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.:A Desert Lifestyle Article:.

A Day in the Life of a Discerning Shopper at Villagefest
By: Kate Dyer

Join Kate, our certified Discerning Shopper, as she uncovers another shopping gem in the sands of the Mojave Desert. 

Store/Event: Villagefest
Location: Palm Canyon Drive between Baristo and Amado Roads in Palm Springs, CA
Hours: Every Thursday Evening
June- September from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
October –May from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

I’ve found a great place to escape after a hard day at work or a long day with the kids: the Palm Springs street fair, Villagefest.  Recently, a group of girlfriends and I decided we needed just such a retreat, so we made arrangements for babysitter or daddy time and we were on our way.  With music blaring, voices chatting and laughter filling the air, we made the short drive down the hill to Palm Canyon Drive for shopping, dinner and best of all, girl time!

Even with the popularity of Villagefest we were able to find a great place to park on a small side road near the West Baristo Road end of the street fair. We jumped out of the car and were eager to embark on our evening of entertainment. We followed our noses toward the smell of fresh produce, spiced meats and sweet desserts.  As our feet strolled the pavement, we watched the sun sink behind Mt. San Jacinto and the colors of Palm Springs warm in the twilight.  People filled the lush flower lined streets browsing vendor booths and ducking into shops that stay open late on Thursdays (look for signs that say BOLT: Businesses Open Late Thursday). 

The Villagefest booths were set up on both sides of the street and we didn’t want to miss a thing.  There were booths with paintings, photography and pottery and others filled with clothing, dolls, clocks, plants and stained glass.  We were amazed at the rich assortment of items, but we really enjoyed the dog accessories, specialty soaps, fragrance candles and jewelry. 

My favorite booth showcased organic jewelry from Columbia and Peru.  The owner, Mr. Leonor, was so pleasant and offered additional information on his merchandise.  Every item on his table was made from plants, nuts, or pods that grow in the rainforest. There were sets for purchase which included both a necklace and earrings ($20) or individual items, such as earrings ($10) and bracelets ($15), for sale.  His pieces were each so unique and so reasonably priced!  As discerning as I am, I couldn’t resist the pair of dangling coconut earrings or the dangling red-pod pair.  Both sets of earrings would prove to be the perfect accessory to many of my outfits.

Another jewelry vendor we all loved had a more delicate style.  The owner and designer, Ms. Marie, uses stones, such as Chinese turquoise, and wraps them in silver or gold wire to make unique and beautiful pendants, earrings and rings.  Eager to share her artistic world, Ms. Marie also offers classes to learn how to make her jewelry.  The pieces for sale were in the price range of $20 to $50, which my friends and I deemed very reasonable for handmade jewelry.

When we were done shopping, our stomachs led us to the California Pizza Kitchen.  We were seated at a table on the patio with a great view.  While we enjoyed our dinner we watched as couples strolled by hand-in-hand, families gathered together and dogs were walked.  In that perfect desert evening we committed to return to Villagefest on a monthly basis.   When our tummies were sufficiently filled, we decided it was time to journey back to Twentynine Palms.  We walked to the car in the crisp night air with the stars shining bright and discussed how thankful we were for a girls’ night out.