06/30/08

It's time for Shopping — Great Deals at Desert Premium Outlets near Palm Springs

Posted by Kelly O'Connor

Looking for ways to entertain the kids this summer?

How about shopping?

At Desert Hills Premium Outlets, just 20 minutes west of Palm Springs, there's 130 name-brand outlet stores offering 25-65 percent savings.

Find what you're looking for among Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, Banana Republic Factory Store, Prada, Brooks Brothers Factory Store, Zegna Outlet Store, Hugo Boss for him, Carter’s, Gymboree Outlet, and OshKosh B’Gosh for the kids. Plus, there is a food court when you need to refuel the family.

Or forget the family, leave the kids with your husband and treat yourself to a day of luxurious shopping with your best girlfriends.

Before you go, visit the website at

Posted at 11:17 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0

06/23/08

Kip’s Baby Boomer Blog

Posted by Kip Allen

Checking out the Boomer scene for recreation, dining, and entertainment in Palm Springs and the surrounding desert communities.

We’re coming up to another fun-filled weekend just chockfull of great things to do for us more *ahem* mature members of the desert community. We Boomers blazed the trail for a lot trends. Many of those trends were pretty bad — remember Nehru shirts and disco? — but some were outstanding. One of the most lasting contributions our generation made was music.

Many of the songs and groups have lasted well beyond their critics. I recall my father, who firmly believed that good music died with Glenn Miller, telling me that no one would be listening to my music in a decade or so.

Well, tell that to the Oak...

Posted at 06:24 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0

06/18/08

Gay and Lesbian Couples in Palm Springs and Desert Cities Head for the Altar

Posted by Kelly O'Connor

Daddy and Poppie Get Married!

Three-year-old Roxy watched as her parents, James Tracy Hermann and Matthew McNamara exchanged wedding vows yesterday, the first day same-sex marriage ceremonies were performed in the Coachella Valley.

I witnessed it too and was honored to be a part of my co-worker and friend's special day. And though the ceremony was simple, you could feel the magnitude of this historical and poignant moment.

Once their number was called at the Indio courthouse the pair proceeded into a small room complete with a white trellis adorned with pink flowers and green leaves.

They took their spots, and even though I've never seen...

Posted at 02:45 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0

06/17/08

Palm Springs Celebrates as Gay and Lesbian Couples Legally Say 'I Do'

Posted by Kelly O'Connor

It's Time to Party — Desert Residents Rejoice in Right to Marry

Same-sex couples can legally marry in California, the second state, after Massachusetts, to allow this right.

Gay and lesbian partners across the state, and here in the Palm Springs area, are celebrating their commitments and making them "official."

Join in the festivities as California makes history by granting same-sex couples this long-awaited freedom to marry.

Go Pink at the Parker

On Friday, June 20, the Parker Palm Springs hotel presents "A Pink Celebration of Marriage," along with partner Let California Ring, a campaign that has remained steadfast in its support of gay and lesbian marriage, as well as educating the public about the...

Posted at 01:34 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0

06/16/08

Kip’s Baby Boomer Blog

Posted by Kip Allen

Checking out the Boomer scene for recreation, dining, and entertainment in Palm Springs and the surrounding desert communities.

I find that as I age, I still have the body of a Greek god — unfortunately, it’s that of Dionysius.

Put in more pedestrian terms — I love to eat and drink.

Well, this weekend is the weekend for Boomers to give in to their inner Greek gods. There’s enough going on to satisfy even the appetite of those ancient deities.

First, Friday is the last day of the Palm Spring Restaurant Week. This is a delightful celebration of the many exotic cuisines found here in the desert. More than 40 different restaurants offered three-course prix fixe...

Posted at 05:43 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0

06/16/08

Palm Springs Dining Deals

Posted by Kelly O'Connor

Palm Springs Sizzles during Restaurant Week

Food, wine and culture — experience it all — Palm Springs style.

