Escape to the Desert
Known as a hub for music and film festivals, the Greater Palm Desert Resort Area offers many ways to entertain you. Attractions include the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the largest rotating aerial tramway in the world. AND NOW THE NEW ACRISURE ARENA EVENT CENTER WHICH OPENED IN DECEMBER 2022. And you can discover many other ways to enjoy the desert by pick up a copy of the February issue of Inland Empire Magazine at your local major supermarket (including Stater Bros.) or Barnes & Noble.
For a vacation home, surround yourself with breathtaking natural beauty tucked away amid dramatic mountain ranges at Marriott’s Desert Springs Villas and its sister resort, Marriott’s Desert Springs Villas II in Palm Desert. These villas are stylish desert retreats with every amenity you desire. Test your game on 36 holes of championship golf at the adjacent Desert Springs JW Marriott Resort & Spa pristine courses. On site, enjoy the convenience of The Marketplace for deli items, Starbucks coffee, The Grill, and Rockwood Grill. Or choose from five restaurants and two lounges at the nearby Desert Spring JW Marriott® Resort & Spa.
Photo courtesy of Visit Greater Palm Springs
Town Tradition: Local Plan For Living Desert Zoo’s
‘Glow In The Park’
Palm Desert’s tradition offers a way for zoo-member families to view the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens after the sun has set.
Ashley Ludwig,Patch Staff
PALM DESERT, CA — It’s not the glowing forests of Pandora on Avatar, but it may be the next best thing for Palm Desert residents. For the second year in a row, the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens’ ‘Glow in the Park’ wildlife sanctuary installation brings the nighttime desert to life in a feast for the eyes.
Presented by Arcisure Arena, Glow in the Park is reserved for zoo members. It is a ticketed, after-hours event scheduled from 6:30 to 10 p.m. from March 17 to April 30. Tickets go on sale in late January, according to the zoo website.
For starters, take everything you know about lanterns and throw it away. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens partnered with an installation expert who created larger-than-life light sculptures lit from within by colorful LED lights. The springtime display returns to feature themed paths that pay homage to pollinators and plants, showcase traditional Chinese lanterns and culture in unique ways, and tell visual stories of the desert in all of its extreme resilience.
At night, the park appears to come alive with glowing displays of rams, flamingos, crocodiles, towering lions, butterfly trees and a Chinese dragon whose brightly-colored tail coils into a tunnel big enough to walk through. Some installations are interactive and others are merely breathtaking, according to a Discover Palm Desert spokesperson.
“The event is a truly awe-inspiring animal and nature-scape lantern creations are sure to delight your sight and senses,” according to the publication.
The darkness of the desert sky makes the light-up features even more spectacular.
Living Desert Zoo and Gardens CEO and President Allen Monroe discussed the added bonus of a nighttime African Safari. To see the animals of the zoo at night, is unlike any other experience The Living Desert Zoo has hosted in previous years, according to Monroe. Expect new and exciting glowing creatures in 2023.
“It’s been really exciting to see it come to life right before our eyes,” Monroe said in 2022. “Each section has its own unique theme and design and is a work of art in itself.”
This year, the magic returns, according to Monroe. “This year’s event is sure to delight as an entirely new line up of lanterns will light up the night including lanterns of desert wildlife, animals of the sea, and even mythical creatures!”
Guests can watch the desert come alive with lanterns, engaging art installations, interactive stations, and plenty of memorable photo opportunities at Glow in the Park.
Glow in the Park will be held nightly, March 17 through April 30 from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at LivingDesert.org.
Advanced reservations are required as space is limited. Tickets are purchased for a select date and time. New this year, a combo ticket is available – guests can purchase any day general admission zoo ticket and a Glow in the Park ticket for a discounted rate.
Glow in the Park is presented by Acrisure Arena home of the Coachella Valley Firebirds and sponsored by the City of Palm Desert. Produced in partnership with Tianyu Arts and Culture, Inc., Glow in the Park is an extraordinary night-time event featuring intricate, immersive, and truly amazing animal and nature-scape lantern creations.
Tianyu Arts and Culture, Inc. designed each lantern installation in partnership with the zoo to reflect the unique location of the Coachella Valley as well as the zoo itself. The Glow in the Park is immersive, with larger-than-life lanterns and glowing landscapes that create both the engaging art installations the area is famous for as well as a backdrop for photo opportunities, according to Glow In the Park fans.
The much anticipated family-friendly event is ticketed, so zoo members can be prepared to spend a little extra if they go. Advanced reservations are required.
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is located at 47900 Portola Avenue in Palm Desert.
