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Palm Springs Gets a New Reason to Stay and Stay Awhile

07.29.26

Palm Springs' famed Palm Canyon Drive just got a stylish new anchor. Thompson Palm Springs, by Hyatt, has paired up with downtown newcomer Bar Issi to give visitors a fresh way to experience the desert: a secluded resort escape by day and a lively coastal Italian dining scene by night.

Perched above downtown with sweeping views of the San Jacinto Mountains, Thompson Palm Springs delivers the kind of desert calm that feels far from everything, even though it's right in the middle of it all. Guests will find lush, open-air walkways, two cabana-lined pools and firepit-warmed lounges made for slowing down. The resort's 168 rooms, including 18 suites, lean into midcentury modern design, and a $4 million art collection turns the property into something of a gallery you can sleep in.

For those craving a quieter corner, Upper Stories offers a "hotel within a hotel," with 42 adults-only rooms and five suites. Think Sonos speakers, a private pool and round-the-clock access to a stocked pantry of complimentary chilled drinks.

Dining is clearly a centerpiece here. Lola Rose Grand Mezze, led by Executive Chef Quentin Garcia, brings Mediterranean flavor to the resort, while The Perch keeps things breezy poolside with cocktails and all-day bites overlooking Palm Canyon Drive. HALL Tasting Room and Wine Lounge rounds out the resort's wine offerings. And when the resort needs a bigger stage, it has one: more than 20,000 square feet of event space across 11 venues for meetings and celebrations.

Then there's Bar Issi, the resort's standalone star. The 180-seat restaurant, designed by acclaimed firm Fettle, channels the Italian coast with bold colors, patterned fabrics and playful, statement-making seating. It's the kind of space that feels both nostalgic and brand new.

The menu matches the mood. Expect house-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas, fresh seafood and raw bar offerings, plus a soft serve dessert that's already earning a following. On the drink side, the L'Italiano Spritz and La Fresa Rosa lead a cocktail list inspired by long European lunches, backed by a wine list pulling from California and beyond. Weekly traditions, including Martini Mondays and a late-night Reverse Happy Hour, keep the energy going well past dinner.

Together, Thompson Palm Springs and Bar Issi capture where Palm Springs travel and dining are headed: relaxed, design-forward and worth lingering over.

414 North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs.

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Winter Fest OC Kicks Off Christmas in July Sale

07.24.26

Summer just got a little more festive. Winter Fest OC, Southern California's largest winter festival, is bringing back its Christmas in July ticket promotion, giving guests a chance to lock in the season's lowest prices starting today through August 5th. 

Now heading into its 12th year, Winter Fest OC will once again turn the OC Fair & Event Center into a winter wonderland from Nov. 27, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027. Expect all the holiday charm that's made this a local tradition: real snow, sparkling lights, ice skating under the stars and a visit or two with Santa himself.

The Classics Are Back

Guests can look forward to the festival favorites that keep families coming back year after year, including:

An all-new Holiday Light Trail and other surprises are set to be announced in the coming weeks.

What's New This Year

This season brings a redesigned ticket lineup built around flexibility and value. All passes are now "Flex," meaning guests can buy ahead and choose their visit date later. Options include Value Flex, good for off-peak days, and Anytime Flex, valid any day of the season.

Pass options include:

Snow Pass, starting at $19.99, with general admission and access to signature attractions

Winter Pass, the best value pick starting at $34.99, adding unlimited ice skating and the Bounce Pass experience with Polar Putt-Putt

Platinum Pass, starting at $89.99, which layers in an unlimited carnival ride wristband, Snowflake Summit Fast Pass access and entry to a new VIP Holiday Lounge with hot cocoa, s'mores kits and a dedicated bar (carnival games sold separately; height and safety restrictions apply)

For those wanting an extra-cozy touch, Private Holiday Igloos are back too, offering a warm gathering spot with VIP Lounge access and complimentary s'mores kits (separate festival admission required).

The Christmas in July sale is the best window to grab tickets before prices climb in future sales phases ahead of opening day. Tickets go live today through August 5th. For full pricing and package details, head to WinterFestOC.com.

Image courtesy Winter Fest OC

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