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Laid-back vibes in the heart of Palm Springs

The charming Bearfoot Inn is the only gay men’s clothing-optional resort in Palm Springs’ historic Movie Colony neighborhood, putting it just steps away from all the action of downtown.

Once they arrived in Palm Springs, Glen Boomhour and Jerry Pergolesi knew they were in the right place.

The owners of the Bearfoot Inn originally had planned to open a hotel in Florida; as Canadians, this is the “go to sun destination,” Jerry said. Instead, they opened as a bed and breakfast in Toronto, which “gave us time to open our field of vision and take a serious look at Palm Springs,” Jerry said. “We’re glad we did.”

The Bearfoot Inn is proud to serve the gay community, in one of the most LGBT-friendly cities in the world.

After 11 years in Toronto, The Bearfoot Inn in Palm Springs officially opened on Jan. 1, 2013, although word spread ahead of time and they opened their doors a few days early to welcome drop-in guests.

“What’s great about Palm Springs is the weather, of course, and Palm Springs is probably the most gay positive city in the U.S.,” Jerry said.

The Bearfoot Inn is in the historic Movie Colony neighborhood, the only clothing-optional gay men’s resort with this distinction, and just steps away from downtown. Its 11 guest rooms all have memory foam mattresses, extra-large showers, and flatscreen televisions, and guests can relax outside in the heated saltwater pool and spa.

“We love the desert and we love that Palm Springs is so cosmopolitan while retaining a small town feel,” Jerry said. “In many respects, that is reflected in our attitude about Bearfoot Inn. We’re small, laid-back, and casual, but a little savvy, too — at least we hope we are.”

Jerry and Glen enjoy being involved in the community, and appreciate the support and sense of camaraderie amongst the hoteliers.

“We’re so happy to be part of something that makes Palm Springs special, from being the city with the most LGBTQ hotels to being amongst the many boutique hotels that give Palm Springs its unique charm as a sun destination or a weekend getaway,” Jerry said.

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The High Life

Although the mountain backdrop is brushed in hues of brown, the rest of the Coachella Valley is pretty darned green. Canna-Tourism was smokin’ hot (#sorrynotsorry) until, you know, the pandemic. Sure, dispensaries were considered an essential business (how else would you get through the pandemic??) but now that we’re in the yellow, let’s talk about just how green our grass is. And yes, we’re talking cannabis.

Downtown Palm Springs has ten (sorry if I missed anyone) dispensaries, and I’ve added Joy of Life on the north end because she’s very active in our little community, and deserves the love. She also owns Crystal Fantasy, which I talked about on my “Events” blog last month.

Before I give you the list, most Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels, and definitely the larger ones, do not allow any kind of smoking on their properties. But some do, so it’s always worth a query unless they have already stated otherwise. But there are other ways to medicate without breaking any rules.

Edibles. A lot of people don’t like these. Personally? I’m a fan. I still like my flower, and the occasional vape, but edibles are great when you can’t, or don’t want to, smoke or vape. You do, however, have to find the right strain and dosage for you. If you’ve never done them before, tell your budtender, they are trained to guide you. Most products recommend an initial dosage of five to ten milligrams.

There is a general conception that edibles mean brownies, cookies, gummies, and sugary treats, but there are also cocktails, syrups, powders and cooking products. However if you don’t know how to use them, you could end up in your room hoping you’ll come down soon. I had that issue years ago with medicated goldfish. I ate some, was watching Naked and Afraid and got hungry. I had nothing in the house to eat, then I remembered, “Oh, I have goldfish!” I ate the rest of the bag. Don’t do that. Seriously do not.

If you fancy an infused dinner with an executive chef, Brooke Egger is a great choice. She’s been on television (Cutthroat Kitchen) and has been a personal chef to many celebrities. She also has her own brand of edibles, Kande. Check out her IG (above).

CannaBUS Express Tours is always a great way to start your journey in the world of weed, or even for long-haulers. There is so much to learn! And it’s a hella fun ride. As fun as that ride is, it’s also incredibly informational. Cannabis is BIG business, and it goes through a lot before it ends up in your dispensary. You’ll stop at growhouses, manufacturers, distilleries, and distributors – the tour changes each time you go because there’s so much to learn, and so many places to see, and owner, Lynne Daniels tailors the tour on the fly for her riders.

The CannaBUS courtesy of CannaBUS Express Tours.

I want to tell you about a topical created by a Coachella Valley resident. Debbie’s husband got pretty banged up in his younger years, which made getting older pretty painful. She researched the medicinal and created Wild Bill’s Miracle Rub. It’s great for sore joints, arthritis, and it saved my bacon last year when I broke my shoulder. There is THC is the recipe, but it won’t get you high, it will just relieve your pain.

