Zoe and I try to get together annually. Our requirements for this connection is simple – we need a cute place to stay, in a fun area we can explore, with at least one exceptional coffee shop to work from.
This year we went to Joshua Tree and let me just say it checks all the boxes.
In early November 2023 I flew out to LAX. Zoe and I couldn’t resist meeting in Culver City so we could grab lunch, shop Trader Joe’s for some snacks and wine for the airbnb, but, most importantly, pop into my favorite bookshop ever, The Ripped Bodice. It didn’t disappoint. I love this space because it’s the perfect balance of lots of romance novels of every sub-genre, cute vibes, and full little gifts. If you’re in LA, don’t miss this spot!
After that we hit the road and unfortunately got a very hefty dose of the infamous LA traffic. So it took us much longer to get our airbnb in 29 Palms, just past Joshua Tree, but once we were there the relaxation immediately set into our bones.
On our first full day we made it our goal to find the perfect place to sit, sip coffee, visit, and work on our writing. We hit the absolute jackpot with Mas O Menos. It had everything we could want. The coffee was top notch which delightful pastries as well. They had a sweet little indoor space but the outdoor patio is really where it shined. As a Chicagoan I was absolutely living for all this warmth and sunshine.
We spent half the day there soaking up the desert air, typing away and getting thoroughly caffeinated. It was so chill and hang-out friendly. They also had a pop up there with food and in the evening, a band. We literally went there 3-4 times over the course of our long weekend. An absolute must go.
Outside of our time at Mas O Menos, we decided to check out Pioneertown. It was quite empty while we were there but definitely checks of the ‘quirky’ vibe the whole area is going for. We grabbed some tacos at Red Dog Saloon. They were tasty but the service was a little lackluster so it’s hard to recommend it. We bopped around the little shops but left quickly after overhearing a customer and worker exchanging jokes that were, and I quote, “The right kind of racist!” – major ick.
Thankfully our evening perked up when we headed for dinner at Grnd Sqrl. Despite the waitress being thorough unamused by my question on whether it was supposed to be “grand” or “ground” squirrel (it’s ground, fyi). The food was good and the place was absolutely popping. Cute little spot for sure with some very memorable loaded tator tots.
Day two had us getting up early to get some hiking in at Joshua Tree. We didn’t make an official sunrise hike but we hit the park with the super chilly desert night still clinging. This is the perfect little park to hit for a half day of hiking.
We pulled over for an easy photo op at Skull Rock and then took in a quick walk for the Hall of Horrors (admittedly, we didn’t quite see what we thought we were supposed to see) before doing the 1 mile loop of the Hidden Valley . This was an easy and lovely walk that was essentially completely empty early in the morning.
All in all we spent just a couple hours driving the circuit of Joshua Tree, stretching our legs and taking in the scenery. We then headed back into down and grabbed some hearty breakfast at Crossroads Cafe. Their potatoes? *chef’s kiss*
The rest of our trip was filled with bopping around a couple shops in the area (the Crochet museum is just a weird as you expect it to be), having girl dinner and facemasks, and enjoying the stars in our backyard – with a couple more stops at Mas O Menos for coffee.
All in all, this location was absolutely perfect for sure to slow down to enjoy some nature and each other’s company.
The Roaming Reader 