Feb 18, 2014 1:07 AM GMT
I'm going to Palm Springs, CA soon, can guys give me some suggestions on bars and clubs?
Palm Springs
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Feb 18, 2014 1:07 AM GMT -
Feb 18, 2014 6:12 AM GMTNever been there. It seems to be, like, the closest warm place to escape to at this time of year. However, nobody has ever been adequately able to explain to me what the fuck there is to do there.
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Feb 18, 2014 7:32 AM GMTmindgarden saidNever been there. It seems to be, like, the closest warm place to escape to at this time of year. However, nobody has ever been adequately able to explain to me what the fuck there is to do there.
Palm Springs is where older gay couples retire and grow old. It's not a bad place to visit, if you're out in the area exploring Joshua Tree. But I can't say it's the first choice in vacation destinations. There are handfuls of boutique spas/hotels. So it might be an ok place for couples to get away for the weekend. -
Feb 18, 2014 7:32 AM GMT^^^^^ In addition to the above 'activities' there are some more things I like doing when I'm there:
* Swimming outside in winter months
* Tennis
* Volleyball
* Cycling
* Wearing shorts & summer shirts & shoes
* Golf
* Convertible car weather
* Eat at outside tables in restaurants (again, in winter).
I always get a sort of decadent feeling when I'm there in January - just chilling by a pool or noticing a ton of flowerbeds and fountains everywhere with bright sun splashing all over me. Thinking that back home, it is gray and cold, makes me love that climate down there! -
Feb 18, 2014 4:46 PM GMTThere are tons of flowers down this way too right now. Was in the Botanical Gardens of Gold Gate Park yesterday, phenomenal Magnolias in bloom, as well as daffodils and azaleas.
To the OP: Palm Springs is not that bad. I agree that it's a 'sleepy' town with a slow pace but if you're wanting to enjoy sun and warmth (which if you're from Chicago probably sounds like heaven right now) then it's great. I love grabbing a drink and heading to the pool. Laying there for a few hours and just soaking up the rays.
There are some nice dining selections. The gay clubs are small but pleasant. There are other things to do. A nice tram takes you up to the top of the hill where you can spend a lot of time hiking the woods. Joshua Tree is a nice drive away as are the outlet malls if you like that.
Search online for other attractions as there are some. There's also some adult resorts if you want to enjoy other guys or just hang out by the pool nude.
Make it what you want….it's not a bad vacation spot at all. -
Feb 18, 2014 11:17 PM GMTNight life isn't huge in PS. It's a very mellow town, although it is really begging to take off again. Here are some suggestions.
Hunters, Toucans are the more local gay bars. I never go anymore but still have friends who go.
Food wise, there is Workshop which is probably the best in PS. Tropical and a restaraunt at The colony Palms Hotel where we love to stay. It's called the purple palm I believe. Trio is a hot spot and the food is good.
Norma's is a great breakfast place at The Parker Hotel, another of my favorite places to stay. Mr. Parker's is the restaraunt in there too but it's just ok, price point wise Mr. Parker's is to expensive for the creativity and food that it lacks.
Palms springs is a place to relax and recharge for 2-4 days. After that it's a bit boring for most. If you like to run, take an early run in the morning. It's quiet and seren.
I forgot Birba, that's great too. Bar/restaraunt type. Next door to Cheeky's which is good for breakfast but gets really busy. Jakes just a few doors up is good for breakfast too. -
Feb 18, 2014 11:24 PM GMTChicagoSteve saidI'm going to Palm Springs, CA soon, can guys give me some suggestions on bars and clubs?
Check out the Azul Tapas Lounge, and Georgie's Alibi (at the same location), if you'd like something gay. We've known Georgie and his family for years. Saw him last month here locally, and his brother today.
PE me and I'll give you our names to mention, if you should see him there. I'll phone his cell and tell him to charge me for a round of drinks for you.
http://www.azultapaslounge.com -
Feb 18, 2014 11:35 PM GMTI think people have different opinions of Palm Springs/Cathedral City. Just depends what you like. There are a few bars, many nude gay hotels. Haven't been there myself in a few years but every time I go I get easily bored there. I tend to enjoy just being outside in the desert. If you have a car visit Joshua Tree for the famous rock formations. -
Feb 19, 2014 7:19 AM GMTHot and Boring! -
Feb 19, 2014 7:46 AM GMTIn Palm Springs you will find a strange combination of old gay men, Chrystal meth tweekers, and nude resorts. There is a white party that happens there where you will meet even more meth users. If you into that sort of thing then you will have fun. If you have outgrown that and you like to lay around and do nothing, then you will have a relaxing time. If you are a more energetic kind of guy but also drug free then you will be bored out of your mind. -
Feb 19, 2014 8:55 AM GMTI think every location is what you make of it. It is true, that is a sleepy town, mostly retired men, but there were great restaurants as well. In the winter is best for hiking.
I have stayed at the Desert Eclipse. It is clothing optional, but its run by a great gay couple. The suites are spacious and clean, and for the time that I was there everyone was respectful of each other and had a great time. No orgies, that I recalled. In fact, I recalled meeting a great couple from London, chatted most of the night, danced, and great times..nope did not sleep with them.
