Palm Springs 2018

Koffi North

NEWS FLASH! A little over 48 hours in Palm Springs is simply not enough... Maybe that's why the Hubs and I are dedicated to an annual pilgrimage to this small charming town?! This desert oasis has become our place as it revives modernism through inspired midcentury hotels, restaurants and shops while also providing easy access to the outdoors and a dry sunny climate. Here are the dirty details from our latest trek to the Coachella Valley over MLK weekend...

+ THURSDAY
We arrived in Palm Springs around dinner, freshly fed from our quick layover at LAX (thanks to a growling preggers belly), to a pleasant 60 degrees and headed straight to our hotel the Colony Palms. Stepping into the guest house for check-in was truly a dream come true. Our last adventure to Palm Springs included cocktails at this little boutique hotel's pool bar and we'd been smitten ever since. As east coasters, we were almost ready for bed but chose a quick night walk to downtown which happened to have a craft fair underway. Armed with my hubby and his first date shake, we took in deep breaths of dry air and made plans for the morning.

The Hubs enjoying Norma's patio

+ FRIDAY
First stop always is Koffi - the best coffee shop that exists... don't believe me?! Check out their courtyard above, I mean... This place has been true love since my first visit back in 2014 and discovering their blackberry peach yogurt parfait in 2016...  well, it left me speechless! To my delight, staying at the Colony means Koffi North is literally two blocks away. Coincidence? I think not!

There are two Koffi cafe locations in Palm Springs proper. The Hubs and I frequented the North location this time around but have also loved the South location as it's tucked into a neighborhood where you can sip your lattes like a local. Both Palm Springs locations open at 5:30 AM which is also a plus because coming from the east, we get up early!

Post-coffee and parfait, we headed back to the hotel to get dressed for the day and to brunch at Norma's. Norma's is part of the Parker Hotel designed from floor to ceiling by the one and only Jonathan Adler. Visiting this hotel has been high on my to-do list but the steep price tag has always kept me at bay. Although brunch was not cheap, dining seemed like a reasonable compromise. And was it worth it? Absolutely! Don't miss the James Beard Award Winning Potato Pancake; the Egg White Frittata of Shrimp isn't bad either.  But the real star of the show is the patio full of bright colors and light - a perfect welcome to Palm Springs. Linger in the lobby on your way out - the swing chairs, freestanding fireplace and the collection of eccentric objects are sure to pull you in!

The Parker's lobby

Next we headed downtown for a stroll and to pop into a few shops with the goal of spending some serious time at Pelago. Pelago (formerly Just Modern) is a modern housewares and furniture store and not unlike my favorite decor store in Massachusetts (Flora), it doesn't miss a mark. Much of the furnishings are by BluDot and Fermob but there are always a few new discoveries like Normann Copenhagen, which had me drooling over their Bell Lamp.

After our downtown stroll, we were ready to relax and settled into laying poolside at the Colony for sun and fish tacos. A few hours later, thoroughly relaxed, we showered and got ready for the evening. Since discovering Bootlegger Tiki a few years back, the Hubs and I devote at least one night to their concoctions and this time around was no different. If you love tiki bars like we do, make sure Bootlegger is on your list!

A mocktail (for me) and two handcrafted cocktails later, we made our way to Rooster and the Pig for dinner. Taking a cue from our BF Paulo, all I can say is GO and eat the Panko-Crusted Chicken Stuffed Rice Ball! I'm happy to report this lively creative little restaurant will now be part of our regular Palm Springs rotation, it's that good.

Joshua Tree

+ SATURDAY
But first Koffi...?! That's right folks, we headed back to the sun-filled courtyard of our favorite coffee spot before heading to the airport to rent a car for the day to take to Joshua Tree.  At the airport, we joked about how a convertible would be the real way to see the National Park and a $10 upgrade later we were cruising down the highway in a Mustang convertible! You guys, the lesson here is always ask... you never know and seeing Joshua Tree this way was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!

Joshua Tree National Park is a quick 45 minute drive from downtown Palm Springs and worth every minute. The landscape is literally out of this world and feels like you've landed on another planet with its Dr. Seuss vibe and strange rock formations. Next time, we hope to camp!

Full baby bump in Joshua Tree #29Weeks

On our way back into town, we stopped for a quick bite at In and Out Burger. Okay, cue the eye roll, but seriously their burgers are delicious and we never get the chance with our current digs in the east.

A shower and another downtown stroll led us to Workshop Kitchen + Bar for dinner. This award-winning restaurant had long been on my to-do list so I was delighted to snag a reservation. And although I was not too hungry (thanks preggers belly), the Hubs and I feasted on shaved brussels sprouts, wood-fired pizza and diver scallops - all of which were delicious!

+ SUNDAY
We savored our last morning at Koffi and then headed back to the Colony to lay by the pool and soak up the warm sun one last time before packing and heading out for our afternoon flight back to DC.

So what's the consensus? Are you packing your bags yet? Palm Springs is calling!

The infamous Koffi parfait

+ + +

QUICK HITS

+ FOOD/DRINK
Koffi // Norma's // Bootlegger Tiki // Rooster and the Pig // Workshop Kitchen + Bar // Copley's (perfect for dining al fresca!) // Birba Palm Springs (for pizza)
+ ACTIVITIES
Joshua Tree // The Ace Hotel & Swim Club // Rent a cruiser bike or borrow a complimentary bike from your hotel and explore (although we didn't partake this time around, we have loved this in the past; you must download the Palm Springs Modern App.)
+ GOODS/SHOPS
Pelago // Just Fabulous (for postcards and knick knacks) // Trina Turk // R & R Men's Wear (great men's swimwear and button downs)

OUR TO-DO LIST FOR NEXT TIME...
Stay at Holiday House // Cocktails and pool at the Kimpton Rowan // Palm Springs Aerial Tram // Coachella Valley Brewing Company // Hike in Tahquitz Canyon // Sunnylands Gardens // Brunch at Cheeky's // Moorten Botanical Gardens // Shop at Raymond Lawrence // Visit during Modernism Week