🌵 Welcome to the Desert

Welcome to Desert Dispatch — your inside look at life in Palm Springs. Whether you live here full-time, part-time, or just love to visit, this newsletter is for you. We’ll keep you in the loop on what’s happening around town — from local events and new spots to community stories and hidden gems — all with that laid-back desert spirit you know and love.  Desert Dispatch is  the official newsletter of ORINN, your lifestyle brand born at Old Ranch Inn.

🗞️ Palm Springs Now

🚡 Tourism & Recreation

• Canadian Tourism Declines Amid Diplomatic Tensions
  Palm Springs launches a campaign to welcome Canadian visitors back, as recent political strains have led to a noticeable drop in tourism from the north. SFGATE+1The Guardian+1

• Aerial Tramway Summer Passes Now Available
  Unlimited rides from May 1 through August 31 are on sale, offering a cool escape to the San Jacinto Mountains during the hot summer months. NBC Palm Springs - Connect the Valley+1Tour 2026 Info+1

• City Council debates short-term rental caps in key neighborhoods

🏗️ Development & Infrastructure

• Plaza Theatre Renovation Moves Forward
  The city settled a legal dispute with Grit Development, paying nearly $1 million to secure patio access for the historic theater’s restoration. Reopening is slated for December. KESQ+3The Palm Springs Post+3KESQ+3

• South Palm Canyon Drive Construction Begins
  Major roadwork starts May 5, including bridge demolition and long-term lane closures. Expect delays and reduced speed limits through early 2026. KESQ

🎭 Arts & Culture

• Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus Named Resident Artists
  The Plaza Theatre announced the chorus as its inaugural resident artists, highlighting the city’s commitment to LGBTQIA+ representation in the arts. Palm Springs Tribune

•  Desert X 2025
  Final days to experience this outdoor art exhibition with mind-bending installations across the valley.
  🗓 Through May 11
  🌐 More info

•  Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival
  A must-attend for cinephiles — restored classics and deep-dive discussions.
  🗓 May 8–11
  📍 Palm Springs Cultural Center
  🌐 More info

• Joshua Tree Music Festival
  A four-day celebration of music, art, and community in the Mojave Desert.
  🗓 May 15–18
  📍 Joshua Tree Lake Campground
  🌐 More info

💻 Book Direct & Save

Planning your next getaway or looking for a room for a friend or family member? The best way to book a stay at Old Ranch Inn is directly through the website. Not only does it guarantee the lowest available rate, but it also gives you access to our Private Rate — a special offer just for our inner circle (that’s you).

No extra fees. Just better deals, more flexibility, and a direct connection to our team who knows how to make your stay extra special.

👉 Book now at oldranchinn.com and select “Private Rate” at checkout to unlock the savings.

🎨 Featured Guest Artist: Christine Sharp

“Each brushstroke captures not just what Christine sees — but how the desert feels.”/

Repeat guest and artist Christine Sharp returned to Palm Springs and spent her days painting poolside. These paintings capture more than architecture — they reflects the light, texture, and calm of the desert.

Christine transitioned from a decorated journalism career (Peabody Award, NY Film Festival Gold) to full-time painting. Her work explores stillness and color with warmth and honesty.

→ Follow Christine on Instagram
→ Explore her full portfolio

🌮 Local Spotlight: El Patio

Family-owned and full of flavor, El Patio is one of Palm Springs’ best-kept secrets. Hidden just off Palm Canyon, this casual Mexican spot serves house-made carnitas, shrimp fajitas, and the best mole we’ve tasted.

String lights, strong margaritas, and that perfect desert breeze.
📍 139 E Andreas Rd

🎧 Playlist of the Month: “Poolside Stillness”

A sun-warmed soundtrack for bare feet, quiet thoughts, and iced drinks by the water.

• Khruangbin – “Friday Morning”

• Men I Trust – “Show Me How”

• Mild High Club – “Windowpane”

• Jerry Paper – “Your Cocoon”

• Sade – “Love Is Stronger Than Pride”

• Poolside – “Feel Alright”

• Sylvan Esso – “Slack Jaw”

• Washed Out – “Feel It All Around”
  
  → Listen on Spotify

🛍️ Markets & Community

Palm Springs VillageFest
Weekly street fair with food, art, and everything in between.
🗓 Thursdays, 6–10 PM
📍 Palm Canyon Drive
🌐 More Info

Certified Farmers Market
Fresh produce, handmade goods, and great coffee.
🗓 Saturdays (PS), Fridays (Rancho Mirage)
🌐 More info

🇨🇦 From Palm Springs, With Love 🇨🇦

To Our Canadian Friends: Things feel a little uncertain right now, but Palm Springs still has a big heart for Canada. You’ve helped shape this city into the welcoming, creative, joyfully weird place it is.

So just know:
Palm Springs loves Canada. Old Ranch Inn loves Canada.
And when you’re ready, we’re here — saving your spot in the sun.

✍️ From the Dreamers

We created Desert Dispatch and ORINN because we believe in desert life — not just the landscape, but the pace, the people, and the small moments that make this place special.

At Old Ranch Inn, we’ve welcomed creatives, entrepreneurs, and wanderers looking for space to breathe. This newsletter is our way of sharing that feeling with you — whether you live in Palm Springs, visit often, or are just dreaming of your next trip.

Desert Dispatch isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about what happens in between: the second glass of wine, the nap after a swim, the idea that comes when you put your phone down.

Thanks for reading — and for supporting this little desert project.
If you enjoyed this issue, share it with a friend, follow us on Instagram @oldranchinn, or better yet, come stay awhile. We’d love to welcome you.

See you next month.

— Jason and Troy
Innkeepers | Founders | Dreamers

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