Publisher Cindy Melland Managing Editor Stacy Moore VP of Sales and Marketing Deb Geissler Advertising Manager Kimberly Brucks Marketing Specialist Judy Moore Bob Cloyd Brandi Larson Brittany Hernandez Graphics / Content / Layout Jose De La Cruz Graphics Teri Aitken Mary Rider Distribution All delivery inquiries should be directed to Desert Fox Distribution at 760-989-0882 or DesertFoxDist007@aol.com. Desert Entertainer Office 760-318-2882 Hi-Desert Star Office 760-365-3315 Titles registered and all contents copyright 2019 by the Hi-Desert Publishing Co. All rights reserved. A PRODUCT OF
There’s so much to see, do and feel Are you interested in dining? nightlife? Off-roading? Climbing? Yoga? Nature? Art? The Coachella Valley and Morongo Basin communities promise boundless opportunities for visitors. For centuries, people have traveled to the desert seeking to be transformed, and today is no different. The communities of the Coachella Valley and Morongo Basin are rich in culture, natural wonders, and adventure. From the quirky to the profound, the modern to the ageless, if you’re looking for a place that’s different, yet as friendly as home, these communities are your place.
Inside 4 What’s Happening
A calendar of events in and around the Coachella Valley and Morongo Basin.
18-23 Listings
Hiking/outdoor activities, health and wellness, art and desert finds.
24 Dining Scene
Some of the best bistros, cafés and restaurants.
32 Nightlife
The best evening entertainment.
36 Day Trips Attractions and fun trips.
38 Great Outdoors Camping, hiking, birding and the flora and fauna of the desert
January - June 2019
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What’s Happening Modernism Week.
Photo by David A. Lee.
January 24
January 26
Bernadette Peters at 8 p.m. One of Broadway’s most critically acclaimed performers returns to the desert for an evening to remember. McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert. mccallumtheatre.com
Theresa Caputo Live! The Experience at 8 p.m. The Long Island medium will share personal stories about her life and explain how her gift works and deliver healing messages to audience members. Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa, 32250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage. hotwatercasino.com
January 24-27 Southwest Arts Festival This year’s festival features interactive art displays and live music, with pottery, glass and fine art paintings scheduled to be on display. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of food and beverage options while casually walking the grounds. Empire Polo Club, 81800 Avenue 51, Indio. swartfest.com
January 25 Kenny G at 8 p.m. In a recording career that spans almost three decades and 23 albums, Grammy Award-winning saxophonist has grafted elements of R&B, pop and Latin to a jazz foundation solidifying his reputation as the premiere artist in contemporary jazz. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84245 Indio Springs Drive, Indio. fantasyspringsresort.com
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January 28 Frisson Ensemble at 7:30 p.m. A dynamic group of rising young classical star. In addition to traditional classics, expect to hear Celtic suite and their favorite offerings. Richards Center for the Arts at Palm Springs High School, 2248 Ramon Road, Palm Springs. psconcerts.org
January 31 – February 1 Paul Anka Sings Sinatra at 8 p.m. The performances will honor a great artist who has influenced Anka more than anyone else throughout his career, Frank Sinatra. McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert. mccallumtheatre.com
What’s Happening
February 1 The Beach Boys at 8 p.m. Their songs have forever changed the musical landscape, profoundly influencing countless performing artists to follow and now “The Beach Boys: Now & Then” tour is coming to the desert. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio. fantasyspringsresort.com.
February 2 Jay Leno at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. He has captivated living rooms across the world for over 20 years with charisma, comedy and charm as host of “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” See Jay do what he does best and laugh it up for these two special shows with one of the world’s leading entertainers. McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert. mccallumtheatre.com An Evening with Marie and The Osmonds at 8 p.m. They are America’s first family of showbiz and they really know how to entertain today’s audiences. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio. fantasyspringsresort.com
Art on Main Street at 10 a.m. Featuring over 100 artists showing and selling their paintings, jewelry, mixed media, photography, ceramics, glass, woodwork, textiles, sculptures and more. Barry Minniefield from The Voice performs live. Old Town La Quinta, 78100 Main Street, La Quinta. oldtownlaquinta.com Felipe Esparza at 8 p.m. The comedian is best known for winning NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” and his raw, true-to-life stand-up, wild hair and often-imitated catchphrase: “what’s up, fool?” Spotlight 29 Casino, 46200 Harrison Place, Coachella. spotlight29.com Swing ‘n Hops Street Party at 1 p.m. Swing to the live music of the San Andreas Sisters, hop into a speakeasy for craft beer (as well as other adult beverages) and food trucks, swing dance lessons, dance, costume contest, interactive art, kid-friendly craft tables, classic cars and more. El Paseo (between Larkspur and San Pablo), Palm Desert. discoverpalmdesert.com
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What’s Happening
King of the Hammers, February 1-9
February 1-9
February 8
King of the Hammers The largest off-road racing event in North America, KOH consists of five racing events that take place throughout the week. The culminating race is considered the hardest one-day off-road race in the world. Spectators can follow the races amidst vendors selling food, supplies and more. Johnson Valley, CA. ultra4racing.com
Boyz II Men at 8 p.m. They redefined popular R&B and continue to create timeless hits that appeal to fans across all generations. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio. fantasyspringsresort.com.
February 3 Palm Springs Vintage Market at 8 a.m. Come experience a diverse gathering of merchants selling vintage, retro and mid-century modern merchandise while enjoying one of Southern California truly breathtaking resort communities. Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 East Baristo Road, Palm Springs. palmspringsvintagemarket.com
February 5 Swan Lake at 8 p.m. One of the world’s most loved ballets, “Swan Lake,” performed to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, will be performed by the Russian National Ballet. McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert. mccallumtheatre.com
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January - June 2019
February 8-9 Pete Carlson’s Golf Expo Over 25 major manufacturers will be in attendance, expo features trick shot artists Joey-O and short game clinic with Al Geiberger and Sons. College Golf Center, 73450 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert. petecarlsonsgolf.com
February 9 Dr. George Charity Car Show at 9 a.m. Event features street rods, classics, muscle cars, special interest cars, trucks, food, vendors, raffle, silent auction and entertainment. Indian Wells Tennis Garden, 78200 Miles Avenue, Indian Wells. palmspringscruisinassociation.com Brew at the Zoo at 6 p.m. Craft beer fans will love the selection of tastings from some of the finest specialty brews. Enjoy wine and food trucks. The Living Desert, 47900 Portola Avenue, Palm Desert. livingdesert.org
What’s Happening
February 9 - April 21 Desert X A site-specific Biennial Exhibition that first took place in the spring of 2017. Artists from different parts of the world are invited to create. Various locations throughout the Coachella Valley. desertx.org
An evening with Matthew Morrison, March 21.