Be part of the city's first Restaurant Week June 15-20, when more than 30 popular restaurants offer three course, prix fixe menus for $26 or $36 per person.

Now is the time to sample the best in desert cuisine. Enjoy fine dishes and rare wines or specialty offerings from local bistros during Palm Springs Restaurant Week.

Participating restaurants:

$26 fares

Al dente Trattoria Toscana
Billy D's at Holiday Inn Palm Springs

Posted at 01:04 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0

06/12/08

World Famous Horses Come To The Coachella Valley

Posted by Kelly O'Connor

From Battle to Ballet — Lippizaner Stallions perform at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino

See the elegance, grace, and power of the World Famous Lipizzaner Stallions on July 13 at 2 and 6 p.m.

The horses of battle, saved at the end of World War II, now entertain in the presentation of the "Dancing White Stallions."

Be awed by their leaps, maneuvers, and discipline in this equestrian work of art. 84245 Indio Springs Pkwy., Indio. 342-5000.

Posted at 01:53 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0

06/10/08

Bring the Pup to Pet Friendly Palm Springs

Posted by Kelly O'Connor

Sit, Stay, Relax — It's a Dog Lovin' Desert

As the owner of a spit-fire chihuahua-mix, I'm glad I live in Palm Springs, where there are so many dog friendly stores, shops and apartments.

For visitors, we even have hotels that welcome your best friend. A few of those include the Parker Palm Springs, The Hilton Palm Springs and the Palm Springs Riviera Resort.

But who likes to be cooped up all the time. We don't, so why would our beloved furry friends? Guide Dogs of the Desert has the perfect solution — Yappy Hour, 6-8 Thur. June 12 at the Parker Palm Springs, 1800 E. Palm Canyon Dr.

The casual, no-guilt affair (no worries about leaving the pup home alone) lets owners and their pets frolic on the grassy knoll adjacent to...

Posted at 02:28 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0

06/09/08

Kip’s Baby Boomer Blog

Posted by Kip Allen

Checking out the Boomer scene for play, dining and entertainment in Palm Springs and the surrounding desert communities.

Another weekend approaches and it's time for fun. Especially Boomer dads because Sunday is Father's Day.

There are some good wine happenings this weekend. One such event is the Summer Wine Bar Festival at Rattlesnake from 5-8 p.m. Friday, located at 75200 Classic Club Blvd. in Palm Desert. For $50, you can score cheese, artisan breads, honeyed nuts and two small...

Posted at 05:09 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0

06/06/08

Fall in love with Palm Springs Desert Resorts Cities

Posted by Kelly O'Connor

Romance is in the air

Experience the magic of Palm Springs, while taking advantage of special summer rates

Rekindle the spark in your relationship with a romantic getaway to our quaint desert paradise.

Settle in at one of our secluded bed and breakfasts and take the day to relax poolside under the azur sky. Sip a tropical cocktail and bask in the summer sun.

Retreat to a private suite and indulge in a spa treatment for two. Enjoy an aromatic massage and feel smooth to the touch for that special someone after a refreshing salt soak. Indulge in the finest of spa amenities at reduced summer rates.

As the sun sets behind the mountains, enjoy a bottle of wine on the patio of a fine French or Italian restaurant. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride...

Posted at 11:40 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0

06/02/08

Kip’s Baby Boomer Blog

Posted by Kip Allen

Checking out the Boomer scene for entertainment and fun in the Palm Springs area!

Welcome, Boomers! There’s some really fun happenings this weekend. Let's kick this off with music.

Can you say Charlie Daniels?

YES! I first heard him back in my misspent youth when he played “Uneasy Rider.” I really identified with the saga of the long-haired hippy whose car breaks down in Mississippi. I used to live in Alabama. I even had long hair ... back when I HAD hair. Of course, my hair and outlook on life have changed a bit since then, as has Charlie’s. His patriotic numbers, especially since 9/11...

Posted at 05:05 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0