm Springs, CA 92262 760-778-6262 | palmspringsairmuseum.org
a tee off at the greens... When it comes to golf, it's hard to get a better package than JW Marriott Resort & Spa's Desert Springs Golf Club. Their two championship 18-hole golf courses are beautifully designed by Ted Robinson with plenty of waterways, rolling fairways, and sweeping views, making it both challenging and enjoyable. Practice facilities are available, and kids 15 and under play free after 3pm when accompanied by a full paying adult. After a round of golf, hit the Resort for dinner or drinks (just not with the kids).
74855 Country Club Dr. | Palm Desert, CA 92260 760-341-1756 | marriottgolf.com
Preservation (NTHP) names Palm Springs to its exclusive annual list of America’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations for architecture.
The legendary "Two-Hour Rule" of Hollywood studios put Palm Springs on the map as a perfect getaway for stars. The rule stated that actors under contract had to be available within two hours from the studio just in case last minute film or photo shoots had to occur. Palm Springs was about as far away a private paradise the stars could find from Hollywood.
47900 Portola Ave. | Palm Desert, CA 92260 760-346-5694 | livingdesert.org
It wouldn't be a day in the desert without
2006 The National Trust for Historic
THE HOLLYWOOD 2 HOUR RULE
Today The permanent year-
round Palm Springs population is 45,000, and doubles during the winter season.
WINING & DINING
best b-fast: CHEEKY'S Open Wednesday through Monday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Pet friendly patio A weekly menu inspired by the freshest seasonal foods from local agricultural resources, and completely homemade batters, sauces, dressings, sausages, pastries and cakes? You better believe this is the best place for delicious and unique versions of classic breakfast and lunch favorites. 622 N. Palm Canyon Dr. | Palm Springs, CA 92262 760-327-7595 cheekysps.com
THE GHOST OF CARY GRANT
Cary Grant had a longtime residence in the Movie Colony in Palm Springs. To lay low he had his name listed in the phone book as Archibald Leach, his birth name. Present owner of the residence, Dr. Jane Smith, jokes that Grant's ghost still walks the halls “wearing a dinner jacket, of course.”
JAKE'S RESTAURANT For when you're far from home but don't actually want to go home.
Jake's offers your favorite American comfort food essentials with European accents. Also check out their fabulous weekend brunch (they invited Saturday to the brunch party)! Get a Spiked Arnold Palmer or Horseradish Vodka Bloody Mary, pair with Eggs in Purgatory, and chill out on the hip, casual patio. Oh yeah, two words: full bar. 664 N. Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262 760-327-4400 | jakespalmsprings.com Dog friendly patio
2 Pioneertown DESTINATION No.
1 The Integratron DESTINATION No.
The Integratron's statement of purpose says it all: “The Integratron is an acoustically perfect tabernacle and energy machine sited on a powerful geomagnetic vortex in the magical Mojave Desert.” Questions? Us too. Apparently this perfectly acoustic, dome-shaped building called the Integratron was created by aeronautical engineer, test pilot, and UFO movement leader George Van Tassel. It was conceived in August of 1953 when Van Tassel had an encounter with extra terrestrials from Venus who showed him how to rejuvenate living cell tissues in humans. He would build the Integratron in Giant Rock, CA across 18 years as a place to perform the rejuvenation therapy. Van Tassel died in 1978, but the building is still maintained today according to his original vision. Go for a “sound bath” in the magnificent space that scientists have dubbed “a mass battery” and experience the cellular level physical and spiritual healing Van Tassel intended. “Sound is nutrition for the nervous system.” 2477 Belfield Boulevard | Landers, CA 92285 760-364-3126 | integratron.com
Pappy & Harriet's Pioneertown Palace Originally a cantina facade for the set town in the '40s and '50s, then a gristly biker burrito bar (yes, that's a real thing) in the '70s called “The Cantina”, onto a Tex-Mex style restaurant with live music owned by Harriet and her husband, Claude "Pappy" Allen in the '80s. Whatever the theme, the location has always been a unique spot for down-home food and entertainment of some sort. Now in it's 4th generation of ownership, you can thank New Yorkers Robyn Celia and Linda Krantz for infusing Pappy & Harriet's with some of its glory day exuberance. Through their efforts the old saloon's stage now plays host to world class and underground favorites alike, including Leon Russell, Lucinda Williams, The Cold War Kids, Sean Lennon, Robert Plant, and more. Grab a beer and some BBQ, mind the bikers, and prepare for greatness in small spaces.
53688 Pioneertown Rd. Pioneertown, CA 92268 760-365-5956 | pappyandharriets.com
Photo of the Integratron by Jessica Albano. Extra stars and sky added by Amy Hood
Every society has a fringe. This is palm Springs'. Its the outer limits, where Seussesque Joshua Trees are king, the mother ship makes contact regularly, and the wild West is well and truly alive. Hop on your motorcycle, ready your spirit for transmission, and start your David Lynch worthy odyssey into the desert....