For more information, visit www.livingdesert.org.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
Spend A Perfect Valentine’s Day With A Perfect Dinner At Wildest
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Planning for the North Palm Desert Park
The new North Palm Desert regional park is taking shape and we want your feedback on this exceptional development. The City is committed to making this park a dynamic, safe, and enjoyable location for residents and visitors alike.
The City of Palm Desert encourages all community stakeholders to use the QR code on the right to take our survey, which will provide input for this new regional park. You’re also welcome to use the tools on this website to share your ideas, ask questions, and easily connect with City Hall employees.
For information on regional developments in North Palm Desert, please review our Let’s Discuss: North Palm Desert page.
Project Overview
The City of Palm Desert has envisioned the creation of a new regional sports park in North Palm Desert and University District areas. The regional sports park has been preliminarily identified to include new recreational opportunities and activities, for the residents of Palm Desert.
The future North Palm Desert Regional Park will serve to extend the continued investment that the City of Palm Desert is making in the community, through opportunities to facilitate access to parks and open space, satisfying the recreational, active, and passive uses of the residents, and creating spaces that will celebrate the values of our community.
Upcoming Community Open House: Saturday, January 14, 2023
Please join us for the City’s second public engagement on this project. It will be held on Saturday, January 14th at the Palm Desert iHub facility (37023 Cook St Suite 102). Stop by anytime between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm.
The Design Team’s representatives will be there to introduce themselves and to listen and document any feedback or input that you may wish to contribute. Some of the specific feedback components that they will be seeking to hear from residents include:
On Saturday, December 3, the City invited the north Palm Desert community to the iHUB for an Open House to help plan new parks in the area. The City’s consultant, Interwest, led the event to listen to community input and answer questions. Technical experts were ready, including a traffic planner, landscape architects, and designers. Over 50 residents attended the event and provided feedback on the project. A second Open House will be held at the iHUB on Saturday, January 14, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Invitation mailers will be sent to all residents north of Frank Sinatra Drive.
A ‘New Era’ Of Tennis Paradise Set To Debut at 2023 Tournament
INDIAN WELLS, Calif., December 20, 2022 – The BNP Paribas Open has announced a number of upgraded amenities, partners and new events ahead of the 2023 tournament, which will be held at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 6-19. The ‘new era’ of Tennis Paradise will feature an enhanced on-site retail experience; a trio of prestigious brand partners; a number of new food and beverage offerings; and the first-ever BNP Paribas Open Junior Championships for fans to enjoy free of charge.
“The 2023 edition of Tennis Paradise is shaping up to be the best one yet,” said Tournament Director Tommy Haas. “With a completely revamped retail experience, a host of new fan activations and events, and of course – the best tennis players in the world competing for the title, we couldn’t be more excited to welcome fans to the Indian Wells Tennis Garden this March.”
New, Enhanced On-Site Retail Experience in Partnership with Legends
The BNP Paribas Open has partnered with global premium experiences company Legends to operate an enhanced on-site retail experience at the two-week tournament. Legends’ Global Merchandise division will provide an unparalleled retail experience with expanded merchandise offerings to all fans visiting the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.
Legends’ fully integrated retail and merchandising vertical solution works with world-class clients around the globe across e-commerce, in-venue retail, large scale live event, brick and mortar store operations, licensing, and customer merchandise. This includes vast experience developing and operating on-site retail at some of the world’s largest sporting events and premier venues including the Super Bowl, PGA Championship, SoFi Stadium and more.
2023 Sponsor Portfolio and Activations Set to Enhance Fan Experience
A number of high-profile brands have joined the BNP Paribas Open’s growing sponsorship portfolio this year, helping to bring the fan experience to life in Tennis Paradise through special on-site activations over the course of two weeks.
German premium automaker BMW returns as the Official Car of the BNP Paribas Open, with numerous vehicles on display throughout the Indian Wells Tennis Garden for the duration of the tournament, highlighted by a three-car display outside of Stadium 2. Fans will be able to experience several new BMW models, including two all-new fully-electric vehicles, the BMW i4 sedan and BMW iX Sports Activity Vehicle, and interact with company representatives to learn about the unique features of each model, set up test drives, and more.
Seabourn – the leader in ultra-luxury ocean and expedition travel – will become the Official Cruise Line of the tournament. Seabourn will debut a hospitality lounge on site, providing fans with a stunning oasis showcasing the cruise line’s most coveted destinations and elevated luxury aesthetic. Seabourn’s premium travel offerings include smaller, more intimate ships with only 250-600 guests, personalized one-to-one service, and up-close expedition experiences.
Maestro Dobel rounds out the new additions to the tournament’s roster of partners. As the Official Tequila of the BNP Paribas Open, Maestro Dobel will keep fans in Tennis Paradise refreshed, relaxed and hydrated.
