Discover Authentic Local Creations: Made in Greater Palm Springs
Greater Palm Springs brims with authenticity and creativity, from exceptional brews and sweets to unique art found nowhere else. The region's stunning beauty, serene ambiance, and vibrant energy inspire true innovation. Explore some of the standout local creations in this desert oasis.
KOFFI
Nothing beats a perfectly brewed cup of coffee to energize your day or night. Koffi’s locally roasted beans ensure exceptional quality every time. John Abner and John Strohm launched the first Koffi in Palm Springs in 2002, creating a beloved coffee haven. A second location opened in South Palm Springs in 2008, followed by the third with an on-site roasting room in 2013. As the Coachella Valley’s only specialty coffee retailer with its own roastery, Koffi offers an outstanding menu of pastries, bagels, sandwiches, and specialty foods. All three cafés serve breakfast, lunch, and snacks—ideal for relaxing.
BRANDINI TOFFEE
Brandon Weimer’s childhood passion for candy making paid off in 2006 when he and friend Leah Post sold his gourmet almond toffee to fund a class trip to Italy. Friends and family raved, drawing the Weimer and Post families into the business. Now a star on Martha Stewart, Food Network, and Oprah, Brandini Toffee delights all. Local school groups tour the kitchens, and the company donates 500 pounds annually to charities. Visit the Rancho Mirage Toffee Shop & Factory at 42250 Bob Hope Drive or the Palm Springs shop at 132 S. Palm Canyon Drive.
DESERT DISTILLING
Brothers Neil and John Lotz honed their distilling hobby since 2010, inspired by San Diego’s microbreweries. Starting in a basement with small-batch spirits, they launched Desert Distilling in the Coachella Valley. Their artisanal vodka is crafted from 100% U.S.-grown red wheat using local ingredients. The American-style gin delivers spicy, aromatic richness, while the white rum boasts cherry, banana, caramel, and butterscotch notes. Tours and tastings are available Fridays and Saturdays at the Palm Desert distillery; Sundays by appointment. www.desertdistilling.com
SHIELDS DATE GARDEN
In 1924, Floyd and Bess Shields founded Shields Date Garden in Indio, building their legacy while educating visitors about dates. Mr. Shields’ iconic lectures, featuring slideshows, live on in the continuous 15-minute film “Romance and Sex Life of the Date,” narrated by him. Surrounded by lush date palms, the shop offers tastings of varieties plus every date product imaginable. Enjoy an iconic date shake at the counter or savor date-infused specialties on the scenic patio restaurant.
