How to Buy Real Estate In Palm Springs: 

By Melissa Feldman on October 11, 2017

A burgeoning cultural scene, new hotels, and a fresh crowd are signaling a revival. Here’s how to secure your own sun-drenched, modernist retreat.

No longer considered a resting place for retirees, Palm Springs is undergoing a desert revival distinctly its own. Established in the 1930s as a Hollywood getaway, the area now spans nine distinct cities, including Desert Hot Springs, Palm Desert, and Rancho Mirage, which encompasses the exclusive Thunderbird Heights community, where the Obamas recently vacationed. Today, more and more Angelenos are flocking to the area, much like New Yorkers to the Hamptons.

This year’s events calendar featured the inaugural DesertX, an art biennial emphasizing site-specific installations by 16 internationally known artists like Doug Aitken and Lita Albuquerque. Modernism Week (February 15–25), a citywide design celebration with lectures, tours, films, and a modernism show and sale, is heading into its 13th year. Music festivals in nearby Indio and Coachella bring in a star-studded crowd. (Look out for the remake of A Star Is Born, with Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga, shot this spring at Coachella.) Add to that the annual BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament in close-by Indian Wells and the ongoing Palm Springs International Film Festival, and it’s no wonder the valley is fast evolving into a western cultural hub.

L’Horizon, an oil tycoon’s 1952 compound by architect William F. Cody, was refurbished and is now the only hotel in the Coachella valley to join the Leading Hotels of the World collection. New hotel projects under development include those for Virgin, Andaz, and Kimpton brands, and the Parker was recently renovated by Jonathan Adler.

According to local Realtor Patrick Jordan, the region is brimming with available “grande dame estates,” like actor Cary Grant’s former home, which sold for $3.4 million in 2016. Jordan’s firm, Patrick Stewart Properties, which specializes in luxury homes, sold the John Lautner–designed, 23,366-square-foot Bob and Dolores Hope estate to investor Ron Burkle for $13 million last November. Another Lautner gem, featured in Diamonds Are Forever, was sold to Los Angeles fashion designer Jeremy Scott for $7.7 million.

If midcentury modern architecture or a golf resort is what you’re after, specialized Realtors include John Nelson and Cat Moe of Coldwell Banker Residential or Keith Markowitz. According to Nelson, “We’re getting a much younger crowd. It’s no longer a place where your grandparents have a condo.” Nelson recommends homes built in the ’50s in the Vista Las Palmas district by architecture firm Palmer & Krisel, which is known for modular post-and-beam construction with a butterfly roof. The neighborhood, he says, is overflowing with midcentury three-bedrooms with mountain views and proximity to downtown that run $900,000 for a fixer-upper and $2.9 million for a renovated 2,400-square-foot open plan with a pool. Nelson adds, “We’re seeing more people from the East Coast because of direct flights from New York. Our midcentury modern houses and affordability are a big draw.”

When one thinks of Palm Springs, they generally don't think of Japanese made home goods and other products.  Having written that, Palm Springs does have its share of good sushi restaurants.  A new downtown Palm Springs retail store, one that specializes in Japanese and Asian home goods, is having its grand opening/open house Sunday, December 10 from 3 - 6 pm.


The name of the store is "Wabi Sabi Japan Living".  Located at 258 N. Palm Canyon Drive, the store will offer shoppers dinnerware, flatware, kitchen knives, chopsticks (over 100 styles), books on travel, culture and design and pottery.  You will not find Ginsu knives at Wabi Sabi (They weren't even Japanese knives, just a marketing gimmick).  Top-quality, not for the price sensitive, knives will be found there. 

