By Rick Karlin
On a beautiful fall day, with the summer heat finally behind you, the last thing you are thinking of is
escaping to the middle of the desert where it’s currently 112°, but trust me, come February, when those cold winds start freezing those nether regions, you’ll be thinking differently.
Start planning now to get the best prices (and availability) in Palm Springs most popular resorts. There are so many facets to Palm Springs you could visit it a dozen times with a different focus each time and never go to the same place twice. Do you want to focus on Mid-Century Modern architecture? Rat Pack celebrities? LGBTQ parties? A couple’s spa weekend? Ecological preservation? Off-road adventures? Relive wild-west cowboy life? Shop till you drop? Gourmet get-away? Any of these can be found in Palm Springs.
ART & ARCHITECTURE
If, as Shakespeare said, “All the world’s a stage…” Palm Spring takes that seriously, with more than
its fair share of theater companies. Among the companies producing shows in the Palm Springs area are
Desert Ensemble Theatre, Dezart Performs, Palm Canyon Theatre, The Bent LGBTQ company, and
Revolution Stage Company, where I was lucky enough to catch two shows during my visit. Male vocal
group Acabbello performed bossa nova music, and there was a fundraiser for the theater company
called “We Are Barbra” in which cabaret performers around town (many Broadway vets taking a break
from the cold weather) put their spin on Babs’ music from classics such as numbers from “Funny Girl” to
rockers such as Laura Nyro’s “Stoney End.” There are also two gay choruses, the more traditional,
Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus and the jazzier Modern Men. Desert Winds Freedom Band, the
symphonic band, marching band, jazz band, and pep band perform fall and spring concert programs and
often a holiday concert as well. There are also the Annenberg Theater, Palm Springs Cultural Center, and Marvy’s Magic Theater. Palm Springs is a mid-century modern paradise, whether you are interested in design, architecture, celebrities, fashion, or glamour, there is a tour for you. How mid-century
modern is Palm Springs? Its downtown is centered around a giant statue of Marilyn Monroe.
“Forever Marilyn”, the 26-foot tall, 24,000-pound monumental sculpture created by sculptor
Seward Johnson is extremely realistic. Join Trevor O’Donnell, one of California’s most knowledgeable
and accommodating architectural tour professionals, for The Mod Squad Essentials Tour, a fascinating
and entertaining exploration of the city’s unique collection of modernist homes and buildings. Five Star
Adventure Tours include the Legends and Icons Tour, the Modernism Palm Springs Tour, the
All About Palm Springs Tour, and many other. Check them out at fsatours.com. Ditch the car and
stop by Bike Palm Springs Rentals to rent a bike by the half-day, day, or week. This gay-owned business is renowned for its friendly, prompt service which includes free maps, locks, helmets, and advice for the
best touring routes to take in the area’s highlights.
NATURE LOVERS
Sunnylands Center and Gardens was designed by Frederick Fisher and Partners in the late 2000s.
The 15-acre center and gardens are the starting point for tours of the 200-acre historic estate. It is
surrounded by a nine-acre art garden planted with more than 70,000 aridclimate plants and trees.
Landscape architect James Burnett said that the design was inspired by the Annenberg’s collection
of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings. Hike to the Tahquitz Canyon waterfalls where
water flows freely over the 60-foot cascade. Take an ATV (all-terrain vehicle) tour of various desert landscapes at Desert Stewards Holistic Ecological Engagement. The tour begins at Chiriaco Summit, about 50 miles east of Palm Springs, near the General Patton Memorial Museum. Each engagement is exciting and a safe desert observation with low speed electric vehicles with the intention of ecosystem protection, wellness, and wholeness through natural energetic connection. Located just a short drive away from the desert oasis of Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park is a treasure trove of breathtaking natural beauty. This iconic park, named after the unique Joshua trees that dot its
vast landscape, offers a stunning blend of rugged rock formations, desert vistas, and a diverse range of
plant and animal life. Embarking on a day trip from Palm Springs to Joshua Tree National Park is a
fantastic way to immerse yourself in nature and experience the wonders of the desert firsthand. Hike the Palm Canyon Trail, the gateway to a forested wonderland, the largest palm oasis on the continent. For more rugged terrains, Big Wheel Tours’ guides will help you plumb the depths of the Earthquake Canyon Tour, tracing the San Andreas Fault.
