Hollywood, Palm Springs, and Vampires

Palm Springs, the desert playground of the Hollywood set since the Golden Age in the early to mid-20^th century, has a timeless appeal and in many ways seems trapped in a luxurious time warp. And the question is, why did I choose it to be a setting for my Vampire novels. Vampires don't typically do well in the desert, yes? True enough. But Palm Springs in many ways served as a counter culture to Hollywood. Houses were smaller, paparazzi and inhibitions were fewer. In many ways Palm Springs served as place where Hollywood royalty could be their more authentic selves. And it serves the same function in my books. So, let's take a look at Palm Springs.

The Golden Age of Hollywood Retreats

In the early to mid-20th century, Palm Springs became a coveted retreat for celebrities looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, and for many to live what they perceived as more authentic lives. Its close proximity to Hollywood, coupled with its serene desert landscape, made it the ideal getaway for stars seeking privacy and relaxation.

Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, and Elvis Presley all had homes in Palm Springs, each adding their own touch of glamour to the desert landscape. Sinatra's Twin Palms Estate, with its sleek lines and lavish poolside parties, epitomized the glitz and glamour of the era.

Architecture

Always near and dear to my heart is the past written in period architecture. Whether I am talking about sixteenth-century Tudor houses, eighteenth-century Prodigy Houses, or the Los Angeles Aroyo Set’s Spanish Colonials, I have to take a minute for architecture. One of the most enduring legacies of Palm Springs' Hollywood connection is its wealth of mid-century modern architecture. The clean lines, open floor plans, and seamless indoor-outdoor living spaces became synonymous with the California desert lifestyle. So synonymous, in fact, that new builds to this day still follow the same guidelines.

Architectural icons like the Kaufmann Desert House, designed by Richard Neutra, and the Frey House II (pictured below), created by Albert Frey, continue to attract design enthusiasts from around the world. These homes served as retreats for Hollywood's elite, offering them a stylish escape from the pressures of fame.

Hollywood Playground

Beyond its architectural allure, Palm Springs offers a playground for Hollywood's elite. The city's vibrant social scene, upscale restaurants, and world-class golf courses provide ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation.

The annual Palm Springs International Film Festival draws A-list celebrities and film enthusiasts alike, further cementing the city's status as a hub for Hollywood talent. Meanwhile, events like the Palm Springs International ShortFest and the Modernism Week celebration showcase the city's cultural richness and creative spirit.

A Timeless Appeal 

Despite the passage of time, Palm Springs' allure remains as strong as ever. Its timeless elegance, combined with its laid-back atmosphere, continues to attract visitors seeking a taste of old Hollywood glamour. And what about that Hollywood glamour? Let’s take a look at some of the Legends of Palm Springs

The Rat Pack: Masters of Cool

Led by the inimitable Frank Sinatra, the Rat Pack epitomized the essence of cool in the 1960s. Palm Springs served as their playground, where they escaped the pressures of Hollywood and reveled in the camaraderie of good friends and great entertainment. Sinatra's Twin Palms Estate became the epicenter of their escapades, hosting legendary parties that lasted well into the early hours of the morning (pictured below is one such night in Palm Springs circa. early 1960's). Dean Martin's infectious charm, Sammy Davis Jr.'s electrifying performances, and the Rat Pack's collective charisma turned Palm Springs into a haven of glitz, glamour, and unforgettable memories.

Marilyn Monroe: A Mega-Star in the Desert Sky

Few names evoke the timeless allure of old Hollywood like Marilyn Monroe. Palm Springs provided the blonde bombshell with a sanctuary away from the spotlight, where she could unwind and indulge in the simple pleasures of life. Monroe's presence in Palm Springs added a touch of mystique to the city's already legendary status, with sightings of the iconic starlet sparking excitement among locals and visitors alike. Whether lounging by the pool at the Riviera Palm Springs or dining at one of the city's exclusive restaurants, Marilyn Monroe left an indelible impression on Palm Springs and its collective imagination. Pictured below, Marilyn sits with her agent at the Palm Springs Raquet Club.

Elvis Presley: Rock 'n' Roll Royalty

In the 1960s, Elvis Presley found solace and inspiration in the tranquil surroundings of Palm Springs. Away from the glare of the spotlight, the King of Rock 'n' Roll embraced the laid-back vibe of the desert city, often retreating to his Palm Springs hideaway to recharge and relax. His love for Palm Springs was evident in his frequent visits to the area, where he could ride horses, play golf, and enjoy the company of friends and family in relative anonymity. Elvis may have been the King, but in Palm Springs, he was simply one of the locals, content to bask in the warmth of the desert sun. Pictured below is Elvis Presley's Honeymoon Hideaway, recently listed on the market for $5.65 Million. 

Liberace: The Showman Extraordinaire

With his flamboyant costumes and dazzling stage presence, Liberace was the epitome of showmanship. Palm Springs provided the perfect backdrop for his larger-than-life persona, with its opulent resorts and glamorous nightlife scene. Liberace's performances in Palm Springs were the stuff of legend, drawing crowds from far and wide who flocked to see the maestro of the piano in action. Offstage, Liberace embraced the relaxed atmosphere of Palm Springs, often seen cruising down Palm Canyon Drive in his extravagant Rolls-Royce or hosting lavish soirées at his palatial estate. In the desert oasis of Palm Springs, Liberace found a place where he could truly dazzle.

Conclusion

Palm Springs has always been a place where the stars come to shine, and few periods in its history exemplify this more than the heyday of the Rat Pack, Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, and Liberace. Together, they transformed Palm Springs into a playground of glamour, excitement, and unforgettable moments, leaving behind a legacy that continues to captivate and inspire to this day. Hell, it inspired me. The number of books I have on Palm Springs for research rivals the number of books I have on Los Angeles. As the sun sets over the San Jacinto Mountains, casting its golden glow upon the desert sands, one can't help but feel the magic of Palm Springs and the legendary figures who helped shape its storied past. It is a mystical place, a place for imagination, and a place I am growing rapidly to love through the lens of research.