Tahoelodging

Vanilla.  Take a big breath when you step into the woods and that’s what you’ll smell. That great, vanilla piney smell that only happens when the temperature reaches a certain level and the sun hits the pine trees, aaaaaahhhhhhhhhh. . .It’s an aphrodisiac. It’s also a signal to de-tox, de-stress, de-tach, and relax. You’re in Tahoe, what could possibly be better? While there is a plethora of activities available, sailing, waterskiing, zip-lining, golfing, shopping, outdoor concerts, etc., etc, your choices will become clearer after a day on the beach, starring at the lake.  That in itself is an activity, although you could call it meditating if you feel the need to define it.

There is no better place to be in the summer than in Tahoe. The skies are clear blue, with a few puffy white clouds, there’s usually a soft breeze.  The lake reflects the sky so the blue becomes three dimensional. The temperature is perfect, usually about 80 degrees, and the air feels soft.  It’s  heaven on earth.

      The battle has begun.  The battle between winter going out and spring coming in.  Tahoe has its own version of spring showers, instead of rain though, we get snow.  Sometimes a lot, sometimes a little.  Sometimes it snows all day, kinda like now, but nothing sticks.  Despite the snow, spring inserts its will.  Every little inch that the snow cover gives up, little signs of life take over.  The tulips and daffodils blades are emerging, the days are longer, and the birds are happy, happy, happy.  It’s slightly above freezing, it may or may not be snowing, and the birds are singing a symphony. Talk about spring fever. They know spring will win this battle and they can’t wait. 

Frankly, neither can we.  It’s April and it’s time for spring to show up and winter to go on vacation.  In addition to tulips, daffodils and singing birds, several other things happen.  Yards get cleaned up from the winter debris, boats lose their blue shrink-wrapped covers, the waters thaw, the ducks and geese come out (they are so cute), willows start to pop color.  Tahoe starts to show signs of life.  Signs of life are important every year but probably more so this year.  With all the natural disasters, the recession, job loss, home loss, wars, we need reminders that spring brings new beginnings. It couldn’t come at a better time.  Signs of life for us all.

Tulips in Snow used with permission from Jean Sherrard.  For more great images and a really interesting blog, please visit www.pauldorpat.com.

Snow. . . It’s a wonderful thing.  .a great gift . . .  In mountain country, we really like our snow.  To be exact, we love our snow.  Snow covers all with a white, clean blanket.  It’s like giving the world a fresh start.  It sparkles in the sun, makes the evening lights glow more, the fire warmer, and everything cozier. We like all of our seasons, of course.  After all, getting to experience four seasons is part of why we live here.  And each different season makes us appreciate the others.  We’ve had a long, glorious fall, longer than usual.  But we’re ready for the next season.  The ski resorts have revved up the snow making guns, giving a nice foundation for the snow that is to come in the near future. Skis are being waxed, sleighs polished, snowblowers tuned, snowshoes dusted off.  We are getting prepared.  And we’ll be ready when the wonderful, white, fresh snow comes. 

You should get prepared too.  Make those winter reservations before it actually gets here.  Give yourself, and those you love, the gift of snow. 

For a new view of Lake Tahoe, nothing is better than getting on the water.  It will change your perspective, of the lake, your life, and anything else that is running through your head. 

 The easiest way to get on the lake is to kayak.  Either bring your own or rent one.  Kayak rentals are available all around the lake from many different companies in many different locations.  With the sea kayak, paddling is almost effortless and any one can do it.  

On Saturday, September 6, 2008, the Fall paddlefest 2008 will be held at El Dorado Beach from 8:30 am – 2 pm, hosted by the Lake Tahoe Water Trail Committee.  There will be safety and paddle demonstrations, lunch, new boat demos and beach activities.  And of course, kayaking.

 The entry fee is $25 for adults and $15 for those under 18 includes lunch.  Advance registration is required by September 1. For more information, call 530.543.3001 or visit www.laketahoewatertrail.org.

