6/4/09

We've Moved

We've Moved Check Out Our New Blog At: www.VisitPalmSpringsBlog.com

3/23/09

CBS Evening News - Palm Springs

Spring Break is back in Palm Springs! Check out the tv coverage on Katie Couric's CBS Evening News http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4887213n

3/9/09

Palm Springs Nominated Favorite Resort Town

Palm Springs is one of the five finalists in the “Favorite Resort Town” category for the 2009 Gay.com Travel Awards.

Online voting will be open until May 4, 2009 and winners will be announced on May 8, 2009.

The five resort town finalists are:
Palm Springs, CA
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Key West, FL
Provincetown, MA
Puerto Vallarta, JA

Vote Palm Springs as your Favorite Resort Town: http://gay.blogs.com/gaycomtravelblog/

For years, Palm Springs has been a favorite destination for gay travelers. Palm Springs is home to more than

3/6/09

Spring Blooms in Palm Springs

Desert Adventures Jeep Tours is offering Spring Bloom Eco-Tours. The desert flowers bloom vibrant colors -- www.red-jeep.com

A sk for the “Spring Bloom Special” when you call or enter Promo Code: BLOOM when booking online at www.red-jeep.com and save $20 per person off any Desert Adventures walking, hiking, or jeep eco-tour through April 30, 2009.

Native Film Festival This Weekend

The Native Film Festival is happening this weekend...for film schedule visit www.accmuseum.org

3/4/09

Multiple Events to Win a Trip to Palm Springs

Residents in Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego Counties have the opportunity to participate in competitions both online and at selected venues in their hometown to earn a trip to Palm Springs, California.

A schedule of events, tickets, and entry forms are available online at www.WeKnowWhatYouNeed.com.

Picture Perfect Palm Springs
Designed to collect new images of Palm Springs, this contest invites users to share their picture perfect vacation photos of Palm Springs. Submit a photo of Palm Springs to earn a chance to win a vacation to the desert oasis. Submissions are being accepted online through March 15.

Owner/Dog Look-A-Like Contest
During the last two weekends, more than 60 dogs and their owners had their photo taken at My Pet…Naturally a pet store in West Los Angeles. Ten dog owners and their four-legged friends were selected to go to the finals to do a “dog walk” on the runway on March 8 at 3:00 p.m. at the pet store to compete in this “Owner/Dog Look-a-Like” contest for an opportunity to go on a pet-friendly vacation to Palm Springs. This event is designed to feature the more than three dozen pet-friendly hotels in Palm Springs.

Aids/LifeCycle
Cyclists participating in the AIDS/LifeCycle event, a seven-day bicycle ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles May 31-June 6, will have the opportunity to earn an “Outdoor Adventure Stay” in Palm Springs. Participants raising at least $3,000 by April 15 will be entered into a contest to experience the ultimate in hiking, biking and relaxation after this challenging, yet cause-worthy event. The winner will be whisked two short hours away via limo and champagne to this desert paradise.

The Great Outdoor Adventure
In order to raise awareness of the natural outdoor beauty and activities in Palm Springs, residents of the Laguna Woods Village in Orange County who are participating in the month-long “Senior Games,” will be entered into a chance to win the “Great Outdoor Adventure” package. The contest is being promoted within this senior community of 18,000 residents that can enjoy a vacation close to home.

Half-Naked Chef
In the spirit of Top Chef and America’s Next Top Model, Palm Springs is sponsoring a cooking competition in Los Angeles, San Diego and Orange Counties. Contestants must use “Palm” or “Springs” in their recipe. Gay men will display their good looks and cooking abilities to take the top prize of a trip to Palm Springs.

Spring Break Rates in Palm Springs

Spring Break Lodging Deals available online at www.PalmSpringsBreak.com

Stay in style and soak up the sun at one of the two new hotels that have recently opened. The legendary Riviera Resort & Spa boasts two pools, fire pits, three lounges, dining and SpaTerre, a signature spa of Noble House Hotels. Earlier this month, the ultra hip, bohemian style Ace Hotel & Swim Club opened its doors for guests to enjoy two salt water pools, spa salon, stargazing platform, and vintage bicycles.

