THE ELITE 8: OUR 2023 PALM SPRINGS BRACKET
March Madness denotes our annual trip to the desert. In the spirit of the NCAA March Madness, we present our Elite 8 bracket for 2023.
Glow in the Park @ the Living Desert Zoo/Gardens: if you are in the area during this special spring event consider yourself very lucky. The event offers large scale, glowing, beautiful, hand crafted lanterns with music, movement, and interactive play to inspire learning and joy for all ages. We felt like we were in a dream. The LDZG has easy and free parking. An adult ticket for Glow in the Park costs around $30 depending on the day of the week. There are treats and beverages available for purchase inside the LDZG. www.livingdesert.org
Sunnylands: A free visit to the visitor center and gardens is an opportunity to wander through flowers, trees, and cacti flourishing in the desert. Currently on exhibition inside is “A Place at the Table” showcasing various place settings used during historic events hosted by the Annenbergs. We suggest adding a guided tour of the home and estate. Plan in advance to purchase tickets for this tour. Tickets are available online on the 15th of each month for the following month. These small group tours are led by knowledgeable guides. Prepare yourself to see exquisite art, furniture, interior design, and landscaping. Know that interior photos are NOT allowed, only exterior. See where presidents, celebrities, and diplomats still rest their heads, take a swim, and destroy their backgammon opponents. You also get a fun, souped up golf cart ride through the property - opt for the back seats for unobstructed views. www.sunnylands.org
Gelson’s Grocery Store: We are Gelson Girls. Think picnic and DIY room service. This upscale California grocery chain has a location in Rancho Mirage. Their prepared foods are a staple of G&P California visits. The desert addition offers tasty treats for a variety of diets- no reservations required. What we sampled- poke diy bar, citrus kale salad, chilled crab claws, and a perfect avocado for our guacamole. Alcohol, deserts, and florals are also available to set the diy mood. Bring your G&P handcrafted, cynatope Market bag along to tote your treats. www.gelsons.com
Market Market: so good they named it twice. Palm Springs is a mecca for vintage fashion and homegoods. You already know this. Market Market is a NKOTB offering collections of vintage clothing, accessories, art and furniture. This isn’t a thrift store folks, so prepare to pay fair prices for high quality finds. Also on offering are independent designers and upcycled pieces. www.shopmarketmarket.com
Monday Night Bingo at King’s Highway Diner: Drag Queen Bingo with Bella de Ball. Your $30 prepay reservation cost is applied towards food/beverage purchases. Have fun. Win prizes. Eat, drink and be merry. Or Mary. You be you. We think this is a wonderful antidote to the toxic fear mongering on display in other parts of the world. www.kingshighwaydiner.com.
Tac/Quila: make your reservations now. Despite being Gelson Girls (see #3) we always make time for local, independent restaurants. Tac/Quila broke through the tough competition to make it to our Elite 8. Why? Atmosphere, inventive cocktails, and an extensive menu of freshly prepared Mexican influenced choices. Our favorites include the Pineapple Passion margarita, chicken tortilla soup, camarones al mojo de ajo. Plates are definitely shareable. www.tacquila.com
Mojave Flea Trading Post: An unassuming exterior hides the depth and creativity of the many small businesses located inside the MFTP. Art supplies, gourmet snacks, fresh flowers, vintage fashion and accessories, apothecary, ceramics - from mostly local, small businesses and artisans. Save time to slowly gather thoughtful souvenirs of your time in the desert. www.shoptradingpost.com
DIY MCM Architecture Tour: There are several companies offering tours of MCM/Celebrity/Starchitect gems. Be prepared to pay hundreds of $$$ for interior tours. We opted to Google the addresses and gathered pertinent information, including interior photos and histories to DIY our driving/walking tour. Make yourself a playlist/videoclips to enhance your experience. The quiet residential community where the Leonardo De Caprio/Dinah Shore House and House of Tomorrow/Elvis Honeymoon sit offers jaw dropping MCM homes. The iconic Bob Hope spaceship house, up in the hills, is visible from HWY 111. The former Frank Sinatra House doesn’t offer much to see from the street. However the RoboLights across the street are quite interesting.
PS. While they didn’t make the Elite 8, we think the following are definitely Sweet 16 material: Homewood Suites Cathedral City, Fisherman’s Market & Grill, Birba, Koffi, Fine Art of Design, Imago Galleries, Palm Springs Art Museum, Farm Restaurant.