Kayaking allows you to see areas of Tahoe where most of the public don’t or can’t get to.  It’s better to stay closer to shore, the farther out into the main body of the lake, the more choppy and cold the water gets.

 You can rent the equipment and rent a guide, or rent the equipment, take a class, go on your own, or bring your own and put in where you like. Make sure you have a life jacket. 

Want something a bit more speedy?  Rent a boat, either sail or speed.  These are also available for rent from the many marinas around the lake, south, west, and north shore. 

Or rent a jet ski. It’s great way to get cool, and experience the lake in a very close, not to mention wet, personal way. It’s also a lot of fun and easy to learn.  The biggest issue with jet skis is safety.  One can get caught up in fun of it and not pay attention to other water craft in the area.  So rent one and be smart and safe.

Want a great view, be on the water and get a slight thrill?  Go parasailing! The Ski Run Boat Company and the Tahoe Keys Boat Rentals both offer parasailing.

As with any of the water crafts, one must be responsible. That means being aware of where you are in relationship to other water craft, wearing a life vest, and being sober.  So pay attention, be responsible and enjoy the many types of water activities

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-kRx1c0Pt0

Wow.  It’s unbelievable.  We’ve all heard that forest fires help to promote the growth of new plants. Every nature program that comes down the pike regarding fire talks about the benefits of fire and the regrowth, but still.  It’s amazing to see. 

Last year the Angora fire blew through the neighborhoods under Angora Ridge and burnt  254 homes and 3500 acres which contained shelter for numerous forest creatures.  It was a shock to see when it was over. Emotionally devastating walking through a forest of ash and burnt sticks.  We all mourned the loss of our beautiful back yard.  For weeks after, planes dropped a sticky grey-green ground cover over the area, designed to keep the ash and dirt from running down the mountain when the fall rains and winter snows fell.  The constant drone from 7 am to 7 pm was a daily reminder that our forest was damaged.

 But now, eight months later, it is a very different picture. No one was prepared for the amazing amount of wildflowers that grew out of the ash, especially along the stream.  even in mid-summer, it is a mass of color, lush and vibrant.  The best and most clear sign that there is life after death.

 Of course the standard flowers have shown up, Lupine, Jewelflowers, Indian Paint Brush, Wandering Asters, Clarkia, Pussypaws, Phlox, Mountain Spirea, Penstemon, Mules Ears.  Those are pretty on their own. The yarrow has tripled its presence and goes for miles. Also making an appearance is Mountain Monardella, Marsh or Bog Mallow, Camas Lily, Bitter Dogbane, Larkspur, Cinquefoil, Monkeyflower, Geraniums, Cow Parsnips and Corn Lilies as far as the eye can see, False Solomon’s Seal, Nude Buckwheat and my own personal favorites, Pretty Face and the Mariposa Lily. And there is of course, fire flower. This is by no means a complete list, this is just what I remember.

So take a hike through the burn area.  Wander along Angora Creek and let the sight lift your spirits.

One of the best things about Tahoe is the changing seasons.  And people come here for the seasons. The most popular are winter and summer, but people are really missing out when they skip the other two. Especially fall. 

Fall is most glorious in Tahoe.  And it is one of the locals favorite seasons.  The reason?  The lack of crowds. . . No offence. We like visitors, but sometimes we need to miss you.  Like any relationship, it grows stronger with an occasional separation. 

But fall . . . the days are warm, the nights are cool, the hiking and biking trails, restaurants, casinos, shows, whatever, are less crowded.  But the best are the colors.  The colors range from red, to orange, to gold, and sometimes purple.  Pack a lunch, you can pick one up from The Cork n More, the Beach Hut Deli, Raleys, Safeway, a number of places. Cruise on over to Taylor Creek or Fallen Leaf Lake and take a short hike.  Or if you want to see more, drive out over Luther Pass (also known as Highway 89) to Hope Valley.  If you take a right at the stop sign and head towards Kirkwood, you will pass through Faith and Charity Valleys and a virtually flourescent aspen forest.