An unbeatable collection of small, romantic and boutique hotels, as well as vacation homes, can be found online at www.VisitPalmSpringsInns.com

2/24/09

Mardi Gras in Palm Springs

Palm Springs will be celebrating Fat Tuesday today...here is a sample of what's happening:

Hotel Zoso
When: 7-10 tonight
What: This celebration features live music, beads, a costume contest for best couple, best single and dancing. The queens of Mardi Gras and Zoso Cabaret, Pinkie Meringue Shimmer and Bella da Ball, will be holding court.
More information: 325-9676

Matchbox Vintage Pizza Bistro
When: 8-11 tonight
What: The Falls restaurant and Matchbox Vintage Pizza Bistro will be celebrating Fat Tuesday — New Orleans style. In addition to their regular menus, the restaurants will be offering authentic Cajun entrees — including an oyster and jambalaya bar, as well as specialty drinks such as SoCo hurricanes and Big Easy smokin' martinis. Guests will receive complimentary Mardi Gras beads, masks and hats. Each location will have a costume contest for a chance to win a happy hour party for 10.

2/23/09

John Davidson Joins Follies Cast

John Davidson joins the Fabulous Palm Springs Follies!

Catch him March 10, 2009 through May 9. Other guest stars this season included Susan Anton (playing through March 7) and Freda Payne. Book your tickets today....www.psfollies.com

John Davidson's career highlights:

Theater: Lead in Broadway revival of Oklahoma; lead in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s original State Fair; lead in regional and national productions of such hits as The Music Man, Camelot, Carousel, Man of La Mancha, Chicago, Neil Simon’s Rumors, Will Rogers Follies; his very own theater for three years in Branson, Missouri.

Movies: Starring or supporting roles in The Happiest Millionaire, Edward Scissorhands, Airport 80 and others.

Television: Three years as host of Hollywood Squares; The John Davidson Show for two years; 80 appearances on The Tonight Show – the only singer to achieve that milestone; regular host of The Kraft Music Hall, That’s Incredible! and The $100,000 Pyramid

Nightclubs: Introduced to Las Vegas audiences by Jack Benny in 1966, he has headlined at the Las Vegas Hilton, the MGM Grand, Caesar's Palace, the Riviera, the Desert Inn, the Golden Nugget and Harrah's.

Concours d’Elegance in Palm Springs Attracts High-End Classics

A 1927 Pierce Arrow Cabriolet once driven by Humphrey Bogart as well as a Fisker Karma, the world’s first luxury hybrid vehicle will be at Desert Concour d'Elegance this weekend in Palm Springs. For more information, visit www.desertconcours.com or call (760) 766-2824.

2/20/09

Exotic Car Show This Weekend in Palm Springs

McCormick's' Exotic Car Show & Auction is happening in Palm Springs at the Spa Resort Casino.
http://www.classic-carauction.com/

What are your plans for Spring Break?

Skip Cabo, Havasu and Miami this year, and stay close to home. Palm Springs has sunshine, warm temperatures, sparking pools and a vibrant night scene.

Lounge by the pool, rejuvenate at the spa, shop vintage boutiques, and mingle with other Spring Breakers on Palm Canyon Drive to dine, dance and just have fun! Stay at an ultra hip luxury resort, rent a celebrity home with your friends and have your own private pool party, or chill at a retro boutique hotel.

Palm Springs is where Spring Break started. It is your destination for fun in the sun!

2/17/09

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Has Snow

A media advisory states that the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway received approximately 6 inches of fresh snow yesterday, bringing a total of 4 feet of snow!

