Sensational Summer in the Valley

Year-round residents and savvy visitors find hot deals and cool amenities in the Coachella Valley all summer long.

By Joanna Dehn Beresford

Summertime is a surreal experience in the Palm Springs desert region. The heat and light of what was once considered the off-season here seems to slow time to a saunter through bright days and starry nights. While some establishments still close their doors from June through October, and part-time residents flee for cooler climates, the desert in summer tempts year-round residents and stalwart visitors with sensational rewards. Many of our favorite local golf courses and restaurants offer seasonal bargains, quiet fairways and extended specials. And those who survive together thrive together, enjoying a camaraderie that refreshes the spirit as deliciously as an ice-cold mojito on a white-hot afternoon.

GREAT DEALS AT GREAT COURSES

The nationally recognized, Arnold Palmer-designed, Classic Club championship golf course has served for three years as host site for the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic tournament. In addition to winning numerous awards during "the season," the Classic Club has earned distinction for offering sweet deals throughout the summer.

Depending on daylight hours, the first tee time is around 6:30 a.m., and the course remains open until 5 p.m. Summer rates are low and residents can join the Coachella Valley Residents Program, which offers significantly discounted rates for themselves and their guests all year. The Bellatrix Restaurant and Wine Bar opens at 11 a.m. for lunch and serves dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. until closing. A fantastic Happy Hour from 3-6 p.m. includes $3 glasses of house wines and affordable appetizer and menu options.

As a member of the Troon Golf family, the Classic Club offers year-round special fees and amenities for junior golfers who play with an adult, and $35 greens fees for qualified 501 C-3 nonprofit groups.

"We really focus on giving back to the community," says Diane Plichta, charitable sales and marketing manager. "We interact with a lot of charitable groups in the valley."

Desert Willow Resort, another award-winning destination golf facility in Palm Desert, is described as "one legendary location with two unforgettable courses." Its Summer VIP card can be purchased in the gift shop or online and lasts through Sept. 30, 2010. Benefits of the VIP program include: $35 golf rates for the cardholder, advance tee times, no restrictions on days or times of play and discounts in the golf shop, dining areas and driving range. According to Bruce Nation, director of sales and marketing, the courses remain fairly busy summer weekdays and weekend tournaments can draw as many as 150 to 250 participants.

"We pride ourselves on keeping the course looking good throughout the summer," says Nation.

Desert Willow members and staff are also dedicated to serving the community. On Sept. 19 the resort will host Kelly's Adult/Junior Desert Open, benefiting the First Tee Coachella Valley organization. First Tee pursues a mission to "provide learning facilities and educational programs that promote character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf."

Challenge the Rock this summer in La Quinta at SilverRock Resort. The resort remains open during regular hours throughout summer and offers a special for California residents - $35 greens fees Monday through Thursday, $40 on weekends through September 19. SilverRock Grill serves continental breakfast Monday to Thursday, hot breakfasts on the weekends and a regular lunch menu daily, with some specials on drinks and food.

Like most resort facilities, staff members focus on keeping players cool, comfortable and healthy while on the course. Cart coolers carry bottled water, refilling stations are accessible and rangers are available with cold towels throughout the course.

"We're always trying to make the golfer's experience as enjoyable as it can be," says SilverRock's director of golf, Randy Duncan.

KEEPING IT COOL AND TASTY AT LOCAL RESTAURANTS

Perched above The Gardens overlooking El Paseo, Pacifica Seafood Restaurant offers an "innovative menu featuring fresh seafood, steak, pasta, an impressive wine list and vodka bar," according to its website. It also offers a full menu of fantastic summer specials. Relax at the renowned Vodka bar and enjoy a vodka drink for $5 through October. Monday is $2 taco night, and Tuesday evenings feature half-price bottles and half bottles of wine. Happy Hour on Wednesday and Sunday lasts until closing, and Thursday's Muscle Madness is comprised of nine mouth-watering appetizers at $5 each. On Friday and Saturday, Happy Hour lasts from 3-6 p.m. while discounted Sunset Dinners are available every night.

At Enoteca, Ristorante Mamma Gina's wine bar, Happy Hour runs seven days a week from 4:30 until closing. Located on El Paseo in Palm Desert, Ristorante Mamma Gina has tantalized diners with traditional Florentine cuisine for decades. Three-course early-bird specials are available for an extended period of time during the summer. Arrive before 6:15 p.m. and you may wonder if you've been miraculously transported to the heart of Firenze - for less than $20.

Wend your way a little further west to The River in Rancho Mirage and you'll discover Pierro's Acqua Pazza, a California bistro with indoor and outdoor seating. Happy Hour in the bar lasts ALL DAY, from noon until closing. Happy Hour includes not only the tranquil sounds of surrounding water features but drink specials and a half-price bar menu with award-winning dishes. Be a part of Wine Madness on Monday nights, when select bottles from the restaurant's extensive wine list are half price. Pierro's offers early-bird specials nightly from 3-5 p.m.

PURE MAGIC

The Coachella Valley in summertime is an undiscovered kingdom of delights. For those who have stumbled upon the secret, for those who can brave the heat, for those whose lives continue here twelve months of the year and for those who just don't want to put down the golf club or tear themselves away from the rugged beauty of the desert, opportunities abound. Many thanks to those recreational and dining establishments that keep us smiling all summer long!

Joanna Dehn Beresford is a contributing writer to Desert Golf Magazine

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