Palm Springs — Now with More Gay Added

Palm Springs, still gay. And now, perhaps gayer than ever. Here’s what’s new and equally hot for the seasoned visitor to the first timer. If you do not have Palm Springs on your gay vacay agenda, then something is seriously off.

BY JOHN SOTOMAYOR PHOTOS COURTESY OF VISIT PALM SPRINGS

I finally made it to Palm Springs, and after my experience I cannot imagine why it took this long.

Twenty-something years ago, when I was nearly 20-something myself, I dated a guy named Guy who liked to frequent Palm Springs regularly. We were in different stages in life; he was rich and I, well, was not. So, we did not travel together but I enjoyed hearing his stories. At least what he was willing to share. I had the opportunity to visit this summer and jumped at the chance to see for myself what all the fuss was about. I was not prepared for how wonderful it is. To pay it forward, I will do my best to prepare you. With too much to cover everything there is to do, I will focus on what is new that will equally appeal to the jaded habitué, like Guy, to the sweet, wide eyed ingénue, like me.

My foursome on this trip included Troy Masters, publisher of the LA Blade, Tim Cappelli, social media influencer on Instagram, and Ed Walsh of Bay Area Reporter, Seattle Gay News, and NewsBreak. Here are where we’ve stayed, what we’ve done, where we’ve shopped, where we ate, and where we’ve played.

Where To Stay

Upon arrival at Palm Springs quaint stylish airport, voted Best Small US Airport in 2021, I checked into my hotel, The Triangle Inn, a clothing optional men’s resort owned by Michael Green, Executive Director of the Palm Springs Cultural Association, which runs Palm Springs LGBTQ lm festival, Cinema Diverse, and his husband Stephen Boyd.

For more information visit www.triangle-inn.com.

One of our many stops included Palm Springs’ latest sensation, the Trixie Motel. The place already has legendary lore and is sold out for the next 18 months — and it’s only been open for just over a year. According to the aforementioned lore, Brian Firkus, better known as his drag persona, Trixie Mattel, and David Silver visited Palm Springs in February 2017, months into dating. They discussed the idea of a Trixie themed vacation rental. During another visit, Firkus imagined the words “Trixie Motel” — a play on his drag name — then found the perfect motel that was already pink. In 2022, they created The the property. While there, Tim Cappelli, the Instagram social media in uencer, asked me to help him shoot a video short which makes him appear to magically jump from his living room staircase into the Trixie Motel swimming pool. Being the in-the-water cameraman became an unscheduled highlight of my trip.

I chose to stay an extra day so booked a one-nighter at the posh, brand new Twin Palms resort, also a clothing optional resort for gay men. I could not believe my eyes, or my luck, after seeing my room at Twin Palms. Modern minimalism at its most luxurious comfortable best. Twin Palms is the latest gay resort by those who own Santiago and Descanso. The three claim “modern luxury, timeless style,” as “Palm Springs’ most distinguished resorts for gay men” and after visiting all three, I can say they have every right to claim that. For more information, visit www.twinpalmsresort.com.

What To Do

Take a vehicle architecture tour by Mod Squad, the essential Palm Springs tour that showcases iconic Desert Modern architecture of Palm Springs. Ideal for the architecture and old Hollywood history enthusiasts. See iconic LGBTQ+ legends’ homes, like those of Dinah Shore, Great Garbo, Liberace, Rock Hudson, Tab Hunter, and Cary Grant.

Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, an absolute must-do attraction at Palm Springs. We climbed aboard the world’s largest rotating tramcar at the 2,643 ft. Valley Station and rose to the Mountain Station at 8,516 ft, with a breathtaking 10-minute journey up the sheer cli s of Chino Canyon. How is that gay? The rotating tramcar basically twirls 360 degrees several times on the way up and down. There are only three in the world. The other two are the Titlis Rotair in Switzerland and the gondola at Table Mountain in South Africa.

Take the Desert Adventures Red Jeep Tour of Indian Canyons. Our eco-tour guide, Marv (“Marvelous Marv”) led us on a hike and explained the history, culture, nature, geology, ora and fauna, panoramic vistas, and amazing scenery. A major bonding moment. How is that gay? Be creative. Pose provocatively for your Instagram, Mary.

On our final day of the trip, our foursome visited The Spa at Sec-he for a spa day.

Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza and The Spa at Sec-he celebrate the history and tradition of the Tribe while educating a new generation to the healing bene ts of the holy hot mineral spring. They were both created to embrace and re ect the natural desert terrain. The cutting-edge day spa provides a one-of-a-kind experience while retaining its tight ties to the environment and o ering a range of pampering, unwinding, and wellness treatments.

After a tour that included a demonstration and explanation of hot mineral baths, zero-sensory oatation suites, quartz beds, and the salt cave, our basic package permitted us to use all services except the upgrades, which included the zero-sensory oatation suites and quartz beds. I tried everything permissible, including the large outdoor swimming pool.

Where to Shop

No gay vacay would be complete without a little retail therapy. Visit N Palm Canyon Drive for a series of specialty boutiques and shoppes. Our first stop was Destination PSP. Owned by mayor-elect Jeffrey Bernstein, this art deco gift shoppe is a treasure trove of decorative and apparel gifts, especially for the modernista. Bernstein and his husband visited Palm Springs years ago from NYC and like many others, decided to make it their forever home. They abandoned their executive jobs for interests in art and community. In fact, their graphic designs were applied to posters for Palm Springs Pride, Modernism Week, and more. I found baseball caps embroidered with the words “Writer” and “Editor” and couldn’t resist. Now they are among my favorite accessories. I wear them everywhere.

