LAKE TAHOE
VISITOR GUIDE | SUMMER 2020
Safe & Fun Summer A WORLD TREASURE KNOW THE TREES COMPLETE ACTIVITY GUIDE DINING AND SHOPPING DIRECTORY
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YOUR GUIDES TO LAURIE JOHNSON ___
PATTY WILLIAMS ___
BECKY ARNOLD ___
JEREMY JACOBSON ___
530 214 6085
530 277 8484
530 363 0176
530 448 1590
Tahoe City
Tahoe City
Tahoe City
Lake Tahoe Truckee
CA 01357218
CA 01953231
CA 01262238
CA 01961794
JENNIFER BULLARD ___
TRINKIE WATSON ___
CHRIS HERNANDEZ ___
BROOKE HERNANDEZ ___
530 545 2187
530 582 0722
530 318 6946
530 314 9766
Lake Tahoe Truckee
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe
CA 00326518 NV BS.0001022
CA 01477359 NV BS.0145419
CA 01477800 NV S.0071297
TILLY MEZGER ___
JANE RUBSAMEN ___
DONNA TONKING ___
KAITLYN MCCABE ___
530 545 0587
775 843 0312
775 722 6726
775 772 1191
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe
Incline Village
CA 01440019 NV S.0062427
CA 1269937 NV S.068471
NV S.0066076
Lake Tahoe Incline Village
MARY KLEINGARTNER ___
TANYA SOULE ___
BETSY LONG ___
SUSAN CLEMONS ___
206 604 1200
775 690 2341
775 287 6791
775 225 0430
Incline Village
Incline Village
Incline Village
NV S.0173864
NV S.0170786
NV S.0182107
NV S.0016096
NV S.0187077
T H E LE ADE R IN LUXU RY RE AL E STAT E
Glenbrook
NV S.0184572
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RENO/TAHOE REAL ESTATE MELISSA BAILEY ___
ADELE LUCAS ___
RHIANNON SIMPSON ___
FAWNE HAYES ___
916 217 5626
530 545 0888 CA & NV
612 298 1906
530 416 2272
CA & NV
Zephyr Cove
Zephyr Cove
NV S.0175573
CA 01491811 NV S.0176418
CA 02087849 NV S.0187966
CA 00838770 NV BS.0029180
MAUREEN WILLIAMS ___
RENEÉ SALETTA ___
DONNA SPEAR ___
SONJA LEONARD ___
775 287 6343
512 698 2412
775 691 7947
775 848 0129
Reno
Reno
Reno
Reno
NV S.0188764
NV S.0042018 CA 01226918
NV S.0051151
SHEILA EDNER ___
JENNIFER HARRISON ___
JILL MOFFETT ___
NICOLE TURNER ___
530 545 0392
970 485 4826
530 318 6835
South Lake
South Lake
South Lake
775 790 7850
NV S.0179757
CA 01740492
CA 02102685
CA 00191148
THE RIGHT CONNECTION MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE Chase International is one of the nation’s most successful independent real estate firms specializing in unique and distinctive properties in the Tahoe, Reno and Las Vegas regions. With more than 360 compassionate and determined REALTORS® in 11 locations, we are committed to our client’s success. We have more qualified luxury professionals and top lakefront specialists with the experience and connections to serve all your needs.
V I S IT: CH AS E INT E RNAT IO NAL.CO M
Carson Valley NV S.0185361
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Contents 9
Fun and Respectful Summer
Enjoy all Tahoe has to offer while keeping everyone safe.
10 Test Your Tahoe Knowledge
How big is Lake Tahoe, really?
12 Tahoe’s Greatest Hits!
Spectacular, special places and experiences.
16 An Environmental Treasure
Science and activism have helped “Keep Tahoe Blue.”
19 Knowing The Forest For Its Trees
Which tree can live over 2,000 years?
22 Glossary of Tahoe Activities
A guide to all the fun to have here—A to Z.
34 Lake Tahoe Recreation Map
Hikes, mountain bike trails, marinas and beaches.
36 A Diverse Region
Exploring Tahoe’s vibrant communities
48 Light Show
A moment of awe.