The tequila brand will also offer up its signature Ace Paloma as the “Official Cocktail of the BNP Paribas Open” for patrons on-site at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, available at their centrally located branded and shaded bar.
Hollywood Icon Pink’s Hot Dogs Highlights Elevated Food & Beverage Offerings
A new era of food and dining options will also greet fans in Tennis Paradise in 2023.
Legendary Hollywood joint Pink’s Hot Dogs will be serving up their famous franks to patrons at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Pink’s has been a Southern California staple since 1939 and will be feeding fans in Tennis Paradise through the tournament with a concession option at Stadium 2.
Additionally, the tournament will welcome in new concession concept Lionel’s Fountain from renowned chef and restauranteur Christian Page, with a permanent location in Stadium 1 near Stadium Plaza. Also new to Stadium 1 is Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream, which will help fans in Tennis Paradise cool off with their delicious frozen treats. Chef Tanya’s Kitchen, a vegan specialty restaurant based out of Palm Springs, will also join the Food Village lineup in 2023.
Local Palm Desert favorite Ristorante Mamma Gina will return in 2023, with its location on-site moving to Stadium 2.
Tournament to Debut First-Ever Junior Championships
While the ATP and WTA stars will continue to take center stage in Tennis Paradise, the 2023 BNP Paribas Open will offer more tennis than ever before for fans to enjoy. The first-ever BNP Paribas Open Junior Championships will be held during the second week of the tournament, offering promising junior tennis players the opportunity to play alongside the professionals. This combined boys’ and girls’ event will be an ITF Level 1 tournament and feature junior players from the United States and Canada, with plans to expand to a full international player field in 2024.
In addition, a new, free Family Day event will be held on Saturday, March 4, and welcome families with children of all ages for a host of fun activities including tennis, live entertainment, arts and crafts, games and more.
Desert Adventures – RED JEEP TOURS – Palm Desert, California
Since 1988, Desert Adventures has provided the most highly regarded outdoor adventures in the Greater Palm Springs area and we are the #1 Outdoor Activity in the California Desert on TripAdvisor! Our tours and events provide an authentic and unique Destination Experience that captures the true essence of the California desert.
Climb aboard one of our signature open-air Big Red Jeeps with removable shade tops for an engaging, entertaining, and educational journey with one of our highly-trained naturalist tour guides.
Red Jeep Tours and Adventures
For your safety and convenience, we offer both public (shared) and private San Andreas Fault Tours. With public tours, your party may be combined with one or more other parties in the same Jeep (up to 7 guests). With private tours, the Jeep is reserved exclusively for your party. The only other person who will be with you is your fully vaccinated guide.
Come see for yourself why Desert Adventures is #1 Outdoor Activity in the California Desert on TripAdvisor!
WHAT OUR GUESTS ARE SAYING
We had a great time on this tour. It was very informative and the scenery was beautiful. we loved our guide, Bruce! I would highly recommend Red Jeep T…
Michelle L.
We did the San Andreas Fault tour. Our guide Morgan was a fountain of information, not only about the geology and fault line but about history, native…
Sarah
Nestled at the base of the Indio Hills at the northeastern end of the Coachella Valley, Metate Ranch features over 800-acres of private property, a variety of pristine desert landscapes, and several extraordinary outdoor settings for your Palm Springs area wedding or event.
LOCATION & ACCESSIBILITY: Metate Ranch is located 45-60 minutes northeast of downtown Palm Springs or Desert Hot Springs, 30-45 minutes from Rancho Mirage, and 15-30 minutes from Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta or Indio. Our venues are accessible by Jeep, car, or bus.
FLEXIBILITY & EASE: Our secluded location allows us to be relatively flexible regarding noise and time restrictions, and our passionate and professional Events Team works with you every step of the way, and attends to every detail, to ensure that your event is everything you imagined.
THE PERFECT SOLUTION: Whether you are looking for an intimate and unique place for a special celebration or you are looking for a one-of-a-kind location for a large group event, Metate Ranch provides a safe and memorable location for you to connect and celebrate.
Gather and celebrate at the Enchanted Desert, our most popular and upscale event venue at Metate Ranch. Located on two levels, this stunning location offers a distinctive and private outdoor space superimposed against a magnificent natural desert backdrop of striking canyon walls and native palms.
The upper level features our recreated Cahuilla Indian Village which sits on the archaeological site of the ancient Cahuilla Village of Paltewet. Our Celebration Stage sits beside a sparkling pond with spectacular mountain views and features a beautiful, ornate metal arch, providing an amazing photo spot for any occasion. During your event, guests will have a blast playing a variety of interactive games in our Outdoor Games arcade. The lower level is home to the main event space featuring two stone-inlaid bars, a large circular fire pit, comfortable shaded seating area, catering and buffet areas, restrooms, and more.
