Palm Springs: Marilyn is Back!

Ok. She has been back in the desert city for awhile now. But seeing her again felt like a personal victory for both of us.

After a travel drought, it was great to return to this whimsical California town, where the combination of hot pink, bright yellow and orange citrus feel right at home with palm trees, green sage and rusty red hills.

Things were bustling and upbeat during our recent visit, despite the apparent attrition of a few retail and restaurant establishments brought on by the pandemic.

We first stayed in a vacation rental west of the airport which was shockingly quiet. One could easily have walked with their rolling suitcase to this home if you were so inclined.

We later stayed further down the road in La Quinta which will be described in a subsequent post. 🙂

LET’S EAT

A good first stop in the morning is Koffi on Palm Canyon and Alejo on the main drag. After collecting a lovely cup of jo, walk behind Koffi to the charming plant-filled courtyard and pull up a bench.

For lunch, take a break at Sherman’s Deli & Bakery on Tahquitz Canyon Way. The wait can be a bit long but well worth it at this traditional kosher deli. If you cannot wait, order online and pick up for a picnic in one of the local parks. The pastrami sandwiches are a personal favorite, plus the latkes with applesauce and sour cream. The servings are enormous so order accordingly or eat the second half for dinner. Pro tip: on your way out (or while you are dining in) stop by the bakery counter for “bobka” or “rugela.”

Lastly, for dinner, a new find for us has been Tac/Quila. Make reservations ahead or trust your luck at this colorful and ebullient restaurant. The grilled shrimp tacos were fresh and wonderful! There is an extensive drinks menu: think tequila, plus a number of non-alcoholic choices including watermelon lemonade.

LET’S SHOP

There are shops for every taste, but one that screams Palm Springs is The Shag Store in North Palm Springs, not far from Trina Turk, another perennial favorite.

And for an eclectic mix of small quality vendors try the Mohave Trading Post on North Indian Canyon Drive.

There are number of great antique shops around the Palm Springs area if you have the space in your luggage or are on a car trip.

LET’S WALK

Palm Spring is flat in the valley area, which makes for easy walking, but bring a bottle of water!

The neighborhood in North Palm Springs and Vista Las Palmas has an old-glam architecture vibe. As well as the Movie Colony neighborhood, which “boasts” the eccentric display called “Robolights” in the yard located Gran via Valmonte and N. Arquilla Road. This is something difficult to describe but feels like Edward Scissorhands meets the Grinch Who Stole Christmas. That is the best I can do. . . . The neighborhood is also nice to walk in and is located near Ruth Hardy Park if you need a leafy reprieve.

Then there is Marilyn–a towering statue of unabashed feminine delight. She stands on Museum Way next to the Downtown Park oasis. She is especially dramatic lit up at night, never failing to smile and charm the returning visitors to this quirky corner of the world.

She’s Back!