The first year of the pandemic forced record numbers of people out of cities into the Southern California desert communities, and that momentum hasn’t slowed as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
Apple TV+’s new series High Desert could get even more attention as it hits its long-awaited debut date. Filmed in Yucca Valley, the show is produced by Ben Stiller and stars Patricia Arquette as a former addict who decides to become a private investigator. The comedy series shot in and out of the community with locals as extras, and costume his designer visited several spots for clothing, including Kime Buzzelli’s stunning vintage Her Emporium The End.
end
55872 Twenty-Nine Palms Highway, Yucca Valley, theendyuccavalley.com
Mojave Free Trading Post
55727 Twenty-Nine Palms Highway, Yucca Valley, shoptradingpost.com
Also on the shopping front, the Mojave Flea Market Trading Post in Palm Springs has been expanded to a second location in Yucca Valley near Joshua Tree, featuring local treasures from All Roads, Rust and Fondo vintage western-style clothing, Such as Mojave Moon Apothecary. Get the owner James Morelos’ ‘Makers Guide’ for free to visit other locations.
The Bungalows
59700 Twentynine Palms Highway, Joshua Tree, Retreat-homesteadmodern.com
There are now hundreds of Airbnb’s in the high desert, but fewer hotels to choose from. One new option is The Bungalows, a hospitality project for luxury residential rental management company Homestead Modern.
The Bungalows are 14 newly restored mid-century modern suites at the Joshua Tree Retreat Center dedicated to promoting well-being through yoga, meditation, and other self-fulfilling practices and architecture, including a large collection of buildings. has a dual mission of preserving By Lloyd Wright, Jr. (son of Frank Lloyd Wright).
The Bungalow is a renovated apartment located in a gorgeous post-and-beam cinder block building designed in 1960 by contemporary Pasadena architect Harold Zook and recently renovated by Brad Dunning. One bedroom and studio have floor-to-ceiling windows that bring the desert landscape into the room. Decorated in mid-century style with modern conveniences such as updated kitchens and bathrooms and Malin & Goetz products.
As a nod to Zook’s work with architect Albert Frey, ‘Encelia Yellow’ was chosen as the accent color for the space. This is notable as it was one of his signature colors for Frey’s Desert Project. Each room has an outdoor patio with native plants.
The 140-acre retreat center is funky, with grounds full of vortexes and artwork to explore, an on-site Food for Thought Vegetarian Cafe, and a gift shop full of spiritual literature.
“It’s the casual visitor to Joshua Tree. We don’t stay for a week. We’re getting people looking for a more traditional treat,” says Homestead Modern owner Robert Brada. Rooms start at $250 for him. Just 1 mile to the entrance of Joshua Tree National Park and 9 miles to Yucca Valley and Pioneertown.
copper room
57360 Aviation Drive, Yucca Valley, thecopperroom1957.com
Speaking of Pioneertown, hotelier brothers Matt and Mike French have revived the Old West-style Pioneertown Motel and Red Dog Saloon, originally built by Gene Autry and Roy Rogers. We just opened our newest desert retreat, The Copper Room.
They restored the historic Yucca Valley Airport Bar, which first opened in 1957. In his pack heyday, high rollers hopped into Cessnas and Pipers for dinner and drinks, and wirelessly ordered martinis and steaks from the air. The story goes on.
When it became known as the Red Baron Steakhouse in the ’70s, Gram Parsons frequented the bar and sipped margaritas with friends.
Stephen Paul
“After delving into the historical archives, it quickly became apparent that the Copper Room was a hidden gem that really deserved restoration,” says Mike French. “The history of aviation and the legendary musicians who pass through its doors juxtaposed with the adjacent airport make it a one-of-a-kind destination. A perfect fit for the Saloon and Pioneertown Motel, these three venues are now in their own category as historic venues with deep ties to entertainment, operating under their original names, spirit and ambiance. standing.”
Guests enter through custom patchwork copper doors made by local craftsman Robert Dougherty of All Roads Studio. The main dining room offers runway and sunset views, while the Celebration Room features red booths and a linoleum dance floor. And, of course, above the bar is a picture of Parsons.
The brothers have teamed up with Adam Weisblatt, Holly Fox and chef Ali Collender of Found Oyster in East Hollywood to offer a menu that includes salads, sandwiches, ‘gram alitas’ and extensive martini options. did.
AWE Bar
56193 Twentynine Palms Highway, Yucca Valley, awe-bar.com
Another new watering hole in Yucca Valley is AWE Bar. There’s a bar, patio dining, live music, and dishes like gourmet burgers, Korean-style fried chicken sandwiches, and cauliflower and mushroom tacos.
Owner Clark Fianz has attracted local and national music artists such as Whitey Morgan and James McMurty in his upgraded music venue, which features a wave-like ceiling for great sound. Removed from the Hollywood Bowl in past renovations, wooden seating has been added to the fixtures in the bar area, creating a new sense of closeness between Los Angeles and its desert neighbors.