In terms of Bars-
Hunters
Arenas Road Area - 302 E Arenas Rd , Palm Springs, CA
It was pretty good the day that I visited, a mix crowd of young and old.
Mainstreet you will find most of the restaurants and bars as well. -
Mar 02, 2014 4:54 PM GMTmindgarden saidNever been there. It seems to be, like, the closest warm place to escape to at this time of year. However, nobody has ever been adequately able to explain to me what the fuck there is to do there.
When I think of Palm Springs, I think of exclusive golf courses geared towards wealthy celebrities and modern, luxurious houses that have a swimming pool ranging from a decorative pool to an Olympic sized pool. Last I heard, there was a strict four story height limit in Palm Springs, keeping the community low rise and spread out. It was also a major spring break destination for college students from throughout the Western US. -
Mar 02, 2014 4:56 PM GMTOne of these days I gotta go out there, check the scenery. -
Mar 02, 2014 5:32 PM GMTGigoloAssassin saidOne of these days I gotta go out there, check the scenery.
Be sure to take your speedos with you because I heard that they are required attire around all swimming pools
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Mar 02, 2014 5:44 PM GMTChicagoSteve saidI'm going to Palm Springs, CA soon, can guys give me some suggestions on bars and clubs?
Eat at the Chop House on the main drag..The steaks and wine list are awesome. On Thursdays, they close down the streets downtown and have an open market. Go to the National Park.You take a tram to the top of the mountain..It's a must see..Lastly, rent a atv and ride around in the desert..I had a blast. -
Mar 02, 2014 5:51 PM GMTroadbikeRob said
GigoloAssassin saidOne of these days I gotta go out there, check the scenery.
Be sure to take your speedos with you because I heard that they are required attire around all swimming pools
Then I have to buy more speedos!
SHOPPIIIIIINNG! -
Mar 02, 2014 5:58 PM GMTGigoloAssassin said
Go for it my friendroadbikeRob said
GigoloAssassin saidOne of these days I gotta go out there, check the scenery.
Be sure to take your speedos with you because I heard that they are required attire around all swimming pools
Then I have to buy more speedos!
SHOPPIIIIIINNG! -
Mar 02, 2014 6:33 PM GMTChicagoSteve saidI'm going to Palm Springs, CA soon, can guys give me some suggestions on bars and clubs?
By now you've probably already come and gone, but... Many of the comments here are quite hysterical and rather rude. I live in PS full-time and there's lots to do- depending on what you want.
You asked for bars/clubs- we don't go out, so the lists given are what's around, plus some 'leather-ish' 'denim' type places such as the Tool Shed in PS and Digs in the next town over, Cathedral City.
Bars and clubs are the same everywhere. There is great hiking, both flat & easy and vertical and challenging, biking, tennis, (of course golf) a very good small art museum, great mid-century and Spanish architecture (and great tours) and of course relaxation which is why most people come here.
There is not a lot of exceptional food here, but the best and most consistent restaurant in town is Johannes, on Indian Canyon in downtown.
When you come, be sure to visit a great 'boutique' gay gym, WorkOUT on N Palm Canyon Drive. Friendly staff, members without attitude and nice equipment.
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Mar 02, 2014 6:34 PM GMTChicagoSteve saidI'm going to Palm Springs, CA soon, can guys give me some suggestions on bars and clubs?
Fridays happy hour at Wang's in the Desert (Indian Canyon) is always packed and is also a good restaurant, as is the Sunday afternoon tea dance at Oscar's (Indian Canyon and Tahquitz). Street Bar almost always has a crowd. Hunter's on Arenas is popular on the weekends. Check out the Barracks (leather/kink bar)on Palm Canyon in Cathedral City. Trio, the Tropicale, Lulu, Spencers. Azul, and Sherman's Deli are nice places to eat.
The National Park mentioned above is Joshua Tree. Very beautiful. There is also a place for taking some shorter hikes a few miles outside of town called Thousand Palms Oasis. It's free and very beautiful, an authentic oasis in the desert out in the middle of nowhere. It kind of looks prehistoric. For shopping, go to El Paseo in Palm Desert and the designer outlets at Cabazon. A drive up Highway 74 (Palms to Pines highway) is very scenic. It starts at that bottom of the mountain in Palm Desert.
And at 47, in Palm Springs you are going to be a youngster almost every place you go.
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Mar 02, 2014 7:16 PM GMTDesertOz said
ChicagoSteve saidI'm going to Palm Springs, CA soon, can guys give me some suggestions on bars and clubs?
By now you've probably already come and gone, but... Many of the comments here are quite hysterical and rather rude. I live in PS full-time and there's lots to do- depending on what you want.
You asked for bars/clubs- we don't go out, so the lists given are what's around, plus some 'leather-ish' 'denim' type places such as the Tool Shed in PS and Digs in the next town over, Cathedral City.
Bars and clubs are the same everywhere. There is great hiking, both flat & easy and vertical and challenging, biking, tennis, (of course golf) a very good small art museum, great mid-century and Spanish architecture (and great tours) and of course relaxation which is why most people come here.
