RENAISSANCE IN INDIO PALM S[RINGS

Indo

The oldest city in Greater Palm Springs is experiencing an exciting transformation this summer. The City of Indio was incorporated in 1876 as a railroad town by the Southern Pacific Railroad and has evolved in recent years into a vibrant festival hotspot, attracting over a million visitors annually. This surge in popularity has prompted a renaissance of Downtown Indio, with new shops, restaurants, breweries, public art, and entertainment venues.

The Urban Donkey Collective of shops is a community-centered retail space focused on vintage apparel. Located at the historic Johnson Photo space, sellers include Cool Cat Threads, Return of the Goods as well as the local juice bar Forbidden Fruit. Rocks and Records offers a carefully curated selection of rare and classic vinyl records from a large variety of genres as well as vintage music accessories like speakers and turntables. The store also sells crystals and fossil rocks, hence the name.

New Dining in Downtown Indio includes Victoria's Café, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with popular diner favorites and Frosties, the cafe's signature frozen libations. Gabino's Creperie East serves savory crepes in flavors that include Carne Asada, Chicken Pesto, and Chopped Cheese. Distinctively Italian, the new speakeasy Italica, presents a menu, cocktails, and decor that have all been choreographed to deliver an immersive experience. All three restaurants are on Miles Ave.

Beer enthusiasts will appreciate the new offerings in Indio. Desert Beer Company Pizza and Pints will offer an easygoing selection of food options in addition to drinks at their new location at Indio Blvd and Smurr St, slated to open mid-2024. Around the corner on Miles Avenue is Indio Taphouse which opened in April featuring 120 brews and mouthwatering twists on pub classics.

Between the brew pubs is Center Stage, the City of Indio's new outdoor entertainment venue that was featured as the location for American Idol Season 22 winner Abi Carter's hometown performance in the season finale of the show. Little Street Music Hall, a block further down Miles, is an all-ages music venue featuring local acts and serving coffee. A colorful addition to the downtown culture is Happy Alley, with a canopy of colored umbrellas and vibrant murals on the alley's north and south side that crosses Miles between Towne and Oasis Street.

Food Truck Fridays take place weekly from 5 to 10 p.m. at the corner of Towne Street and Bliss Avenue in downtown Indio. Here, you can find a diverse range of local vendors who offer a variety of entertainment and family-friendly activities.
* Visit Greater Palm Springs