Whether you're winding down from Coachella or just need an LA getaway, the new issue of NYLON has the ultimate guide to a Palm Springs getaway, according to the experts who know best, like drag mogul Trixie Mattel. Then: Vanderpump Rules star Lala Kent, who knows a thing or two about clubs, both on and off the golf course.
There's something about Palm Springs where, as soon as you see the windmills when you walk in, you can finally breathe. The elephant is off my chest. You hear a lot of people in LA say that, but it's true. It feels very effortless. You don't feel like you're being watched and you have to be on your game ALL the time. It's been two Christmases, man Vanderpump Rules co-star Scheana Shay invited me to her house in Palm Springs. I loved the area. His house was fantastic. It was 10 minutes from the city center. As I left, I said, “If a house comes up for sale, please let me know.”
He called me a few months later, “You're never going to believe this, but the house literally next door to me just went up for sale.” I drove up the exact same day and made an offer, and now I spend almost every weekend and holiday there.
I usually leave on a Thursday afternoon to get there on time Palm Springs VillageFest, a street fair held every Thursday night in the center. They close the street and there are a lot of vendors. You can go into the restaurants you like, there are local shops. Palm Springs has amazing shops, but I'm not ashamed: it is so it's worth the 30 minute drive back to the Desert Hills points of sale in Cabazon. I'm talking Lululemon, Gucci, Balmain, Nike. There are over 150 stores and I have a field day. Some people get turned off by outlets, I'm a bit of one of them, but my mum took me there once and I said, “This is a hidden gem that no one would think to stop at because you're in the middle of nowhere.”
Leaving my house to do anything in LA is such a production, so Palm Springs is where we venture a little more. I always go there Birba. They have amazing flatbread and I don't drink but I hear the cocktails are fabulous. I also just discovered this site called Boozehounds. By the way, you wouldn't know it from the outside, but inside the food is five stars. You can bring your dog. I went for my birthday this year and it definitely became a goal. I love a place like, “Come get fancy and wear your fur baby.”
“If you're in Palm Springs, you have to play golf. This is the perfect way to avoid the Sunday dreads.”
Palm Springs nightlife is growing and there's a huge gay community, so it feels like home. If you go to the main street, Palm Canyon Drive, there are tons of gay bars, and right next door is my favorite, Chill Bar. They play the most amazing music in the background. I can stay up until 2 in the morning and feel like I'm having an epic thrill. They will mix Britney Spears with 50 Cent in Whitney Houston or Celine Dion. I said, “Who is this DJ? I want him to DJ my 2-year-old's birthday party.”
For lunch the next day, you have to go Wilma & Frieda's. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. They have the best lattes and their baked goods are to die for. I get the cinnamon roll before I even order properly. Lulu California Bistro it's also great – it's always packed, but you'll never be disappointed with the food.
If you want to come down from Coachella, I would venture to La Quinta. If you're at Coachella, this will be your zone anyway. La Quinta Resort & Club it has a fantastic spa. You might spend a pretty penny, but you'll definitely feel refreshed afterwards. If you are extending your vacation, you must go see Joshua Tree, especially if you're from out of town. It is stunning and will absolutely recognize you.
And then for me, if you're in Palm Springs, you have to play golf. Escena Golf Club it is very easy to play. It's a public course, so you don't feel like you have to leave with a hangover after a music festival, and you can have lunch in the clubhouse. This is the perfect way to avoid the dread of Sunday. If you give in to your hangover, depression happens, and that's bad for everyone. So go out and play a round with your friends, even if you hurt.
