Cruise into the Past
Check out a classic Cadillac or examine a DeSoto circa 1960s during Casual Concours Palm Springs on Oct. 20. Great Autos of Yesteryear, the LGBT car club (note the clever acronym: GAY) hosts the annual event, which this year benefits Friends of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., an eclectic assortment of more than 150 exotic and classic automobiles will blanket the green grounds of Desert Princess Golf Club in Cathedral City. www.greatautos.org
Barbie Does the Desert
The 26-foot leggy blonde (Forever Marilyn) on the corner of Tahquitz Canyon and Palm Canyon Drive in downtown Palm Springs is about to be joined by a pint-size leggy blonde (or brunette or redhead). Barbie has done the desert, and photographer Steven Henke was there to capture it. Barbie Does Palm Springs, an exhibition featuring 40 limited-edition images of the iconic doll in front of various Palm Springs landmarks, opens at Savage Gallery on Oct. 20. Palm Springs personality Bella Da Ball hosts the opening night festivities from 7 to 10 p.m. Henke will donate 100 percent of all sales proceeds to LGBT Community Center of the Desert. The exhibition runs Oct. 20-31. 760-464-5978; www.barbiedoespalmsprings.com
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Watch Whimsy Roll
Presidential elections are around the corner and the red, white, and blue is aptly represented on El Paseo during this year’s Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade on Oct. 28. The 2012 American Pride theme promises a patriotic flow of floats, marching bands, and, of course, creatively decorated golf carts. Enjoy food, booths, and fun stuff for the kids, including clowns, face painting, crafts, and a rock-climbing wall. Festivities begin at 8 a.m. with the Palm Desert Rotary pancake breakfast. The parade rolls off at 1 p.m. Start the season with stars and stripes along Palm Desert’s ultimate shopping avenue. www.golfcartparade.com
An Elevated Adventure
For a truly exciting day, take a turn on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. You’ll marvel at the sheer ingenuity as your tram car slowly rotates while you ascend the jagged canyon from the Valley Station — palms to pines in a matter of minutes. Once on top, enjoy 54 miles of hiking trails, including a 5.5-mile trek to the 10,834-foot peak of Mount San Jacinto. In the winter, snow makes it a true adventure. Remember to swap your bikinis for parkas, as it’s a good 40 degrees cooler than it is on the desert floor. 888-515-8726; www.pstramway.com
Desert Dwellers
The Coachella Valley teems with flora and fauna, especially at The Living Desert Zoo & Botanical Garden — 1,200 acres rich with wildlife and information about the local environment. Discover the wonder of wildflowers or the finer points of cacti. Explore the world of desert creatures, such as jaguars, giraffes, zebras, camels, cheetahs, hyenas, Mexican wolves, meerkats, and more. 760-346-5694; www.livingdesert.org