07/07/08

Kip’s Baby Boomer Blog

Posted by Kip Allen

Checking out the Boomer scene for recreation, dining, and entertainment in Palm Springs and the surrounding desert communities.

I hope you have all recovered from the Independence Day weekend festivities, because there’s a lot of Boomer events in store for us this coming weekend.

Bourbon ... From Barrel to Bottle

One of America’s many contributions to the world is bourbon whiskey. It got its name from Bourbon County, Ky., where it was first distilled in the 18th century. By definition, it must be made of a mash of at least 51 percent corn, although most contemporary bourbon has at least 70 percent in the grain mix, with the remainder of a mixture of wheat, rye or malted barley. It’';s distilled and aged in charred oak caskets for at...

Posted at 06:10 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0

07/03/08

Kip’s Baby Boomer Blog

Posted by Kip Allen

Checking out the Boomer scene for recreation, dining, and entertainment in Palm Springs and the surrounding desert communities.

Even as a kid, I loved the Independence Day celebrations and my enthusiasm hasn’t waned in the least through the decades. So, I’m going to have a lot of fun this weekend

Starting Friday in Palm Springs, the holiday kicks off with America’s favorite pastime — baseball — as the Power baseball club takes on the Air Force at Palm Springs Stadium, 1901 E. Baristo Rd., at 6:05 p.m. After the game, there will...

Posted at 10:35 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0

06/30/08

It's time for Shopping — Great Deals at Desert Premium Outlets near Palm Springs

Posted by Kelly O'Connor

Looking for ways to entertain the kids this summer?

How about shopping?

At Desert Hills Premium Outlets, just 20 minutes west of Palm Springs, there's 130 name-brand outlet stores offering 25-65 percent savings.

Find what you're looking for among Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, Banana Republic Factory Store, Prada, Brooks Brothers Factory Store, Zegna Outlet Store, Hugo Boss for him, Carter’s, Gymboree Outlet, and OshKosh B’Gosh for the kids. Plus, there is a food court when you need to refuel the family.

Or forget the family, leave the kids with your husband and treat yourself to a day of luxurious shopping with your best girlfriends.

Before you go, visit the website at

Posted at 11:17 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0

06/23/08

Kip’s Baby Boomer Blog

Posted by Kip Allen

Checking out the Boomer scene for recreation, dining, and entertainment in Palm Springs and the surrounding desert communities.

We’re coming up to another fun-filled weekend just chockfull of great things to do for us more *ahem* mature members of the desert community. We Boomers blazed the trail for a lot trends. Many of those trends were pretty bad — remember Nehru shirts and disco? — but some were outstanding. One of the most lasting contributions our generation made was music.

Many of the songs and groups have lasted well beyond their critics. I recall my father, who firmly believed that good music died with Glenn Miller, telling me that no one would be listening to my music in a decade or so.

Well, tell that to the Oak...

Posted at 06:24 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0

06/18/08

Gay and Lesbian Couples in Palm Springs and Desert Cities Head for the Altar

Posted by Kelly O'Connor

Daddy and Poppie Get Married!

Three-year-old Roxy watched as her parents, James Tracy Hermann and Matthew McNamara exchanged wedding vows yesterday, the first day same-sex marriage ceremonies were performed in the Coachella Valley.

I witnessed it too and was honored to be a part of my co-worker and friend's special day. And though the ceremony was simple, you could feel the magnitude of this historical and poignant moment.

Once their number was called at the Indio courthouse the pair proceeded into a small room complete with a white trellis adorned with pink flowers and green leaves.

They took their spots, and even though I've never seen...

Posted at 02:45 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0

06/17/08

Palm Springs Celebrates as Gay and Lesbian Couples Legally Say 'I Do'

Posted by Kelly O'Connor

It's Time to Party — Desert Residents Rejoice in Right to Marry

Same-sex couples can legally marry in California, the second state, after Massachusetts, to allow this right.

Gay and lesbian partners across the state, and here in the Palm Springs area, are celebrating their commitments and making them "official."

Join in the festivities as California makes history by granting same-sex couples this long-awaited freedom to marry.

Go Pink at the Parker

On Friday, June 20, the Parker Palm Springs hotel presents "A Pink Celebration of Marriage," along with partner Let California Ring, a campaign that has remained steadfast in its support of gay and lesbian marriage, as well as educating the public about the...

Posted at 01:34 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0

06/16/08

Kip’s Baby Boomer Blog

Posted by Kip Allen

Checking out the Boomer scene for recreation, dining, and entertainment in Palm Springs and the surrounding desert communities.

I find that as I age, I still have the body of a Greek god — unfortunately, it’s that of Dionysius.

Put in more pedestrian terms — I love to eat and drink.

Well, this weekend is the weekend for Boomers to give in to their inner Greek gods. There’s enough going on to satisfy even the appetite of those ancient deities.

First, Friday is the last day of the Palm Spring Restaurant Week. This is a delightful celebration of the many exotic cuisines found here in the desert. More than 40 different restaurants offered three-course prix fixe...

Posted at 05:43 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0

06/16/08

Palm Springs Dining Deals

Posted by Kelly O'Connor

Palm Springs Sizzles during Restaurant Week

Food, wine and culture — experience it all — Palm Springs style.

Be part of the city's first Restaurant Week June 15-20, when more than 30 popular restaurants offer three course, prix fixe menus for $26 or $36 per person.

Now is the time to sample the best in desert cuisine. Enjoy fine dishes and rare wines or specialty offerings from local bistros during Palm Springs Restaurant Week.

Participating restaurants:

$26 fares

Al dente Trattoria Toscana
Billy D's at Holiday Inn Palm Springs

Posted at 01:04 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0

06/12/08

World Famous Horses Come To The Coachella Valley

Posted by Kelly O'Connor

From Battle to Ballet — Lippizaner Stallions perform at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino

See the elegance, grace, and power of the World Famous Lipizzaner Stallions on July 13 at 2 and 6 p.m.

The horses of battle, saved at the end of World War II, now entertain in the presentation of the "Dancing White Stallions."

Be awed by their leaps, maneuvers, and discipline in this equestrian work of art. 84245 Indio Springs Pkwy., Indio. 342-5000.

Posted at 01:53 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0

06/10/08

Bring the Pup to Pet Friendly Palm Springs

Posted by Kelly O'Connor

Sit, Stay, Relax — It's a Dog Lovin' Desert

As the owner of a spit-fire chihuahua-mix, I'm glad I live in Palm Springs, where there are so many dog friendly stores, shops and apartments.

For visitors, we even have hotels that welcome your best friend. A few of those include the Parker Palm Springs, The Hilton Palm Springs and the Palm Springs Riviera Resort.

But who likes to be cooped up all the time. We don't, so why would our beloved furry friends? Guide Dogs of the Desert has the perfect solution — Yappy Hour, 6-8 Thur. June 12 at the Parker Palm Springs, 1800 E. Palm Canyon Dr.

The casual, no-guilt affair (no worries about leaving the pup home alone) lets owners and their pets frolic on the grassy knoll adjacent to...

Posted at 02:28 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0