Ace Hotel Poolside
photo courtesy Ace Hotel
image © D.L. Thompson & Jon Johnson
image © D.L. Thompson & Jon Johnson
Whatever your preconceived notions of Palm Springs are they may be put aside.
The Coachella Valley city, that was once Golden Age Hollywood’s cottage community for the stars, is reinterpreting itself, very quietly, as a destination for culture, mid-century architecture, art and of course, extremely laid back recreation (a 2003 Condé Nast Traveler edition named Palm Springs 
one of the top ten global vacation destinations). Sure, there are some kitschy bits geared at a particular tourist set but go with an open mind, participate, have a laugh and open up.
one of the top ten global vacation destinations). Sure, there are some kitschy bits geared at a particular tourist set but go with an open mind, participate, have a laugh and open up.
image Stacy Reynaud
The recession has hit Palm Springs particularly hard. Many modernist homes are for sale at rock bottom prices, hotel room rates can be below advertised and store fronts are vacant. However, with the opening of the hyper cool Ace Hotel, the counter culture community of Joshua Tree only 32 miles northeast and Indio’s annual Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival growing in popularity, Palm Springs is going to see a new set of inhabitants who are not going to be just passing through.
Joshua Tree Farmers Market
What to do
The Certified Farmers Market at Joshua Tree
In the front lot of 61675 29 Palms Hwy.
Every Saturday from 8am – noon
Tommy Jacobs’ Bel Air Greens
1001 South El Cielo Road
Unpretentious 9-hole golf, Par 32
Tee time reservations: 1.800.727.8331
Palm Springs Skate Park
401 South Pavilion Way
30,000 sq ft if you don't skate just go check it out - especially at night
called one of the best skate parks in Southern California by Socalskateparks.com
City owned - view the website here.
Palm Springs City Hall
image Stacy Reynaud
Where to shop
Some of the best thrifting! Do a search online
and plan out your day!
Trina Turk
Where to Eat
Palm Greens Cafe
611 S Palm Canyon Dr.
760.864.9900
vegan and veg
http://palmgreenscafe.com
Palm Springs Koffi
Rosa cooking up the love at Ricochet
stacy reynaud
Palm Springs City Hallimage Stacy Reynaud
Self Guided Modernist Architecture Tour
Pick up the map at the Palm Springs Info Centre – formerly tramway gas station.
The staff are passionate about their city. Go talk to them.
2901 North Palm Canyon Drive
1.800.347.7746
The road to Joshua Tree
The road to Joshua Tree
image Stacy Reynaud
Joshua Tree National Park
Explore 550,000 acres of high desert landscape
Participate in one of the gallery’s many festivities like Dia de Los Muertos
101 Museum Dr.
760.322.4800
Vintage Corvette
Vintage Corvette
image Stacy Reynaud
Palm Springs Exotic Car Auctions
244 N. Indian Canyon Dr.
760.320.3209
The Ace Hotel & Swim Club
701 E. Palm Canyon Dr.
760.325.9900
Ace Hotel
Ace Hotel
photo courtesy Ace Hotel
image © D.L. Thompson & Jon Johnson
Le Parker Méridien
4200 East Palm Canyon Dr.
1.800.543.4300
Joshua Tree Inn
Room 8 is where musician/songwriter Gram Parsons spent his last hours.
61259 29 Palms Hwy
760.366.1188
1.800.590.3110
http://www.vacationpalmsprings.com/
Where to shop
The Estate Sale Co.
4185 E. Palm Canyon Dr.
760.321.7628
From 70s Gucci luggage to Saarinen tables
Palm Canyon Galleria
457 N. Palm Canyon Dr.
760.866.9111
Curtis Jeré wall hangings, Sciolari chandeliers
http://www.palmspringsgalleria.com/
http://www.palmspringsgalleria.com/
Some of the best thrifting! Do a search online
and plan out your day!
Trina Turk
891 N. Palm Canyon Dr.
760.416.2856
Housed in a 60s Albert Frey building
Joshua Tree Hospice Thrift Shop
61675 29 Palms Hwy,
Joshua Tree
760.366.1050
This thrift shop really packs a punch.
Interior Mount Fuji General Store
Interior Mount Fuji General Store
Stacy Reynaud
Mount Fuji General Store
61740C 29 Palms Hwy.
Joshua Tree, behind Teacakes Bakery
760.333.9174
Described as BC meets Japan in the desert by proprietor Chantale Doyle.
Where to Eat
Palm Greens Cafe
611 S Palm Canyon Dr.
760.864.9900
vegan and veg
http://palmgreenscafe.com
Palm Springs Koffi
515 N Palm Canyon Dr
760.416.2244
cookies, coffee, muffins, sandwiches
cookies, coffee, muffins, sandwiches
Peppers Thai Cuisine
396 N Palm Canyon Dr
760.327.2712
Rosa cooking up the love at Ricochetstacy reynaud
Ricochet
61705 29 Palms Hwy
Joshua Tree, next to Joshua Tree Outfitters
760.366.1898
Sit at the counter and talk to Rosa as she cooks in front of you.
image Stacy Reynaud
Pappy & Harriet's Pioneertown Palace
53688 Pioneertown Rd.
Pioneertown - 15 minute drive south from Joshua Tree
760.365.5956
Pub and music venue. $2 beer during Happy Hour, some of the best indie bands play here, the decor is worth the trip