April - Palm Springs!
Why Palm Springs?
We spent April soaking up the sun in Palm Springs, California! We were drawn to SoCal for the weather, and Palm Springs specifically because of the Stagecoach music festival, which happens the last weekend of April. Its more famous sibling, Coachella, takes place just before at the same venue in Indio. Elliott surprised me with Stagecoach tickets for my birthday, and we were both really excited to go.
The House
Our rental was technically in Cathedral City, tucked into the back of a neighborhood full of beautifully kept mid-century modern homes. The whole area was clearly committed to the aesthetic. We loved pointing out our favorites on walks with Sally.
The house itself had a cozy, lived-in vibe. It could probably use a remodel, but the slightly worn finishes made it feel relaxed and comfortable. Sally was way more at ease here than she was in South Padre or Albuquerque. She had great views from inside and full access to a fenced backyard, which she took very seriously as her bunny-patrol zone.
The inside was spacious and functional, but the outdoor space was the real star. We spent as much time as possible outside lounging by the pool, eating, and (for me) doing yoga. With the doors open all day and the warm air drifting in, it was a dream. Since we’re on Central Time, our workdays ended around 2 p.m., which meant long, sunny afternoons by the pool. Even the 6 a.m. start couldn’t ruin it.
The Activities
Maren Morris at the Saguaro
White Claw sponsored a free Maren Morris concert in the courtyard of the Saguaro Hotel, and it was amazing. Free drinks, great crowd, and Maren looked so pretty on her birthday. 10/10 experience.
Stagecoach
Stagecoach, on the other hand, was kind of a miss for me. I’ve only been to a few festivals, but this one felt like a full-on fashion show. Everyone was there to be seen, and I felt like a total outsider in my regular clothes. Lesson learned.
Here are a few tips if you ever go:
Dress the part: Even if it’s not your thing, lean into the look—think denim, lace, skin, boots, and maybe a cowboy hat. Men, as usual, can wear whatever.
Get the shuttle pass, and be dropped off right outside the entrance. We parked and walked over a mile through a dust storm to get in. Not ideal.
Layer up: It gets cold at night. Bring something warm or you’ll end up wrapped in one of those shiny emergency blankets that you beg off one of the festival's medical personnel.
Go with a group: Set up a base camp with a blanket and leave someone to watch your stuff. You’ll want to drop bags, sweatshirts, etc.
We skipped Saturday (my call), but went back Sunday. I looked cuter, felt better (aside from the blisters my cute boots inflicted), and really enjoyed Blessing Offor’s set—check out his song 'Brighter Days'.
Highlights & Surprises
Best Activity: Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Biggest Letdown: Stagecoach
Unexpected Delights:
The architecture! Palm Springs really leans into mid-century modern, and it’s gorgeous.
The farmers market—huge and amazing.
Driving was easy. Parking was easy. Everything was easy.
We did a couple of beautiful hikes, including one to an ancient palm oasis.
The Vibe
Everyone was just… happy. Strangers were friendly, people struck up conversations, and we even stumbled into a “Mrs. Roper” event (yes, from Three’s Company) where everyone was in red wigs and muumuus. When I worried we were crashing, they welcomed us in without hesitation.
Palm Springs hit the sweet spot for me: just the right amount of weird. People were themselves, the energy was relaxed, and aside from the festival crowd, nothing felt performative. It was interesting without being overwhelming—safe, but never boring.
I'm getting really behind! The month of May saw us to short stays in four different cities: Oceanside, Sacramento, Boston, and Nantucket. Updates to come!