So come on up. Visit fall and her color cousins.

1.  Go for a sleigh ride.  Jingle bells, jingle bells. . . Borges Sleigh Rides have been operating in the south shore for a couple of decades. They offer daily sleigh rides from 10 am – sunset, weather permitting.  As the south shore has been blessed with about 7 feet of snow, the weather is positively permitting!  Borges Sleigh Rides are located next to Montbleu  on Lake Tahoe Boulevard at Stateline. They offer wedding packages,  dinner sleigh rides, and fabulous views from the top of the mountain.  Contact information is 775.588.2953 or www.sleighride.com.

 2.  Visit the Haldan Gallery at the Lake Tahoe Community College and get some culture. After several years of fundraising through the college foundation, plus help from the state, the 2500 square foot gallery opened along with the new library.   The library is opened Tuesday through Saturday with rotating exhibits.  The gallery also has a hands-on discovery center so you can get involved in the visuals. Contact info is 530.541.4660, ext.711 or www.ltcconline.net/art/contact.htm

3.  Dogsledding! Yahoo!!  Ok, you get the idea. It is a ton of fun and all you do is sit there! What could be better? The dogs are fast, strong and bred to run, they have as much fun as you do.  There are several options for dogsledding in the south shore.  The first is Running Creek Sled Dogs out at Kirkwood Mountain Resort on Highway 88. Contact info is 775.266.4720 or www.Runningcreek.info.  Another is the Husky Express just a few miles down the road in Hope Valley at 775.782.3047 or www.Highsierra.com.  If you want to visit the north shore, there is Lake Tahoe Wilderness Adventures Dog Sled Tours, based out of Sugar Bowl and the Resort at Squaw Creek.  They offer a journey of a lifetime.  Contact info is 530.550.8130 or www.tahoedogsledtours.com.

 4.  Go ice skating!  South Lake Tahoe is fortunate in having two ice skating rinks.  The first one is in the downtown area, close to the movie theaters and behind the Marriott. The recreation center has an indoor Olympic size rink. If you don’t know how to skate,  take a lesson. Contact info is 530.542.6262 or www.recreationintahoe.com.

5. Shop.  Ok, you can do this in a lot of places but we have outlet stores plus a unique combination of shops leading from the outlet stores at the ‘Y’ to the downtown area.  I’m sure you’ll find something.  If you just want to look but don’t need to buy, make sure you get a tollhouse cookie to keep your energy up.  Or stop at one of the restaurants and people watch. That’s more entertaining and cheaper than shopping any day!

6.  Go for a snowmobile ride!  Or drive one yourself!  Sierra Mountain Sports will rent you one, along with a trailer, maps, safety instructions, and helmets. They have maps for trails all over the Tahoe Basin, including Truckee.  Contact info is 1.800.696.7797 or www.tahoesnowmobiles.com.  If you want a guide, try Lake Tahoe Adventures at 530.577.2940 or www.LakeTahoeAdventures.com.  If you are closer to the Nevada side and want fabulous Lake Tahoe views, try the Zephyr Cove Snowmobile Center. You’ll get a great tour and if you plan it right, you can go to the historic Zephyr Cove Lodge for one of their legendary hamburgers with a chocolate shake.  Contact info is 775.589.4908 or www.zephyrcove.com.

7.  While there are not vineyards in Tahoe, there is a winery.  Go wine tasting at Picchetti Winery Tahoe Tasting room.  The winery itself is located on an historic ranch a short drive from Silicon Valley.  The tasting room in Tahoe is a short walk from the lake, across the street from campground, and is open 11 am – 4 pm daily.  Contact info is 530.541.1500 or www.picchetti.com. 