Wild Bill’s Miracle Rub courtesy of Zuma Topicals

Joan of Angels, another local, has a YouTube show about the 420 lifestyle. She’s very spiritual as you can see from her website. Give her a listen.

Four Twenty Bank and Dispensary is pretty unique. It’s 38,000 square feet scattered with seating areas for smoking your purchase, and other fun activities – pool tables, pinball machines, board games, a giant chess game, and more. It’s a unique experience, so give them a try.

And now, the list, from the North end to South end of Palm Springs: Check the location of your boutique hotel to find the one closest to you.

Joy of Life Wellness Center

142 W Oasis Rd
(760) 318-1420

Holland Pharms
150 N Palm Canyon Dr (818) 836-7908

OG Arabian Nights
232 N Palm Canyon Dr

Harvest HOC of Palm Springs Dispensary

312 N Palm Canyon Dr
(442) 226-4300

Lighthouse Marijuana Dispensary

395 N Palm Canyon Dr  (
760) 320-4420

Coachella Valley Green Dragon

53 S Palm Canyon Dr
(760) 438-9333

Four Twenty Bank Dispensary and Lounge

296 S Palm Canyon Dr
(760) 318-6877

Rockstar Cannabis Dispensary And Delivery

530 S Indian Canyon Dr
(760) 537-1334

PSA Organica

400 E Sunny Dunes Rd
(760) 778-1053

Off The Charts

1508 S Palm Canyon Dr

Please medicate responsibly, and as always, support locally-owned businesses. And if you go to any of our hotels or enjoy our recommendations, please be sure to tag us with your photos on IG, or @palmspringspreferredsmallhotels (yeah, it’s a lot to type, but we appreciate it!)

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A Tasty Trip Down Tahquitz

They’re off the main strip, so you’re unlikely to see them on your own, so I’m gonna tell you about them: some terrific spots for coffee, dining and good times in Palm Springs, just east of Palm Canyon. Let me take you on a “virtual written drive” down Tahquitz Canyon Way, where the locals go.

Palm Springs hotspots

We are on Tahquitz, going east from Palm Canyon. Right there, on the corner of Tahquitz and Indian Canyon, is Oscar’s, and if it’s 4 p.m. on Sunday, the Tea Dance is going on — you’ve actually been able to hear the party from a few blocks away. It’s a Pride Dance Party every Sunday, and everyone except jerks are welcome. 

Across Indian Canyon is the entrance to Thai Smile, which has a few restaurants throughout the Coachella Valley, and just a few doors down is Ruben and Ozzie’s Oyster Bar. Across the street, you’ll find the swanky Spa at Séc-he, where you can drop a few hundred knowing it’s totally worth it.

Further down we can see Sherman Deli’s patio; it’s probably packed, since it’s pretty popular. It’s all New Yawk inside, and their chicken soup with matzo balls is my “I don’t feel good, call a waaahmublance” favorite. And the pickles. Love the homemade pickles.

Dinner and a movie

Further up, at Tahquitz and Avenue de Caballeros, just past the Regal Cineplex and on your left, is the Kaptur Building, a restored class 1 historic building that houses a popular Koffi location and V Wine Lounge and Martini Bar, a comfortably swank mid-century modern space with delicious “bar” food and live entertainment. There is also a wellness spa and other businesses within the structure (not in V Wine, silly). If you turned left on Caballeros, you’d run right into the Palm Springs Convention Center, but you’re going straight (unless you’re gay, then just go forward).

There’s not much to see after that until you get to Sunrise Way. But once you cross the street, you want to turn into that strip mall just after you pass Sunrise. The Real Italian Deli has fantastic meals for lunch or you can take something home for everyone. The eggplant parm is outstanding, and the paninis are toasted to perfection. They also have delicious desserts, and an Italian market.

Driving a tiny bit further east, keep a keen eye out for John Henry, on your right, a gem of a restaurant that’s hidden just behind that mall where we stopped for lunch. Make a reservation in advance, it’s a local favorite. I always have the special, and I’ve never had a bad meal. Dinner only.

Art in the wild

On your left, just after you cross Sunrise, start paying attention to the center median, where new art installations live as of summer 2024. You can read about them here, as well as see pictures so you know what you’re looking for. They are spaced all the way down the street up to the airport. 

But you’re not going as far as the airport, because about two blocks before you get there, on your right hand side (west) is Play Lounge and Cafe. A terrific place to stop for breakfast or lunch, or even a light dinner, but in the early evenings we’re playing games! There are themed team game nights, or you can pick a game from the overloaded coffers and play them with your friends. I went to a murder mystery party on Halloween that was a gas, so give them some love. You won’t regret it.

