"I haven't been everywhere but it's on my list" - Susan Sontag

January 19, 2023: The Coachella Valley Firebirds have landed in Greater Palm Springs, and they are off to a flying start! The newest AHL Hockey team had its first home game in the beautiful new Acrisure Arena on December 18th, 2022, and hasn’t looked back since. For the first inaugural year, the Firebirds are currently the #1 team in their division.

And Greater Palm Springs locals are loving it! Inside the brand new Acrisure Arena, fans are high energy and enthusiastically cheering on their new hockey team.  Acrisure Arena seats 11,000 fans, so there truly are no bad seats.  It is a state-of-the-art building and features some of our best local eateries such as CVBBQ’s delicious Tri-Tip steak sandwiches, Fisherman’s Market fresh seafood, and locally crafted Buzz Box cocktails. Buzz Box even created a signature cocktail for the Firebirds, using locally grown grapefruit juice.

You should definitely take in a hockey game on your next visit – and maybe you’ll even get a photo with their mascot, Fuego!

November 22, 2022: As we approach the holiday travel season, it is a good time to remind ourselves to be supportive of those traveling with special needs.  Things that we may take for granted can be the very things that pose challenges for others. Visit Greater Palm Springs is now a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC), a designation granted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). Everyone on our staff has completed autism training to better understand and welcome visitors and their families. A little kindness and grace go a long way in the hectic days ahead, not only to those with special needs but to all of us.

September 15, 2022: Hitchin' posts, aluminum siding, cold beer, and great food - if it's a Saloon you want, a Saloon you'll get, at Joshua Tree Saloon. The Joshua Tree area has become very popular with it's authentic desert lifestyle luring visitors up for an escape from city life. A definite must-see when you are visiting the area is the Joshua Tree Saloon - or "JT Saloon" as us locals call it. Belly up to their long wooden bar, choose from one of their locally brewed beers or craft cocktails, and relax and enjoy some of the local live music talent that this area is also becoming quite famous for. I took a French FAM group there, and they were so excited to mix and mingle with the locals, and grooving to the American Classic Rock music filling the place.  They devoured their lunches - loving the authentic American Saloon fare. Indoor and outdoor seating is offered at JT Saloon, both areas make you feel as if you have been transported right back into the Old West, y'all.

July 29, 2022: When you walk into D' Coffee Bouteaque, it feels like you have entered a magical secret garden. Their coffees are all organic, and the beverages are all custom creations, often modeled after favorite customers! Croissants are baked from scratch daily, and they are adorned with as much creativity as the selection of coffee drinks.  Locally owned, escape to this new Coffee House in Palm Desert for a tranquil treat to all your senses.

June 18, 2022: Chill Poolside! The San Diego ASTA FAM group had a great time keeping cool at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells new HyTides Lazy River - after dark! This was the perfect way to wind down from a day full of adventure in Greater Palm Springs. The Hyatt staff set up a great event with a fabulous dessert display, complete with Bananas Foster and a made fresh, custom ice cream treat!

April 12, 2022: You never know who is going to pop in for a concert at Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs.  Yes, none other than Jimmy Buffet who surprised hotel guests at with an intimate poolside concert. And of course, it started at 5:00 (somewhere).

February 21, 2022: Explore a new view of Greater Palm Springs—on horseback!  I joined up with the folks at Smoke Tree Stables in Palm Springs for a 90 minute ride through beautiful Murray Canyon in Palm Springs.  First of all, these are the most gentle and well cared for horses you’ll ever find.  I am a beginner rider, and other than some simple tugs on the reins, these beautiful animals do all of the work maneuvering some strikingly beautiful terrain that you may normally not get to experience.  I felt completely immersed in nature and a peaceful escape from the normal rigors of the day.

Fun fact:  Smoke Tree Ranch was once the desert home of Walt Disney, and he held his desert getaway home very dear to his heart.  Next time you are at Disneyland, look closely at any statue of Walt, and you will see the Smoke Tree Ranch insignia featured on his tie.

February 8, 2022: If you have got something special to celebrate, and want to kick it up a notch, think AvantStay. This Luxury Rental company has acquired some of the most spectacular estates in the Coachella Valley, and are committed to making your event one that you will never forget.  Once you give their Estates Experience Manager your occasion or theme, just step back and they will transform the property beyond your imagination.  There are no limits to what they will set up for you. I've seen them set up private hot air balloons, fireworks shows, and soundbath sessions.  Most of the estates have private lakes, and many accommodate over 20 guests. At AvantStay's Coachella properties, you'll have your own personal concierge who can coordinate a private chef or even massage services.

January 25, 2022: Anyone who knows me, knows how much I enjoy live entertainment.  There is no shortage of shows, as well as top-notch venues, here in Greater Palm Springs. From one end of the valley to the other, you will find world-class venues, large and small to see live entertainment. Larger venues include The Annenberg Theater  at The Palm Springs Art Museum , The Show at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Rancho Mirage , The McCallum Theater  in Palm Desert, The Special Events Center at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino  in Indio, and The Showroom at Spotlight 29 Casino  in Coachella., and those are just the indoor venues. There are a number of open-air venues as well, from the intimate Pappy and Harriet's , to our new Coachella Crossroads  whose opening act was Toby Keith.  Anticipated to be completed in November of 2022, Greater Palm Springs will add our newest state-of-the-art 10,000 seat arena in the heart of the Greater Palm Springs.  This venue will be the home of the Coachella Valley Firebirds Hockey Team, and Greater Palm Springs' largest concert venue yet.

For a full calendar of events coming soon, be sure to check here.

Rock on.

January 4, 2022: Have you experienced a Greater Palm Springs sunrise?  This is the view that greeted me yesterday morning.  Add a warm cup of coffee, and my attitude is instantly reset to “aaaahhh”. Not a bad way to start the day.

And oh, did I mention the sunsets? Come to this Southern California oasis and experience them both in Greater Palm Springs.

November 7, 2021: Greater Palm Springs welcomed back it’s annual Pride Weekend with flying colors.  Visit Greater Palm Springs and I participated in the Pride Parade on Sunday, Nov. 7 embarking on a one-mile strut down Palm Canyon Drive in downtown Palm Springs.  The spirit of inclusion could be felt in the air – which happened to be about 86 degrees, with clear blue skies and fluffy white clouds. I always make sure to grab the sunscreen, even in November.

This year unveiled a laser light rainbow that beamed over all of the evening festivities. I am hopeful it will become a new tradition.  The festivities this year also included a Pride golf tournament, a provide 5K run/walk, a youth zone and jammin’ live music on stages.  It was truly a fun event not to be missed.