Our next coming attraction: Pioneertown, a movie set town created by Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, Russell Hayden, and the Sons of the Pioneers in 1946. In the '40s and '50s, more than 50 television shows were filmed here. Today a small handful of people actually live in the frontier town's buildings, there's an inn where you can stay, the corrals where you can camp out and put up horses for mere tens of dollars, a bowling alley, and even a world famous bar and music venue called Pappy & Harriet's, which you've probably never heard of. That ends today.
Amazing mid century modern vintage home furnishings
Uptown Design District
BESIDES OUR PREVIOUSLY HIGHLIGHTED VINTAGE SHOPS, HERE'S WHERE TO SHOP IN THE DESERT TO GET.... The top brands and latest styles
El Paseo DESTINATION No.
3
Hicksville Trailer Palace & Artist Retreat Defect from society for a while and take a trip to this fringe colony of solar powered trailers and refugee artists hiding out in Joshua Tree. Like something out of an "X Files" episode, the quirky trailer motel and artist retreat at Hicksville is a secluded desert gem that is literally off the grid. Not even Google knows exactly where LA writer/director Morgan Higby Night's caravan of trailers set up camp in 2010. Only those who check in and pay the toll get coordinates to the ultimate artist's hideout. Hicksville is a creative buffet offering a recording studio, a filmmaker's dream editing trailer with a Mac Pro (equipped with Final Cut Pro, After Effects, Final Draft, etc.), an archery and BB gun range, a roof deck with hot tub, an Astroturf greenbelt with a saltwater pool, and even a tipi with a fire pit. Living quarters are themed vintage trailers, including a swanky one with wig head lamps designed by Fifi Mahoney's wig store in New Orleans, and a punk Tiki trailer inspired by The Cramps. At Hicksville, you'll see the stars again, you'll feel the old, grande crudeness of nature again, and you'll hear voices from the great beyond of consciousness.
Somewhere in Joshua Tree | hicksville.com
4 10th Annual Joshua Tree Music Fest DESTINATION No.
If Coachella is getting too mainstream for you, go deep under the radar with the miscellaneous musical offerings of the 10th Annual Joshua Tree Music Festival. From Ashwin Batish & Family (the “Sitar Power from the Zappa-esque master of funky Indian fusion”) to Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars, to Morning Teleportation (a psychedelic experience featuring some of our childhood pals from Bowling Green, KY), there's plenty of music to open your mind to. And of course there's camping. Set up camp against the backdrop of Joshua Tree and the Mojave Desert. The festival website warns, “dancing is not required, but virtually unavoidable.”
May 18-20, 2012 | joshuatreemusicfestival.com
Clothes, jewelry, art and home décor, all in a quaint downtown-feel layout. Plus, there are great dining options and caffeine stops to break up and refuel the voyage. Art Walks hosted every first Thursday of the month from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m..
877-735-7273 | shopelpaseopalmdesert.com Located in the heart of Palm Desert, south of Highway 111, between Portola and Monterey (Hwy. 74) A replica Britney Spears rhinestone bra and a enough sequined dresses, faux fur, and boas to dress every show girl in Vegas
Marianne of Palm Springs This was one of our favorite spots while walking the downtown Palm Springs strip. Gaudy costume jewelry, blinding sequined numbers, fur hats straight out of From Russia With Love, belly dancer glitz bras – this place is everything you could ever hope for when on leave from the real world.
palmspringsuptowndesigndistrict.com HIGHLIGHTS: • Boulevard 800 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Ste. A Palm Springs, CA 92262 760-832-9011 boulevardps.com • Modernway 745 N. Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262 760-320-5455 psmodernway.com • Christopher Anthony Ltd 800 N. Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262 Austrian Emil Stejnar 760-322-0600 snowball hanging lamp christopheranthonyltd.com circa 1955 - Christopher • House 849 Anthony Ltd 849 N. Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262 760-325-7854 house849.com • Interior Illusions 803 N. Palm Canyon Blvd. Palm Springs, CA 92262 760-325-0300 interiorillusionshome.com • Studio 111 2675 N. Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262 760-323-5104 studio111palmsprings.com Hand carved tree trunk chair - House 849
236 North Palm Canyon Dr. | Palm Springs CA 92262 760-416-0226 | marianneofpalmsprings.com Outlet Prices
Desert Hills Premium Outlets There's 150 name brand outlet stores and barely enough parking for the employees, but hunt the lot till you get one. The prices and the finds are worth it. Sometimes... Stores include Saks, Coach, Gucci, Versace, Burberry's, Brook's Brothers, Calvin Klein, Dolce & Gabbana, Lucky, Izod, Kenneth Cole, Polo Ralph Lauren, Gucci, Barney's, DKNY, Armani, Prada, Nike, Adidas, Puma... The list goes on.
20 minutes West of Palm Springs on I-10 (Interstate 10) premiumoutlets.com “California Chic” for women and men
Trina Turk Vibrant colors and patterns in luxurious, light textures. This is the crown jewel of downtown Palm Springs' style offerings. Trina also has a small collection of hand selected vintage pieces in the boutique.
891 N. Palm Canyon Dr. | Palm Springs, CA 92262 760-416-2856 | trinaturk.com
"Spring Spires" by Tina Bluefield - Studio 111
Tip:
you can browse many of the great Palm Springs home furnishing stores online at 1stdibs.com before you even get to Palm Springs.