February 14 Linda Eder at 8 p.m. Broadway diva and star of the smash hit musical “Jekyll and Hyde” returns to the desert. Don’t miss the return of Linda Eder, the phenomenal talent who has soldout performances at Carnegie Hall and on the Broadway stage. McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert. mccallumtheatre.com
February 14-24 Modernism Week Annual celebration of midcentury modern design, architecture, art, fashion and culture. This exciting festival features more than 350 events including the Modernism show and sale, signature home tours, films, lecture, premier double decker architectural bus tour, nightly parties and live music, walking and bike tours and more. Various locations throughout the Coachella Valley. modernismweek.com
February 15-16 Michael Feinstein with Special Guest Storm Large The duo joins forces for the very first time to present an unforgettable evening of music. Accompanied by a hot band inspired by Louis Prima, with music ranging from the Great American Songbook to the music of the “James Bond” and “Mad Men” era. McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert. mccallumtheatre.com
February 15-24 Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival Featuring spectacular headliners Randy Houser, Ramon Ayala, Salt-n-Pepa, Kool & the Gang and Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez. All concerts are included with fair admission. Check out the mid-week live entertainment with magicians and amazing animal shows along with midway carnival rides. Riverside County Fairgrounds, 46517 Arabia Street, Indio. datefest.org
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Photo courtesy of The Desert Symphony
February 16 Snoop Dogg at 8 p.m. The multi-platinum artist and entertainment icon has been at the forefront of popular culture with award-winning albums and songs, hit television shows and films for over two decades. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio. fantasyspringsresort.com
February 16-17 Palm Desert Greek Festival The festival features live Greek Bouzouki music and traditional dancing, authentic food, appetizers and pastries, souvenir market with Mediterranean vendors and more. St. George Greek Orthodox Church of the Desert, 74109 Larrea, Palm Desert. pdgreekfest.org
February 16-18 Desert Art Festival at 10 a.m. Featuring numerous artists presenting their original work in all mediums of two and three dimensional fine art, including paintings in acrylic, oils and watercolors, photography, etchings, sculpture in clay, glass, metal, stone and wood. Each artist will be present to meet with the public and discuss their work. Frances Stevens Park, 538 North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. westcoastartists.com
What’s Happening
February 21
February 23-24
John Mueller’s Winter Dance Party with The Desert Symphony at 8 p.m. Each live concert performance is high voltage entertainment featuring all the hit songs of the ’50s era: “That’ll Be The Day,” “Peggy Sue,” “La Bamba,” “Chantilly Lace,” and more. McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert. mccallumtheatre.com
ArtWalk Indian Wells at 10 a.m. Featuring numerous artists presenting their original work in paintings, photography, sculptures and more. Each artist will be present to meet with the public and discuss their work. The Village, 74895 Highway 111, Indian Wells. westcoastartists.com
February 22-24 McCormick’s Palm Springs Collector Car Auction Featuring over 600 unique, classic, exotic, muscle, sports and special interest autos. Palm Springs Convention Center, 277 North Avenida Caballeros, Palm Springs. classic-carauction.com
February 23 Pitbull at 8 p.m. The Grammy winning artist and global superstar brings his electrifying show to the desert. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio. fantasyspringsresort.com.
February 26 Ilya Yakushev at 7:30 p.m. Russian virtuoso pianist continues to astound and mesmerize audiences. Richards Center for the Arts at Palm Springs High School, 2248 Ramon Road, Palm Springs. psconcerts.org
March 1 Michael McDonald at 8 p.m. He remains an enduring face in popular music and he is proud to return to the desert with his latest tour. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio. fantasyspringsresort.com
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What’s Happening Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival, February 15-24 Photo courtesy of Riverside County
March 1
March 4-17
Toni Braxton at 8 p.m. The seven-time Grammy winner brings her “As Long As I Live” tour to the desert. Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa, 32250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage. hotwatercasino.com
BNP Paribas Open The largest combined ATP World Tour Masters 1000 and WTA Premier professional tennis tournament in the world. Featuring the top men and women professional players competing in a 96 singles draw and 32 doubles draw. Indian Wells Tennis Gardens, 78200 Miles Avenue, Indian Wells. bnpparibasopen.com
March 1-2 Stomp The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments – matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps – to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms. McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert. mccallumtheatre.com
March 2 Frankie Vallie and The Four Seasons at 8 p.m. The original Jersey Boys are back by popular demand and will take over the stage with their hits. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio. fantasyspringsresort.com Jerry Seinfeld at 8 p.m. The star of the hit tv series “Seinfeld” brings his latest comedy tour to the desert. Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa, 32250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage. hotwatercasino.com
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March 5-6 Fifty Years of Rock and Roll With a cast consisting of both stars from Broadway’s greatest rock musicals, as well as incredible Rock & Roll singers, Neil Berg shares the often unknown stories from the fifty-year history of the music that changed the world. McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert. mccallumtheatre.com
March 7-10 La Quinta Arts Festival at 10 a.m. Presenting 220 foremost contemporary artists in a spectacular outdoor gallery. Amenities include music, performance art, food, refreshments, wine and beer. La Quinta Civic Center Park, 78495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta.
