Just Back From: Palm Springs, California

"I love Palm Springs. It’s warm all the time, everywhere has a pool, the design is amazing—mostly mid-century modern. It’s definitely right for architecture buffs and fans of mid-century and modern design. It’s also great for anyone needing some sun in the winter. The summers are way too hot though."

Indagare Ambassador Jolie Goodson recently spent a winter weekend getaway at The Colony Palms Hotel & Bungalows in Palm Springs. Below she shares some of her favorite discoveries.

One of my favorite things to do is grab a hotel bike and cruise the Las Palmas neighborhood. I’d say this is a must do activity. The roads are flat and the sun is on your face as you glide through this incredibly beautiful neighborhood among hundreds of gorgeous midcentury homes. It is the most fun. Plus, sometimes there are open houses which you can duck into and be wowed.

On this trip we also cruised the Historic Tennis Club neighborhood and the Movie Colony neighborhood, but that one you can’t see as much because most of the homes are obscured by tall hedges. Take my word for it that Las Palmas is the bomb. If your hotel doesn’t have a bike, rent one downtown. It’s worth it.

Bike Palm Springs is downtown and has tons of good bike options. I recommend a cruiser.

There’s a new restaurant called Bar Cecil that was incredible. So fun and beautiful, and the menu was wonderful—French with some additions. They also index on classic cocktails, with a full menu of each one, including a detailed list of all the variations on a martini. It’s very important to get dinner reservations in advance. I advise booking dinners as soon as you know your travel dates.

Another top spot is Birba—it’s entirely outside which in Palm Springs is lovely. Serving wood fired pizza and pasta dishes, it’s been a top spot for over a decade.

I loved our hotel. It is so lush, which is so lovely in the middle of the desert.

Located on Palm Canyon Drive, Wil Stiles is in the heart of the best shopping (next door is Trina Turk). Locally owned by a husband and wife duo, Wil Stiles has such fun clothes and my husband and I always each buy at least one thing every time we go. It's best for clothes that are fun to wear and that no one else will have.

On the same street, Phylum has cool and unique housewares, which change every time you visit. My favorite find was a modern cutting board with a colorful handle (that we use every day!) and it's best for gifts for a cool friend—or for yourself.

From June to September the temperatures can be up to 120. It’s just too hot.

Keep an eye out for Modernism Week in February (and a smaller version in October). This is a great time to visit for those interested in getting inside some of the most iconic homes in Palm Springs. You buy tickets to tour individual homes or groups of properties—grab a bike and make an afternoon of touring at your own pace. Plus, there are some fun parties and events that week.