The Adventure Center at the Tramway will be open all week for snowshoe and cross-country ski rentals. www.pstramway.com

2/16/09

Pet-Friendly Hotels

Palm Springs has more than three dozen pet-friendly hotel properties featuring doggy menus, dog sitting, walking services and other pet amenities. You can also win a trip to Palm Springs by entering a Pet Look-a-Like Contest online at www.WeKnowWhatYouNeed.com

2/12/09

Tour de Palm Springs - 8,500 cyclists!

Move over Tour de France.... Tour de Palm Springs will have 8,500 cyclists zooming through town and winding through the entire Coachella Valley. The popular 100-mile bike ride begins on Sat. February 14 at 7:00 a.m. on Palm Canyon Drive from Baristo to Ramon roads. Festivities begin tomorrow with registration and bike expo at the Palm Springs Convention Center.

This is the 11th Annual Tour de Palm Springs - check it out this weekend! Bring your sweetheart! Visit www.tourdepalmsprings.com or call 760-770-4626.

2/4/09

Rent a Mid-Century Modern Home During Modernism Week

Enjoying a mid-century modern home has become part of the "modernism experience" for some enthusiasts who visit Palm Springs during Modernism Week. www.modernismweek.com

Dozens of mid-century homes are available.

Vacation Home Rentals

www.MidCenturyPalmSprings.com

www.beaumondevillas.com

www.palmspringsrentals.com

http://www.ps4rent.com/

http://vacationpalmsprings.com/

http://www.therentalconnection.com/

http://www.sandfvr.com/

More Rental Agencies>>>

Korakia Pensione is one of the Top 20 Romantic Getaways according to Sunset Magazine

Palm Springs is a favorite place for lovers to escape for a romantic getaway. Sunset Magazine has listed Korakia Pensione (http://www.korakia.com/) as one of its top 20 romantic getaways under $250.00. Korakia Pensione is a moroccan villa built in 1924 with luxurious guestrooms, spa and more. Read the article >>>

Old Ranch Inn Receives Four Travel Awards


Old Ranch Inn recently received four travel awards from Trip Advisor's 2009 Travelers' Choice Awards in the following categories: Best Service - U.S.; Best Hidden Gem - U.S.; Best Bargain - World; Best Bargain - U.S. The quaint, intimate hotel is located within walking distance of downtown Palm Springs. http://www.oldranchinn.com/


1/28/09

Follow Palm Springs on Twitter

http://twitter.com/PalmSpringsCA

Win a Trip to Palm Springs - www.WeKnowWhatYouNeed.com

Win a free trip for 2 to Palm Springs!

Send in a 2 minute video or write in 500 words or less and tell us why you think Palm Springs is exactly what you need. Entries can be humorous, poetic, dramatic, or anything that gets your point across.

The best submission will be chosen for the grand prize. Log-on to www.WeKnowWhatYouNeed.com to submit your entry, view and comment on other entries, and blog with other contestants. All submissions must be in by 5:00pm (PST) February 6th 2009 and the winner will be announced February 11th, 2009.

1/27/09

New Shuttle Service in Palm Springs

Palm Springs Carriages now offers Saturday Afternoon Shuttle Service.

The large 12-passenger surrey will be available from 2 pm to 5 pm running a continuous loop around the Palm Canyon Strip and Indian Canyon from Baristo to Alejo. This is approximately a 45 min. loop. The carriage will be stopping along the route to pick up & drop off passengers.

The Cost:
$5.00 per person, per loop...$10.00 per person for unlimited on-off privileges.$25.00 for a family pass for unlimited on-off privileges. A monthly pass will begin in February.

Also for those passengers supporting Palm Springs’ Green Fridays, any passenger wearing green on Fridays will receive $5.00 off any ride of 20 minutes or more.

Palm Springs CarriagesOffice 760-364-4430 website: http://www.palmspringscarriages.com/

1/23/09

New Ace Hotel Opening Feb 12

The highly anticipated Ace Hotel and Swim Club (www.acehotel.com) will open on February 12, 2009. The 180-room property features a mid-century desert aesthetic blended with bohemian, folk-modern interiors. The hip hotel has two large pools and poolside bar, indoor spa salon, stargazing platform, and fresh and organic menus, including juices made fresh daily from the garden.

