Field Notes: Joshua Tree

With the recent launch of our Plant Stand and Planter Collection earlier this spring, we headed to the beautiful Casa Joshua Tree in Joshua Tree for a photoshoot. Escaping the cityscape of LA, we were captivated with the desert scenery. We were inside for most of the day setting the scene for all of our shots, but we couldn’t help but notice the natural beauty Joshua Tree has to offer. That’s when we decided to wrap up and take it outside before the sun went down. The various textures and wildlife complemented the design and colors of not only the Plant Stand and Planter Collection, but also our Rug Collection from Mexico.

If you’ve been to the desert area, you understand. The Joshua Trees are incredible against the rocky, sandy landscape and colorful skies. Beach sunsets are glorified, but we decided these deserts sunsets are something else. Photos seem to hardly do the sunset colors justice! The colors change and fade into each other like a painting in the sky as the sun goes down. It is enough to reignite passions and infuse energy.

If you plan to make it out to Joshua Tree, here are a few recommendations we have for the area from our friend Lindsay, owner of Casa Joshua Tree.

TO STAY

Casa Joshua Tree. Of course! The house is a wonderful space making it easy to enjoy a cozy spot to retreat or gather with friends. You might even be able to spot a few Local + Lejos pieces in my humble abode.

Airbnbs. There are many other Airbnbs in the area that are comfortable, affordable, and offer what you might be looking for as far as aesthetic, space, and amenities. 

TO EAT

La Copine. Best food in the desert! Say hi to owners Claire & Nikki, and definitely get the beignets to share. My favorite is the Royal Crumpet! Vegan, Gluten Free and Vegetarian options available (veggie sausage is homemade and best I’ve ever had). 

Open Th-Sun 9am-3pm // 848 Old Woman Springs Rd Yucca Valley, CA // lacopinekitchen.com 

Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace. Known for excellent live music, Pappy’s is the rockin’est joint in the high desert. Reservations recommended for dinner on weekends, otherwise expect to wait (and enjoy the music and a drink!). Most nights cover is free but some events require tickets – check the website before you go. The food is great – delicious BBQ and some good Vegetarian options too! Get a margarita and keep an eye out for rock ‘n roll royalty. Everybody loves Pappy’s! 

Open Th-Sun 11:00 am – 2:00 am (kitchen closes at 9:30pm), Monday opens at 5pm for Dinner, Closed T/W // 53688 Pioneertown Road Pioneertown, CA // 760-365-5956 // pappyandharriets.com 

Crossroads. Traditional breakfast, lunch and dinner. Everything’s yummy, and they have excellent Vegan and Vegetarian options. Jalapeno cornbread is the best!

Open M-S 7am-9pm and Sun 7am-8pm // 61715 29 Palms Hwy, Joshua Tree, CA // (760) 366-5414 // crossroadscafejtree.com 

Pie For the People. Tasty New York Style Pizza! My fav is the Go Westo My Pesto! Eat-in, delivery, or call-ahead for pickup. Gets busy on the weekends, so call ahead!

Open 7 days, 11am till 9pm M/T/Sun and till 10pm W/Th/F/S. // (760) 366-0400 // 61740 29 Palms Hwy Unit B Joshua Tree, CA 92252 // pieforthepeople.com 

Natural Sister’s Cafe. Organic food, fresh juice and smoothies. Vegan, Vegetarian and Gluten Free options abound. Mojave Green is my fav smoothie!

Open 7 days 7am- 7pm // 61695 29 Palms Hwy Unit B Joshua Tree, CA // 760) 366-3600 

29 Palms Inn. A cute hotel with a tiny delicious poolside restaraunt. Jazz music on weekends. Casual dining with ne wines and a full bar.

Dinner daily till 9pm // 73950 Inn Ave, Twentynine Palms, CA // (760) 367-3505 

Joshua Hookah Lounge. The name is misleading – yes there’s a hookah lounge out back but this family owned spot serves up tasty Middle-eastern food. Good Vegetarian options.

57345 Twentynine Palms Highway, Yucca Valley, CA 92284 // (760) 820-1644 

Frontier. Coffeehouse with yummy sandwiches and baked goods. Super chill. Free wifi and lots of space. Menu changes weekly.

Open 7 days, 7am-7pm // 55844 29 Palms Highway, Yucca Valley, CA // (760) 820-1360 

Sam’s Pizza. And Indian food! I’ve never had pizza at Sam’s but I love the Indian Food! It’s a little strange but you can try a Tikka Pizza!

Open 7 days, 11am-9pm except Sun 3pm-8pm // 61380 29 Palms Hwy Set 13, Joshua Tree, CA // (760) 366-9511

THINGS TO DO

Pioneertown. A picturesque Old West town that used to be a movie set now houses shops, a motel, and Pappy & Harriet’s! The town is great for kids to explore. On weekends, there are often events and a petting zoo.

53688 Pioneertown Road, Pioneertown, CA 

Noah Purifoy Outdoor Museum. Strange and haunting junk sculptures dot the land of artist Noah Purifoy (1917-2004). Museum is donation-based, outdoors (limited shade) and best enjoyed at dusk. Wear sunscreen, bring water.

Open daily, self-serve (there’s no staff there) // 63030 Blair Lane, Joshua Tree, California // noahpurifoy.com 

Sky Valley Swap Meet. Flea market junk galore! Be sure to check out the Crystal Cave (weird but awesome) and the western store Dakota Bob’s.

Sat & Sun only, 7am-2pm // Early Bird gets the worm! // 7028 Theater Road, Yucca Valley, California 

Old Town Yucca Valley Shops. Frontier Cafe anchors a delightful strip of shops and antique stores at the corner of Pioneertown Road and Highway 62 (29 Palms Highway). Grab a coffee and browse. My favorites are Hoof & the Horn (next to Frontier), The End (you can’t miss the colorful eyeball mural), and Pioneertown Antiques. Head a little further down 62 in the car and you’ll see Tamma’s Magic Mercantile and Highway 62 Vintage Marketplace, both have excellent antiques. 

Joshua Tree Saloon. A divey joint that serves greasy bar food, beer karaoke on Weds and Fri nights, and open mic on Tuesdays.

61835 29 Palms Hwy., Joshua Tree, CA 

Joshua Tree Art Galleries & Shops. At 62 and Park Blvd., Joshua Tree has lots of delightful vintage shops and art galleries. Park anywhere and amble along. I love Bkb Ceramics, Moss & Ginger, and JTAG. Don’t miss the Art Queen complex which houses the world famous Crochet Museum. When crossing 62, be sure to use the crosswalk as the highway traffic is dangerous. 

The Integratron. Treat yourself to a sound bath at this mystical, acoustically perfect dome built by alien enthusiast George Von Tassel. Reservations are required, book early during high season.

integratron.com 

Instant Karma Yoga. Need some namaste? Instant Karma offers daily drop-in classes for a variety of levels and style. You can’t miss the YOGA marquee on Hwy 62.

schedule at instantkarmayoga.com 

Cactus Mart. Cactus lovers be warned, leave your wallet in the car. The Mart houses 2 greenhouses, an art gallery and gift shop, native plant area, lily pond, chickens and two cats (Butch & Sundance). It’s a fun trip for all ages and there’s lots to see, and the staff is extremely helpful. Martha sets up her Fry Bread Taco Stand on high season weekends! Yum!

Daily 8am-5pm except Sunday 9am-5pm // 49889 29 Palms Hwy (Hwy 62), Morongo Valley, CA