Just Smoke BBQ owner Jimmy Garduño shares what he loves about desert life, why he chose Texas-style barbecue, and which dishes locals love the most.
Amber Juarez
Ironman 70.3 La Quinta Returns With New Course
Athletes from around the world gather in the East Valley every December for Ironman 70.3 La Quinta, one of the final triathlon events of the year. “It creates a very unique situation,” says race director Ryan Jarrell, “whether athletes want to have really good form at the end of the year, or it’s their A race and they’ve been building all year towards this.”
What to Expect at the 2025 Indio International Tamale Festival
Tradition, family, and community are at the heart of the Indio International Tamale Festival, returning to Miles Avenue Park for its 33rd year. What began as a small gathering has grown into one of the Coachella Valley’s most beloved celebrations — a place where generations come together to share food, culture, and connection.
How to Go Apple-Picking at Los Rios Rancho in Oak Glen
Craving a seasonal adventure? A short drive from the desert leads to an apple-picking paradise. Roughly 40 miles northwest of Palm Springs in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains, Oak Glen is home to Southern California’s oldest and largest apple farm: Los Rios Rancho.
Indio BBQ Festival Celebrates 10 Years of Great Food
Follow the smoky aromas in downtown Indio to the 10th annual Indio BBQ Festival on Nov. 8, a community event filled with barbecue flavors and family-friendly activities. Taste your way through a wide range of barbecue vendors, each serving their signature dishes. Savor tender brisket, spicy ribs, pulled pork, and classic sides. Guests can sample bites from favorite local spots and discover new ones.
Joshua Treenial Brings Art Installations, Workshops, More to High Desert
“What new thinking can we incorporate that could continue the vision of inspiring people?” asks Bernard Leibov, co-founder of the Joshua Treenial. That question helped shape this year’s edition of the art event.
Why We Love Xanti’s Coffee for Matcha in Palm Desert
To say I am obsessed with matcha is an understatement — my Instagram explore page is filled with matcha recipes. So when my sister and I discovered Xanti’s Coffee at The Shops at Palm Desert, it was like we’d finally found El Dorado. One sip of their matcha, and we were hooked. Any time I visit Palm Desert with my mom and sister, we always make a stop at Xanti’s.
Foreigner Frontman Kelly Hansen Says Farewell to Band in Indio
If you ask Kelly Hansen his favorite Foreigner song to perform, he’ll say he’s not a “favorite” type of person. To him, calling one song the best would mean another is less important — and after leading the classic rock band for 20 years, he believes every track is worth savoring in its own way. “The songs are kind of like a very beautiful ripe bowl of fruit, and one day I might be in the mood for an apple, and one day I might be in the mood for an orange,” he says. “But all the fruit in this basket of songs are beautiful.”
CVRep Summer Cabaret Series Brings Broadway to Cathedral City
“What good is sitting alone in your room? Come hear the music play!” Liza Minnelli’s lyrics from Cabaret could easily be the theme song to Coachella Valley Repertory’s Summer Cabaret Series, which offers live performances weekly every Tuesday and Thursday.
How The Roost Lounge Became a Cathedral City Favorite
In our annual Best of the Best competition, The Roost Lounge was named best happy hour in Cathedral City by our readers. We spoke with owner Jeff McDonald to learn more about the bar.
Kate Hudson on Music, “Song Sung Blue,” and Life in Palm Desert
