Southern California RV resort keeps guests busy

There's a lot going on at Hemet's Golden Village Palms RV Resort.

During the winter months, this 1,019-site resort 90 miles east of downtown Los Angeles offers more than 200 different activities, more than most small towns.

“We are getting a lot of new RVers because of the concerts and events,” said resort manager Michael Carle. “It’s the Baby Boomers,” said Debbie Sipe, executive director of the California Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds. “They like to be entertained, and they specifically seek out parks that offer a wide variety of activities and entertainment.” As a result, she said, RV parks and resorts that offer the most activities and entertainment tend to be the busiest during the winter months.

Last week, Golden Village Palms filled its 300-seat ballroom with a band that paid tribute to the Beatles, while “The Crooners” will perform an interactive dinner play with the “Rat Pack” on Feb. 6. A group that pays tribute to the Eagles is scheduled to perform Feb. 13. On March 19, the Four Tops Revue will perform.

Other upcoming special events include an authentic Brazilian carnival on Feb. 3 with food, music, dancing and a drawing to win free roundtrip airfare to Brazil from Copa Airlines; a car show and beer tasting event on March 3; jazz and cognac tasting on March 4; and a fiesta dinner show on March 9 with beer and tequila tasting, salsa dance lessons as well as a diverse lineup of performers including Mariachi musicians and Flamenco dancers. The resort has even scheduled a Mediterranean Nights dinner event with Ouzo tasting on Feb. 20. The event will also include live snake charmers and belly dancing.

The entertainment isn’t limited to nighttime. The Golden Village Palms offers more than 200 different classes including woodcarving, stained glass and cooking. Many of the classes are exercise oriented. "We’re trying to offer fun ways for people to stay limber and stay healthy, Carle said.” The resort also offers a monthly RV driving school, with February classes the 7th and 21st.

Golden Village Palms also invites local restaurants to the resort’s swimming pool area at lunchtime to introduce their menu offerings. Golden Village Palms also holds a farmers market once a week.

Golden Village Palms RV Resort is owned and operated by La Jolla, Calif.-based Sunland RV Resorts. For more information visit its website at www.goldenvillagepalms.com.