DIRECTORY LISTINGS
40 Dining 42 Activities 44 Shopping 46 Lodging 47 Services LAKE TAHOE VISITOR GUIDE SUMMER/FALL 2020 Publisher & Editor Chaco Mohler Art Director Allison Monroe Advertising Director Susan O’Brien Distribution Mitch Landaburu Published by C2M Media LLC P.O. Box 5897 Tahoe City, CA 96145 Editorial inquiries: chaco@c2m.media Advertising inquiries: susan@c2m.media Lake Tahoe Visitor Guide, ©2020 C2M Media LLC. All rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, in whole or in part, without the express prior written permission of C2M Media LLC. C2M Media LLC assumes no responsibility to any party for the content of any advertising in this publication, including any errors and omissions therein. By placing an order for an advertisement, the advertiser agrees to indemnify C2M Media LLC against any claims relating to the advertisement. At the time of printing, C2M Media LLC attempted to verify all information as accurate but assumes no responsibility for changes to independent business and service operations, whether caused by COVID-19 or other factors, or any other inaccuracies contained herein. Call ahead to businesses and services for current information and restrictions.
SUMMER/FALL 2020 | Lake Tahoe Visitor Guide 5
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BLUESTONE JEWELRY
BLUESTONE JEWELRY & WINE
495 N Lake Blvd, Suite 170 530-581-4298
10046 Donner Pass Road, #3 530-582-0429
TAHOE CITY
TRUCKEE
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SIP THE BEST OF THE SIERRA Discover the evolving spirits collection from Bently Heritage Estate Distillery. Our single-estate spirits are made exclusively from grains grown on our ranch in the high desert just a few miles east of South Lake Tahoe.
Plan your visit to our Public House or schedule a tour and tasting at our world-class estate distillery. Please call or visit us online for up-to-date hours of operation. 775.210.5097
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ALL RIDES ARE FREE! Just hop on the bus.
TahoeTruckeeTransit.com
TART Daily Regional Routes
TART Night Service
TART Truckee Local Route
Highway 267– Hourly
Go to TahoeTruckeeTransit.com for a current schedule
Daily Year-Round Ser vice
Crystal Bay, Kings Beach, Northstar, and Truckee.
Highway 89 –Hourly Tahoe City, Squaw Valley, Truckee.
Highway 28 –Times Vary Go to TahoeTruckeeTransit.com for a current schedule Incline Village, Crystal Bay, Kings Beach, and Tahoe City.
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North Shore night service picks up at bus stops between Squaw Valley, Tahoe City, Tahoma, Homewood, Crystal Bay, Northstar, and connections into Truckee. Enjoy local restaurants and nightlife without the worry. Take the bus and leave the night driving to us.
Connects with regional routes and Dial-A-Ride.
Truckee TART Dial-A-Ride 7-days a week Daily door-to-door service for residents and visitors into neighborhoods and commercial areas.
WELCOME
A Fun and Respectful Summer Protect yourself and others
Welcome to our Lake Tahoe communities! Tahoe residents have been welcoming summer visitors to the “Lake of the Sky” for well over 100 years and we take pride in helping you get the most out of your stay here, even during this COVID-19 summer (when our welcoming smiles will be harder to see behind our face coverings). Please help us keep Tahoe a wonderful place to visit and our businesses and front-line service workers healthy and welcoming! Until conditions change, carry and wear a mask or face-covering whenever going indoors—whether into a business or publicly shared space—or when coming within six feet of others outdoors. Call ahead for reservations for dining and recreation rentals and please be patient with hassles caused by rules that businesses are mandated to follow to protect your safety. If you are not feeling well, quarantine during your stay. Tahoe has excellent, small rural hospitals, but they are not equipped to handle a large increase in local infections. Tahoe businesses and services are working hard to create a fun and safe atmosphere for all. Transit systems are operational and a great way to avoid parking and traffic headaches. BlueGo Transit serves South Tahoe. TART is the free transit system covering North Tahoe and Truckee—download NEXTBUS app for
