Susan Anton Takes Follies Stage in Palm Springs

Susan Anton will take center stage as guest star of The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies from January 7 – March 7, and then again, May 13-17.

The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies has been seen by nearly three million patrons, and celebrates the music and dance of the ‘40s, ‘50s and ‘60s with a cast ranging in age from 55 to 85 years young. The show features lavish, Broadway-caliber production numbers and plays five days a week, late October through May 17. The Follies is housed in downtown Palm Springs’ historic Plaza Theatre–a charming, neon-encrusted, storybook old movie house–and is an attraction unto itself. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Box Office at (760) 327-0225 or online at http://www.blogger.com/www.psfollies.com.

Eight Film Festivals in Palm Springs

Calling all film lovers --- Palm Springs will host eight premier film festivals in 2009.

To kick-off the New Year, the twentieth annual Palm Springs International Film Festival, January 6-19, 2009. Tickets and festival information are available online at http://www.psfilmfest.org/ or call (800) 898-7526.

The 2009 Festival of Native Film & Culture is scheduled for March 4-8, 2009 at the Camelot Theatres in Palm Springs. Tickets and festival information are available online at http://www.accmuseum.org/ or call (760) 778-1079.

The Palm Springs Student Short Festival returns to the Camelot Theatres, April 23-25, 2009. Festival information is available online at http://www.psculturalcenter.org/ or call (760) 322-3521.

The Palm Springs Film Noir Festival returns for its ninth season, May 28-31, 2009. featuring Tickets and festival information are available online at http://www.palmspringsfilmnoir.com/ or call (760) 864-9760.

Cinema Diverse, a Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, is scheduled for July 23-30, 2009 at the Camelot Theatres in Palm Springs. Tickets and festival information are available online at http://www.cinemadiverse.org/or call (760) 325-6565.

Recognized as one of the world’s premier short film festivals, the Palm Springs International ShortFest returns in August 2009 to the Camelot Theatres. Tickets and festival information are available online at http://www.psfilmfest.org/or call (800) 898-7526.

Cinema Silver will debut October 22-25, 2009 at the Camelot Theatres. Festival information is available online at http://www.psculturalcenter.org/ or call (760) 322-3521.

The AFI Palm Springs Showcase will be held in late October or early November 2009 at the Camelot Theatres. Festival information is available online at http://www.psculturalcenter.org/ or call (760) 322-3521.

Palm Spring Art Museum: Two Featured Exhibitions

The Palm Springs Art Museum has two featured exhibits in January.. www.psmuseum.org

Through January 18:
Against All Odds: Keith Haring in the Rubell Family Collection
The exhibition presents work Keith Haring produced after his early mural and graffiti art. Included in the exhibition are 70 paintings, drawings and one sculpture spanning from works he created for his first gallery exhibition in 1982 to others made closer to his death in 1990 at the age of 31.

January 17 – April 19:
Robert Mapplethorpe: Portraits
Photographer Robert Mapplethorpe’s most lasting legacy is his intense portraiture, which reflects and embodies the New York cultural milieu of the late 1970s and the 1980s.

Villagefest open New Year's Day

If you’re looking for something to do on New Year’s Day… go Palm Springs VillageFest. Held every Thursday evening from 6:00 p.m to 10 p.m. - the popular street fair will feature special New Year’s Day events including live entertainment from musician Craig Michaels on the corner of Palm Canyon Drive and Tahquitz Canyon Way and electric cellist Marston Smith on the corner of Palm Canyon and Arenas Road. VillageFest attracts thousands of visitors and offering more than 200 booths with art, handcrafted items and unique food. Shops, boutiques, galleries and restaurants also stay open late.

Be Green in Downtown Palm Springs

Green Friday is an event held the last Friday of every month from 5 to 8 p.m. and features special deals, live entertainment, refreshments as well as Sustainable eco-products, according to event organizer and Main Street President Joy Meredith. There will also be a treasure hunt with prizes from participating businesses.