CELEBRITY SEEKERS
For the inside scoop on the history of celebrities who have lived, loved, and played in Palm Springs,
take a Celebrity Tour to learn a who’s who of famous names who have had
hideaways in Palm Springs. The Celebrity Tour is a two-and-a-half hour, in-depth overview of fun and
interesting historical tidbits about celebrities who have had homes here. The tour takes you by 50-60
homes in many of Palm Springs’ historic neighborhoods. Celebrity Tours is considered one of the top
such tours in the country and has been operating for more than 55 years, which gives them their earned
“street cred” on the history of Palm Springs’ Hollywood pedigree. Call 760-895-8005 or go
to palmspringscelebritytours.com. In the old days, all the celebrities went to Melvyn’s, which is still open. If you want to see some modern-day celebrities, try grabbing breakfast at Cheeky’s in the Uptown Design District, or Ingleside Estate, or get a day pass at the Ace Hotel & Swim
Club.
DINING DESTINATIONS
Check out Trio in the midcentury modern Turonnet building. The menu is firmly rooted in the region’s vibrant farm scene, reflecting the excellent melting pot of the state’s cultures and cuisines presented in a modern yet approachable fashion. Bongo Johnny’s not only serves up delicious meals, but it also proudly stands as a locally owned and LGBTQ-loved gem. It also offers an extensive selection of handcrafted cocktails. Everything at Johannes Restaurant is prepared fresh daily based on recipes from his native Austria. Head to the rooftop of La Serena Villas Hotel’s Sugar High where you’ll dine surrounded by the breathtaking San Jacinto mountain views. At LuLu California Bistro grab a patio seat; it’s the perfect place to people-watch in the heart of downtown Palm Springs. Low Desert is a modern Mexican eatery in South Palm Springs inspired by Mexico’s street food culture. Everyone raves about Koffi and it is the place to grab a cup of Joe.
SHOP TILL YOU DROP
I’ve never understood those people who go on vacation and shop at the same shops they have at
the malls at home. That’s part of what is so wonderful about Palm Springs. There are no chain stores!
Everything is original (well, there may be a Starbucks.) The first Saturday of the month October through May is Palm Springs’ Vintage Market at Agua Caliente Palm Springs Casino. It’s a good thing I don’t live there, or my house would have been filled from my one visit. Another must-visit is the Uptown Design District with dozens of shops featuring home furnishings and accessories including The Shag Store with books and merchandise by the titular artist (aka Josh Agle), Seaplane collectible
apparel produced from remnants of exceptional materials, Modern Elements a blend of authentic midcentury and modern furniture, and century and modern furniture, and Pre-Loved modern pre-loved
garments from designer labels. Pick up a few fashion souvenirs at Destination PSP or just about
anything else you can think of at Just Fabulous.
ALL GAY, ALL THE TIME
The Arenas District in Palm Springs is known for its vibrant nightlife scene. The district is home
to several bars, retail stores, and wonderful places to grab a bite to eat. It’s like someone put Halsted
Street in the dryer and shrunk it down to Palm Spring-sized proportions. But there’s a lot packed into a few blocks. For bar hopping there’s a familiar name to some Chicago folks, Hunters Palm Springs. Owned by the same folks who ran the popular Elk Grove Village bar, it’s known for its atmosphere, friendly staff, and frequent events and parties. The venue features a huge dance floor, outdoor patio, multiple bars, and a stage for live entertainment. Chill Bar is decorated with an eclectic mix of
retro and modern elements. Quadz is a musical theater video bar run by some ex-pats from Sidetrack and a local favorite for belting out show tunes in a sing-along you’ll never forget. Streetbar has been in
operation since the 1990s when Palm Springs was a bit of a sleepy town. The bar quickly became
popular for its lively atmosphere, friendly staff, and fun events. Blackbook blurs the lines between
being a bar and a damn good restaurant. Evening Citizen is a luxury lounge, unsigned and
unadvertised, as you would expect from a speakeasy of the 1920s. You will need to first make a reservation and then the location will be revealed. To get inside, you will need to locate the hidden entrance. What would an LGBTQ community be without cute little shops and restaurants? Stop by
GayMart USA for fun and frisky attire. Bear Wear is exactly what it advertises and offers fashion and
style to all in the community, recognizing that not all can have the “perfect body” and that some
customers prefer a more mature and robust body type. The Palm Springs leather scene is amazing. Rough Trade Gear on Arenas has all the gear and toys you can think of, and more. Tool Shed bar is just south of Arenas and filled with burly men and bearded smiles. For a town so small, there is plenty of leather, both shops and bars, supported by Palm Springs Leather Order Of The Desert as well as the Desert Pigs Motorcycle Association. Off Ramp Leather offers custom motorcycle leathers by Paul Johnson. Gear Leather and Fetish is a giant toy box. You might want to time your visit to coincide with Palm Springs Leather Pride in October, International Bear Convergence in February, Hot n Dry for four fun days of sobriety every June, or Blatino Oasis California, the first weekend of May. Greater Palm Springs Pride organizers deemed last year’s Pride Week theme as ‘Drag Now. Drag