There is not a lot of exceptional food here, but the best and most consistent restaurant in town is Johannes, on Indian Canyon in downtown.
When you come, be sure to visit a great 'boutique' gay gym, WorkOUT on N Palm Canyon Drive. Friendly staff, members without attitude and nice equipment.
I agree with you. I love PS. I'd been coming here for years and moved here in June. I work out at WorkOUT, a small, quiet very Gay gym. Worlds Gym is very Gay and crowded. PS Fitness, less gay (but you won't be alone either) is good too. Gold's, I haven't been too in years.
The good:
A small town, yet cosmopolitan. There are visitors and residents from around the world. It's one of the gayest towns anywhere! It's a great place just to meet people and talk, everyone is friendly. It feels like SF in the 80s (hell a lot of us were in SF in the 80s!) There's a magic about the desert, especially here. I'm not a mystic but they seem to think it is too. Pools, MOUNTAIN hiking, MEN, the stars at night, very good local theatre, etc.
I grew up in a small town and I like the pace here.
The Bad:
It's a small town! Meth, like anywhere, is present....but you can filter that out. It can be boring, but San Diego and LA are nearby if you crave freeway traffic jams and "everyone going to the same place at the same time."
Jobs are scarce. Everyone seems to be married (and in an open relationship), or emotionally unavailable....at least the ones I like LOL. -
Mar 02, 2014 7:54 PM GMTSunday beer bust at the Barracks -
Mar 03, 2014 2:13 AM GMTIceblink said
ChicagoSteve saidI'm going to Palm Springs, CA soon, can guys give me some suggestions on bars and clubs?
Fridays happy hour at Wang's in the Desert (Indian Canyon) is always packed and is also a good restaurant, as is the Sunday afternoon tea dance at Oscar's (Indian Canyon and Tahquitz). Street Bar almost always has a crowd. Hunter's on Arenas is popular on the weekends. Check out the Barracks (leather/kink bar)on Palm Canyon in Cathedral City. Trio, the Tropicale, Lulu, Spencers. Azul, and Sherman's Deli are nice places to eat.
The National Park mentioned above is Joshua Tree. Very beautiful. There is also a place for taking some shorter hikes a few miles outside of town called Thousand Palms Oasis. It's free and very beautiful, an authentic oasis in the desert out in the middle of nowhere. It kind of looks prehistoric. For shopping, go to El Paseo in Palm Desert and the designer outlets at Cabazon. A drive up Highway 74 (Palms to Pines highway) is very scenic. It starts at that bottom of the mountain in Palm Desert.
And at 47, in Palm Springs you are going to be a youngster almost every place you go.
Well I flew out to visit an older friend about ten years ago and let me say I was quite the hit (to his giddiness) at the Cactus Club!
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Mar 03, 2014 2:16 AM GMTGeekJockHybrid saidIn Palm Springs you will find a strange combination of old gay men, Chrystal meth tweekers, and nude resorts. There is a white party that happens there where you will meet even more meth users. If you into that sort of thing then you will have fun. If you have outgrown that and you like to lay around and do nothing, then you will have a relaxing time. If you are a more energetic kind of guy but also drug free then you will be bored out of your mind.
maybe he could play golf with a naked, old tweaker -
Mar 03, 2014 2:48 AM GMTNJDewd said
Iceblink said
ChicagoSteve saidI'm going to Palm Springs, CA soon, can guys give me some suggestions on bars and clubs?
Fridays happy hour at Wang's in the Desert (Indian Canyon) is always packed and is also a good restaurant, as is the Sunday afternoon tea dance at Oscar's (Indian Canyon and Tahquitz). Street Bar almost always has a crowd. Hunter's on Arenas is popular on the weekends. Check out the Barracks (leather/kink bar)on Palm Canyon in Cathedral City. Trio, the Tropicale, Lulu, Spencers. Azul, and Sherman's Deli are nice places to eat.
The National Park mentioned above is Joshua Tree. Very beautiful. There is also a place for taking some shorter hikes a few miles outside of town called Thousand Palms Oasis. It's free and very beautiful, an authentic oasis in the desert out in the middle of nowhere. It kind of looks prehistoric. For shopping, go to El Paseo in Palm Desert and the designer outlets at Cabazon. A drive up Highway 74 (Palms to Pines highway) is very scenic. It starts at that bottom of the mountain in Palm Desert.
And at 47, in Palm Springs you are going to be a youngster almost every place you go.
Well I flew out to visit an older friend about ten years ago and let me say I was quite the hit (to his giddiness) at the Cactus Club!
There are not many places left I can still be among the youngest people in a crowd, except for buffet restaurants, drug stores, New Balance outlet stores.
And Palm Springs. I get bored sometimes, but at least I do not have to dress in layers of heavy clothes everyday in winter to go outside and this winter has been even better. As the rest of the country is freezing, I've rarely worn pants this winter. -
Mar 03, 2014 3:05 AM GMTPlease! Give the ageist crap a rest. I lived here when I was 23. Clinic and Toucans has a younger crowd.
