Mornings come early for us in Palm Springs. Awaking in the dark has its rewards.

Our outing and abouting began at 8 AM at the Vintage Market. This is a cool boutique flea market with 150+ vendors. "It features Mid Century Modern, Native American, Retro Cool, and antiques of every era. Furniture, art, apparel, jewelry and objects to spark your curiosity! The First Sunday of every month, October through May. They also celebrate Modernism Week with the rest of Palm Springs by having a bonus market!"
And what a bonus!
Everyone who knows me knows that I stalk this man, Josh Agle... The artist also known as SHAG. When I chased him through the market, I waited until he was done with his purchase and then said to him, "You may not know it but you and I have a traditional of having our photo taken together at this market." He was sweet enough to agree, as is the tradition!



And what was my found treasure? I won't show you the outfit but I will show you its label. I had no idea that Sears had a line called Hawaiian Fashions. Prominent in the 1960s and 1970s, it represented a significant, high-quality, and affordable entry of Hawaiian-style garments into the mainstream market. These pieces often featured classic rayon or cotton prints designed for a "casual look" that surged with the 1970's aloha boomlet. The line was often produced by or in collaboration with local Hawaiian manufacturers. With this line, Sears played a massive role in bringing Hawaiian fashion to the masses. Who knew?! I am beyond excited for the summer weather to return.
Next we had a groovy visit to the Modernism Week Featured Home Tour: The Marquee at Twin Palms. Here we were able to tour a stunning 50s home in the Twin Palms neighborhood beautifully reimagined by H3K Home + Design.

The Marquee is considered a luminous showcase of midcentury Modern design in one of Palm Springs’ most celebrated neighborhoods. Built in 1957, this architectural gem embodies the era’s signature post-and-beam style, where soaring ceilings and walls of glass invite sunlight, mountain views, and effortless flow.


Outdoors, the scene is pure desert leisure: a sparkling pool, relaxing spa, and chic cabana invite guests to linger poolside from sunrise to starlight.
Julie is standing with Howard of H3K, the design wizard that makes every home truly magical. What fun.

And how about this perfect Little Free Library? Its librarian is resident Laura Miller, who is on the board of the Friends of the Palm Springs Library. The structure was incorporated as a credit project for College of the Desert's Department of Architecture and Environmental Design and Armistead High School in the Desert Sands Unified District students. A total of 12 students, under the supervision of COD's construction management program, worked on the project in spring of 2024. I love that!
For over an hour we were mesmerized by Barkev Msrlyan from Merch Motel who took us for a photographic ride covering 100 Years of Route 66: California’s Midcentury Icons. We had the pleasure of attending Barkev's presentation last year and he did not disappoint. His enthusiasm is addictive. Wow.
I thought I'd let you look at our Route 66 trip as we visited many of the same sites Barkev did. I am so ready to get my kicks on Route 66 again!
Our last ticketed event, for the day, was touring The Last of the Alexanders: Tahquitz Creek Golf Neighborhood. "Step inside six homes in the Tahquitz Creek Golf Neighborhood, a hidden enclave where iconic Alexanders and other midcentury residences capture Palm Springs’ lifestyle, architecture, and views.
The neighborhood’s story begins in the early 1960s, when Westview Development Corporation created “Fairway Estates.” Architect William M. Bray designed 350 residences, marketed as custom homes for gracious Palm Springs living. With playful model names like the Fairway, Golfer and Vacationer, they offered spacious layouts and unobstructed views of the championship golf course.
In 1964, George and Robert Alexander partnered with architect Donald Wexler to create “Green Fairway Estates.” Wexler’s bold designs—featuring butterfly roofs, breezeways and sleek indoor-outdoor plans—embodied the carefree spirit of desert modernism. The community wrapped around a resort golf course designed by Lawrence Hughes, the visionary behind Thunderbird Country Club in Rancho Mirage.
Although the Alexanders’ work was cut short by their tragic deaths in 1965, the 35 homes they completed here are celebrated as The Last of the Alexanders. This year’s tour highlighted a mix of Wexler-designed Alexanders and other distinctive residences, together telling the layered story of this unique neighborhood. With sweeping mountain and fairway views, it was a rare opportunity to step inside the lifestyle, design and history that continue to define Palm Springs’ Modernist legacy. This was one of our most anticipated home tours.


Even the mailboxes matched. How cute is this?
































I love this description, "Palm Springs was the holiday destination du jour where the Jetsons met Barbarella beneath a row of palm trees..." After all we witnessed today, I'd say that's a pretty accurate description.
After walking 11,000 steps in the 1960s we chose to dine at the very now Lulu's.

And if we hadn't walked enough, there is nothing quite like strolling Palm Desert Blvd with all its illumination and humanity. It's pretty special to see the historical significance of a building, shining on its façade. The historical plaque of The Town & Country Center reads, "Architects: A. Quincy Jones & Paul R. Williams with Donald Wexler, Richard Harrison, Albert Frey & John Porter Clark. Constructed between 1946 and 1955. Desert Modern / International Style Modern. Behind the Center's austere Palm Canyon façade is a fascinating amalgam of buildings from the 1920s through the 1950s, that tells the story of Palm Springs' rapid ascent from small desert village to sophisticated world-renowned resort. Shops and apartments were oriented around the courtyard, a modern interpretation of a traditional Spanish hacienda, with sheltered paseos connecting to the streets. Designated Class 1 Historic Site # 51"