Forever,’ taking a stand against antidrag bills and LGBTQ extremism and to support the historic form of
artistic expression and advocacy. It was not a one-and-done statement though, Palm Springs is a city of
sanctuary and freedom of expression of all forms. Greater Palm Springs Pride president and CEO
Ron deHarte said, “‘Drag Now. Drag Forever.’ is a theme that calls on the community to unite and support the drag community. Drag is not a crime. Our country has a rich history of drag as an artistic expression, standard of activism, and the backbone of fundraising in the community. We call on everyone to support the drag community and fight all anti-LGBTQ+ bills that threaten the freedom and equality of all.” Palm Springs supports its drag queens. They are performing all over town. “Chill at Chill” hosted by Ongina with performances by Aria Williams, and Madame LaQueer. Toucan’s Tiki Lounge with Tommi Rose and her Playgirls is Palm Springs’ longest-running drag revue. Illusions is the perfect combination of spectacular burlesque style and comedy performances by celebrity
impersonators and the funniest drag queen hosts you’ll ever have the pleasure of encountering. Mile High Boozy Brunch is always fun in a beautifully restored 1954 DC-3 aircraft at PS Air. Oscar’s Bitchiest
Brunch is held on Saturdays with alternating hosts Sherry Vine, Jackie Beat, and Billy L’Amour. At Oscar’s
Cabaret, you’ll enjoy celebrity impersonator superstars performing during the dinner show. At Michael
Holmes’ Purple Room, (where Frank, Sammy, Dean, and their pals cavorted on and off the stage in the
swinging ‘60s) on Sunday nights, the hysterical smash hit, “The Judy Show”, a parody of the great icon of the ‘60s, stars Michael Holmes. Not to be left out, Hunters hosts Drag Me To Bingo Wednesdays and
the Risque Drag Review every Sunday with Miss Rusty Waters. Bella da Ball is a beloved Palm Springs drag queen and entertainer who has been performing for over 40 years. Known affectionately as the
“Queen of the Desert,” Bella is a local icon, you’ll find her Monday Nights hosting Drag Bingo & Trivial
Night in King’s Highway at the Ace Hotel (among many other places). And of course, we’ve left the most famous for the last, the Trixie Motel, where guests are always greeted with a warm welcome and a
touch of glamour! The Trixie Motel is a unique and quirky accommodation, created and owned by Palm Springs’ most famous drag queen, Trixie Mattel. Trixie Mattel is a drag queen, singer-songwriter, and
comedian, who was on the seventh season of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Her motel features a vibrant pink exterior and interior décor that reflects Trixie Mattel’s signature style, creating a fun and playful atmosphere throughout the property. No matter what the focus of your trip you’re going to need a place to stay. Palm Springs is a hip oasis with some gay resorts.
Descanso Resort www.descansoresort.com,Santiago www.Santiagoresort.com, and
Twin Palms www.twinpalmsresort.com are all run by the same management company, and all offer a free Continental breakfast and lunch served poolside as well as an afternoon cocktail hour. All three are
clothing optional. The first Pride in Palm Springs was organized in 1986. Billed as Sizzle, the LGBTQ community came together for an evening of celebration. Today’s Pride committee produces a variety of programs in the Coachella Valley, including the Pride Parade (Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024) and Multi-Day Festival (Oct. 31-Nov. 3). Annual events include the White Party (2025 Date TBA), The Palm Springs LGBTQ+ Film Festival (Sept.21-Oct. 1.) Halloween (which coincides with Pride this year) sees Arenas blocked off for a tea dance in the afternoon. As the sun sets, the live music begins on the stage.
There is also a costume contest with cash prizes.
LESBIAN LIFE
Many older lesbians retire to Palm Springs, but there are plenty of young’uns there too. And of course,
each year the town is leaping with lesbians for Dinah Week, this year it was held Sept. 25 to 29. Contrary to popular belief, this event did not spring from the Dinah Shore golf tournament, although rumors abound that Dinah was a sister of Sappho. The event is the brainchild of party promoter Mariah Hanson who created the first “Dinah” in 1991. It continues to be the apex of women’s events. With top-name talent and an intention to create an exciting, community-building, lifeaffirming experience. Past
performers include The Pussycat Dolls, Pat Benatar, Lady Gaga, and Katy Perry (on the same bill!), The
Indigo Girls, Margaret Cho, Salt N Pepa, Natasha Bedingfield, Chaka Khan, Karmin, Tegan And Sara, Mary Lambert, Eve, Evelyn “Champagne” King, Iggy Azalea, Bebe Rexha, and Samantha Ronson. For moreinformation go to thedinah.com.