What’s Happening
March 8-9 Native Film Fest The festival is one of the nations highly regarded events of its kind featuring the best in films by, about and starring Native Americans and other indigenous peoples from around the world. Camelot Theatres, 2300 East Baristo Road, Palm Springs. aguacaliente.org
March 14 Saxsational, The Next Generation at 7:30 p.m. Saxophonist Rob Vedi will share the stage with the Palm Springs High School Orchestra, they will explore an eclectic mix of music. Richards Center for the Arts at Palm Springs High School, 2248 Ramon Road, Palm Springs. psconcerts.org
March 15-17 Monty Python’s Spamalot The outrageous musical tells the tale of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table as they embark on
their quest for the Holy Grail. Flying cows, killer rabbits, taunting Frenchmen and show-stopping musical numbers are just a few of the reasons audiences everywhere are eating up Spamalot. McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert. mccallumtheatre.com
March 16-23 Fashion Week EL Paseo This premier fashion event presents runway shows featuring a starstudded line-up of top designers from across the country, including exciting trunk shows, and more. El Paseo, Palm Desert. fashionweekelpaseo.com
March 21 An Evening with Matthew Morrison at 8 p.m. Known for starring as Will Schuester on the television show “Glee,” will perform LIVE with The Desert Symphony in an evening of sophisticated enjoyment. McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert. mccallumtheatre.com
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What’s Happening
March 29 The Illusionist at 8 p.m. This mind blowing spectacular showcases the jaw dropping talents of seven of the most incredible Illusionists on earth. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio. fantasyspringsresort.com
March 29-31 Indian Wells Arts Festival Meet and connect directly with 200 juried and acclaimed artists representing more than 25 countries around the world. Featuring 15 plus mediums of art ranging from painting, jewelry, sculpture, glass, pottery, photography and more. Indian Wells Tennis Garden, 78200 Miles Avenue, Indian Wells. indianwellsartsfestival.com
March 29 – April 4 American Documentary Film Festival One of the largest documentary only film festivals in the United States. The festival includes international films in both short and feature categories as well as showcasing animation. Camelot Theatres, 2300 East Baristo Road, Palm Springs. americandocumentaryfilmfestival.com
ANA Inspiration Championship The best women golfers in the world compete in golf’s first major tournament to compete for the $2 million purse, coveted Dinah Shore Trophy, the famous jump into Poppie’s Pond and the coveted champions white robe. Mission Hills Country Club, 34600 Mission Hills Drive, Rancho Mirage. anainspiration.com
April 3-7 Club Skirts presents The Dinah One of the largest girl party music festivals in the world, featuring performances by Daya, Leikeli47, Kodie Shane, Diamond Royalty and more. Various locations in Palm Springs. thedinah.com
Katherine McPhee at 8 p.m. The Desert Symphony celebrates its 30th Anniversary with a Gala performance starring Katharine McPhee. McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert. mccallumtheatre.com
Visitors Guide
Gem and Mineral Show The show has been held every fall for decades and was such a success, the sponsoring Sportsman’s Club added a spring show. The show features exhibitors offering jewelry, gemstones, beads, mining equipment and more. Sportsman’s Club, 6225 Sunburst Ave., Joshua Tree. jtsportsman’sclub.com
April 5 Michael Carbonaro at 8 p.m. Known for his original hidden camera magic series, “The Carbonaro Effect” on truTV, brings his bizarre antics and mind-blowing magic to the desert. Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa, 32250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage. hotwatercasino.com
April 5-7
April 4
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Photo by Jené Estrada
April 4-7
April 1-7
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Joshua Tree’s Gem and Mineral Show, April 4-7.
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January - June 2019
Joshua Tree National Park Art Festival Artists display and sell work celebrating Joshua Tree National Park. You’ll find painting, photography, collage, ceramics, sculpture, textiles, jewelry and more. Oasis Visitor Center, 74485 National Park Drive, Twentynine Palms. joshuatree.org
What’s Happening Joshua Tree Music Festival, May 16-19.
April 6-7
April 12-14 and April 19-21
Hilltoppers Motorcycle Wild West Grand Prix Since 1996, these races have been held on a scenic 8-mile track at the 29 Palms Motorsports Arena. Come out to enjoy the racing fun or sign up to compete. hilltoppersmc.com
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival This annual two-weekend, three-day music and arts festival features many genres of live music including rock, indie, hip hop and electronic dance music, as well as art installations and sculptures. Empire Polo Club, 81800 Avenue 51, Indio. coachella.com
April 8 Jacquelynne Fontaine at 7:30 p.m. A rising young American opera star who also happens to hold the pageant title of Miss California 2017 brings her talents to the desert. Richards Center for the Arts at Palm Springs High School, 2248 Ramon Road, Palm Springs. psconcerts.org
April 11 Debbie Gravitte at 8 p.m. One of Broadway’s biggest personalities sings and is accompanied by The Desert Symphony. An evening you won’t forget. McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert. mccallumtheatre.com
April 12-13
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Visitors Guide
Yucca Valley Earth Day Fair Music, arts, crafts, demonstrations and refreshments are planned to inspire and educate about the environment. Yucca Valley Community Center, Dumosa Avenue north of Twentynine Palms Highway, Yucca Valley. hidesertnaturemuseum.org
April 26 Daniel Tosh at 8 p.m. Best known for his Comedy Central show “Tosh.0,” Tosh will perform an evening of stand up comedy. Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa, 32250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage. hotwatercasino.com
April 26-28
Chris Botti at 8 p.m. Grammy Award-winning jazz trumpeter returns with his uniquely expressive sound and soaring musical imagination. McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert. mccallumtheatre.com
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January - June 2019
Stagecoach Country Music Festival The three day festival features headliners including Luke Bryan, Sam Hunt and Jason Aldean. Empire Polo Club, 81800 Avenue 51, Indio. stagecoachfestival.com
What’s Happening
April 26-29
May 9-12
White Party Palm Springs The largest gay dance party in the world featuring live performances, DJs, pool parties and more. Various locations in Palm Springs. jeffreysanker.com
Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival The festival includes an eclectic mix of Classic Film Noir “B” movies. Camelot Theatres, 2300 East Baristo Road, Palm Springs. arthurlyonsfilmnoir.ning.com
May 4
May 9-13
Jacqueline Cochran Air Show Adrenaline pumping diving maneuvers and aerobatic stunt pilots are sure to take your breath away. The event includes food, merchandise and special vendors. Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport, 56850 Higgins Drive, Thermal. jcairshow.com
Shakti Fest The country’s premier yoga festival, Shakti Fest. Features yoga teachers, kirtan musicians and workshop leaders from across the world. The festival emphasizes the idea of the divine feminine and proceeds are donated to corresponding causes. Joshua Tree Lake Campground, 2601 Sunfair Road Joshua Tree. bhaktifest/shaktifest
May 4-5 Gabriel Iglesias One of America’s most successful stand-up comedians brings his “Beyond the Fluffy Work Tour” to the desert. Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa, 32250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage. hotwatercasino.com
May 16-19 Joshua Tree Music Festival Showcasing up and coming artists in a family-friendly setting. Joshua Tree Lake Campground, 2601 Sunfair Road, Joshua Tree. joshuatreemusicfestival.com
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What’s Happening
ANA Inspiration Championship, April 1-7. Photo courtesy of ANA Inspiration Championship
May 17-19
May 27
Joshua Tree Philharmonic The Joshua Tree Philharmonic goes west in “Wanted Dead or Alive,” a concert with classics like “Grand Canyon Suite,” country hits and Western TV and film soundtracks. Black Box Theater, 61231 Twentynine Palms Highway, Joshua Tree. hidesertculturalcenter.org
Grubstake Days The 69th annual Grubstake Days celebration will include a carnival, a rodeo, a horseshoe tournament, a beard contest, a golf tournament and of course the Grubstake Days Parade. Yucca Valley and Landers. grubstakedays.com
Palm Springs Air Museum Memorial Day Flower Drop & Air Fair Dedicated to all of our fallen comrades, who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. In their honor, highlighted service with a fly-by and flower drop of over 3,000 red and white carnations from a vintage B-25 Mitchell bomber. This most impressive ceremony is our way of saluting fallen comrades. Visitors are welcome to pick up a flower to take home. Flight exhibitions and activities scheduled all day long. Palm Springs Air Museum, 745 North Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs. 760-778-6262, palmspringsairmuseum.org
May 23-June 30
June 1-17
Lavender Festival Highland Springs Ranch & Inn hosts the 15th annual Lavender Festival. Participants can roam the field in horse-drawn wagons and learn how lavender oil is extracted from plants. The festival also serves lavender food dishes and hosts live music. 123 Farm 10600 Highland Springs Ave., Cherry Valley. 951-845-1151.
Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week During this event restaurants throughout the Coachella Valley offer special lunch and/or dinner menus at set prices. For a complete list of participating restaurants and menus please visit visitgreaterpalmsprings.com/restaurantweek
May 23-27
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What’s Happening
June 7-9 Splash House Pool and music festival hosted across multi-venue resorts in Palm Springs for one amazing weekend. splashhouse.com
June 18-24 Palm Springs International ShortFest The largest short film event in North America. ShortFest has presented more than 100 shorts that have gone on to receive Oscar nominations and/or awards. Festivities also include the ShortFest Forum, a series of panels, master classes and roundtable discussions designed to provide emerging filmmakers with both the knowledge and the networking opportunities to further their careers in the film industry. Camelot Theatres, 2300 East Baristo Road, Palm Springs. psfilmfest.org For greater Palm Springs happenings visit www. desertentertainer.com. High desert happening visit www.hidesertstar.com. Don’t forget to like the Desert Entertainer and Hi-Desert Star on Facebook!
Lavender Festival, May 22-June 30.
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Hiking/ Outdoor Activities Joshua Tree National Park Characterized by its huge rock formations and immense Joshua tree forest, the national park lies where the Mojave Desert meets the low Colorado Desert. Hike through the trails that weave through the Hidden Valley, travel to Keys View and look out over the Coachella Valley or bring your rock climbing equipment and scale some of the most interesting geological formations in the California desert. nps.gov/jotr South Lykken Trail 4.4 miles with an elevation of just over 1,000 feet. This is considered strenuous and the north end of the trail starts at the west end of Mesquite Road, just south of downtown Palm Springs off South Palm Canyon Drive. There is no parking at the trailhead, but street parking is available. The hike is pretty strenuous for the first mile or so and then it levels off and one gets a great view of the Indian Canyons golf courses and South Palm Canyon communities. It is a beautiful hike and ends along South Palm Canyon Drive towards Indian Canyon. You will need to have vehicles at both ends. Museum Trail 2 miles round trip with an elevation change of around 1,000 feet. This hike is quite strenuous because of the rapid incline. The trailhead is just behind the museum off Palm Canyon Drive in Downtown Palm Springs. Turn around at the picnic tables.
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Clara Burgess Trail 4.4 miles round trip with an elevation of 1,339 feet. The trail is the only route to the summit of Murray Hill, a prominent conical peak just south of Palm Springs. It is best seen when heading south on Gene Autry Trail and, although it is only a couple miles to the peak, it is strenuous with a steep incline. Bump and Grind Trail 3 mile loop with an elevation rise of 523 feet. This trail is probably the most popular trail in the desert and frequented by exercisers who start behind Desert Crossings shopping center on Painters Path in Palm Desert. Randall Henderson Trail 2.4 mile loop with a gently rising elevation change of 423 feet. This easy trail offers a good introduction to desert hiking for the novice. It starts and ends at the National Monument Visitor Center in Palm Desert on Highway 74. Check the Visitor Center for guided hikes during the winter season. Bear Creek Oasis Trail 8 miles in and out, with an elevation rise of 1,989 feet. Considered strenuous. From the Cove Oasis trailhead at the top of La Quinta Cove, follow Bear Creek Canyon to where the trail leaves the sandy wash. Follow the signs. Hikers on this trail enjoy the beautiful palm oasis at the end.
Hiking/ Outdoor Activities Amboy Crater Formed of ash and cinders, the 250-foot-high Amboy Crater rises from one of the youngest volcanic fields in the United States. A hiking trail winds to the rim with rest stations along the way. If you make it to the top, you’ll see the breach where lava poured out over 24 square miles, creating a landscape of dried lava lakes, collapsed lava tubes and sinks, spatter cones and massive flows of basalt. This can be a dangerous area. Don’t venture out in the heat, bring a gallon of water per person per day, hike with a partner and always let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to be back. Crater Road eight miles off National Trails Highway. blm.gov/visit/amboy-crater Eisenhower Peak Loop 6 mile loop with an elevation gain of 700 feet. This trail is considered moderate and is part of the Living Desert preserve (admission fee required) in Palm Desert. The trail begins at the Eastern edge of the Living Desert and takes hikers toward Eisenhower Peak. The trail is a good representation of desert terrain and makes a perfect beginning to a Living Desert tour.
