As the first year of the pandemic drove record numbers of people out of cities and in desert communities in Southern Californiathe momentum has not slowed with the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions.
Even more attention may be given to the region when the new Apple TV+ series “High Desert” hits a long-awaited launch date. Filmed in Yucca Valley, the show is produced by Ben Stiller and stars Patricia Arquette as a former drug addict who decides to become a private detective. The comedy series was shot in and around the community, using locals as extras, and the costume designer hit several spots for the clothes, including Kime Buzzelli’s fantastic vintage emporium, The End.
The end
55872 Twentynine Palms Highway, Yucca Valley, theendyuccavalley.com
Mojave Flea Trading Post
55727 Twentynine Palms Highway, Yucca Valley, shoptradingpost.com
Also on the shopping front, the Mojave Flea Market trading post in Palm Springs has expanded to a second location in the Yucca Valley near Joshua Tree and sells Pioneertown merchandise alongside local treasures from All Roads. , vintage western-style clothing from Lust and Fond, worry stones from Mojave Moon Apothecary and more. Pick up a free copy of owner James Morelos’ Makers Guide for other places to visit.
The bungalows
59700 Twentynine Palms Highway, Joshua Tree, Retreat-homesteadmodern.com
While the high desert now has hundreds of Airbnbs, there are fewer hotels to choose from. A new option is The Bungalows, a hotel project from Homestead Modern, the luxury home rental management company.
The Bungalows are 14 newly restored mid-century modern suites located at the Joshua Tree Retreat Center, which has the dual mission of promoting wellness through yoga, meditation, and other self-actualizing practices, as well as preserve the architecture, including its large collection of buildings. by Lloyd Wright Jr. (Frank Lloyd Wright’s son).
The bungalows are converted apartments that are housed in beautiful post-and-beam cinder block buildings originally designed by modern Pasadena architect Harold Zook in 1960 and recently renovated by Brad Dunning. Bedrooms and studios have floor-to-ceiling windows that bring the desert landscape inside, and they’re furnished in mid-century style, with modern conveniences like updated kitchens and bathrooms, and up-to-date kitchens and bathrooms. Malin & Goetz products.
In a nod to Zook’s work with architect Albert Frey, ‘encelia yellow’ was chosen as the accent color throughout the spaces, notable as it was one of Frey’s signature colors for his projects in the desert. Each room has its own outdoor terrace with native plants.
The 140-acre retreat center is awesome, with grounds full of wormholes and artwork to explore, the on-site Food for Thought vegetarian cafe, and a gift shop full of spiritual literature.
“He’s more of the occasional Joshua Tree visitor. We don’t get week-long stays; we welcome people who are looking for more traditional hospitality,” says Robert Brada, owner of Homestead Modern. Rooms start at $250. The entrance to Joshua Tree National Park is just 1 mile away, and Yucca Valley and Pioneertown are 9 miles away.
The copper room
57360 Aviation Drive, Yucca Valley, thecopperroom1957.com
Speaking of Pioneertown, hotel brothers Matt and Mike French, who were responsible for reviving the Pioneertown Motel and Red Dog Saloon originally built by Gene Autry and Roy Rogers, have just opened their new desert hideaway, The Copper Room.
They restored the historic Yucca Valley Airport Bar, originally opened in 1957. In its Rat Pack heyday, high rollers would arrive for dinner and drinks in their Cessnas and Pipers, phoning ahead to order martinis and steaks from the air, as the story goes.
When it was known as Red Baron Steakhouse in the 70s, Gram Parsons frequented the bar, sipping margaritas with friends.
Etienne Paul
“After digging through historical records, we quickly learned that The Copper Room was truly a hidden gem worthy of restoration,” says Mike French. “The legendary musicians who pass through its doors juxtaposed with aviation history and proximity to the airport make it a one-of-a-kind destination. The Copper Room fits perfectly with our two other projects in Pioneertown – the Red Dog Saloon and the Pioneertown Motel. These three venues are in a category of their own as historic venues with deep entertainment ties currently operating under their original names, ethos and vibe.
Guests enter through a custom patchwork copper door made by local artisan Robert Dougherty of All Roads Studio. The main dining room has runway and sunset views, and the celebration room has red booths and a linoleum dance floor. And, of course, there’s a picture of Parsons above the bar.
The brothers teamed up with Adam Weisblatt, Holly Fox and chef Ari Kolender of East Hollywood’s Found Oyster on the menu, which includes salads, sandwiches, a “Gram-arita” and plenty of martini options.
Admiration Bar
56193 Twentynine Palms Highway, Yucca Valley, awe-bar.com
Another new watering hole in Yucca Valley is AWE Bar, which has a bar, patio and live music, and serves great burgers, Korean fried chicken sandwiches, cabbage tacos -flower and mushroom and more.
Owner Clark Fyans attracts local and national bands, including Whitey Morgan and James McMurty, with his upgraded concert hall, which has a wave-like ceiling for great sound. Wooden seats removed from the Hollywood Bowl during an earlier renovation have been added as light fixtures in the bar, reinforcing the new closeness between Los Angeles and its high desert neighbours.
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