From A Simple Chapel to A Reception for 300Palm Springs Has It All
Planning a wedding in Palm Springs can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time. With
its picturesque landscapes, stunning architecture, and year-round sunny weather, Palm Springs is an ideal location for couples looking to tie the knot. More than a glamorous resort, Palm Springs offers a dazzling collection of extraordinary venues. From Bohemian sophistication and “Cowboy Chic” to “Mountain Wow.” Jet Setter to sweeping lawns, or fairytale romance, Palm Springs is the icing on your wedding cake. It even has a wedding chapel for spurof- the-moment elopements and small, informal ceremonies. LGTQ couples looking to tie the knot would be hard-pressed to find a spot more
welcoming than Palm Springs. It is a community known for being open to diversity and there are a wide array of LGBTQ-owned venues and vendors waiting to help you plan your perfect day. In addition to traditional venues, there are many unique locations. Is Casablanca your favorite movie? Have you always pictured a Moroccan wedding? No need to fly to Marrakech. Built in the 1930s by an eccentric artist to recreate his North African youth, Korakia Pensione features dramatic carved doors, candle-lit walkways, pools, fountains, antique-filled villas, and jasmine-scented air. All the better to make your wedding one that people will remember. Beyoncé’s not the only one that can do country chic!
Sparrows Lodge gives an over-thetop barn-like rustic chic vibe. Built in the 1950s by a cowboy movie star and creatively restored in 2013, with mid-century-meets-country-western architecture, blue sky, and swaying palms as your backdrop Once a real-life 1920s Speakeasy, the newly renovated Colony Palms Hotel and Bungalows hints of Spain with red tile, chic whimsy. It was once a hideaway for
Hollywood’s film community. For something more traditional, and if you love midcentury modern
design, mountain views, lakes, fountains, and palms, you can have it all at the Indian
Canyons Golf Resort. Originally a private golf course for Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, and other stars, you can exchange vows outside amid the gorgeous views. Then, enjoy dinner and dancing for up to 300 guests in the Wexler-designed North Clubhouse. Or a reception and dinner for up to 60 in the South Clubhouse. They even have event planners on staff. If the great outdoors beckon you, then
Smoke Tree Ranch, hidden in Palm Springs’ foothills, is perfect. Encompassing 400 unspoiled desert
acres, sweeping lawns, and vistas, the staff can create memorable ceremonies, receptions, and dinners
for up to 300. Rustic inside spaces host from 20 to 125 guests. Feeling Prickly? How about getting married surrounded by cacti? Celebrate your ceremony and reception amid the lush beauty of Moorten Botanical Garden, Palm Springs’ beloved privately-owned garden begun by movie star “Cactus Slim” Moorten, one of the original movie Keystone Cops. His son now welcomes weddings from 2 to 200 guests in the beautiful Palm Grove Oasis on the family estate from Nov. 1 through May 31.
For smaller gatherings, from small weddings to bachelor or bachelorette parties there are some
very interesting locations. Two-anda-half miles up a mountain, to the alpine forests and incredible views
atop San Jacinto Peak via the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway you’ll find Peaks Restaurant newly renovated
with sweeping views of the Coachella Valley. It is ideal for rehearsal dinners and gatherings of up to 80 guests. The all-new Lookout Lounge can wow up to 40 of your besties with spectacular alpine and city views. Fasten your seatbelts, at PS Air, a bar/restaurant inside a real plane. With genuine airplane seats (business and economy) inside a darkened 747 fuselage amid airline memorabilia and whimsy from the Pan Am heydays, it’s your ticket to unforgettable pre- and post-wedding parties and rehearsal cocktails.
The Visit Palm Springs LGBT wedding guide, “Where love knows no boundaries and celebrating equality is at the heart of every joyous occasion,” is ready to help plan anything from an intimate ceremony to a grand celebration. They have the resources from wedding planners and venues to caterers and bakers to help ensure that your wedding truly reflects your love, individuality, and shared vision. Finding the right vendors to bring your wedding dreams to life can be a daunting task. When you do, be open and forthright about your budget and expectations. For example, do you want your wedding at a clothing-optional resort? Is Aunt Marge really ready to see that? Luckily, the many talented and experienced wedding vendors in Palm Springs can help you create a memorable and unique wedding day
without shocking Aunt Marge. Visit Palm Springs, has a full listing on its website. Check it out
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