Hope you have fun taking a less-traveled jaunt down Tahquitz, which we pronounce “Tah’-quits” and the tribe pronounces “Tah’-qwish.” Why did pioneers name a street after a tribal word, but then mispronounce it? Beats me.

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St. Patrick’s Day 2022: Put On Something Green And Party In Palm Springs

In Chicago, St. Patrick’s Day is such a huge deal — they dye the Chicago River green and have a huge parade, then everyone does a pub crawl, downing Jameson shots with green beer chasers, before going home and calling in sick the next day.

At least that’s what I’ve heard.

Palm Springs loves a good parade, which is why, on St. Patrick’s Day, we don’t have one. No parade worth its floats wants to follow Pride. (Yes, Pride was in November, but it was a party!)

So, no parade, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t pubs to celebrate that 2% of Irish your DNA results revealed. We’ve got Shamrocks Irish Pub, and … that concludes our tour of Irish pubs in Palm Springs.

Inside Shamrocks Irish Pub. Photo courtesy of Shamrocks

We do, however, have a few places where you can chow down on corned beef and cabbage (C&C), the Americanized version of the meal the Irish consume on the day (in Ireland, it’s all about pork and potatoes).

Here are a few definite hits for the boiled delight, and a few that have celebrated in the past (a.k.a. may or may not this year).

Hits

Sherman’s Deli — The corned beef is always tender, and there’s not much you can do to hurt a cabbage.

Manhattan in the Desert — Located on the south end of Palm Springs, these guys make corned beef and cabbage on the regular menu.

Welcome to Manhattan in the Desert. Photo courtesy of Manhattan in the Desert

Village Pub — This multilevel party place has had some pretty swinging St. Paddy’s days in the past. This year the party goes from 4 p.m. until 2 a.m.

Palm Canyon Roadhouse — On Palm Canyon just southeast of Ramon Rd., this rock ‘n roll old school playground will have corned beef and cabbage on 3/17, as well as entertainment. I am not linking their website because they’ve been hacked, and unless you have a need for OTC Viagra, it’s currently useless. Link takes you to FB (which, in the grand scheme of things, is not much safer).

Agua Caliente Casino — Check with the steakhouse for C&C (not yet listed) but they DO have music in the form of Lee Rainey and the Midnight Players.

Near hits

Paul Bar — This little gem is a local treasure. Hidden in a not-so-tidy strip mall on the corner of Gene Autry and Vista Chino, they have served C&C in the past. Don’t let the lack of curb appeal fool you, the inside is as classy as you can get.

Paul Bar. Photo: Kay Kudukis

And that, my friends, pretty much covers it, unless you want to make your own celebration; then, try some karaoke where you can belt out “Danny Boy” or “My Wild Irish Rose” until the other patrons throw shamrocks at you.

Don’t forget to wear green on St. Patrick’s Day, though; it’s worn to keep you safe from those pesky, pinching leprechauns Palm Springs is known for (they’re not).

Happy Irish Day everyone!

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Questions Answered About Modernism Week 2024

Well, actually, it is 11 days, but the banner still flies, calling it Modernism Week. With approximately 350 scheduled events running from Feb. 15-25, you can imagine the buzz.

Hopefully, you have visited the Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels website to find a place to stay while you experience Modernism Week. If you do not have a reservation, it is best to call the hotels directly because there may be cancellations at your favorite property. Besides, they appreciate learning ahead of time what your specific needs are to make it a perfect visit.

What can you expect at Modernism Week? 

There will be lots of people. Last year, an estimated 105,477 visitors found their way to our city to learn and celebrate mid-century modern design, architecture, culture, and art.

Keep flexible. Many of the events are already sold out. Check here what is still available and purchase your tickets before you arrive.

We highly recommend taking the double-decker bus tour if it is still available. The tour guides are incredibly knowledgeable, and you learn a wealth of information about the architecture and history of Palm Springs.

New this year is an Illuminated Twilight Tour. This excursion will surely provide a look at the beautiful lighting of homes in Palm Springs. Expect to be awed by the creative lighting systems, sometimes even showcasing our ancient palm trees.

Note: All double-deck tours leave from the Hyatt Hotel.

Where do I start when I arrive? 

Welcome to CAMP. Photo: Kathy Condon

The CAMP (Community and Meeting Place) is an excellent place to start. It is located in the Hyatt Palm Springs on North Palm Canyon Drive. The CAMP is also the place to relax, meet friends, and talk to some vendors who share your love for anything mid-century. Pick up a schedule or check the Modernism website, for there are many things you can see for free.

