{"id":76,"date":"2009-05-01T12:02:00","date_gmt":"2009-05-01T17:02:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/2009\/05\/film-food-golf-and-more-at-this-california-vacation-hot-spot\/"},"modified":"2017-04-20T14:03:20","modified_gmt":"2017-04-20T19:03:20","slug":"film-food-golf-and-more-at-this-california-vacation-hot-spot","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/2009\/05\/film-food-golf-and-more-at-this-california-vacation-hot-spot\/","title":{"rendered":"Film, food, golf and more at this California vacation hot spot"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"California<\/a> By Lena Katz<\/em><\/p>\n

Most parts of the country are just catching afirst glimpse of spring, but in the desert, it\u2019s in full and glorious bloom — which means if you need a quick dose of Vitamin C, the ideal weekend getaway is a golf\/spa or art\/food Southern California vacation<\/a><\/strong>. Here\u2019s 2009 news from the bustling town of Palm Springs and the more laid-back outlying regions of Palm Desert and Coachella Valley.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re a foodie who appreciates a meal deal, definitely book your California vacation for the first half of June: Palm Springs Restaurant Week<\/a><\/strong> kicks off May 31st and runs through June 19th. More than 100 participating restaurants in the desert cities will offer up three-course prix-fixe menus for either $24 or $36.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

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Foodies, also mark your calendar for Wednesdays, when the new Palm Desert Farmers Market<\/strong> takes place at the Visitor Center. And of course, Villagefest<\/strong>, Palm Springs\u2019 marvelous Thursday night street fair kicks off in May. This one shuts down the city center and jump-starts the weekend with its festive vibe and eclectic mix of vendors. Elsewhere in the arts,  there\u2019s the Palm Springs Film Noir Festival<\/a><\/strong> (May 28-31 at Camelot Theaters), and the Palm Springs International Short Film Festival<\/a><\/strong> June 23-29.<\/p>\n

\"California<\/a> Golfers, before you hit the greens, analyze your game and update the contents of your golf bag at the recently opened TaylorMade Performance Lab<\/a><\/strong> in Desert Springs. This is the fifth location of the high-tech workshop\/custom retailer, and is a hot destination for anyone looking to up their game. Also at the top of golf news headlines: full renovations<\/strong> of both the courses at Indian Wells Golf Resort<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

There are a zillion place to spa in the desert, and many specialty treatments are geared toward the ebullient sunshiney vibe. From Viceroy<\/strong>\u2019s couples ice rubdowns (offered in a private outdoor treatment area) to the <\/a>Desert Springs JW Marriott Resort<\/a><\/strong>\u2019s girlfriend getaway rooms, spa days can be as social or as steamy as you like. For those who always like to check out what\u2019s new in town: Colony Palms<\/a><\/strong> is your place. This recently renovated boutique hotel just opened a Moroccan-inspired spa<\/strong>. Hilton Palm Springs<\/a><\/strong> also completed amulti-million dollar renovation of its \u201cElements\u201d spa<\/strong>, while Miramonte Resort and Spa<\/a><\/strong> makes a splash (a-har-har-har) with a new signature swimming pool<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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