For eco-conscious travelers, the Ace Hotel will have solar power and fuel cells, as well as vintage bicycles to cruise throughout the city. A “magic bus,” will be available to shuttle guests to and from downtown Palm Springs.

Very cool place... make your reservation today.

Las Casuelas Terraza - Popular Restaurant in Palm Springs Turns 30!

One of the city's most popular mexican food restaurants - Las Casuelas Terraza is celebrating its 30th Anniversary on January 27. As part of the festivities, Mayor Pougnet proclaims Jan. 27, "Las Casuelas Terraza Day," during the 11:30 a.m. ceremony.

Great food, Tequila Wall of Fame and live entertainment! Congrats La Casuelas!

More Restaurants in Palm Springs

Farmers Market - A Favorite Saturday Activity

Every Saturday morning in Palm Springs, visitors and residents stroll the Certified Farmers Market for the freshest, best-tasting produce.

Cool things are happening:
  • Did you know there is free dog sitting service offered for shoppers from 9:00 am to 10:30 am?
  • Bring your recycling and help the city with its sustainable plan
  • Weekly musical entertainment will provide a lively backdrop
  • “Market Chef” Tanya Petrovna of Native Foods Restaurants demonstrates cooking tips and recipes using fresh produce from the Market. Other ‘guest chefs’ from around the valley will be featured throughout the season as well.

Palm Springs location: Adjacent to the Camelot Theatres in the Palm Springs Mall parking lot at 2300 E. Baristo Road at Farrell. http://psculturalcenter.org/certified-farmers-market/

1/22/09

Local Painter James Jensen, Debuts New Collection in Palm Springs

James Jensen will present his new collection in the recently redesigned El Paseo building at 800 North Palm Canyon Drive. The solo exhibition of James’ new collection will be open to the public on Friday, February 6, with a reception from 6-9:00 pm.

The exhibition will run from Friday, February 6 through March 5, and is open to the public Wednesday through Saturday from 11:00-5:00 pm or by appointment. James Jensen Studios is located at 800 North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA.

Recognized for his strong, sensual abstractions, and a delicacy of classicism, James Jensen unveils an exhibition to the public that is a return to experience works of art that are original in both theme and presentation. An abundant, use of the master color palette with the fresh infusion of rich texture, and the opulence of gold leaf often observed throughout the collection, invites explanation. A classic training and individualism in spirit is evidenced in the vitality of the specifically driven inspiration in each piece that originates in a vibrant interior to express it, which brings this collection, each canvas to life.

1/16/09

Book Festival in Palm Springs

Casitas Laquita Resort and Bold Strokes Books are pleased to announce
their continued partnership in presenting the Third Annual Lesbian
Book Festival in Palm Springs California.

This year's festival is scheduled for March 5th – 8th, 2009 and will
feature over twenty authors of fiction, non-fiction, sci-fi, poetry
and erotica with lesbian themes and characters.

For more information call Toll Free 1-877-203-3410 or locally at 760-416-9999 or log on to www.casitaslaquita.com

Improv Show at Dezert One Gallery in Palm Springs

Dezart One Gallery will host an improv show featuring Joe & Mustard (not two people - eight people). The oddball improvisational octet kicks off 2009 with a one-night-only performance.

Showtime is 8 p.m. Friday, January 30 at Dezart One Gallery (doors open at 7:30). This event is part of the Dezart Performs entertainment series. The gallery will stay open after the show so patrons can browse the artwork. Admission is $5. http://www.dezart.imagine99.com/events.html

1/15/09

85 year old showgirl honored at Palm Springs Follies



Today... "The World's Oldest Still Performing Showgirl" received a special proclamation from Mayor Steve Pougnet at the Fabulous Palm Springs Follies!