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Giant Rock The largest freestanding boulder in the Mojave Desert, Giant Rock covers 5,800 square feet of ground and stands seven stories high off the ground at its highest point. Native Americans once considered it sacred, and in the 1930s German immigrant Frank Critzer dug a space under the rock to live in. One of Critzer’s friends later said he was contacted by aliens there. Today, the rock is a popular tourist destination and a photo opportunity for visitors from across the globe. Past Belfield Boulevard in Landers Lake Cahuilla Just six miles from Old Town La Quinta, the 710-acre park at the foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains offers a great outdoor family day with hiking, coupled with a host of recreational selections ranging from shore fishing to horseback riding. Hawk’s Landing A one-of-a-kind golf course, this premier facility offers two six-hole loops for players. Play the second loop twice for a whole 18-hole game or play 12 and stop in to the Roost Café for a glass of wine and a meal as the sun sets on the desert landscape. 55100 Martinez Trail, Yucca Valley. hawkslandinggolf.com
Health and Wellness Yoga in The Morongo Basin Home to many great yoga studios including Instant Karma Yoga Studio in Joshua Tree and Cedar and Sage Wellness Center in Yucca Valley. Experienced instructors can introduce new students to interesting yoga techniques from multiple disciplines or work with higher-level students on skills and technique. With some of the largest yoga retreats in the country, the teachers are advanced and will make you feel comfortable in their classes. Yoga in Coachella Valley: There are numerous yoga studios across the Coachella Valley including Power Yoga Palm Springs, Peace Love Yoga, Yoga Bliss, Yoga Center Palm Desert, Bikram Yoga, Lotus Flower Movement. The Integratron Built in 1959 by a ufologist, George VanTassel, who was supposedly following instructions from the planet Venus. He claimed when it was finished, the building would be capable of rejuvenation and time travel. Today, it
is used primarily for its unique acoustic qualities. The building is popular for its sound baths, which sell out weeks in advance as people from around the world travel to the area to experience the unique meditative qualities of the Integratron. 2477 Belfield Blvd., Landers. integratron.com Catalina Spa RV Resort Located in Desert Hot Springs, this RV resort provides affordable RV camping and is open to the public for its odorless natural hot springs. Visit the resort and get free access to many fun activities including mini golf, water sports and pickleball. 18800 Corkill Road, Desert Hot Springs. 760-329-4431, catalinasparvresort.com Center for Healthy Generations The saltwater pool is kept at a comfortable 90 degrees year-round at this facility. Classes are available six days a week, with a wide range of levels to choose from. They also offer exercise classes that include stretch-andtone, aerobics, yoga and Zumba. 57121 Sunnyslope Drive, Yucca Valley. 760-365-9661, mbchg.org
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Art 29 Palms Creative Center and Art Gallery This creative center offers walk-in classes during business hours every day of the week for artists young and old. Paint a canvas or make your own pottery. 6847 Adobe Road, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277. 760-361-3461 Architecture and Design Center The historic Santa Fe Savings & Loan bank is the creative hub for midcentury architecture and design exploration. Featuring exhibitions, and educational and community programs, as well as research space, and a storage area for the museum’s growing architecture and design collections, and archives. 300 S. Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs. 760-322-4897, psmuseum.org/architecture-design-center Art Cruise 29! Hit the galleries of Twentynine Palms for new art on the first Saturday of every month in Twentynine Palms. The Glass Outhouse, 29 Palms Visitors Center, Artomotive Gallery, 29 Palms Creative Center and Gallery, 29 Palms Art Gallery and Chuck Caplinger’s Desert Art Studio & Gallery are all regular participants. visit29.org Backstreet Art District Stroll through a dozen artist-owned galleries and working studios featuring exciting collections. Experience the thrill of interacting with working artists. 2600 Cherokee Way, Palm Springs. 760-851-8421, backstreetartdistrict.com
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CODA Gallery An El Paseo landmark since 1987, CODA is a fine art gallery specializing in contemporary paintings, photography, sculpture and glass. 73400 El Paseo, Palm Desert. 760-3464661, codagallery.com Healther James Fine Art The gallery offers a rare look into art history’s past and present featuring fine artwork by premier Impressionist, Modern, Post-War and Contemporary artists. The gallery uniquely showcases blue chip and cutting-edge contemporary art while maintaining a respect for the integrity of antiquity and classical masterpieces. 45188 Portola Avenue, Palm Desert. 760-346-8926, heatherjames.com Palm Springs Art Museum The museum is centrally located in downtown Palm Springs and encompasses three floors of inspiring and invigorating artwork in a variety of media. 101 Museum Dr, Palm Springs. 760-322-4800, psmuseum.org Joshua Tree 2nd Saturdays Downtown Nights Art galleries and business throughout Joshua Tree keep their doors open late for the opening receptions of new art shows on the second Saturday of every month. Participating venues include Joshua Tree Art Gallery, Gallery 62, The Beatnik Lounge and La Matadora Gallery. Twentynine Palms Highway, Joshua Tree.
Desert Finds Antique Galleries of Palm Springs A 12,000 square-foot collective featuring vintage clothing, jewelry, home decore, furniture, art and so much more. 505 East Industrial Place, Palm Springs. 760322-8740, antiquegalleriespalmsprings.com Cactus Mart A succulents and desert plant emporium, Cactus Mart is a go-to spot for travelers. Dig up your own cacti for 59 cents and take home a little piece of the desert. 49889 Twentynine Palms Highway, Morongo Valley. The Frippery This shop represents the desert lifestyle; from poolside in Palm Springs to stargazing in Joshua Tree. The collection of vintage clothing and accessories includes mod, resort, bohemian and a little rock n roll. 664 North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Spring. 760-699-5365, thefrippery.com
Route 62 Vintage Marketplace This salvage marketplace sells reimagined furniture and local artwork in vintage, rustic and modern styles. Come find your next favorite piece for your house and support the artists of the Morongo Basin. 55635 Twentynine Palms Highway, Yucca Valley.
Gypsyland Palm Springs Packed with vintage kitsch and quality finds, furnishings, art, and a drop-dead collection of big, fluffy ‘50s cocktail dresses. 2675 North Palm Canyon, Palm Springs. 760-641-8600
The Station This reimagined gas station offers personalized souvenirs. Visit Big Josh, their statue mascot, and grab some snacks as you head into Joshua Tree National Park. 61943 29 Palms Highway, Joshua Tree.
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Dining Scene
Photo courtesy of Eureka!
Coachella
Desert Hot Springs
Mario’s Italian Cafe Italian: Lunch and dinner A full-value Italian restaurant featuring pasta, pizza, subs, seafood, poultry, veal and specials. 83103 Avenue 48, Coachella. 760-863-1611, mariositaliancafes.com
Las Palmas Mexican Cuisine Mexican: Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Offering traditional Mexican cuisine such as mariscos, tacos, burritos, fajitas and a full bar. 11349 Palm Drive, Desert Hot Springs. 760-329-2048, laspalmasmexicancuisine.com
Mariscos El Capitan Mexican: Lunch and dinner. Fresh dishes prepared with traditional Mexican and seafood recipes. 52565 Harrison Street, Coachella. 760-600-7575, mariscoselcapitan.com
Rocky’s New York Style Pizzeria Italian: Lunch and dinner. Serving authentic Italian cuisine; menu includes pasta, subs, hand-tossed pizza, salads, home-made bread baked daily, meatballs. 12856 Palm Drive, Desert Hot Springs. 760-329-1467, rockyspizzadhs.com
Cathedral City AJ’s on the Green & Splash Bar American: Lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Enjoy delicious omelets, soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches, pasta, fish, crispy pork belly sliders and dessert. Inside Date Palm Country Club, 36200 Date Palm Drive, Cathedral City. 760-202-1111, ajsonthegreen.com Tortillas Restaurant Mexican: Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Serving old-style Mexican cuisines such as carne asada, flautas, enchiladas, fajitas, including salsa bar. 32123 Cathedral Canyon Drive, Cathedral City. 760-324-8070, tortillasrestaurant.us
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Indian Wells Café Italia Italian: Brunch, lunch and dinner. Northern Italian food creates a menu of pastas, filet mignon, while the dining room staff sings. 74901 Highway 111, Indian Wells. 760-773-3080, cafeitaliareservations.com Eureka! American: Dinner. Gourmet burgers, sandwiches, fresh salads, locally sourced produce and ultra-premium craft beer and whiskey. 74985 Highway 111, Indian Wells. 760-834-7700, eurekarestaurantgroup.com
Dining Scene Photo courtesy of Little Italy.