In addition, Japanese Beer, coffee and tea accessories and even Sake tastings will be available.  Japanese art, jewely, decorative hand fans clothing and Bonsais round out the selection of products and services.  I plan on checking it out on Sunday.  Maybe I'll see you there.  Click here to learn more about Wabi Sabi Japan Living: https://www.wabisabijapanliving.com/

4 Saints Restaurant, Rooftop Upscale Dining, Bar & Lounge Now Open

The brand new Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel in downtown Palm Springs features a rooftop pool with expansive views, cabanas and a selection of top-notch dining and drinking options.  The dining and drinking options have been specially curated to create a delightful and upscale, yet laid-back, experience.

I recently had dinner at 4 Saints, the rooftop restaurant, bar and lounge.  First let me say that the ambience of this place is chic, modern, warm, rich and elegant all rolled into one beautiful indoor/outdoor space.  Tables feature soft supple brown leather chairs, a cluster of modern light fixtures dangle overhead, and even the bottles of alcohol at the bar have their own mood lighting.  This coupled with futuristic sounding lounge music creates a stunning social setting. 

The menu is made up of sharable small plates, amped up with international flavors,  inspired by the fresh, clean spirit of Mediterranean cooking.  I was there with a friend so we decided to start the evening off with the "Slim Jim Eggplant" appetizer.  While waiting for this first course to arrive, we enjoyed some cocktails.  I started with a Jack and Coke and thought it was the best Jack and Coke I had had.  My second drink was one of their signature drinks.  Unfortunately, I don't remember the name but do remember really enjoying the libation.  So far so good.  The Eggplant appetizer sure looked pretty, but both me and my friend thought it was kind of bland.  Mental note, don't order the Slim Jim Eggplant.  This was the only let down of the evening.  My friend ordered the Dry Aged Duck entree and was very happy with his choice.  That dish came with Foie Gras sausage, dates, sweet and sour beets and caramelized fennel. I ordered the Baja Kampachi, a smoky fish dish that came with the most amazing sauce I've ever had.  If you like fish, you are going to love the Baja Kampachi.

On top of the unique amazing food and perfectly crafted cocktails, the service was exemplary.

In my opinion, 4 Saints at the Rowan Palm Springs offers a five star dining and drinking experience.    Click here to learn more: http://www.rowanpalmsprings.com/palm-springs-restaurants/rooftop-bar-restaurant/

Palm Spring Chosen One of 20 Best Places For Snowbirds

Expedia recently came out with their list of the 20 best places snowbirds Winter in the U.S..  Palm Springs was on the list, and with an average January high of 71 degrees, the city had the highest average January temperature with the exception of the two Hawaii destinations.  Following is what the article had to say about Palm Springs:

Sunshine and palm trees await in this desert haven. No matter the season, it’s always the right time to order a cocktail and lounge on a chaise poolside in Palm Springs. However, the winter months are arguably the best time to visit as the desert heat eases up, leaving ideal temperatures perfect for all the best things to do in Palm Springs, like a stroll through the Palm Springs VillageFest and a hike on Andreas Canyon Trail.

Snowbirds love to: Stake a spot at the trendy Ace Hotel & Swim Club when a DJ’s on deck, and venture to nearby Desert Hot Springs for a pampering spa day—relaxation just hit new levels.

To read the entire article, please click on the following link:  https://viewfinder.expedia.com/features/20-best-places-snowbirds-winter/

New Modern Luxury Palm Springs Hotel Opens Today

Palm Springs is excited to welcome the opening of The Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel in downtown Palm Springs on November 17,  serving as the anchor to the City’s downtown revitalization project.  This seven story trend-setting property with 153 rooms is set to offer visitors a unique experience in this exciting location.  The light-drenched guestrooms and suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the magnificent views of the San Jacinto Mountains and glimmering desert.  The Rowan includes two restaurants, three bars, and over 16,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space.

Greeting you in the lobby is the Window Bar surrounded by bookshelves with a relaxed vibe.  On the first floor you will also find Juniper Table, a casual all-day Mediterranean café featuring seasonal and organic ingredients.  For those looking for grab-and-go, a barista provides coffee, fresh juices and light takeaway items as well as a concise menu of made-to-order cold and hot items. By mid-day the menu moves to sharable snacks, salads, sandwiches, cheeses and select entrees.