The 85-year-old hoofer, Dorothy Closs, is with the "Fabulous Palm Springs Follies" and she began performing with the "Follies", the City’s signature Downtown theatrical production featuring a cast that ranges in age from 55 to 85 -- some 14 years ago.

She began her career as a precocious teenager in Chicago, where she taught famed choreographer Bob Fosse how to tap dance – won a tap dance contest herself and catapulted to stardom with her own show at the Empire Room in the Palmer House Hotel.



She later went on to perform with the renowned Eddie Duchin Orchestra and with some of the biggest Hollywood stars in nightclubs throughout America – including Liberace, Mel Torme, Howard Keel, Kay Starr, Frankie Laine and many more.





The Follies is a great show -- For tickets & information visit http://www.psfollies.com/



1/14/09

Freezing in MN --- Sunny & Warm in Palm Springs

Just a reminder... it is currently 85 degrees in Palm Springs - Sunny & Blue Sky Sunshine


Weather for Saint Paul, MN
-1°F
Current: ClearWind: NW at 16 mphHumidity: 49%
Wed-6°F -15°F
Thu-4°F -19°F
Fri 4°F 0°F

Weather for Palm Springs, CA
85°F
Current: Clear
Wind: NE at 16 mph
Humidity: 5%

Warm in Palm Springs - Cold in the Mid West

It is freezing weather in the Mid West! It is 81 degrees in Palm Springs today!

Gay & Lesbian Films at PS Int'l Film Festival

Last week, top filmmakers and stars kicked off the 20th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival. More than 200 films will be screened during the festival, including 18 gay and lesbian films six of which will be World and U.S. premieres. The following films will be screened at the Festival, held from January 6-19, 2009:

World Premieres:
American Primitive (USA)
ShowGirls, Provincetown, MA (USA)
Eugene (USA)

U.S. Premieres:
Baby Love (France)
Pedro (USA)
Woman’s Hearts (Italy)

Film Features:
Born in 68 (France)
Chef’s Special (Spain)
Clapham Junction (UK)
I Can't Think Straight (UK)
Patrik Age 1.5 (Sweden)
Ready? OK! (USA)
Be Like Others (UK)
For My Wife (USA)
Of Time and the City (UK)
Prodigal Sons (USA)
Suddenly, Last Winter (Italy)
Valentino: The Last Emperor (USA)

1/7/09

Film Fest Gala Was Amazing

The Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Gala was truly amazing. Congratulations to the Film Festival organizers, the City of Palm Springs and the Convention Center for hosting a wonderful event. The Palm Springs Convention Center was filled with beautiful people dressed in their gowns and tuxedos chatting about what celebrity they wanted to see and what films they will see during the festival.

Honorees included: Clint Eastwood, Sean Penn, Dustin Hoffman, Ron Howard, Anne Hathaway and more. Photos of the gala available on The Desert Sun website: http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=PERMGALL





1/2/09

Antique Roadshow Features Palm Springs

Earlier this year, over 5,000 people gathered with heirlooms and estate treasures at the Palm Springs Convention Center to attend a taping of Antiques Roadshow on June 7, 2008.

The stop in Palm Springs had record-breaking appraisals. Three episodes will air January 5, January 12 and January 19 on PBS.

January 5, 2009
Episode will feature the most valuable object ever appraised on Roadshow – a 1937 oil painting by noted American abstract expressionist Clyfford Still, received by the guest as a housewarming gift, and conservatively estimated to be worth $500,000.

January 12, 2009
Episode will feature the ultimate little black dress, literally sewn onto Marilyn Monroe for the classic 1959 comedy “Some Like It Hot,” valued at $150,000 to $250,000.

January 19, 2009
Episode will feature a circa 1922 oil painting of a colorful fish by Modernist painter Joseph Stella, given in lieu of rent by the artist to the owner’s Great Uncle and valued at $250,000.