real-time schedules and departures. Protect Lake Tahoe by cleaning up after your dog (everything eventually drains to the lake) and be careful with fire and while smoking. Parts of the Tahoe region are very susceptible to wildfire, particularly on windy days—follow current campfire restrictions from the U.S. Forest Service and local entities. If you are lucky enough to see a black bear, be very still to lengthen the experience. They are largely shy and scared around humans, so please don’t approach them. While rarely aggressive, black bear (which can range in color from coal to cinnamon) are unpredictable wild animals and come in size XXXXXXL with claws! Do not feed them or leave food in your car overnight. Bears have one of the strongest senses of smell in the animal kingdom and have learned to open unlocked car doors. You can skip using single-use plastic bottles while here and fill your glass or reusable water bottle with delicious Tahoe Tap! Tap water at your hotel or campground likely comes from a nearby spring or stream—pure refreshment! We hope you find this Lake Tahoe Visitor Guide informing and entertaining. Enjoy your days in the mountains! CHACO MOHLER PUBLISHER
Aerial view of Emerald Bay (right), Cascade Lake (center) and Lake Tahoe (left). COURTESY PHOTO
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WELCOME
Facts Quiz
Test Your Tahoe Knowledge 1. Lake Tahoe’s maximum depth is: A) 1480 feet B) 1521 feet C) 1644 feet D) 1780 feet 2. Lake Tahoe is: A) 19.7 miles long, 12 miles wide B) 21.75 miles long, 11.8 miles wide C) 22.1 miles long, 12.2 miles wide 3. The tallest peak in the Tahoe Basin is: A) Mount Rose B) Mt. Tallac C) Freel Peak D) Pyramid Peak 4. It never snows in Tahoe during: A) July B) August C) September D) None of the above
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5. The first person of European descent to see Lake Tahoe was: A) John C. Fremont B) Jeramiah Johnson C) Kit Carson D) Snowshoe Thompson 6. Mark Twain wrote of Lake Tahoe: A) “It must surely be the fairest picture the whole earth affords.” B) “To breathe the same air as the angels, you must go to Lake Tahoe.” C) “Lake Tahoe would restore an Egyptian mummy to its pristine vigor.” D) All of the above. 7. Which American author finished his first novel while living in Tahoe: A) John Steinbeck B) Mark Twain C) Ernst Hemingway D) Jack Kerouac Answers on page 14
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530-587-4844 | mountainhardwareandsports.com
Additional Location!
11320 Donner Pass Rd. Truckee, CA | 10001 Soaring Way #105 Truckee, CA
FEATURES
Emerald Bay at sunrise. PHOTO BY MIKE EADINGTON
Tahoe’s Greatest Hits
Vacation highlights and excursions Emerald Bay
One of the most photographed spots on earth, Emerald Bay is like a Norwegian fjord surrounded by steep mountain sides, dotted with an island topped by a stone tea house. Highway 89 hugs the cliffs above the lake, with parking in 3 lots, plus a few highway-side spots. Eagle Falls tumbles down cliffs below the road into Emerald Bay State Park. A 1.7-mile hike leads to the lakeshore and Vikingsholm “castle,” constructed in 1929 and one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in the Western Hemisphere.
Sand Harbor State Park
A marvelous combination of protected cove, rocky point, giant granite boulders and a long, sandy beach, this State Park fills its parking lot quickly on many summer days. Come back next summer for performances in the park’s splendid outdoor amphitheater and stage, a venue that has hosted the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival since 1979 but with performances cancelled this year due to COVID-19. 12 SUMMER/FALL 2020 | Lake Tahoe Visitor Guide
FEATURES FEATURES
Heavenly Village & Gondola
Heavenly Village and nearby casinos and shops are Tahoe’s nucleus of man-made fun! Ride an incredibly scenic aerial gondola up to 9,123-foot elevation and mountain lodge, ropes-course and mountain-coaster (Heavenly’s gondola and mountain-top facilities were scheduled to open in July with COVID restrictions).
Tallac Historic Site & Beaches
White sand beaches line the Historic Site’s green lawns and extend either direction down the lakeshore, all connected by bike trail with South Lake Tahoe. 2020 tours and concerts at this historic venue were cancelled, but it’s still a pleasant stroll through the Site and its estates.
Cruising or Paddling Lake Tahoe
By kayak, paddleboard, sailboat, speedboat or scenic cruise, getting out on Lake Tahoe’s blue surface is an unforgettable experience. Comfortable cruises leave from Zephyr Cove and Tahoe City daily. See “Boating,” page 23, for more details.
D.L. Bliss State Park
Enormous granite boulders dot this scenic park, whose highlight is its white sand beach, turquoise waters and rocky coves. A trail from Bliss clings the cliffs to Emerald Bay State Park to the south. The park’s campgrounds include large group sites near the beach.