Head to the seventh floor rooftop and you’ll experience 4 Saints’ Restaurant, a mix of sophistication and convivial spirit. Perched on the tallest rooftop in Palm Springs and adjacent to the pool, the restaurant will boast stunning views of the San Jacinto Mountains and Coachella Valley.  The restaurant incorporates global cuisine with a strong French influence, presided over by executive Chef Stephen Wambach, formerly of the Four Seasons in Chicago.

Guests and locals can visit High Bar, a bungalow-filled retreat and chic poolside lounge.  The rooftop pool, the only one of its kind in the Palm Springs area, is surrounded by daybeds with canopied misters, and cabanas, all boasting a 360 degree view of Palm Springs. 

New Film Festival Comes to Palm Springs November 9 - 11

A new film festival that showcases animated movies is coming to Palm Springs this month.  The above picture is actually taken from the animated short, "Rocket Man", featuring Elton John’s iconic song of the same title.  The film festival is called the Palm Springs International Animation Festival (PSIAF), and will feature 273 animated shorts and six full-length animated films. 

The festival is the brainchild of Brian Neil Hoff who started the event in his own backyard:  

In 2008, Hoff (a Palm Springs resident), held the first Backyard Film Festival behind his house complete with pop-up screen and projector. “When I launched [the Backyard Film Festival] in November 2008, I initially received 10 submissions, most of which were from animation directors I had kept in contact with over the years,” says Hoff. “They had additional shorts they wanted to submit, and after some intense work gaining Hollywood’s trust, we started to see the entries pour in.”

Hoff began to organize his thoughts over the next nine years. He created a method of logging entries and established communication with filmmakers. He developed relationships with animation magazines and blogs. Finally, he pitched the idea to Dimitri Halkidis, Boo2Bullying’s president and founder who was a recent recipient of the Palm Springs Human Rights Commission Community Service Award.  To learn more click on this link: https://www.palmspringslife.com/animated-expression/

Like many of you, I was disappointed when in 2014/2015, the Agua Caliente Indian Tribe demolished the historical Spa Hotel in downtown Palm Springs.  The Hotel, which opened in 1963 and had 229 rooms, was a classic mid-century modern building.  Its hot mineral spas tapped into the hot springs that Palm Springs got its name from.  I really considered this a huge loss to the area.  I'm now reconsidering...

On October 7, Agua Caliente Chairman, Jeff Grubbe, announced a new cultural center, spa and bathhouse will be built on the former Spa Hotel site at the intersection of Tahquitz Canyon Way and Indian Canyon Drive.  After the demolition of the venerable old hotel, I remember thinking that I hope they include access to the hot mineral springs with whatever they build there.  I'm very interested in what they mean by bathhouse.  Could they possibly have a public bathhouse right in the middle of downtown Palm Springs?  I'm afraid the article I read didn't go into much detail about it.  Here is what it did detail:

The cultural center will include outdoor activity spaces for people to learn about the tribe and the role the hot springs played in shaping Palm Springs. A path called the Oasis Trail will offer a taste of "the distinctive character, geography, flora and beauty of the nearby Indian Canyons. 

The new museum building will hold approximately 48,000 square feet of gallery space, including areas for art and cultural artifacts, changing exhibits, an education center and garden.

The new spa and bathhouse will include about 40,000 square feet of spa treatment rooms, men's and women's bathhouses, a salon, fitness center, outdoor mineral pools and tranquility garden.  To read the full article, please click here.

I just learned about a local activity that you can do while vacationing in the Palm Springs area. I never knew this existed. It is so different and exciting sounding that I had to write about it.
Imagine gliding over the Coachella Valley in a glider.  On this glider tour, you can see everything from the San Jacinto and San Gorgonio mountains in the west to the Salton Sea in the east and from Joshua Tree National Monument in the north to rugged Toro Peak and the Santa Rosa Mountains in the south.