Next we stopped by Trevor Wayne Pop Art Store/Gallery. Trevor’s artistic statement is to simply “make people smile” is achieved through his referential takes on consumerism and mainstream entertainment, often taking dark imagery and ipping it. He was in uenced by Saturday Morning Cartoons and mass production of art he carried on him as a kid on backpacks, binders, and clothes. I saw his signature Frankenstein Monster with a banana through his neck where the bolts would be, and I instantly got him. I just as quickly purchased another baseball cap with that image. I decided baseball caps would be my thing.

We ended our spree with the visit to El Tuggle, a fashion and lifestyle designer label by husbands Robert and Rodrigo, combining easybreezy fabrics with hand-worked details. They bring the spirit of travel and vintage cabana style to a new collection of pool and resort wear with a touch of Pride for All.

Where to Eat

On our rst night, we dined at Johanne’s. “Eat well, live better” is the motto and it is tting. I had the house’s signature dish, the Wiener Schitzel.

On our first day, we had lunch at Blackbook at the epicenter of LGBTQ bars and businesses, E Arenas Road. There we met with David Powell, Executive Director Desert Business Association, the desert’s LGBTQ chamber.

Later that same day, we were entertained by the locals at V Wine Lounge & Martini Bar, where I, like I did at every location throughout the visit, enjoyed non-alcoholic mocktails. One gentleman there was 93 and dancing. An equally vivacious elderly woman of unknown age also danced with wild abandon and glee.

That evening, we dined at Eight4Nine, a casual upscale restaurant located in the vibrant Uptown Design District. LGBTQ-owned, the white crisp interior was lined with farmhouse tables and stylish chairs creating a luxurious yet comfortable ambiance.

On our second day, all that hiking and shopping wore us out. We lunched at Juniper Table at The Kimpton Rowan on Tahquitz Canyon Way. Known for their Southern California fare inspired by Mediterranean avors, I had the Breakfast Tostada — crispy potato, chorizo, sunny-side up eggs, avocado, queso fresco, crema, pico de gallo, and radish. Perfection on a plate. The hotel management stopped by our table to say hello and suggested a visit to the rooftop pool. We did and were grateful for it. Stunning views of paradise while poolside.

Famished from our afternoon activities, we went to Clandestino for cocktails, in my case — mocktails, and nibbles, then dinner at Reforma, which is modeled after a supper club where guests enjoy dinner in a dramatic environment with the option to stay and dance the night away.

On our nal day, we left the spa and headed to lunch at Lulu California Bistro. With its vibrant outdoor terrace seating, climate-controlled patio, festive bar, busy dining area, and party-ready mezzanine, Lulu has emerged as the preferred dining destination in Palm Springs. Our luncheon included Randy Garner and Rob Hampton of Palm Springs Convention Center, Kimber Foster of Visit Greater Palm Springs, a sister visitors center to Visit Palm Springs, and Brad Fuhr, owner of DayDesert Guide, KGAY 106.5, and MeTVfm 103.1. Given my group were all media, we made plans with the local VIP for future visits to Palm Springs, which will host the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) conference in 2024 and the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) conference in 2025.

Where to Play

While there are many places to choose for nightlife in the Greater Palms Springs area, on this visit, we chose to stay locally. That meant the Arenas District with the heart on E Arenas Road. There we visited BlackBook, Chill, Dicks on Are- nas, Hunters, Quadz Palm Springs, and StreetBar. There is something — and someone — for everyone. I personally enjoyed the karaoke at StreetBar. While I usually don’t, karaoke is okay when talented singers step up to the mic. Some were so good, I asked if they ever performed professionally. They did. I also met three friendly and inebriated bears. They de nitely liked to give bear hugs. Who doesn’t enjoy that?

My foursome wanted to visit the new speakeasy bar, The Evening Citizen. Its secret entrance is located on the backside of the building where Stacey’s bar used to be. Given its intimate size and concept, reservations are recommended.

While we only visited Reforma for dinner, I would be remiss not to mention that it is the largest and most popular “it” club at the moment. I’m told a line wraps around the block on the weekend.

At the end of our foursome trip, we all said our goodbyes, but Troy and I decided to stay an extra day. The next morning, he took me to Spencer’s restaurant at an upscale tennis country club. We talked about possible business opportunities over brunch. Our time together ended with a visit to the windmills. I plan to visit again soon and saw Rob and Kimber in Puerto Rico for the IGLTA 2023 convention in October 2023.Our bond made in Palm Springs was evident in San Juan as we reunited like old friends. My takeaways from this visit to Palm Springs was the ultimate gay getaway while making new friends for future ones.

For more information, visit www.visitpalmsprings.com.

JOHN SOTOMAYOR is the publisher and editor-in-chief of Embrace Magazine. With nearly 20 years of experience as a journalist for magazines and newspapers, he has written on a broad range of topics and subject matter. Specifically on travel, Sotomayor has written for numerous publications including Ocala Magazine, Lake & Sumter Style Magazine, Elevate Magazine, Florida Travel + Life, and Florida Trends.