Note: Free underground parking here is plentiful.

How should I dress for Modernism Week?  

We would love to say we will have high 70s and 80s weather. However, we never know what to expect in February. So, the best advice we can give you is to bring layers. Our weather can fluctuate 30 degrees between day and night, so you should not leave your warm jacket behind. You will also want to bring your walking shoes; if you are anything like most of us, you start at one place and get intrigued by something a few blocks away.

Where can I dine while Visiting Palm Springs?

If you have been here and have a favorite restaurant, make your reservations now. During Modernism Week, we locals know it is practically impossible to walk into a restaurant to dine without a reservation.

Here is a list of some Happy Hours presently being offered, but you may want to call to see if they change their hours during Modernism Week.

Should I go hiking during Modernism Week? 

Absolutely, though you may find trails a little more crowded than usual. More than likely the weather will be perfect for outdoor activities. We recommend wearing a hat, using suntan lotion, and taking more water than you think you need. Here is a list of some of the trails in Palm Springs.

Transportation in Palm Springs 

A red double-decker bus takes visitors around Palm Springs, California, during Modernism Week

One way to get around during Modernism Week is by double-decker bus. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

If you decide to park your car and let others do the driving, be assured we have Lyft, Uber, taxis, and buses readily available. Getting around the city is not difficult. Remember, we are 10 minutes from the Palm Springs International Airport, with over 10 direct flights from various cities in Canada and the United States.

Is it possible to rent bicycles to travel between venues?

Yes. Palm Springs is doing a great job of marking bicycle paths on our major roads. Many neighborhoods, such as the beautiful Las Palmas area, are delightful to visit via bicycle. It is one of the older neighborhoods dotted with massive estates.

Again, we recommend you reserve a bicycle rental before you arrive. Some vendors rent bikes, and you can also see if your resort provides them; many of our small boutique hotels include bikes as one of their amenities.

What if I can’t get tickets for places I want to see? 

It’s always fun to explore inside homes during Modernism Week. Photo: Kathy Condon

There is a solution. In October, there is a smaller version of Modernism Week called Fall Modernism Week. Dates have not been announced for 2024, but if you sign up for the Modernism newsletter, you will be among the first to be notified.

In any case, once you know the dates and want to come, be sure to visit Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels and get your hotel reservations. Word is getting out that crowds are less in the fall, and you can be assured of outstanding weather.

Modernism is fun, engaging, and a unique experience not duplicated anywhere in the world. Palm Springs’ motto is “Like No Place Else.” Once you come to Modernism Week, you will understand why that fits our desert community.

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You Never Have To Leave These Palm Springs Resorts

“I need to disappear, escape for a little bit / Take a trip to Palm Springs if you’re into it.” — Mistel Marie, “Palm Springs”

It’s hot and getting hotter in Palm Springs, and unless you’re a Bedouin, it’s a bit too too for outdoor adventures. How do desert rats even exist?

I’d love to tell you, thanks for asking.

We stay in and around the pool with snacks and (adult) beverages close at hand. We wear sun bonnets (we don’t) and sunscreen (we should). Our rosé is always chilled, beer mugs frosty, tequila iced, and our martinis are shaken, not stirred. The only thing missing is someone to do all the cooking, cleaning, and bartending.

And that’s where these resorts enter our three-part (!) story.

They all have gorgeous pools, and some have massage services, but they all have a restaurant or food options so you never have to leave. No cooking and cleaning for you, my friend. You are completely carefree to don swimwear all day, and work on your tan and alcohol intake in a place that is far, far away from the madding crowd, in the enchanting city called Palm Springs.

In this part, I’ll introduce you to the larger boutique resorts that have full restaurants.

Alcazar Palm Springs. Photo credit: Visit Palm Springs

Alcazar Palm Springs — Featured in Food & Wine, the Los Angeles Times, and Travel+Leisure, Alcazar has 34 suites and is located in the Uptown Design District. The rooms are modern and sleek, featuring Italian linens, flat screen televisions, fireplaces, and your choice of poolside or private patios. In addition to their immaculate attention to detail, Alcazar offers WiFi, coffee, espresso, tea, juice, daily fresh pastries, and Townie bikes for exploring the neighborhood.

It is also attached to two of the best restaurants in Palm Springs, Cheeky’s and Birba. Although they don’t do room service, there is a passageway from the resort to both restaurants so you can stay as cool as you are.