Palms to Pines Gliding operates a unique airplane that takes off under its own power, then transforms to a glider at altitude. The advantages of a powered glider: It doesn’t require a tow to take off and can land safely at will at any airport. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind experience.

“Once you’ve caught the thermal updrafts you soar with the eagles,” says Chris Dabolt, the owner of Palms to Pines Gliding.  He has been a glider pilot for nearly 35 years with commercial and flight-instructor ratings.

Palms to Pines Gliding operates from the privately owned Bermuda Dunes Airport. Dabolt selected the airport because of its large runway, friendly and helpful staff, and proximity to the local mountains and deserts, which provide both spectacular views and the ideal conditions for gliding. Click the following link to learn more about this great Palm Springs activity: https://www.palmstopinesgliding.com/

In the year since golf legend Arnold Palmer’s death, Sept. 25, 2016, there’s been a subtle change in the atmosphere and a healthy uptick in business at the La Quinta restaurant that bears his name.

“There seemed to be a lot of people coming to pay respects,” says Dustin Nichols, general manager of Arnold Palmer’s Restaurant, an estate-like establishment in Old Town La Quinta known for its sprawling outdoor patio and Palmer mementos lining every wall. Palmer himself was a frequent guest during season, often lingering to speak with his fans. “There was definitely a lot of nostalgia. And the patrons seem even more interested than usual in all the memorabilia we have, telling the story of Mr. Palmer’s life and career.” Arnold Palmer’s Restaurant re-opens Sept. 21 after its summer hiatus.

The restaurant will wait to mark the first anniversary of its namesake’s passing with a potential charity event later this year, Nichols says. In the meantime, we’ve rounded up eight suggestions for Arnie’s Army to pay homage by visiting some of his landmarks in the desert.

1. Learn the King’s desert history.

“I just like it here,” Palmer once said about the Greater Palm Springs area in a 2014 Desert Sun article marking the restaurant’s 10th anniversary. “It’s the most wonderful place in the world. I came here in 1955 and I never left.” While there was no substitute for his native Latrobe, Pennsylvania, the desert was for many years the King’s true second home.
The story of how the young Pennsylvanian professional touring golfer discovered the desert in 1955, hauling a trailer with his wife Winnie riding shotgun, is one of the highlights of Palm Springs Golf: A History of Coachella Valley Legends & Fairways, a must-read for Palmer fans by veteran Desert Sun columnist Larry Bohannon. The story details how Palmer made this place his own and shaped its golf development for decades. 

To Read More, click on this link:

My last article was about how event tourism, starting with the Coachella Music and Arts Festival and Stagecoach Country Music Festival, put the Palm Springs area back on the map.  It really caused the Palm Springs tourism renaissance.

Coincidentally, a new event/festival was just announced that sounds rather interesting.  Like Coachella and Stagecoach, there is a large music element to the event.  Like Palm Springs, its all about the retro and pool parties.  The event is called "Vintage Vibe", and it takes place October 20 - 22 2017.    Here is how the event promoters describe it:

Set in glamorous Palm Springs, California, famed getaway destination of the icons of Old Hollywood, VintageVibe FESTIVAL is a celebration of the evolution of American style and pop culture, which we consider anything pre-1999. The 60k square foot indoor (air-conditioned) marketplace will include vendors who not only represent eras gone by, but also new and innovative vendors who nod to the stylings of yesteryear in their products and design. The show will also feature several renowned headliners that have the "VintageVibe" such as Shannon and The Clams, Generationals, Nick Waterhouse, Best Coast, and others each night of the 3-day festival.