Indio
Palm Desert
The Cafe at Shields American: Breakfast and lunch. Guests can expect to find a variety of delicious items including signature salads topped with homemade dressings, sandwiches served on homemade bread, authentic Mexican cuisine. 80225 Highway 111, Indio. 760-775-0902, shieldsdategarden.com
City Wok Chinese: Lunch and dinner. A contemporary yet casual restaurant offering authentic, upscale Asian cuisine using only the freshest meats, seafood and produce available. 74970 Country Club Drive, Palm Desert. 760-3411511, citywok.com
Sushi Bento Japanese: Lunch and dinner. The menu offers delicious handmade specialty and classic sushi rolls, nigiri sushi, sashimi, ramen, miso and udon soup. 82280 Highway 111, Indio. 760-775-3444
La Quinta Old Town Tavern American - Barbecue and more: Lunch & dinner. Popular for its mouthwatering Texas barbecue ribs, brisket, chicken and pulled pork. Other specialties are crab cakes, flatbreads, quesadillas, St. Louis shrimp salad and key lime pie. 78015 Main Street, Old Town La Quinta, 760-296-3420, oldtowntavernlq.com The Grill on Main American: Lunch and dinner. Choose from a wide variety of appetizers, crisp salads, seafood, steak and pasta dishes along with specialty sandwiches and burgers. The full bar includes microbrews and a great wine list. 78065 Main Street, Old Town La Quinta, 760-777-7773, thegrillonmainlq.com
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French Corner CafĂŠ French: Breakfast, lunch and dinner. An authentic French bakery with unique pastries that also offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. 72423 Highway 111, Palm Desert. 760-5685362, frenchcornercafe.com Fresh Agave Mexican Bar & Grill Mexican: Lunch and dinner. Serving a variety of chicken, beef, pork and seafood dishes including fajitas, chiles rellenos and enchiladas. 73325 Highway 111, Palm Desert. 760-836-9028, freshagavemexicanbarandgrill.com Grill-A-Burger American: Lunch and dinner. Casual spot specializing in gourmet burgers, sliders, hot dogs and salads. 73091 Country Club, Palm Desert. 760-346-8170, grill-a-burger.com Paradise Cove Cafe American: Breakfast and lunch. Serving pancakes, oversized omelets, burgers and more at this family-owned cafe. 44150 Town Center Way, Palm Desert. 760-779-1617, paradisecove.cafe
Dining Scene
Photo courtesy of TRIO Restaurant.
Palm Springs Al Dente Trattoria Toscana Italian: Lunch and dinner. A quaint cucina with a decidedly European atmosphere, an extensive menu of beef, veal, pasta and fresh seafood entrées. 491 North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. 760-325-1160, aldentepalmsprings.com Nature’s Health Food and Cafe American: Breakfast and lunch. A vegan/vegetarian cafe that uses organic produce and products with over 100 items on the menu. 555 S. Sunrise Way, Palm Springs. 760-323-9487, natureshealthfoodcafe.com Oscar’s Cafe & Bar American: Dinner, weekend brunch/lunch. The chef is focused on creating a menu that offers tremendous variety, options for almost every taste and diet, as well as a few specialties. 125 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs. 760-325-1188, oscarspalmsprings.com Peaks Restaurant American: Lunch & dinner at the top of the Tram Chef-driven, seasonal menu features natural meats and local produce from the desert. 1 Tramway Road, Palm Springs. 760-325-4537, pstramway.com/dining Riccio’s Steak and Seafood Italian and American: Lunch Saturday and Sunday. Dinner, closed Tuesdays. It’s an ideal spot to sip a Bellini and savor the house
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Lobster Martini, a chilled appetizer made of Maine lobster and mango chunks, drizzled with mango rum, served up in a martini glass and then ponder the medley of choices on Riccio’s Mediterraneanfocused menu. 495 North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. 760-325-3111, ricciossteakandseafood.com Rick’s Restaurant & Bakery American: Breakfast and lunch. Serving traditional breakfast and lunch with healthy alternatives. Great food with a Cuban influence at reasonable prices will satisfy everyone’s taste. 1973 North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. 760-416-0090, ricksrestaurant.biz Rick’s Desert Grill Cuban & American: Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Offering a huge selection of items for all appetites. Ample beer and wine. Great food with a Cuban influence. 1596 North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. 760-325-2127, ricksdesertgrill.com TRIO Restaurant American: Breakfast, lunch and dinner. An energetic, desert-casual atmosphere with great American modern food at reasonable prices. 707 North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. 760-864-8746, triopalmsprings.com Woody’s Palm House American: Lunch and dinner. Gourmet burgers, fries, shakes and more. Head to the back room for dining/lounge and live entertainment. 450 South Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. 760-230-0188, woodyspalmhouse.com
Dining Scene
Bistro 29 photo by Sara Kernan
Rancho Mirage Roy’s Restaurant Asian Fusion: Lunch and dinner. The menu features sushi, Moroccan spice grilled swordfish, braised short ribs, Asian stuffed chicken breast and more. 71959 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage. 760-340-9044, roysrestaurant.com Yard House American: Lunch and dinner. The menu features more than 130 items including appetizers, salads, pastas, sandwiches, street tacos, grilled burgers, individual-size pizzas, seafood, steaks and ribs. 71800 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage. 760-779-1415, yardhouse.com
Twentynine Palms 29 Palms Inn American: Lunch and dinner This poolside restaurant specializes in seafood, steak, daily pasta specials and great vegetarian options. Order picnic lunches to take into the park or stop in for dinner and drinks. Remember to call ahead for available seating updates as this restaurant seats on a first, come first served basis and is always bustling. 73950 Inn Avenue, Twentynine Palms. Bistro Twentynine American: Dinner The bistro offers Southern comfort food for the Morongo Basin. This veteran-owned business offers online ordering, pick-up and online reservations, making it an easy stop through Twentynine Palms. 73527 29 Palms Highway, Twentynine Palms.
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The Natural Sisters Café Vegetarian: Breakfast, lunch and dinner The café offers something for everyone with vegan and gluten-free options for food and baked goods. It is located near the entrance to the national park, so visitors can easily stop in and view local artwork as they dine on sandwhiches, smoothies, salads and wraps as well as other daily specials. 61695 29 Palms Highway, Unit R, Joshua Tree.
