The 2010 Newport Beach Film Festival kicked off its 11th anniversary this past Thursday night with the World Premiere of Five Star Day. The movie marked the feature directorial debut for Orange County native Danny Buday. journeyPod caught up with Michael Damian to chat about his new film, Flicka 2.  We also chatted with Frank Kelly, who's film 140 was inspired by Twitter. And finally we got some inside scoop on the documentary, The Wall, from film maker Ricardo Martinez.

The festival runs through Thursday, April 29 so if you're headed to the OC, be sure to stay at the Fairmont Newport Beach. It's where all the celebs stay!  We're pretty sure we saw Ludacris walking the halls last night. Stay tuned for an upcoming Chef's Corner with Chef Michael from the Fairmont Newport Beach. PHOTO BY DAVID WOYTOWICH

Welcome to Surf City USA! With eight-and-a-half miles of golden sand beaches, and a sunny Mediterranean climate, Huntington Beach is located along the Southern California coast in Orange County, 35 miles south of Los Angeles and 95 miles north of San Diego.

Be sure to check out the AAA Four Diamond award-winning Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort —right across the street from the beach! It’s pet-friendly and green! So bring Fido and feel like you are doing good by the environment!

journeyPod had a chance to check out the property and enjoyed dinner and Sunday Champagne Brunch at Shades Restaurant and Bar. Sunday Brunch was made all the better by local magician Jeff Black. For more information on Shades, please sure to check out our Chef’s Corner with Chef Jeff.

Check out the sounds of the hottest band in South Africa (with local connections in the OC) Just Jinjer and their song "Like You Madly."

journeyPod is back at the Ellis Hotel, Atlanta’s only “Green” Boutique Hotel located in the heart of downtown. We had a chance to celebrate Valentine’s Day weekend at the property and we highly recommend this to couples for next year! The only time we left our room was to taste some of Chef Thomas’s delectable dishes! For Valentine’s Day we enjoyed fresh Blue Pointe Oysters and North Georgia Trout stuffed with American Crab. After licking our plates clean, we headed to our candle-lit room where we were pleasantly surprised with champagne, edible chocolate with a feather duster and rose petals!

Let’s listen in on our interview with Executive Chef Thomas McKeown as he chats about cooking with local organic produce at Terrace on Peachtree, shopping at farmer’s markets & upcoming events like St. Patrick’s Day!

Enjoy podsafe artist 3rd Culture with their hit “One Promise”.

Situated on 1,500 feet of sugary white sand at the tip of Estero Island, Pink Shell Beach Resort & Spa offers a four-star Fort Myers Beach hotel accommodations in a playful and friendly atmosphere. Located along the beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel, with sweeping gulf and bay views, Pink Shell is the premier choice of Fort Myers hotels for guests seeking adventure, relaxation, and fun. Enjoy a pampering couples massage at the Aquagene spa, let the kids splash around in the Octopool or book an exclusive package that fits your travel needs! We love the “Discover Sailing Getaway“!

Enjoy podsafe artist Douglas Kay with his hit “How can I be sure?”

Known to be “the most romantic spot on the California coast”, Dana Point is located  half -way between Los Angeles and San Diego.

From shopping, to dining, to fishing and whale-watching, there is tons to do in Dana Point. Of course water sports are a big hit year-round with mild temps even in the winter!

As for accommodations, journeyPod highly recommends the Ritz Carlton Laguna Nigel. You can delight your tastebuds at Eno, give back to the community via Second Harvest while sport fishing, or learn to surf with a pro Billabong surf instructor!

For more information on this amazing property check them out on Face Book and on Twitter, and listen to our exclusive podcast here! Then sit back and enjoy local Laguna Beach artist Sasha Evans and her song, Achin' For You.

Famous worldwide as North America’s top ski resort, Vail is an extraordinary winter vacation destination. The vacation experience is world class, from the Vail Ski and Snowboard School, snowmobiling (which we absolutely loved), to big time concerts and festivals, the shops and spas, dining, nightlife and accommodations – world class lodging from the high end of luxury to practical affordability, Vail waits to be discovered. Again, and again.

journeyPod stayed at the beautiful Vail Cascade Resort & Spa,  Nestled at the base of Vail Mountain along the banks of Gore Creek, Vail Cascade Resort & Spa is Vail’s only ski-in/ski-out, AAA Four-Diamond Colorado ski resort. Enjoy an amazing dinner at the Atwater on Gore Creek (Check out our Chef’s Corner with Adam Votaw!). After a day on the slopes, let an expert masseuse treat your sore muscles to a deep tissue massage at the Aria Club & Spa!

