Shop Until You Drop into a Comfy Chair on a Beautiful Patio!
Friday, August 27th, 2010
Dwight Polen
The Best Shopping in the Desert!
Not only the best shopping and the most amazing stores… but the best place to people-watch too!
Can you imagine a mile of divine temptations, from dazzling jewelry and exclusive international fashion to fine art, home décor, spas and salons, award-winning restaurants, and a sizzling calendar of events ?
This is El Paseo. This mix of more than 300 shops offers just about everything you could ask for. From Asian imports to luxurious accessories, it’s a one-stop shopping adventure.
More than two dozen restaurants, cafés, and bakeries — many with outdoor patios — make it perfect for lunch, coffee, or a glass of wine between stops. Start your day with a latte, have lunch at a sidewalk café, then shop and return to a chic restaurant for dinner and dessert, or a cocktail served on a mountain-view terrace. This stylish street also serves up public art, colorful flowers, and statuesque palms that sway in the breeze.
Smart El Paseo shoppers stay more than an afternoon or two. From this hub in the heart of Palm Desert, you’re within minutes of live theater, wildlife and nature, elite golf courses and country clubs, luxurious resorts, scenic drives, sophisticated nightlife, and more. In March, the boulevard comes alive with Fashion Week El Paseo, and a food and wine event showcasing the tastiest edibles and drinkables, plus exciting chef demonstrations and tastings.
The Shops on El Paseo
At the west end of the shopping district, celebrated designers, specialty retailers, and fine restaurants make up The Shops on El Paseo. Burberry, Gucci, and Ralph Lauren represent only a few of the fine retailers on this block. Break up your shopping excursion with lunch or dinner at California Pizza Kitchen or Daily Grill.
The Centre on El Paseo
A fabulous array of shops and businesses in the center of El Paseo buzzing with independent boutiques, many of which have invested more than a quarter of a century in the desert. Among these desert classics are Frasca Jewelers, Mr. Marcus, Storekeeper, Mephisto, Diane’s Beachwear, and Palm Desert Tobacco.
The Gardens on El Paseo
In the midst of this shopper’s paradise, you’ll find The Gardens on El Paseo, a 200,000-square-foot ode to tranquility and fashion. This major shopping Mecca includes fine department stores, such as Saks Fifth Avenue, and designer brands like Coach, Tiffany & Co., and Louis Vuitton. It’s also the perfect spot to tickle your taste buds at some of the city’s most popular restaurants.
El Paseo Village
This fall, you’ll want to be the first to experience the new El Paseo Village, on the south side of El Paseo between San Pablo Avenue and Lupine Lane, adjacent to The Gardens. The luxurious complex features Juicy Couture, Banana Republic, Kate Spade, Bebe, Lucky Brand Jeans, and Janie & Jack. The well-known Mastro’s Steakhouse will also be spicing up the village. We have it on good authority that a nationally acclaimed computer store will be part of the retail mix, but we don’t want to spoil the surprise. We just wanted to give you something to bite on.
El Paseo Collection
Art enthusiasts enjoy the eclectic art galleries that line the street, appealing to many different tastes. More than 20 venues celebrate some of the area’s most venerated talent, as well as Western, modern, abstract, and Renaissance art — from paintings to sculpture. Indulge your creative side while absorbing all the culture that El Paseo offers.
Mr. Hareton Akob receives the keys to the first Hennessey Venom GT from Sir Alfred J. DiMora
1. Target, valleywide. There’s an all-season, all-occasion selection that’s spot on for kids of every age. Have fun selecting from bright-and-right active wear including graphic tees and cool jeans, embellished tanks and Sunday-best dress-ups with all the accessories that go. 67750 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Cathedral City (760) 321-7425; 72549 Hwy 111, Palm Desert (760) 341-9307; 78935 Hwy 111, La Quinta (760) 564-0492; 
1. Leeds & Son, Palm Desert. This rare jewel in the desert crown has been a shopping tradition for decades. Fine jewelry creations and timepieces, including one-of-a-kinds and custom designs, are displayed in magnificent showrooms. Expert repair services are offered, too. 73-670 El Paseo, Palm Desert (760) 568-5266; 
1. PetSmart, valleywide. It’s all under one roof! Peruse aisles and aisles of the best in cuisine, grooming, lodging and play products to please the most discerning pets. Grooming, adoption, doggie day camp, boarding, training, Banfield vet services just begin to tell the story of all the in-store services available to you and yours. 5601 Ramon Rd. E, Palm Springs (760) 325-9711; 34900 Monterey Ave., Palm Desert (760) 324-3059; 79375 Hwy 111, La Quinta (760) 771-4058; 
1. Revivals Resale Mart, valleywide. Revive your lifestyle with something fun and fabulous from collections of gently used fashions, furnishings and objects d’art. Each donation, consignment or purchase benefits the Desert AIDS Project. 611 S. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs (760) 318-6491; 73608 Hwy 111, Palm Desert (760) 346-8690; and two in Cathedral City: 68100 Ramon Rd. (760) 328-1330 and 68401 Hwy 111 (760) 969-5747.