 

Event tourism has been one of the things that caused the renaissance of tourism to the Palm Springs area. The first huge, and world-famous, event was the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. The promoters of "Coachella" followed it up a few years later with a Country Music Festival, using the same venue, called Stagecoach. I've attended Stagecoach for the last three years in a row and now will have to attend next year's event due to the following announcement:

Garth Brooks will headline the 2018 edition of Stagecoach, according to sources. It marks the first time the country music superstar has played a dedicated music festival.

Stagecoach, the premier country music festival, will be held April 27-29, 2018 at Empire Polo Grounds in Indio, California. Last year’s headliners were Dierks Bentley, Shania Twain and Kenny Chesney. It is unknown which night Brooks will play.

Stagecoach usually announces its line-up in early September.

Brooks, the reigning CMA Awards Entertainer of the Year, is wrapping up a three-year tour at the end of this year. The arena outing has sold more than 5.1 million tickets.

While Stagecoach will be Brooks’ first traditional festival appearance, he delivered the keynote at this year’s SXSW Music Festival and played a free concert, presented by Amazon Music, on the SXSW Outdoor Stage at Lady Bird Lake in Austin, Texas.

Don't forget, the best place to stay while attending the festival is a Dry Heat Resorts luxury vacation rental.  To learn about other Coachella Valley Events, click here.

Palm Springs Mini Mid-Century Modern Homes

One of the more popular franchises on HGTV is the “Tiny House” programming block, which has grown to include four different shows all devoted to the notion that living small doesn’t mean you have to make design sacrifices.

Locally, the 1960s-era Palm Canyon Mobile Club has taken this mantra to heart and given it a distinctly Palm Springs spin. Ravinia Communities, which owns multiple mobile home parks across the country, has acquired the community and is planning to add approximately 100 new “micro homes.” These "micro" mobile homes will reflect the famous Mid-Century Modern style Palm Springs is famous for. 

The expression “micro homes” is the result of discussions Ravinia had with Paul Kaplan, CEO and founder of the Paul Kaplan Group. “They came to me to ask if I wanted to represent the sales of new manufactured homes at the Palm Canyon Mobile Club,” says Kaplan. “Because of the desirable location and unique buyer profile we have in Palm Springs, and considering the popularity of tiny homes across the nation, I suggested trying to do something a little different then the traditional mobile home. Although they’ve never done anything like this previously, they were open to thinking outside the box and thought it would be beneficial to provide this unique housing product not currently available in Palm Springs.”

To Learn More, Click on The following Link: http://www.palmspringslife.com/design-dynamos/

New Service: Dry Heat Resorts is excited to offer our guests five-star concierge service provided by KEY. When you stay in our properties you have the convenience of KEY Concierge- the one-stop-shop for all of your itinerary needs before and during your stay in Palm Springs. KEY Concierge offers essentials such as pre-arrival grocery delivery + stock the bar, private chef, in-home massage, babysitting, etc. In addition to these, KEY helps facilitate local curated experiences such as ATV excursion, San Andreas fault tours, hot air balloon trips, personalized yoga session, golf t times, pool toys & refreshments or a sunset hike + picnic and more. To kick-start your Palm Springs visit, take advantage of the convenience KEY Concierge provides with pre-arrival grocery delivery. It’s what “home away from home” should feel like. 

Click on the following link to view a sampling of essentials and curated local experiences; http://www.dryheatresorts.com/concierge.htm

Desert Flippers on HGTV

If you are one of the many people out there who enjoys the Palm Springs area as well as watching real estate house flipping and house makeover shows, then I have the perfect tv show for you: HGTV’s Desert Flippers (recently renewed for its 2^nd season) stars husband and wife Wisconsin-transplants who buy dilapidated Palm Springs homes and turn them into California Desert Oasis’.

Season one premiered in August 2016 with eight episodes.  During this season, the picture-perfect duo faced a myriad of challenges – from scorpions and snakes to marijuana growing rooms and unseasonable weather - to transform eye-sores and vacant homes into stunning real-estate. 