Look for a small "Green Friday" service sign in the window of participating stores as well as merchants who will also be wearing the color green. For more information about "Green Fridays", visit www.palmcanyondrive.org.

New blog about Gay Travel in Palm Springs

Check out this blog about gay travel in Palm Springs. www.gaytravelpalmsprings.com

Vacation Packages in Palm Springs

Plan your perfect vacation in Palm Springs - stay in a boutique inn or luxury resort, take a tour of Joshua Tree or San Andreas Faultline, go up the Aerial Tram or have a delicious meal under the stars along Palm Canyon Drive. Everyday there is a HOT DEAL in Palm Springs. Find your Hot Deal >>>

Snow Capped Mountains

The snow-capped San Jacinto Mountains is a stunning backdrop to the village of Palm Springs.

Palm Springs Remains a Favorite for Gay Travelers

Palm Springs is one of the most-visited destinations in the United States among LGBT American travelers, according to the 13th annual LGBT Tourism Study conducted by Community Marketing Inc. Palm Springs placed #7 for leisure travel. Other cities ranking in the top ten were New York, Las Vegas, Chicago and Miami.


Gay.com Seeks Nominations for Annual Travel Awards
Vote for Palm Springs for the Best of the Best in Gay Travel

Categories open for suggestions/nominations:
Favorite Airline -Favorite Place to "Get it On!" - (This can be as general [a city] or specific (a hotel or even hotel room number)Favorite International Destination -Favorite Romantic Getaway -Favorite Domestic Destination -Favorite Resort Town -Favorite Hotel -Favorite Guest House -Favorite Casino -Favorite Car Rental Company -Best Bargain -

So look at the 11 categories below and post your suggestions in the comments section on Gay.com’s Travel Blog. You have until the end of December to make your suggestions, and we'll announce the nominees on January 5, 2009.

Rent Sinatra's Estate and Other Celebrity Homes

Yes...you can live like Frank Sinatra. You can rent his former desert estate - Twin Palms.

Lounge by the piano-shaped pool and have your favorite beverage while listening to Sinatra's greatest hits. Rent it for a special occassion, family vacation or wedding!http://sinatrahouse.com/

You can also rent and tour Elvis' Honeymoon House. See photo. http://www.elvishoneymoon.com/

Other celebrity homes can be rented by contacting the following vacation properties
Spacious homes lived in or owned by Bing Crosby, Christina Onassis, Walt Disney, Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor and more.
http://www.beaumondevillas.com/
http://www.villaaltamira.homestead.com/
http://www.vacationpalmsprings.com/
http://www.therentalconnection.com/
http://www.palmspringsestate.com/
http://www.ps4rent.com/
http://www.casitatranquila.com/
http://www.avillapalmera.com/

Bike in Palm Springs

Get out and Ride!

The Desert Stahlight Ridazz get out and bicycle Palm Springs every Friday night.
WHERE: The parking area behind Koffi Cafe, 515 N. Palm Cyn. Dr. (between Chino & Alejo).
TIME: Meet at 7:00pm – depart at 7:30pm.
REGISTRATION FEE: First rider is free. All others 100% discount.
RECOMMENDED: Water, a bicycle bell and/or horn, a spare tube.
RULES: Riders 19 years and under MUST wear an approved helmet. Front and rear lights are REQUIRED.
DRESS CODE: Unique, distinctive outfits are acceptable. It’s a sneakers and jeans ride for the non-Lycra inclined.
760-774-3583 email: go.bike@verizon.net

Coming Soon --- Palm Springs International Film Festival

To kick-off the New Year, the twentieth annual Palm Springs International Film Festival, January 6-19, 2009, will include over 400 screenings of more than 200 films from approximately 60 countries.

The star-studded festival will include special events and gala receptions honoring Clint Eastwood, Ron Howard, Anne Hathaway, Dakota Fanning and other A-listers.Tickets and festival information are available online at www.psfilmfest.org or call (800) 898-7526.