Old Highway 40
This alternate route from Interstate 80 over Donner Summit parallels the historic pioneer and railroad route over the Sierra Crest. The road’s switchbacks and scenic pull-outs are often featured in national car commercials. From the pass, a short hike reaches the abandoned train tunnels and “Chinese wall” constructed in the 1860s. Unfortunately, during summer 2020 major road work will close Highway 40 mid-week with one-lane restrictions on weekends.
Truckee River Outlet State Park & Museums
Lake Tahoe’s only outlet is the Truckee River in Tahoe City, where a dam controls the top six feet of the lake as a reservoir for northern Nevada. Lean over the railings to watch the giant trout below. Summer operations at the park’s Gatekeeper Museum and nearby Tahoe Maritime Museum were undetermined at press-time due to COVID-19. SUMMER/FALL 2020 | Lake Tahoe Visitor Guide 13
FEATURES
Virginia City
Downtown Truckee
Truckee’s charming, “Old West” downtown is bisected by the Transcontinental Railroad and the Truckee River. The historic downtown buildings house a wide variety of quality restaurants, shops, galleries and brew pubs. Trails and bike paths head out in multiple directions, including the scenic Truckee River Legacy Trail.
This 1860s silver boomtown was pivotal to helping the Union finance the Civil War. It is remarkably well-preserved with wooden boardwalks in front of its downtown shops. The high-desert drive from either Carson City or South Reno complete the Old West journey. Virginia City steam engine train rides, museum and mine tour operations were undetermined at press-time, due to COVID-19.
Mt. Rose Highway Scenic Viewpoint Sugar Pine Point State Park
This park is a journey back to the “Gilded Age” and lovely Hellman-Ehrman Mansion’s surrounding grounds of lawn, boat houses and beaches. The park also has popular bike paths, campground and a trail system open to cross-country skiers in winter.
Donner Memorial State Park
This State Park’s recently re-designed Emigrant Memorial Museum tells the story of the infamous Donner Party and other Western pioneers. The park also includes campgrounds and a shoreline trail along Donner Lake.
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A short drive above Incline Village on Nevada Highway 431 is a scenic pull-off with unobstructed views of the Lake Tahoe Basin, spectacular day or night. The road from there north to Reno includes a winding descent with expansive views. Note: Missing in Action Normally, Tahoe’s “greatest hits” would include the breathtaking, aerial tram ride from the Village at Squaw Valley up 2,000 vertical feet to its High Camp complex, and tours of historic Thunderbird Lodge, but at press-time, neither had announced summer operations due to COVID-19.
Answers to “Test Your Tahoe Knowledge,” page 10 1C Lake Tahoe’s maximum depth is 1644 feet. 2B Lake Tahoe is 21.75 miles long by 11.8 miles wide. 3C Freel Peak (10,886 feet) is Tahoe’s tallest mountain. 4D Snowfall has been recorded at Tahoe during every month of the year 5A John C. Fremont and a member of his expedition first sighted Lake Tahoe in 1844. 6D Mark Twain wrote all those things and more about Tahoe in Roughing It (1872). 7A Steinbeck completed his first novel, Cup of Gold, while caretaking a home at Cascade Lake and working at the Tahoe City Fish Hatchery.
COCKTAILS ON THE LAKE, COCKTAILS TO GO!
This summer, you can do better than a can of beer for refreshment in the great outdoors. Due to COVID-19, the California alcohol authority (ABC) has permitted restaurants like Tahoe City’s Pioneer Cocktail Club to sell “cocktails to go.” And there’s no place like Pioneer for unique and memorable Tahoe cocktails! On the consistent customer accolades its cocktails receive, Pioneer owner Brian Nelson says, “People think we’re wizards, but we ‘cheat’ by using the best ingredients possible, many made in-house. We only use organic, fresh ingredients and juices for all of our drinks.” Pioneer serves cocktails to go individually or “large format,” says Nelson. “We can give you the ingredients separated so you can mix them fresh, plus all the ice you’ll need.” What a deal! Especially compared to searching for less-quality mixings on the bare shelves of packed grocery stores! Pioneer offers a 100% top shelve well and a large selection of premium and artisan spirits. Wood-fired pizzas, farm-to-table tapas and other delicious plates flow from the kitchen. Bar and booths are available inside, conditions permitting, with lakeview tables outside. Pioneer is currently open from 1 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with the restaurant’s normal expanded hours anticipated to return when conditions allow. Whether it’s to-go or served to your table, Pioneer Cocktail Club can make your Tahoe day or night tasteful and memorable!
