Little Getaways-Summer Trip to Lake Tahoe-Part 1
by Teri E. Popp, Tastemaker in Residence
Incline Village and Heavenly are known as a skier's paradise located on Lake Tahoe in the States of Nevada and California during the winter; however, Tahoe has another side-the breathtaking beauty of it's crystal clear waters and spectacular pine forests amidst the beauty of its majestic mountains during the summer months!
As I've mentioned in past articles (refer to my article on Teri's Travels to Bequia Part 2), my husband and I often help sponsor various charities through purchasing auction items of trips. It's truly a win-win for both us and the charity we help to sponsor. We get to experience new and lovely locales, and the given charity receives the auction proceeds to help promote their good work. In the case of our trip to Lake Tahoe, we received our auction item from Fraser, a nationally recognized organization located in Minnesota that helps children with austism, amongst many other programs. For more information on Fraser and the good work they do, please visit their web page at Fraser.org
Lake Tahoe is the sixth largest fresh water lake located in the United States. Nestled in the mountains at 6,225 feet above sea level, the water is deep 1,645 feet at its deepest, and incredibly cold at an average temperature of 42 degrees. With a water clarity of up to 70 feet, it's shallow bays sparkle a vibrant aqua in color.
For our two and 1/2 day excursion, my husband and I decided to start our time at Tahoe on a paddle wheel boat, the Ms. Dixie II, to view the various bays and sights of the lake. While visitors may go on day or evening excursions, we chose the dinner boat cruise. In addition to enjoying a wonderful 3 course dinner, we truly enjoyed first class entertainment as well.
The next day-our first full day in Lake Tahoe-we decided to drive entirely around the lake. While there is only 72 miles of shoreline, this proved to be a full day endeavor with the requisite side trips and sight-seeing! In circling the lake, you pass through both California and Nevada (with the majority of the lake located on the California side). We breakfasted at a lovely little place called the Post Office Cafe (so named due to its history as a post office) before heading on a slight side trip up to Squaw Valley, site of the 1960 Winter Olympics.
Our trip to and from Squaw Valley included a wonderful chance to happen upon the Truckee River and all it has to offer. We enjoyed watching hundreds of rafters-young and old, families and groups of teenagers-paddling slowly along the river. Alongside the Truckee, a wonderful bicycle and walking path offers beautiful views of both the river and the mountains for those inclined to stay on land.
Stay tuned for Part 2 of our Lake Tahoe adventures that include Rubicon & Emerald Bay, Sonny's, The Hyatt, Lone Eagle Grill, Virginia City, Reno Casino, Gondola at Heavenly Valley and Austin's.