The perfect Modernista’s Day in Palm Springs, California!

Here we go! Every February thousands of “Modernistas” flock out to Palm Springs for Modernism Week. This year’s 11th edition started on Thursday with a big kick-off party. So far so good, but  how to spend a perfect day or weekend filled with neighborhood home tours, lectures and parties? Well, here are our favorites for a memorable stay: Driving out to to the Valley from Los Angeles a perfect breakfast is served at Koffi (515 N Palm Canyon Drive) or Cheeky’s (622 N Palm Canyon Drive). As the Modernism Camp is located next door it’s the perfect place to start your day. From here you can begin with your self-guided walking tours, bus tours or bike tours. If you are lucky to get tickets for open houses you can also start your tour(s) from here.

For a first impression you should drive down N Palm Canyon Drive and come back to the Uptown Design District on N Indian Canyon Drive (there is also a cool Illuminated Modern Bus or self guided tour – ask at the camp for a map or download it here).

Coming back to the camp after some great insights there are many places worth visiting like the Old Las Palmas and Vista Las Palmas area. If you’re lucky you’ll meet our friend Joe at Casa de Monte Vista (696 N Via Monte Vista), a hidden gem all renovated by himself. Being the perfect location for parties and weddings Joe is also very proud of the fact that “Michael Douglas died in his living room”, as he uses to say while showing you around because some scenes of the movie “Behind the Candelabra” were shot on his amazing property. When driving up to N Via Monte Vista a stop at Just Fabulous (515 N Palm Canyon Drive) for some architecture books, objects and cool postcards is a must.

If you are on the sweet side, after stopping at the brand new Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center (300 S Palm Canyon Drive) you shouldn’t miss Brandini Toffee located on 132 S. Palm Canyon Drive. Here you’ll find the best sweet indulgences that will make you say Mmm!

To enjoy a wonderful evening in Palm Springs you should visit Tropicale (330E Amado Rd.), one of our favorite bars. Sushi is delicious here and the variety of cocktails beats everything … if there weren’t our Italian friends around the corner at Birba (622 N Palm Canyon Drive)!

So if you have never been there before or if you are a returning modernista as we are, Palm Springs is a must not just for people who love architecture. It’s the unique community out there in the desert, the landscape, the atmosphere, the light, the architecture and not to forget the great food!

Enjoy!

P.S: …and don’t forget all the rest like the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the Palm Springs Visitor Center, the Sinatra House, the Frey House II, the Kaufman House and last but not least the Hotel Lautner in Desert Hot Springs!