The Cole Hotel. Photo credit: Visit Palm Springs

The Cole Hotel — In the same neighborhood is one of the more affordable resorts in Palm Springs: The Cole. It’s a 30-room resort with three different floor plans — the Cole King, Cole Suite, and Pool Suite, plus the 600-square-foot Honeymoon Suite, complete with a private balcony. There’s also a nice, swimmable pool where they have 21+ pool parties. The Cole recently welcomed Freddie’s Kitchen, conceived by Chef Frederic, who has a long history in French cuisine in Southern California and was once chef de cuisine for Joël Robuchon — the chef and restaurateur named “Chef of the Century’ by the guide Gault Millau and awarded the Meilleur Ouvrier de France.

Alas, they do not serve breakfast, but they do open at noon and snacks and drinks are available poolside until 9 p.m. Dinner starts at 5 p.m.

The Ingleside Inn. Photo credit: Visit Palm Springs

The Ingleside Inn — Classic Palm Springs, old school vibe, and another very swimmable pool. The Ingleside Inn was built in the 1920s, and transformed into an invitation-only private club by Ruth Hardy (check out her park), where notables Elizabeth Taylor, Ava Gardner, and Marlon Brando stayed; Carole Lombard and Clark Gable honeymooned there.

Since then, the property has become open to the general public, but they’ve kept the Hollywood glam intact, including their restaurant, Melvyn’s, a favorite of Frank Sinatra. He was particularly fond of their Steak Diane.

This resort has 30 rooms and is situated on two acres of land, closer to the south end of Palm Springs on Belardo, and is still a home away from home for many celebrities. The Casablanca Lounge has a piano player nightly, and you never know who might sit in — anyone from Neil Sedaka (“Breaking Up Is Hard to Do”) to James Marsden (Enchanted and Dead To Me) to local favorites.

Poolside at La Serena Villas. Photo credit: La Serena Villas

La Serena Villas — Here’s another resort that has it all. It’s located in downtown Palm Springs, but well off the beaten path. They have the Whispers Spa that is for guests staying at La Serena Villas, the Del Marcos, and The Three Fifty Hotel only, so you can be pretty certain you’ll get the services you want, when you want them.

Also, it has a terrific restaurant called Azucar that is open to the public, so you can invite your friends to join you for dinner then invite them back to your suite for a nightcap on your private patio, or take it to the big, gorgeous pool.

The entrance to Smoke Tree Ranch. Photo credit: Smoke Tree Ranch

Smoke Tree Ranch — I have a friend who grew up in Palm Springs, and this is one place she’s never been and really, really wants to go. It’s that exclusive.

Located at the base of the mountains, the views from each of the 49 cottages are stunning. Sunrises and sunsets are actual events you won’t want to miss when you’re staying here. Some of the amenities include: flatscreen televisions, wet bars, refrigerators, coffee makers, cozy down pillows, deluxe down comforters and blankets, luxurious bathrooms with separate tubs and showers, plantation shutters, telephones with voicemail (!), private patios, and WiFi. Most cottages also have carports and wood-burning fireplaces.

Activities? Swimming, soaking, horseback riding, spa services, horseshoes, pickleball, tennis, golf, volleyball, basketball, croquet. And they have babysitting services.

The restaurant is old school; it has a dress code, so that’s kinda fun. Dress in your best summer designer fashion, and enjoy the poshness of it all while dining on the best Chef Tony Marks can cook up, including lobster and the finest steaks he can procure.

And get this — cottages are traditionally sold with three full meals per day in the Ranch House Dining Room. The meal plan begins with dinner on the day of check in, followed by breakfast and lunch the following day, and includes all gratuities.

But wait, there’s more! Coming up next week: a guide to the restaurants and bars at Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels that have no more than 30 rooms.

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May Events: Celebrate Moms And Modernism In Palm Springs

May The Force Be With You — Star Wars

There’s a lot to do in the merry, merry month of May, so I’ll shut up so we can get on our merry, merry way:

Special Days

Mother’s Day — May 8

Melvyn’s — Special menu for Mom

Le Vallauris — Brunch in a gorgeous setting

849 — Beautiful space, good food

Labor Pains — A musical Mother’s Day brunch, at PS Underground

Courtesy of PS Underground

Lulu — Another special menu for a special lady

Farm — Take Mom to the south of France in Palm Springs. Downside: no reservations

L’Atelier Cafe — The cutest little cafe serving delicious quiche, pastries, coffee, champagne, and more

Modernism Week, May Jewelry Event — “You’ll love this Mother’s Day weekend spectacular of jewelry and fiber art! The variety of color, texture, and design from our featured artists is truly dazzling.” The first glimpse is Friday, May 6th, from 5 to 7 p.m. at 550 N. Palm Canyon Dr. (refreshments served). The showcase is also open Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Memorial Day

Clothing-optional pool party at Tuscany Manor

Annual Memorial Day Air Fair and Flower Drop, May 30. The Palm Springs Air Museum says: “This is a very special day … our brief memorial service is dedicated to all of our fallen comrades, who paid the ultimate price for our freedoms. In their honor, we highlight the service with a fly-by and flower drop of over 3,000 red and white carnations from a B-25 Mitchell bomber. This most impressive ceremony is our way of saluting our fallen comrades. Visitors are welcome to pick up a flower to take home.” Admission from $17.50 to $19.50.