THE PIONEER COCKTAIL CLUB
Craft Cocktails v Rare Whiskey flights Artisanal Spirit Selections Casual Fine Dining Experience v Wood Fired Pizzas
521 N. Lake Blvd, Tahoe City, CA 96145 | 530-523-0402 | www.pcctahoe.com
FEATURES
An Environmental Wonder
Lake Tahoe is one of the most scientifically studied lakes on earth.
Secret Cove on Tahoe’s East Shore. PHOTO BY MIKE EADINGTON
University of California Davis (UCD) staff have been measuring water clarity and other data at Lake Tahoe since 1958. The university went on to launch a year-around research boat, the Le Conte, and renovated the Tahoe City Fish Hatchery into a field station. More recently, UCD built the state-of-the-art Tahoe Environmental Research Center in Incline Village, where today its researchers consult on the science and preservation of lakes around the world. Concern for Tahoe’s environment dates back over a hundred years to naturalist and writer John Muir, who witnessed the destruction caused by the clear-cutting of its forests to build the Comstock Lode silver mines. The enormity of the lake (larger in water volume than all of America’s man-made reservoirs combined) helped it largely heal over the following century. But in 1957, a group of Tahoe-lovers became concerned over current and planned development and formed the League to Save Lake Tahoe. Working with UCD professor, Dr. Charles R. Goldman, they helped raise awareness of the environmental threats and created the ubiquitous “Keep Tahoe Blue” slogan, still found on bumper-stickers throughout the West. The bi-state Tahoe Regional Planning Agency was created by Congress in 1969 to manage growth and planning within the Tahoe Basin watershed. Positive changes were made to pre-
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serve Tahoe’s beauty and viability, yet the lake’s average water clarity continued to decline at a foot-a-year pace (originally measured at 105 feet). In 1997, President Clinton and Vice-President Gore visited Tahoe to sign a bill created with bi-partisan support in Congress that funded major restoration projects on Tahoe’s predominately federal lands. In the decade that followed, the decline in Tahoe’s water clarity slowed and then stabilized, even improving during a 4-year stretch by over 13 feet! Over the last three years, however, water clarity has swung wildly, recording two record losses. Scientists believe climate change is now the greatest threat to Tahoe’s water clarity, pointing to recent, record warm water temperatures. Fortunately, Tahoe’s great depth and freezing-cold winter nights make it less susceptible to the current effects of climate change than shallower, low elevation lakes. Please help “Keep Tahoe Blue” during your visit by cleaning up your messes and those of your pet. If you’re in a giving mood, clean up someone else’s trash, too. Launching watercraft? Thoroughly check it for any growth and evasive species prior to launch. Have larger boats certified at a Lake Tahoe Boat Inspection Station. Then get out and enjoy Lake Tahoe’s still breathtakingly clear water and clean beaches. Thank you for doing your part to keep them that way.
e r fac ! r you e Tahoe a e w k a it L er to u vis emb o y m e n R whe ring e v o c
CLEAN
DRAIN
DRY
Tahoe welcomes boaters to watercraft inspection stations with COVID-19 precautions in place. Face coverings are required during inspections for aquatic invasive species. Please have patience and expect delays during your visit to Lake Tahoe. For the latest information on inspection locations and appointments, visit:
TahoeBoatInspections.com • 888-824-6267
invasive species program
W OLFD ALE’S c u i s i n e
u n i q u e
High-end destination for sophisticated, seasonal California cuisine.
“A safe level of comfort.” Downtown Tahoe City with Lake Views | 530.583.5700 | wolfdales.com SUMMER/FALL 2020 | Lake Tahoe Visitor Guide 17
GLOSSARY
More than 50 flavors of premium and flavored olive oils and balsamics, plus spices, honey, tea, and more.
10091 Donner Pass Rd. | 530-550-8857 | tahoeoilandspice.com
In Historic Downtown Truckee • Open Monday–Saturday 10:30am–6pm • Closed Sundays
PATIO LUNCH 11–5
Counter Service: First Come, First Served
DINNER 5:30–9
Table Service Inside or Out Reservations Required [due to limited, distanced tables]
TAKEOUT AVAILABLE LODGE IS OPEN!