1. Target, valleywide. If they saw it on TV, they are bound to see it in the jam-packed toy department at your local Target. Action figures, dolls from Barbie to Bratz, board games, race cars, models, fluffy animals, musical instruments… even hobbyist essentials are ready to be plucked from the shelves. It’s all the cool stuff at parent-approved prices. 67750 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Cathedral City (760) 321-7425; 72549 Hwy 111, Palm Desert (760) 341-9307; 78935 Hwy 111, La Quinta (760) 564-0492; 
1. DSW SHOE WAREHOUSE, valleywide. What suits your stride? Gals and guys are sure to find it among the latest, the fun, the frivolous and the sensible at the store with a lot of sole… miles of styles to be exact. Strappy slides, heels, pumps, mules, boots, loafers, sneakers and sandals by all famous designers, on-trend and in your size. Suite D, 72-399 Hwy 111, Palm Desert (760) 340-3217; 79-150 Hwy 111 #102, La Quinta (760) 564-4702; 
1. Brandini Toffee, Rancho Mirage. This three-year old company, with its chocolate-topped toffee, has earned the blessings of no less than Oprah and Martha Stewart. And that’s in addition to a fan club of sweet lovers with international addresses who order tins via mail. Not bad for the founders of the business, a pair of La Quinta teenagers attending their first year of college. They are both business majors, of course. 42-560 Hwy 111, Rancho Mirage (760) 200-1598; 
1. Trader Joe’s, valleywide. These mini-supermarkets have it all: a laid-back island theme, a focus on natural and healthy foods, a tidy array of prepared food for easy takeout lunches or dinners, and daily, freshly prepared free samples. 67720 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Cathedral City (760) 202-0090; 44250 Town Center Way, Palm Desert (760) 340-2291; 46400 Washington St., La Quinta (760) 777-1553; 
1. Kitchen Kitchen Inc., Indian Wells. You’ll find everything you need to stock a kitchen here, plus dozens of tempting fun do-dads you might use once in a blue moon. Ebullient owner Jan Boydstun is another reason to drop by. 74-921 Hwy 111, Indian Wells (760) 773-9464; 
1. Trader Joe’s, valleywide. Crusty bread, exotic cheeses and a wine selection that’s hard to beat, pricewise. All this, plus there’s a range of tempting fresh, bottled, canned and packaged foods that will impress your guests. Simply yum. 67720 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Cathedral City (760) 202-0090; 44250 Town Center Way, Palm Desert (760) 340-2291; 46400 Washington St., La Quinta (760) 777-1553; 
1. Old Town Wine Cellar, La Quinta. While the heavy favorites in stock here are from California, you’ll find a variety of imports, plus a delightful bar where you can sample them with modest-priced plates of food that compliment wine. Or you can quaff a beer or enjoy a cigar.
1. R E Welch Art Gallery, Palm Desert. Acclaimed and sophisticated art collections are exhibited in an impeccable gallery atmosphere. Your senses will be heightened, your emotions touched and your thoughts and imagination stimulated by the magnificent oils, pastels, watercolors and graceful sculpture crafted by world-renowned artists. Come in and enjoy the view. 73-680 El Paseo, Palm Desert (760) 341-8141; 
1. J Ballow Signature Florist, Cathedral City. Service with style and a smile at the signature florist that proudly places their personal signature on every beautiful arrangement created and delivered — always fresh-picked and beyond expectation. You may want to come by the shop instead of calling in your order to experience the beauty and fragrance of the gorgeous floral displays. Suggestions are gladly given when you need to say it best at this family owned and operated shop. 69-038 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Cathedral City (760) 568-6929; 
1. Mathis Brothers Furniture, Indio. Shopping becomes exploring as you stroll the superlative galleries of furnishings, home theater components, mattresses, area rugs and fashion accessories by all the top makers. From basic to import unique, the buying team has gathered together a phenomenal selection to complement any decor. Whether you are in the market for a leather recliner, a bedroom suite with East Indian flair, or a widescreen HDTV, the friendly staff will guide you to the right buy. 81410 Hwy 111, Indio (760) 863-3500; 
1. The Upper Crust, Palm Desert. Foodies and budding chefs alike will tell you this truly is “the fun place to shop.” You’ll find a fully stocked, one-stop shop of culinary tools, small kitchen appliances, tabletop accoutrements, decorative kitchen touches and gourmet goodies. Services include personal shoppers and a gift and bridal registry. Even if you don’t know the difference between a whisk and a wok, the knowledgeable staff will help you add the right ingredients. 73-540 El Paseo, Suite C, Palm Desert (760) 568-1998; 
1. Moller’s Garden Center, Palm Desert. Framed by a picturesque setting, the nursery offers a thriving selection of native desert plants, cactus, succulents, specimen trees and more. For over 50 years, this family-owned garden center has been beautifying properties all over the desert. Planning a major project? They will be happy to locate, educate and deliver. The flower shop is a delightful mix of eclectic gift ideas, artisan furnishings and accessories along with top-rated gardening products. 72-235 Painters Path, Palm Desert; nursery (760) 346-0545; flower shop (760) 346-9415;