For season two, they are filming 10 episodes.  They have finished 8 homes and have another 2 in the works all across the desert in La Quinta, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, Cathedral City and Palm Springs. 

The couple, Eric and Lindsey Bennett, are supposedly going bigger, badder and bolder in the second season:  knocking down walls, creating kitchen islands and installing pools are all part of season two which premiered on Thursday, July 20.

Unique Boutique in Downtown PS

It's not often that you find a store that will make you designer-quality custom made leather goods, is it?  Or how about custom made shirts or belts.  Well, I heard about a little boutique in downtown Palm Springs that does just that and visited the store to see for myself.

The boutique is called V & G Collective.  It's a specialty clothing boutique and leather studio located in Downtown Palm Springs.  They also have a "pop-up" store at the Ritz Carlton in Rancho Mirage.  One of the first things I noticed was the sewing machine behind the counter where Steven Nash, one of the store's two owners, was sitting.  Steven is a very friendly guy who enthusiastically told me about how they create custom items in their store such as leather bags, bracelets and even very stylish looking shirts.  I actually was very tempted to get this one shirt he made as I thought it was very nice.  The t-shirt and jeans guy inside of me wouldn't let me though.  Having written that, if you are into fashion and having clothes nobody else has, I think you'll like this small and unassuming shop.

The store carries both men's and woman's fashion brands along with beautiful hand selected jewelry and accessories. Their leather studio allows customers to create beautiful one of a kind specialty pieces including belts and HipWear.

They actually have what they call their custom belt bar.  At the bar, customers get to select leather, buckle and hardware to create something unique and customized to their unique tastes.

V & G Collective was started by Gayle Bindman who combines her love for fashion and design with her amazing personalty and retail skills to create a shopping experience like no other.

The store is located at 457 N Palm Canyon Dr in downtown Palm Springs.  It is located in this shopping center called The Palm Springs Galleria which features a number of mom & pop shops where you can browse and buy art, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry and a curated selection of art and design books.

As a small business owner myself, I like to support small businesses in the Palm Springs area.  I especially like to support them when they offer superior products and services.  Well, I've come across a new downtown Palm Springs small business that I strongly believe is a place you should all visit when you are in town. 
                                                                          
Owned and operated by Felix Tipper, Tipper's Gourmet Marketplace, is a great place to have a casual ,and al fresco, breakfast, lunch or dinner.  You can also order his gourmet food to be delivered to your vacation rental using an App called Postmates.  Boxed lunches to go, catering, sandwich platters, wine pairing, curated gift baskets and more are also available.  In addition to their regular menu, Felix is always mixing things up with weekly specials.  For example:  the other day I had a balsamic chicken sandwich with arugula  on a focaccia roll that had such a unique flavor I couldn't stop complimenting Felix.  Forget about plain old potato salad for your side.  At Tipper's Gourmet Marketplace, you can have the "Loaded Potato Salad" instead.  I had it and it was like having a hot loaded potato skin except in cold potato salad form.  Absolutely delicious. 

If you love breakfast sandwiches, how does fried egg, gruyere cheese, bacon, tomato and aioli on lightly toasted sourdough sound to you?  Breakfast bowls, bagels, burritos and veggie burritos are also available or you can try their housemade quiche (s).  At Tipper's Gourmet Marketplace, gourmet coffee is also available to enjoy with your breakfast. 

For lunch, enjoy a freshly made salad or take your taste buds on a European vacation with one of their baguette sandwiches. Pair any lunch or dinner with a glass of wine or an ice-cold beer for the perfect Palm Springs lunch. 

In addition to having a great meal, the marketplace offers fine wine, cheese, crackers and an assortment of other retail items you can take with you to your vacation rental.  Tipper's Gourmet Marketplace is located at 276 N. Palm Canyon Drive in downtown Palm Springs.  It is across the street from the Hyatt hotel in the back of the Henry Frank Arcade.  To call ahead for pick-up, they can be reached at 760-322-6666.