•Preventive Care
•Digital Dental Xray
•Prescription Diets
•Digital Xrays
•Surgery
•End of Life Services
•Ultrasound
•Lab and Pharmacy
•Laser Therapy
•Daytime Emergency Services
Dr. Brian Buckton DVM On the bike path between Tahoe City and Squaw Valley
530-583-4264 riverranchlodge.com info@riverranchlodge.com Follow us on
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Monday-Friday 8-5 530.583.8587 2933 Lake Forest Road Tahoe City
burtoncreekvet.com
FEATURES
Knowing the forest for the trees
A guide to the towering inhabitants of Tahoe. WESTERN WHITE PINE Height 100 feet One of the world’s largest pines, the thick trunks of these trees have a uniform grain ideal for match sticks.
JEFFREY PINE Height 80–130 feet The scent of its crushed twigs has been compared to vanilla, lemon, even pineapple!
PONDEROSA PINE Height 60–130 feet The most commonly found pine in North America, the tree is lumbered throughout the West due to its value to the construction industry. When sun-warmed, the bark gives off a sweet smell that some compare to fresh-baked cookies.
SUGAR PINE Height 100–160 feet Head to the popular California state park on the West Shore named for this tree to search for stunning examples of its huge, long pinecones.
LODGEPOLE PINE Height 20–80 feet Also called a Tamarack Pine, the slender trunks of this species were reportedly used by Native American tribes to support their teepees, or “lodges.” SUMMER/FALL 2020 | Lake Tahoe Visitor Guide 19
FEATURES
WASHOE PINE Height 60 feet This rare, local tree was the last native pine species to be discovered in North America, in 1938 on Mount Rose, and named for the Washoe Tribe, Native Americans that still have a presence at Lake Tahoe.
WHITE FIR Height 70–160 feet After most of Tahoe’s forests were clear-cut to build Virginia City’s silver mines (roughly 1860 to 1890), White Fir grew back more quickly than pine species and became a dominant presence in the forests. More recently, many Firs are falling victim to deadly bark beetle infestations, their dead trunks a wildfire concern, although beloved by woodpeckers.
INCENSE CEDAR Height 60–150 feet These magnificent trees have high crowns of huge, angular limbs. Thick bark protects older trees from wildfire. Cedars are sometimes confused with redwoods, with less than a handful of the latter present in the Tahoe Basin.
QUAKING ASPEN Height 40-70 feet The most widely distributed tree in North America, aspens are usually found in stream zones and meadows. Their leaves are green for most of the summer, the color they turn in fall dictated, in part, by the soil around their roots, with yellow the predominant color but some trees bursting out in reds and oranges. October is usually the best month for fall color in the Sierra.
CALIFORNIA RED FIR Height 60–120 feet Mountain Men reportedly used its boughs to create temporary beds 20 SUMMER/FALL 2020 | Lake Tahoe Visitor Guide
FEATURES
WILLOW Height 2–50 feet Willows thrive in streambeds and other drainages. Some never grow taller than scrubs, while larger individuals develop strong, slender trunks. Hardy species like willows and aspens often survive right alongside Tahoe’s highways, despite being pummeled by powerful snow removal blowers throughout the winter.
WESTERN JUNIPER Height 15–30 feet Found at higher elevations, the giants of this species can be over 2,000 years old with trunk diameters of 16 feet! Stunningly photogenic, its thick roots and gnarled trunks are often found spreading over jumbled granite boulders near mountain summits, bent low to the ground by powerful storm winds.
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SUMMER/FALL 2020 | Lake Tahoe Visitor Guide 21
TAHOE INFO
Glossary of Tahoe Activities
There are so many ways here to define FUN! Arcades
See “Gambling.”