Special Events

Modernism Week — May. A very paired down Modernism event, but their offerings look pretty amazing. It’s the first time they’ve done this, so check it out, and act quick. The parties always sell out fast.

May 4: Rock The Park, featuring a Tina Turner Tribute. Downtown Park Palm Springs.

May 11 – 15: Oasis Music Festival. There are many locations for this event, with many different musical artists. Too many to list here. Check it. They’re going to try to do it every year.

Courtesy of Oasis Music Festival

May 29: AsiaSF Palm Springs/The Sonoran Ceremony Pool Party. Music by DJ Edward Frame and DJ Ryan Kenney. Hosted by Epiphany Mattel. Special performance by the Ladies of AsiaSF. Noon to 7 p.m.

May 29: UNITY. Music by DJ Twisted Dee. Special performance by Gia Banks of Haus of Tischi. 10 p.m. to LATE.

The above two events are sponsored by LYMI (Love You Mean It) Productions. AsiaSF is located in an event space known as The Sonoran. You guys, it’s gorgeous. I went to the opening of AsiaSF and the party was poolside. There were fire pits, seating, and built-in food stations, and even with more than 100 of us in the space, it still wasn’t crowded. And the mountains are right there. It’s especially stunning at twilight.

May 20 and 21: Rare Books. More than 40 antiquarian booksellers from across the country will share their love of books, fine prints, maps, ephemera, photography, and more. $25. Hotel ZOSO.

The Annenberg Theater at Palm Springs Art Museum: Check out their calendar for some great jazz and dance.

Plunge 2: Leather Order of the Desert at Canyon Club, clothing optional men’s resort.

Clubs/Nightclubs/Dinner Theater

The Alibi  — This will get you to their ticketed and free shows. This link is for shows not listed on their calendar.

Courtesy of The Alibi

PS Underground — Just as cool as it sounds.

The Purple Room — Rat Pack vibe and interior design, with a new whiskey bar. Live entertainment Tuesday through Sunday. The year the ticketed events seem to be a broader spectrum of players. They’re all excellent, and of course, say it with me: The Judy Show is my favorite show in town.

Oscar’s — Well-known inclusive club with LGBTQ+ entertainers and allies. They’re really stepping up their entertainment with some incredible international acts.

Toucan’s Tiki Lounge and Cabaret — Hosts the longest running drag show in Palm Springs, and much much more.

PS Air — It’s a speakeasy inside a wine shop that looks like the interior of an airplane. The entertainment is fun, and the food is good!

Theater

Into The Woods at Palm Canyon Theater

Mid-Century Moderns The Musical at Desert Rose Playhouse

Recurring Events

Palm Springs Historical Society Tours — So many tours! I want to do them all. Except the ones on a bike. (I don’t do bikes.)

Palm Springs Cultural Center

Vintage Market – May 1 ONLY. (First Sunday of every month)

For a list of all of their events and tickets, go here. There’s a lot of great music and shows to see.

Of Special Note: Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival 

Sun-Dazed Drag Brunch poolside at The Sonoran, presented by AsiaSF and Heklina. Sundays.

Illusions Drag Show Brunch and Illusions Drag Show Dinner at Pete’s Hideaway

Cascade Lounge at Agua Caliente Casino

Latin Nights on Sundays

Mimosas, Martinis & Music hosted by Don Wardell on Mondays

Desert Blues Revival on Wednesdays

Jazzville on Thursdays

Caliente Comedy on Fridays

Thursdays, free admission at Palm Springs Art Museum (from 5 to 7 p.m.) and Village Fest (6 to 10 p.m.)

MOGO Silent Disco Tour — Fridays and Saturdays, put on your headphones and dance down the streets of Palm Springs listening to specially curated songs as you tour some of our more famous spots.

Palm Springs Air Museum

Kitties! Opening in June, Frisky Business (at Gene Autry and E. Palm Canyon) is where you can go to snuggle a kitty for an hour and help the owner’s rescue efforts. They’re partnered with the Palm Springs Animal Shelter and will offer services (TBA), merchandise, and events in a fun, unique, relaxed environment for both cats and people.

