The oh so mysterious yet famous small town of Joshua Tree has been calling my name for years. When faced with the decision as to where to spend my late significant others one year anniversary I immediately chose the desert. The bright night sky welcomed me and my closest loved ones for an amazing weekend of reflection, laughter, and memories that will last a lifetime.
The first night of our desert voyage was nothing short of an adventure. As we waited for one of my best girlfriends to arrive I enjoyed a cold cocktail on the back porch of our stunning Airbnb rental. The peace and quiet welcomed my emotional heart with open arms. Amanda arrived a little before 9pm, which was cutting it close for dinner in a town that closes up quite early. Pappy and Harriet’s Saloon, a local Joshua Tree staple, to the rescue. As we sat down for a delicious dinner we began hearing the most out of this world duo. Two women started strumming their guitars and singing not so dinner friendly lyrics. This turned out to be just what I needed; a good laugh, a little shock, and a smooth glass of red wine. What we thought was going to be a chill dinner turned in to one of the most fun nights of my life. Life's little way of teaching me (again) that the unexpected can bring pure happiness and joy. Birdcloud put on a jaw dropping performance, and that’s no exaggeration. As the two girls sang dirtier lyrics than the most ‘mature audience’ rap albums I laughed and let loose with two of the most important people in my life.
As the sun came up Friday morning we were ready for breakfast at Crossroads Cafe, vintage shopping, and a top down cruise. It just so happened that the Babes Ride Out motorcycle rally was also in Joshua Tree for the weekend. These women were the epitome of badass. Babes Ride Out is much more than a motorcycle camp out; it’s a community where women come together to share their love for the open road. These women took our breaths away with their moto inspired fashion, and showed us that women can successfully come together to share in all sorts of common interests. It began to dawn on me that Joshua Tree truly is a magical place that brings people together. It has a very creative centric heartbeat that invites its visitors, no matter what their interests are, with the friendliest of open arms.
The vintage shops did not disappoint. Each antique store welcomed us with cases of turquoise jewels that could warm any squash blossom lovers heart. Hoof & the Horn, Funky and Darn Near New, Pioneer Crossing Antiques, and JT’s Trading Post were a few of our favorites. After a long day of vintage shopping we closed out the evening with a repeat Pappy & Harriet’s dinner but without the ‘lovely’ sounds Birdcloud in the background. We left the saloon and looked up to a sky that deserved a moment of silence. The sky looked as if it was going to wrap a blanket of stars around us. As I gazed up at the shooting stars I felt like heaven was putting it’s arms around me and saying, “You’re just where you need to be.” It was a wonderful closing moment for the much dreaded and anticipated day of October 21st.
Our small crew woke up Saturday morning and gained two more friends. We enjoyed a cup of morning coffee on the porch and then loaded up for our first desert brunch. As we wove our way down a desert highway, a cute little black and white building with a group of people congregating out front appeared out of no where. We had found it! La Copine welcomed our crew, including a little yorkie that’s tongue is permanently sticking out, with the best golden milk turmeric tea a human could imagine. The Royal Crumpet, Ora King Salmon Tartine, and the Wild & Free salad won us over so much that we also enjoyed Sunday brunch there as well! After brunch we headed back to the house to enjoy the views, have a cold beer, make a fancy cheese plate and start the fire for s’mores. Saturday night was to be a night at home with a homemade Indian dinner in honor of my late Taj. My friends held my heart in their hands on this calm Saturday night with stories around the fire and an amazing toast to the man that had brought us all together for this desert celebration. I feel as though every moment of our desert trip was strategically planned from above. The weekend had been more than I could have prayed for.
Sunday was just the icing on the cake. We enjoyed our second La Copine brunch and then headed out to the Joshua Tree National Park. The park is absolutely breath taking. The trees and rock formations transplant you to some place other than earth. There is no way to put the beauty in to words and that’s why I’ve tried to attach enough photos to entice you to plan your own desert voyage. Grab your closest friends, the ones that truly sing to your heart, rent an Airbnb or camp, pack your coolest vintage gear and head out to the desert. You won’t regret one single second of it and that’s a promise. Your trip probably won’t look anything like mine but that’s the best part. The desert holds something special for each and every visitor.
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Gina Bolanos
January 17, 2017
Thank you for sharing such a beautiful and intimate experience – sending you love and positive vibes on your journey.