Yucca Valley 2 Guys Pies Brick Oven Pizza Pizza: Lunch and dinner Voted Best Slice of Pizza in the Morongo Basin, 2 Guys Pies puts a new spin on brick oven pizza. Come in to try some of the house specials or order delivery at the lowest delivery charge in the Morongo Basin. 56969 Yucca Trail, Yucca Valley. Café Frontier American: Breakfast, lunch and dinner Locals and tourists flock to Frontier for its unique food with vegetarian and vegan choices. Frontier Café serves breakfast, lunch, coffee, tea, beer and wine. 55844 29 Palms Highway, Yucca Valley. C&S Coffee Shop American: Breakfast, lunch and dinner Yucca Valley’s oldest coffee shop, C&S Coffee Shop is known for down-home quality diner food. Stop in and day of the week to taste their home-cooked meals. 55795 29 Palms Highway, Yucca Valley.
Dining Scene
Yucca Valley Little Italy Italian: Lunch and dinner Voted Best New Business in 2017, this restaurant brings a little taste of Italy to the desert. Come in any day for authentic Italian food served in a family atmosphere. 55315 29 Palms Highway, Yucca Valley. Kimi Grill Japanese Restaurant Japanese: Luch and dinner They provide fresh sushi, teriyaki, barbecue, noodles, fried rice, beer and wine as well as hard liquor. This local Japanese restaurant was voted the best restaurant in the Morongo Basin in Best of the Best 2017 and has also recently opened a poke bar. 54580 29 Palms Highway, Yucca Valley. The Roost Café American: Breakfast, lunch and dinner Located at Hawk’s Landing Golf course, the Roost Café combines delicious food with beautiful views. Enjoy their early-bird breakfast buffet every morning or come in wiith your loved ones for a date night and finish off the evening by the fireplace. 55100 Martinez Trail, Yucca Valley.
Photo courtesy of The Roost.
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Nightlife
Motown Mondays at Woody’s Palm House .
AJ’s on the Green This restaurant features a relaxed setting inside Date Palm Country Club with nightly live entertainment. Stop by and find out why they’ve been voted “best venue for live entertainment.” 36200 Date Palm Drive, Cathedral City. 760-202-1111, ajsonthegreen.com Backstreet Bistro The casual cafe serves light bites, classic Italian eats and features live entertainment every Monday, Tuesday and Saturday. 72820 El Paseo, Palm Desert. 760-346-6393, backstreet-bistro.com BluEmber This swanky eatery features live entertainment Wednesday through Sunday starting at 6 p.m. Omni Hotels & Resort, 41000 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage. 760-862-4581, omnihotels.com Gadi’s Restaurant and Bar Visit Gadi’s happy hour every day except Monday and enjoy latenight dining. Gadi’s also hosts live events. Check out their website for upcoming acts. 56193 29 Palms Hwy., Yucca Valley. Joshua Tree Saloon At the gateway of Joshua Tree National Park, JT Saloon has been the place to stop for great food, drinks and friendly staff for
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over 30 years. Come in before 4 p.m. with the family or stop in at night for drinks and live music. 61835 29 Palms Hwy., Joshua Tree. Kokopelli’s Kantina A karaoke bar, Koko’s will have you out of your seat and singing to the ballads of your generation. If you don’t like to sing, you can also come out every Friday night to dance to the latest hits. 57154 29 Palms Hwy., Yucca Valley. Landers Brew Co. This local watering hole is located in a historic roadhouse built in 1948. The extensive beer selection highlights local breweries and they also feature live music. 1388 Golden Slipper Lane, Landers. Murphy’s Sports Bar The beer and wine flows and the jukebox is ready to play your favorites at this locals’ staple. Murphy’s is a great place to hang out and play pool. Don’t miss the St. Patrick’s Day party, with live music and a potluck. 7326 Acoma Trail, Yucca Valley.
Nightlife The Nest Stop by and enjoy the music of Kevin Henry and Tim Burleson seven days a week while you sip a drink at the bar. 75188 Highway 111, Indian Wells. 760-346-2314, gotothenest.com Oscar’s Café & Bar This restaurant hosts a casual bar with a courtyard for dining and live entertainment every day of the week. 125 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs 760-325-1188, oscarspalmsprings.com Pappy and Harriet’s This restaurant and music venue is a must-see in the Morongo Basin. Attracting big names like Wanda Jackson, Nikki Lane and Maren Morris, this venue is always bustling with locals and tourists alike. The full restaurant has a Tex-Mex theme. Remember to call ahead and check for availability as the music events sometimes sell out the building. 53688 Pioneertown Road, Pioneertown. Purple Room The restaurant features live entertainment every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 1900 East Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. 760322-4422, purpleroompalmsprings.com
Spa Resort Casino The Cascade Lounge features Flashback Fridays with DJ Chase Martinez. DJ Michael Wright on Saturday and Latin Night on Sunday. 401 East Amado Road, Palm Springs. 888999-1995, sparesortcasino.com Swordfish Pub The nonprofit bar tucked away in the Joshua Tree Sportsman’s Club is only open Thursdays and Sundays, and serves up craft beers, trivia night, bingo, DJ music and food. You’ll find friendly faces and lots of fun, and know your money goes to great local causes. 6225 Sunburst Street, Joshua Tree. Tackroom Tavern The rustic-chic bar and grill features karaoke every Thursday and live music every Friday, Saturday and Sunday patio jam. 81800 51st Ave., Indio. 760-347-9985, tackroomtavern.com Tortoise Rock Casino This local casino offers live musical events, sporting events and the onsite restaurant The Oasis Grill. At the entertainment destination in Twentynine Palms, come out and play the slot machines, 30,000 square feet of gaming space, table games and live poker. 73829 Baseline Road, Twentynine Palms.
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Nightlife Chad Smith takes on the role of Steve Perry in “Escape” a Journey cover band playing at Tortoise Rock Casino.
Three Sixty North Bar & Grill The restaurant features live music Wednesday through Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday starting at 6:30 p.m. 360 North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. 760-327-1773, threesixtynorthbarandgrill.com Vicky’s of Santa Fe The music lounge is flanked by dual fireplaces and centered with a 9-foot concert grand piano and built-in dance floor. Nightly entertainment seven days a week. 45100 Club Drive, Indian Wells. 760-345-9770, vickysofsantafe.com The Village Pub This sports bar and party spot hosts nightly music featuring live bands and DJs. 266 South Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. 760-323-3265, palmspringsvillagepub.com The Virginian Cocktails Coined “The V” by regulars, this bar is a local hotspot. With an outdoor patio with gas lamps and competitive drink prices, The V is a great place to hang with friends in Twentynine Palms. Come in on your next drive on Route 62 for a friendly bar experience. 73643 29 Palms Hwy, Twentynine Palms.