Another option is Apres Wine Company, located in the Ski Run Center, 3668 Lake Tahoe Boulevard.  For a truly unique wine tasking experience, 50 wines can be sampled daily. The wine bar also features tapas style meals and over 300 fine wines.  They can be reached at  530.544.9463.

8.  Sledding!  Something the entire family can take part in. South Lake Tahoe has several snow parks and sledding areas.  There’s a snow park at the top of Echo Summit with a groomed area called Adventure Mountain.  The cost is $15 a car, but with 12 groomed runs, an actual cleared parking lot, a concession stand offering gloves, saucers and snacks, the price is worth it.  A snow park is also located on Emerald Bay Road (Highway 89), just past Camp Richardson.  Sledding is also offered at Spooner Summit, free with an actual parking lot maintained by Nevada Dept. of Transportation.  Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort www.sierraattahoe.com, Heavenly www.skiheavenly.com , and Kirkwood Mountain Resort www.kirkwood.com,  all offer sledding hills.  Prices vary with each resort.

9.  Snowshoe!  If you can walk, you can snowshoe!  One of the best things about snowshoeing is that it is easy and makes many places accessible.  Want an easy stroll?  Rent some showshoes and take a walk along the lake where it’s flat. There are many places along the lake available to the public, Camp Richardson, Pope Beach, the Baldwin Estate, El Dorado Beach. Camp Richardson, www.camprichardson.com,  rents snowshoes and offers groomed trails.  Then after that little walk, you can stroll over the the Beacon and have one of their famous ‘Rum Runners’.

10.  Get some down time.  Grab a book, a glass of wine, sit by the fire, and listen to the quiet.  Watch the snow fall.  Stare at the fire.  Think deep thoughts.  Have quiet conversations about life and love.  Get a massage.  Relax.  After all, you’re in Tahoe.

Want to spend some quality time in the mountains without the 30-year mortgage? Love your desert home but not during the last two months of summer?  Want to spend the entire weekend on the slopes without the cold motel room at the end of the day?  Try a ski lease or a summer seasonal.

Each year ski leases and other seasonals become more and more popular. While a ski lease typically runs from January to April,  a seasonal is defined by any rental for more than 30 days.  The Accommodation Station rents to couples wanting to get out of the heat, visiting nurses, contractors and engineers up for a job, and anyone else who needs a stable residence for a certain amount of time. 

Seasonals are a great way to enjoy the benefits of a second home without the maintenance.  If this sounds interesting to you, contact us.  Find out what we have and see if one of our leases will work for you.

Tahoe has always been known for it’s great recreation.  After all, South Lake Tahoe is in the Top Ten for outdoor recreation.  But there’s another side to the Lake.  The arts and culture community is small, but strong, diverse and growing.  There is something for everyone.  To get started, check out Tahoe Mountain Arts and Culture website, www.tahoeculture.com.  After cruising through TMAC, you may want to visit the new Haldan Art Gallery at the Lake Tahoe Community College http://www.ltcconline.net/art/

 A long time summer tradition for Tahoe locals and visitors has been Shakespeare at Sand Harbor.  Located just south of Incline Village,  Sand Harbor is a perfect and beautiful outdoor setting for the Bard’s plays.  Either pack a picnic or purchase dinner from the various vendors located in the court.  Really, there is nothing better than sitting on the beach watching Shakespeare and the sun set on Lake Tahoe at the same time.  For more Shakespeare at Sand Harbor info http://www,laketahoeshakespeare.com

Winter is a great time to vacation in Tahoe Tyrol. Lovely chalet style homes sit just 1/4 mile from Heavenly and about a mile from the downtown area.  It offers the best of both worlds, the ambiance of a swiss village with shopping and nightlife nearby.  Tahoe Tyrol is a planned community of approximately 100 homes.  There is open space behind every chalet and enough wildlife to make you feel like you are truly in the mountains.  The chalets accommodate anywhere from six to twelve people and work well for large groups.  There is a hot tub and a sauna in the commons area  (and a pool in summer).  To contact us for more information click here.