Let’s listen in on our interview with Chris Romer, Director of Sales and Marketing for Vail Valley Partnership.

Enjoy podsafe artist Bill with their hit “Sound Scientist”.

Just an hour flight from Miami and Fort Lauderdale, be prepared for the trip of a lifetime to Eleuthera and Harbour Island! Eleuthera, home to Lenny Kravitz, is considered one of Bahamas ‘Out Islands’ but is definitely the place for the “in crowd” looking for seclusion and romance! Other famous faces spotted in Eleuthera include Julia Roberts, Jennifer Anniston, Kate Hudson, Cameron Diaz, John Mayer and many more!

journeyPod enjoyed making fresh Conch Salad at Queen Conch, snorkeling around the coast and taking an overnight trip to Harbour Island. In Harbour Island we stayed at the luxurious Romora Bay Club & Resort and enjoyed an amazing cuisine by Chef Matthew Ona at VUE (make sure to check out our Chef’s Corner article).

In Eleuthera, we fell in love with The Cove Eleuthera - what a fantastic property! Described by guests as “a calming flow of island elegant living & world class service,” the Cove boasts 22 newly renovated rooms and deluxe suites, a wonderful chef by the name of Manuel Perez and a warm and welcoming staff! Listen in on our interview with Managing Director, Kirk Aulin.

Enjoy podcafe artist Douglas Kay with his hit “How can I be sure”.

Indian Wells, CA is about a two hour drive from Los Angeles and is a quiet, lavish hideaway.  It’s a place to rejuvenate and relax. Chill by a shimmering pool, or be pampered at a spa. journeyPod suggests you try out THE WELL spa for the ultimate spa experience.  If golf is your thing—there is plenty of that as well. The Indian Wells Golf Resort will fit the bill for sure. El Paseo—a unique shopping experience—is often compared to Rodeo Drive, but if you’ve been to Rodeo Drive you will see no similarity today. Lunch at the new IW Club offers great views and dinner at Grove Artisan Kitchen is a treat! (Check out our upcoming Chef’s Corner with Chef Robert from Grove Artisan Kitchen)

And when it’s time to find a place to call home away from home, head over to the Miramonte Resort & Spa. journeyPod spoke with Chris Kandziora, Director of Sales & Marketing, for more inside scoop on this amazing luxury resort. Be sure to check out Laguna Beach artist Sasha Evans and her song "Take A Walk."

While Big Sur is located only about 2 hours from San Francisco, it feels a million miles away. Whether you are camping, hiking, sight-seeing, visiting art galleries, or relaxing there is something for everyone. 

Even if you are just driving through, you can be sure to find a table with a view. Nepenthe is probably one of the more popular spots. Big Sur Bakery and Big Sur Roadhouse are two other great spots.

Nestled on the cliffs of Big Sur, Post Ranch Inn provides luxury treehouses as accommodations.  Across the street from Post Ranch Inn is the amazing 60 room Ventana Inn & Spa where you can relax at the Japanese Baths on property.

So pick your poison as you listen to both GMs talk about their properties and decide for yourself. Then pack your hiking boots and bikini and head north as you listen to the song "Tigertron" by Le Castle Vania (So Sweet Records).

There are a total of nine Chic Outlet Shopping Villages in Europe, each uniquely located on the outskirts of gorgeous Metropolitan cities including:  London, Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, Milan, Brussels, Frankfurt, Munich and Dublin.

Each of the nine open-air Villages boasts anywhere from 55-120 designer outlets and provides a rich ambiance that reflects the flavor and culture of the respective location; this includes everything from the architecture to the cuisine.  It’s  no wonder these shopping destinations are recognized among many of today’s jet-setters, fashionistas, and celebrities! Recent celebs that have been spotted include Mick Jagger, Victoria Beckham, Jude Law and Liz Hurley.

Listen in to our interview with Desirée Bollier and find out more about luxury designer outlet shopping, like Gucci and Diane Von Furstenberg. Bollier will also share some of the luxury secrets that make Chic Outlets so unique - personal shoppers, Valet Boy to carry your bags, a VIP lounge and even translators!

For our full shopping guide, click here!

Enjoy podcast artist Bill and his hit “Sound Scientist”.