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Wine and Roses Lounge Located off of the Yucca Valley airport, this long-established bar features live music and a full bar. Stop in for a drink and play your favorite tune on the jukebox or enjoy a game at the billiard tables. 57360 Aviation Drive, Yucca Valley. Woody’s Palm House This restaurant brings the love of food and music to create the ultimate dining experience. Woody’s serves up burgers, steaks, seafood and chops with world-class live entertainment 7 nights a week. 450 South Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. 760-230-0188, woodyspalmhouse.com Zeldas Nightclub This bar boasts a weekly roster of theme nights plus contests, dancing and cocktails. 611 S Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. 760-325-2375, zeldasnightclub.com
Day Trips Best of the Best Tours: Serving the Coachella Valley for 20 years, Best of the Best Tours offers premier entertainment and informational tour services. Tours include the Indian Canyon Tour, Rich and Famous Tour, Windmill Tour and the Bonanza Tour (a combination of the Best of the Best award-winning tours). 760-320-1365, thebestofthebesttours.com Cabot’s Pueblo Museum: A unique Hopi inspired Pueblo, Cabot’s Pueblo Museum is a multi-level building that includes 35 rooms, 150 windows and 65 doors all crafted from found materials. The museum houses Native American pottery, 20th-century photographs and artifacts. 67616 Desert View Avenue, Desert Hot Springs. 760-329-7610, cabotsmuseum.org Coachella Valley History Museum: The Coachella Valley History Museum seeks to share the unique history of the desert, Cahuilla Indians and pioneers who forged through the difficult environment to create the community it is today. The museum features a date museum, memorial date and Japanese garden and the oldest Cork Oak tree in the Coachella Valley. 82616 Miles Avenue, Indio. 760-342-6651, cvhm.org General Patton Memorial Museum A desert training center in the 1940s, this museum honors the site that trained over a million soldiers for World War II. Today you can visit the historic tank yard, remembrance wall and indoor exhibits. Group tours are available anyday of the week upon reservation to show you this historic site. 62510 Chiriaco Road, Indio. 760-227-3483 The Living Desert: Representing the desert environments of North America and Africa. With more than 1,200 protected acres, 450 wild animals, live animal shows, kids’ play park, tranquil gardens, model train exhibit, hiking trails, tram rides and more, visitors experience an oasis of family fun. 47900 Portola Ave., Palm Desert. 760-346-5694, livingdesert.org The Magic Jungle Wildlife Preserve See endangered Siberian tigers, Black-Asian and Florida Panthers and Golden-Asian Panthera at this wildlife safari adventure. Several guided tour options await you. By reservation only. Lucerne Valley. 760-218-1231, themagicjunglewildlifepreserve.org Moorten Botanical Garden: Home to more than 3,000 desert cacti and other plants, the garden is a hidden treasure. You’ll find thousands of species of succulents and cactus growing together from all over the world. 1701 South Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. 760-327-6555, moortenbotanicalgarden.com
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Palm Springs Air Museum: Visitors can get up close to vintage World War II and Korea/Vietnam era aircrafts at the Palm Springs Air Museum. More than 40 flyable and static planes are on display inside three climate-controlled hangars totaling 65,000 square feet and outside on the tarmac. Visitors can tour the interior of a flyable B-17 and C-47 (when not flying). CNN Travel named the air museum one of the top 14 aviation museums in the world in 2014. 745 North Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs. 760-778-6262, palmspringsairmuseum.org Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: The world’s largest rotating tram car travels over two-andone-half miles along the breathtaking cliffs of Chino Canyon, transporting riders to the pristine wilderness of the Mt. San Jacinto State Park. During your approximately ten-minute journey, tram cars rotate slowly, offering picturesque and spectacular vistas of the valley floor below. Once you reach the Mountain Station—elevation 8,516 feet—enjoy two restaurants, observation decks, natural history museum, two documentary theaters, gift shop and over 50 miles of hiking trails. 1 Tram Way, Palm Springs. 760-325-4537, pstramway.com Pioneertown Hollywood investors including Gene Autry founded this town with the idea of building an Old West movie set where the actors and crew could live as well as work. More than 50 movies and TV episodes were filmed in this town in the 1940s and ’50s and today you can still visit the Old West buildings and watch mock gunfights in the street. Mane Street, Pioneertown. World Famous Crochet Museum Showcasing an unbelievable collection of the crocheted items that were commonly and lovingly made by aunts or grandmas in the 70s. 61855 Highway 62, Joshua Tree. 760-352-7474, sharielf.com/museum.html
Preserves
Whitewater Preserve Photo by Alison Elsner.
Big Morongo Canyon Preserve Nestled among the Little San Bernardino Mountains, this desert oasis is home to one of the largest cottonwood and willow stream habitats in California. Take a hike through the canyon, hear the frogs singing and keep an eye out for the brightly colored migrant birds. 11055 East Dr, Morongo Valley. bigmorongo.org Mission Creek Preserve Located in a transition zone between the Sonoran and Mojave deserts, the 4760 acre preserve has a rich species composition, with flora and fauna representing both deserts. Visitors are surprised to discover the center of the preserve is a lush wetlands juxtaposed with extensively eroded painted hills and Mount San Gorgonio looming in the background. The preserve hosts deer, bear, big horn sheep and mountain lions and has spectacular displays of spring wildflowers in wet years. 60550 Mission Creek Road, Desert Hot Springs. 760-369-7105, wildlandsconservancy.org Pioneertown Mountains Preserve Quiet and wild, the Pioneertown Mountains Preserve covers 25,500 acres owned by The Wildlands Conservancy. It is open to the public from sunrise to sunset for hiking. There is a shade structure for picnic lunches, and restrooms, but most of the
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preserve is wildlands. Visitors are cautioned to be aware that they are alone in the desert. Three main scenic trails are available for unguided walks and docent-guided group walks can be arranged in advance. 51010 Pipes Canyon Road, Pioneertown. 760-369-7105, wildlandsconservancy.org Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve Enjoy picnicking, hiking and the rustic visitor center, the “Palm House.” Nestled at the feet of the Indio Hills, the Coachella Valley Preserve is “The Old West” just minutes from Palm Springs, Indian Wells, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indio and other desert cities. Enjoy some of the 20,000+ acres of desert wilderness, wildlife and trails. 29200 Thousand Palms Canyon Road, Thousand Palms. Whitewater Preserve 2,851 acres surrounded by San Gorgonio Wilderness, and includes the year-round Whitewater River. Rich riparian habitat hosts the endangered Southwest willow flycatcher and Bell’s vireo, and provides opportunity to see migrating summer tanagers and vermilion flycatchers. The canyon has a robust population of bighorn sheep, deer and bear. 9160 Whitewater Canyon Road, Whitewater. 760-325-7222, wildlandsconservancy.org