The Enchanted Desert is a fantastic location for all sorts of group experiences including:
Corporate Parties and Events
Corporate Retreats, Workshops, or Seminars
Out-of-the-Box Meetings
Product Launches
Weddings and Receptions
Social Events, Fundraisers, and Celebrations
Family Reunions
Wellness Retreats
California Desert Chorale Concludes Concert Season
On December 11 and 18, the California Desert Chorale closed its winter season with a finale performance of the “Holiday Singin’ & Swingin” live concert. Led by Artistic Director Tim Bruneau and Principal Accompanist Bruce Magnum, the choral program featured classical pieces and holiday favorites.
The concert took place at 3 PM at the Hope Lutheran Church in Palm Desert. The California Desert Chorale live choral concert included festive and fun performances of “A Doo Wop Christmas” by Kirby Shaw; “Swing into Christmas” by J. Garland W. Kent & J. Livingston, arranged by Mac Huff; “The Chanukah Song (We Are Lights)” by Stephen Schwarts, arranged by Nowlin; and many more.
Special features of the performance included 32 choristers arranged by soprano, alto, tenor, and bass; 11 Instrumentalists with chamber orchestra including violins, viola, cello, bass, flute, oboe, harp, trumpets, and percussion; and an audience sing-along portion with a medley of holiday favorites including “Deck The Halls;” “Joy to the World;” “We Wish you A Merry Christmas;” and more. Lyrics were provided along with holiday concert translations.
The California Desert Chorale exists to bring joy to singers and audiences alike by providing a wide variety of choral and other inspiring vocal musical performances. The California Desert Chorale will hold the 2023 Scholarship competition, beginning on Saturday, January 28, at 1 pm with a public voice class for all participants. A high degree of personal commitment is required for members to meet the California Desert Chorale’s standards. The Chorale has Monday night rehearsals from September through April; periodic Saturday morning rehearsals; very busy concert week schedules, and occasional community service performances. A substantial portion of the group’s concert repertoire is sung from memory. Therefore, significant individual effort is required between rehearsals. Membership auditions occur prior to the Chorale’s concert season and intermittently during the season, at the discretion of the Artistic Director. All those interested in Chorale membership must perform an individual audition with the Artistic Director prior to acceptance. Current members may be required to re-audition at any point if the Artistic Director perceives the need.
Each auditioning singer must perform a memorized solo work from the classical, folk song, musical theater, American standard or sacred music repertoire. Typical audition material includes operatic arias, art songs, and ballads by George Gershwin, Jerome Kern, Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, etc. The musical selection one chooses to use for the audition should readily reflect good breath support, consistent tone quality, accurate tuning, and interpretive skill. Those auditioning must also provide printed sheet music for their audition song.
Each auditioning singer will be asked to discuss his or her prior experience as both a choral and solo singer. Some auditioning singers may be required to work privately on specific technical and interpretive skills as a qualification of their membership, at the discretion of the Artistic Director.
The California Desert Chorale is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization. The California Desert Chorale is composed of both professional and amateur singers who bring a wide variety of choral and solo experience to the ensemble. For more information on how to support and be involved with the chorale, call (760) 346-4933.
Cirque Du Soleil: Corteo – Coming to Acrisure Arena
Cirque Du Soleil:Will be bringing its colorful antics and superb showmanship to Acrisure Arena, Cirque du Soleil: Cortero is bringing its majestic baroque circus acts Thursday, August 31 through Sunday, September 3. Corteo: which means cortege in Italian, is a joyous procession, a festive parade imagined by a clown. The show brings together the passion of the actor with the grace and power of the acrobat to plunge the audience into a theatrical world of fun, comedy, and spontaneity situated in a mysterious space between heaven and earth. Tickets go on sale December 19 – unlock your tickets NOW with this exclusive presale access! Continue reading… |
Strategies for Surviving Summer
Strategies for Surviving Summer
A discussion for desert business owners, managers and employees on how to thrive during the Summer season. Hear new best practices and walk away with new ideas to implement in your own business.
About
A discussion for desert business owners, managers and employees on how to thrive during the Summer season. Hear new best practices and walk away with new ideas to implement in your own business.
Guest Panel Announcement Next Week
When
Wednesday May 11th
8:00AM till 9:45AM
Where
UCR Palm Desert Campus
University Building, Room B200
75080 Frank Sinatra Drive
Palm Desert, CA 92211
