Five Things I’m Currently Loving In The Desert – Pinks, Pages & Perks

The past few weeks have been a flurry of activity. Between Leadership Coachella Valley, real estate, and saying yes to just about everything, my calendar has been packed, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve been loving every minute of it—and have discovered some fabulous finds along the way that I’m so excited to share with all of you!

XO, Lindsay

GPS AMBASSADOR TRAINING

This program was the brainchild of a former local mayor who, while out to dinner one night, overheard the patrons at the next table tell their server they were tourists looking for something fun to do on their last day in town. The server’s response? “The desert is boring. You should drive to Vegas.” And thus, GPS Ambassador Trainingwas born! Hosted by Visit Greater Palm Springs, the free 2.5-hour program, which you can complete in person or online, turns locals into ambassadors for the Valley with a crash course in all that makes our desert special—from its history and attractions to activities, shops, restaurants, and more. And it is incredibly worthwhile! I spend a lot of time exploring and writing about the desert, and even I learned quite a few new tidbits! After the training, ambassadors are regularly invited to exclusive tours, grand openings, and events to continue their desert education. I already have several on my calendar, including an upcoming tour of the spas of Desert Hot Springs.

THE SHOPS AT 1345 GOES PINK

If you’ve driven along North Palm Canyon Drive at any point in the past decade, you’ve likely noticed The Shops at 1345, a historic midcentury building housing an eclectic collection of boutiques behind a perfectly pastel pink facade. You may have also noticed that the hue was replaced in recent years with a stark white. Well, I am happy to report that this past June, the building’s owners came to their senses and returned that glorious Pantone 7415 shade to the exterior. I popped by to check it out recently, and am happy to report that it is stunning—and so very Everything Palm Springs coded! If you’re looking for a fabulous spot to capture an iconic PS photo—and do a little shopping while you’re at it—this is the place to head.

BOOKS & SECRETS

Speaking of The Shops at 1345, while checking out the new pink exterior, I had to pop in for a little retail therapy and was thrilled to discover one of the cutest little bookstores I ever did see! Beautifully curated, with books impeccably arranged by color, the shop is an absolute pleasure to peruse, offering not only unique titles (like this one that immediately caught my eye), but also fun gifts, journals, pens, and more. I could have spent hours combing through all the treasures—or simply admiring the gorgeous displays. I love a good bookstore, and this one is a gem! Welcome to the desert, Books & Secrets! (Such a great name, amirite?) We’re so lucky to have you!

FREE THURSDAY NIGHT AT PS ART MUSEUM

While I typically take advantage of everything this Valley has to offer, I only recently experienced Palm Springs Art Museum’s Free Thursday Night—and had a blast! Initially intending to spend only a few minutes snapping photos for an upcoming newsletter, I wound up staying several hours. Despite the mid-August heat, the museum was bustling! Angie Chua, owner of Bobo Palm Springs, was hosting a lively sketch and junk journaling pop-in, a DJ was spinning tunes, and Liv’s was whipping up pizzas. But what really sealed the deal for me was the bingo card I was handed upon entering. Instead of numbers, each square featured a tiny detail from a piece of art somewhere in the museum, and visitors were tasked with scouring the galleries to match each image to its artwork, hopefully checking off four in a row. I spent much of the evening running around like a kid on Christmas, doing just that—and loving every minute of it.

CANOPY WINE LOUNGE’S CHICKEN PAILLARD

Anyone who has followed me for any amount of time knows my love for fried chicken runs deep. So when Canopy Wine Lounge posted an Instagram photo of its new Chicken Paillard, I knew I had to try it immediately. And it did not disappoint! Easily one of the best meals I’ve had in a long time, the chicken—while technically not fried—is pounded flat, breaded, crisped to perfection, and served alongside fingerling potatoes and radicchio. And while I fully expected the radicchio to be an ignored sideshow, it wound up being a main attraction, thanks to a fresh Parmesan topping that was nothing short of divine. There literally wasn’t a morsel left on the plate by the time my husband and I were done with it.

Thanks for Reading…

Hoping you find something new to love in the desert, too. Happy exploring!