Masks are off, sunscreen is on, and see you in June!

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Palm Springs In The Movies — From ‘A Star Is Born’ to ‘MI3’

As promised in my previous blog, I’m back with more fun Palm Springs film facts. I would like to start by saying, just for giggles, I  decided to get ChatGPT involved, to see if it had any more information than just the norm. So I asked, “What movies were shot in Palm Springs?” and it gave me a list including Springtime in the Rockies. When I asked where in Palm Springs, well, it turns out, ChatGPT lies. First it told me that Springtime in the Rockies was filmed entirely in Pennsylvania, and when I called it out for giving me two different returns, it apologized. At least it didn’t say, “I’m only human.”

The ChatGPT disputed truth is that there were a couple of scenes shot in Palm Springs, but no one seems to know where (certainly not ChatGPT). The film is available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime, Apple TV channels, FuboTV, FlixFling, The Roku Channel, and the Epix suite, but being that it was shot in 1937, it will be hard to recognize anything local unless you’re a ghost.

And you know what film wasn’t shot in Palm Springs? At all? The Andy Samberg feature Palm Springs. I know! I’m just as shocked as you are. It was actually shot in L.A. and Santa Clarita, because nothing says Palm Springs like not Palm Springs. Now, onto the 1990s and beyond.

The Player (1992)

This film is Palm Springs adjacent, in Desert Hot Springs, at Two Bunch Palms, a gorgeous retreat that has been favored by Hollywood players for many years. There are apocryphal stories about it once being owned by Al Capone, but Capone didn’t do business this far west. That was fellow mobster Al Wertheimer, capo of Detroit’s Purple Gang — but he didn’t own it either. The reason for the gangster stories is that there is a gun turret, and (they say) some underground “tunnels.” The last bit of info we got was that it was actually the estate of a Ford executive who was worried about the unions coming after him.

I mentioned Wertheimer, who built Colony Palms (there’s an underground room where there was gaming, a.k.a. gambling). It’s said Capone did visit Two Bunch on the occasion, and the property has a Capone room with, I’ve heard, a bullet hole in the wall. But the entire Palm Springs area was still the wild wild west at the time, and everybody had guns. And booze. So, who knows who shot the wall. Available on MAX and the usual suspects for rental.

Ocean’s Eleven (2001)

Elliot Gould’s Vegas home is in a neighborhood called Las Palmas. The 1959 A. Quincy Jones designed property is located at 999 North Patencio Road in Palm Springs. Watch on cable (TBS and TNT) or rent on Prime or Apple.

Mission Impossible III (2006)

Mission Impossible III has Tom Cruise dodging our giant turbines in a high speed helicopter chase. The Windmills, by the way, are a great tour, you should give it a go. (To clarify, the tour is on the ground, in a vehicle, not in the sky in a helicopter – but you can ride in a warbird at the Air Museum, if that’s your speed). Check it out on AMC or Paramount+ subs. Rentals on Apple, Vudu, Redbox.

Into the Wild (2007)

This wonderfully shot film has a grim ending, but the cinematography lovingly captures the beauty and grit of the west’s wilderness. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is in one scene, but it also takes you to the Salton Sea, Salvation Mountain, Slab City, and East Jesus. This was Kristen Stewart’s first film as an “adult” (her debut was the daughter in Panic Room) and she sings. The following year, Twilight came out (about eight years before she did). Free on PlutoTV, pay at all the other streamers.

A Star is Born (2018)

There were casting calls going out all over the valley for this one. They needed a big crowd, and they got it. That was partially because they “crashed” Stagecoach, the country version of Coachella — same place, different weekends, way different crowd. They also shot at the Palm Springs Convention Center. Local stories about the cast and crew were all lovely.

Oh man. I’m all out of space, and there’s still a bit more to share, including cameos from a couple of our Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels. We might even get into some television shows that were shot here. Who knows? I’m a mystery!

Stay tuned…

NOTE: Now through October 30, Rex, the Cabazon dinosaur, is wearing a new outfit in honor of his pal, Pee Wee Herman, a.k.a. Paul Reubens. Rex was prominently featured in Pee Wee’s Big Adventure. Reubens shuffled off this mortal coil on July 30, and has hopefully landed safely in his celestial playhouse having some suds with Cap’n Carl, a.k.a. Phil Hartman. 

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H To The Halloween, P To The Pride: Palm Springs Has All The Parties

When it comes to holidays, nothing says “gay” as loud as Halloween. While Arenas never lacks for action, it can’t be beat at Halloween — there’s a wild party with bands and costumes galore. It’s merrier than Christmas.

