Palm Springs
Thanksgiving week is upon us—the time to rest and reflect with gratitude on our many blessings, spend time with beloved friends and family, and help those less fortunate. Here are some of my top picks for things to enjoy this Thanksgiving weekend in the Coachella Valley. Give back, shop, sweat, gawk…there’s something for everyone in Greater Palm Springs. Happy Thanksgiving, y’all! XOKate
GIVE BACK
If you’ve never helped out at a local homeless shelter or food bank, this Thanksgiving is the perfect time to start. Serve food, collect clothing or toys, or write a big, fat check! Check out this directory of wonderful local organizations where you can lend a hand.
SHOP
From The Gardens on El Paseo to the fabulous modernism, home, and design shops and boutiques of Palm Springs, the Coachella Valley has something for even the most discriminating of tastes…if you can brave Black Friday! Take note: The Gardens on El Paseo opens at 8am on Black Friday (November 23rd).
ART
The Desert Arts Festival is this Saturday and Sunday (Nov. 25th & 26th) at Frances Stevens Park, and features 100 artists presenting their original work in all mediums of two and three dimensional fine art, including paintings in acrylic, oils and watercolors, photography, etchings, sculpture in clay, glass, metal, stone and wood. Each artist will be present to meet with the public and discuss their work. All work is available for purchase. In addition to fine art, fine crafts will also be presented. Festival attendees will find blown glass, turned wood, semi-precious jewelry, pottery, stained glass, and an array of high-quality crafts.
Frances Stevens Park, adjacent to the Desert Art Center, is located at 538 N. Palm Canyon Drive, at the corner of Palm Canyon and Alejo. The hours of the event are from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm daily. Admission and parking are free. The event is handicap accessible.
SWEAT
Hike, bike, run! Get out and enjoy the stunning, natural beauty of the Coachella Valley. Burn off that pumpkin pie at the Bump and Grind, East Carl Lykken, or Araby Cove hiking trails, or take a bike tour of the historic neighborhoods of Palm Springs. Here are some great hiking trail suggestions and check out some fantastic Palm Springs cycling trails as well.
GAWK
What happens when you combine Santa Claus & robots? A massive whimsical futuristic winter wonderland set in the North Pole through a parallel universe. Artist Kenny Irwin Jr.’s fabulous display, now in its 30th year, is the largest residential light display in the country. Zany, delightful, and madcap, it’s a must-see this season. ROBOLIGHTS will be open from November 22nd through January 8th. 4-9:30 daily, seven days a week. 1077 E Granvia Valmonte, Palm Springs, CA 92262.