Gift Idea - Jeep Tours in Palm springs

Desert Adventures is offering a Holiday Gift Certificate Special Offer of 2 seats on a public San Andreas Fault Jeep Eco-Tour for $150.00 - a $128.00 savings off two regular priced tours. This is the perfect gift for anyone on your list. Gift Certificates do not have an expiration date, but must be purchased by 12/31/08 to receive these savings. Call Desert Adventures at 760 340-2345 and mention code GC08 for information and discount purchase.

Palm Springs Featured On T-Mobile

Take Me Out to a Ball Game

Did you know Palm Springs has a baseball team? The Palm Springs Chill take the field January 31, 2008 and will have a fun-filled season.

The first game of the season will be a special event as the Chill will be honoring the man who brought baseball to Palm Springs --- Mr. Gene Autry.

Mrs. Gene Autry will be in attendance for this special day, as well as members of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, past and present. Mrs. Autry will also be involved in the pre-game ceremonies. This will be one event you will not want to miss!

Go to a game! www.chillbaseball.com

Holiday Happenings in Palm Springs

Walk of the Inns
Date: December 11, 2008
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
A self-guided walking tour of the historic and boutique inns. Maps will be available at participating hotels, Palm Springs Art Museum or Spencer’s Restaurant. For event information, call (760) 320-9346.

The Saturday Stroll
Date: Every Saturday in December
Time: 1:00 p.m – 5:00 p.m.
Enjoy the holidays and street-level entertainers every Saturday along Palm Canyon Drive at the Village Green, Desert Fashion Plaza and Uptown Green at Grand Via Valmonte. For event information, visit www.ci.palm-springs.ca.us.

Caroling in Old Palm Springs
Every Friday and Saturday evening in December
Time: 7 to 11 p.m.
Palm Springs Carriages will offer a tour through the Historic Tennis Club District which will include caroling, if you please. The tour begins from the Village Green. Cost is $15 per adult and $5 for any child age 5-14. Children under 5 are free. For event information, visit www.palmspringscarriages.com or call (760) 364-4430.

Shop, Dine & Play at VillageFest:
Date: Every Thursday during December
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Browse 200 booths offering art, handcrafts and food. Look for stores with BOLT signs (Businesses Open Late Thursday) and dine in Downtown restaurants. Free gift wrapping with a purchase of $50 or more from an Uptown or Downtown business will also be available during VillageFest at a special BID booth. Free gift wrapping with also be on hand Dec. 6 with a $50 or more purchase during the Festival of Lights parade on Dec. 5. www.palmspringsvillagefest.com

Taking Cooking Classes in Cary Grant's Former Estate

Copley's Restaurant has been busy with their new Cooking Classes at the historic Cary Grant estate. The public is invited to learn how to cook delicious meals from Chef Copley, enjoy wine and Hors d’oeuvres, a meal and a recipe card. This is also a great gift idea --- http://www.copleyspalmsprings.com/

New Exhibit in Palm Springs - The Travilla Collection

It is the first time, the Travilla exhibit has come to the U.S. after a successful debut in the UK.

William Travilla designed beautiful dresses/costumes for Monroe, Judy Garland, Betty Grable, Linda Gray from Dallas, Sharon Tate from Valley of the Dolls, Whitney Houston, The Thorn Birds and more.

This is a must-see exhibit in Palm Springs for only a couple of months. The collection will be located at 123 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs from January 10-March 29.

Travilla was one of the most prolific Hollywood designers to date. He is best known for dressing Marilyn Monroe, and of course that famous white halter-neck dress in The Seven Year Itch, probably the most famous dress ever made.

Don't miss it - http://www.travillatour.com/

Hotel Name Change: Springs of Palm Springs

The Springs of Palm Springs has a new name — Andreas Hotel & Spa.

Built in 1935, the old world boutique property has 25 deluxe guest rooms, spa treatments & packages, landscaped courtyard, pool and jacuzzi. It is centrally located in downtown Palm Springs which allows guests to walk Palm Canyon Drive to shop & dine. Getaway for a weekend! www.andreashotel.com