And you know what Halloween rolls right into, right? Pride! So why not come out and stay for both? Most of the men’s boutique resorts in Palm Springs have their own fridge, with many, if not all, supplying breakfast, and a few even have lunch brought in for their guests. You just need to worry about dinner. Some hotels have kitchenettes, and some are homes away from home with lots of living space, kitchens, and patios. Of course they all have pools — this is Palm Springs!

With many businesses allowing their employees to work remotely, you can (if necessary) bring your laptop and plug in. We have work space available if being in your room, poolside, or at a coffee shop is not your style (but we’ve got plenty of those too).

Halloween

“There is magic in the night when pumpkins glow by moonlight.” — Unknown

Halloween is so special in Palm Springs that it has its own website. But there are other very fun and notable Halloween-y events not on their agenda.

Oct. 27: From the owner of Chill Bar, new-ish nightclub Reforma is having a four-hour party with Gasolina for a night of reggaeton, a combo of EDM, hip hop, and Latin American-spiced music en español. I haven’t been yet, but word on the street is, “It’s fuego.”

Oct. 28: Four Twenty Bank & Dispensary is haunting the very cool lounge with some spooky fun. Enjoy a game of billiards or giant chess, play Operation or pinball, or just groove back and enjoy the atmosphere and the music.

Oct. 27, 28 & 31: Every year, PS Underground brings Bite back to life. The twist? Each resurrection it morphs into something different, straight from the brilliantly twisted brain of Michael Fietsam, but it’s always a thriller of a dinner show.

Oct. 31: If scary movies are your jam, catch Night of the Living Dead on the big screen at PS Cultural Center. Wear the adult diapers.

Pride

If Halloween is Gay Christmas, then Pride is Gay Independence Day. And it’s an even bigger, gayer party than Halloween. Let’s get into it.

Leather Pride

Oct. 26: Leather Pride Pop Up Museum benefit party in Hotel Zoso lobby

Oct. 28: Leather Pride Pool Party — The title says it all, except whether leather speedos are required. If you’re interested, you likely already know.

All the Pride

Nov. 4: Pride Ride from Townie Bagels — Grab a bagel with some protein, and get one for the road with a schmear. If you brought your own bike, yay. If not, your Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotel likely has a cruiser you can use.

Nov. 3-5: Desertopia Festival — An entire weekend planned for you at some very cool places. You’ve gotta find your own hotel though, and luckily I know a guy. Gays go here. All the other letters go here.

The hyperlinks on the official Pride website weren’t all working, so I’ve broken them out because I got you, boo.

First is the official Pride Guide with every event and a few working links; there’s also a party for those in recovery. For folks that aren’t traveling that road, you’ll definitely want to go to Friday night’s kickoff party, and of course I’m going to give you the link to parade details.

Curious about the colorful LGBTQ+ history of Palm Springs? Here’s a primer.

I can’t encourage you hard enough to book your Palm Springs stay now. It’s one of the busiest times of the year, and absolutely the best party you’ll ever attend outside your own wedding — and the success of that relies entirely on your family. Do the math.

See you on the street!

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Nostalgia and comfort collide at the Aloha Hotel

The Aloha Hotel embraces its vintage vibes. Built in 1947, this Tahquitz River Estates property has 11 poolside rooms containing original furniture and decor (don’t worry — the mattresses are new!).

The Aloha Hotel is a woman-owned property in the Tahquitz River Estates

A visit to the Aloha Hotel is a step back in time.

“People like the nostalgia of the 1950s, and we own it,” the hotel’s owner, Mona, said

Built in 1947, the property was purchased in 1971 by Mona’s mother, who previously owned the Four Trees Restaurant in Hollywood. She came to Palm Springs because it helped with her asthma, and ran the hotel for 40 years before Mona took over.

“I am so blessed to meet so many wonderful travelers,” she said. “The foreigners love it, and most feel like it’s home.”

The 11-room Aloha Hotel is the first property in the Tahquitz River Estates, and while the poolside suites are all restored with new beds, they contain the original 1950s furniture and decor. Several movies, music videos, and magazine spreads have been shot at the kitschy hotel, and when upgrades are available, especially mid-week, Mona gives them to guests, free of charge.

At one time, the hotel was called the Palo Verde Inn — the building once had a big “P” on it, and Mona found a vintage key and embroidered blanket with the name — but it was renamed the Aloha Hotel in order to be the first hotel in the phone book.

“Aloha means ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye,’ and everyone comes back, even 30 years later,” Mona said. “So, there are no goodbyes. Aloha, and mahalo!”

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