If you crave the cold, candy or cars

Lake Tahoe, Calif.

March 2-11: Quick, before the snow melts! The North Lake Tahoe Snow Festival turns 26 this year and adds new events, including a triathlon (broomball, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing), a battle of the bands, wine tasting and appetizers, sushi eating contest and an ‘80s music concert. Plus parades, fireworks, snow sculptures, etc.

Various resorts. (530) 583-7167, www.tahoesnowfestival.com.

Solvang, Calif.

March 16-18: For the 15th annual Taste of Solvang, calorie counters should bring their calculators -- or just forget good intentions for a couple of days and revel in the food. There’s the Walking Smorgasbord (hey, you’re walking) with “50 taste stops” including bakeries, candy shops, gourmet specialty shops; the dessert showcase; and the wine-tasting room tour.

Dessert reception $20, smorgasbord $30, wine-tasting tour $35. (800) 468-6765, www.solvangusa.com.

Oakhurst, Calif.

March 21-25: It’s not Sundance, but car buffs will like this more: the first Southern Yosemite Automotive Film Festival. MET Cinemas will screen car-related films from the ‘50s to the present, including eclectic fare such as 1962’s “The Sound of Speed” as well as favorites such as “Days of Thunder” (1990). James Garner will be on hand to accept the Southern Yosemite Lifetime Achievement Award. Also: car shows, souvenir vendors and autograph signings.

The MET Cinemas, 40015 Highway 49; (559) 683-7766, www.southernyosemite.com

-- Amy Hubbard