Art Galleries See “Shopping”
Beaches [Also–
White sand, turquoise water, picnics, wading] Nothing feels, sounds and smells more like “summer” than a day at the beach. Tahoe’s shoreline features beaches in all varieties, some of them delightfully harder to find. South Tahoe features a string of lovely public beaches and lakefront resorts, from Zephyr Cove in the north to Lakeview Commons and Regan Beach in town center to Baldwin Beach off Highway 89. In North Tahoe, sand-seekers head for Kings Beach State Recreation Area and nearby Moon Dunes. Tahoe City’s Commons Beach has a playground and lawn. D.L. Bliss State Park and Meeks Bay Resort on the West Shore have beautiful sand beaches, but Sand Harbor at Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park on the East Shore is the creme de la crème of Tahoe sand. Arrive early to get parking, or bike to Sand Harbor on a scenic three-mile path from Incline
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Village. Near Truckee, West End Beach at Donner Lake has a large lawn and shade trees. Go to TahoePublicBeaches.org for more information and locations.
Bike Parks Truckee has an excellent bike park with beginner to expert jump lines. Incline Village and South Lake Tahoe also have public bike parks with pump-tracks and beginner to intermediate flow lines. Northstar California resort bike park features more traditional mountain bike trails, plus uphill transportation on a ski lift modified to carry bikes; at press-time, the resort was schedule to open in July. Bike Paths
[Also– Cruisers, E-bikes, inline skating, jogging strollers] Smoothly paved and separated from vehicle traffic, bike paths are found throughout Tahoe communities. They curve along a shoreline, follow a river, and meander through forests, meadows and neighborhoods. Officially “bike” paths, they are equally popular with couples and families out for a walk with their dogs, so therefore not always appropriate for cranking it up on a racing bike.
TAHOE INFO
Capturing stunning photos is one favorite Tahoe activity. PHOTO BY MIKE EADINGTON
South Lake Tahoe’s network of paths includes fun rides to several beaches. Incline Village’s relatively new path to Sand Harbor at Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park has stunning views and accesses several small coves. Tahoe City is the center of over 19 miles of connected bike path, including the popular route along the Truckee River to Squaw Valley and the 12-mile journey down the West Shore to Sugar Pine Point State Park and Meeks Bay. Truckee’s network of paths includes the Legacy Trail, a lovely, 4.4-mile ride along the Truckee River.
Bird Watching
In spring and fall, a number of migratory birds linger in this region. The larger wetlands of the Upper Truckee River, Carson Valley and Little Truckee host a wide variety of species. Year around, look to the sky for osprey, red-tail hawk and the occasional bald eagle. Or have mountain chickadee eating out of your hand on “chickadee ridge,” a short hike in Tahoe Meadows from Nevada Highway 431.
Boating
[Also– Rentals, charters, launching, parasailing] Boat rentals and launching, jet ski, kayak and paddle-board rentals are available at marinas surrounding Lake Tahoe, including Tahoe City, Sunnyside, Homewood, Tahoe Keys, Ski Run and North Tahoe marinas, with no launching but full water-fun rental fleet at Hyatt Regency beach in Incline Village. Kings Beach has multiple jet ski, paddleboard and kayak rentals, including clear Crystal Kayaks. Parasailing is offered at many marinas. Pay attention to weather forecasts and wind direction before taking any boating trip on Tahoe. It is not advised to dive headfirst into the middle of Lake Tahoe from a boat, even on a hot summer day, as the water just four feet below the surface might be 40 degrees F colder than the air! If you’d rather experience Lake Tahoe from the comfort of a cruise boat, the M.S. Dixie in Zephyr Cove and Tahoe Gal in Tahoe City depart daily. Sailing charters are available in Tahoe City, Tahoe Keys, or on the Sierra Cloud catamaran at Hyatt beach, Incline Village.
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TAHOE INFO
Casinos
See “Gambling.”
CYCLING
[Also– Road-biking] Reno local Greg LeMond was the first non-European to win the Tour de France, and his legs muscles were built on punishing Tahoe climbs like the Mt. Rose Highway’s 4,400-foot ascent and 2,500-foot descent to Lake Tahoe. For those at ease on narrow mountain roads, the region is full of challenges. The famous Death Ride race, which summits 3 mountain passes south of Lake Tahoe, is cancelled this summer due to COVID-19. The belt-notch Tahoe ride is circling the lake, a 72-mile journey that can be turned into a “century” with a 28mile out-and-back to Truckee. The roads around the lake features a mostly adequate, single-file shoulder, but also stretches of road with little to no shoulder on East Shore and near Emerald Bay. Ride clockwise if you want to maximize lake views. Highway 89 from Squaw Valley to Truckee has wider bike lanes and can be part of an alternate around-the-lake route with a 1,385-foot climb over Brockway Summit on Highway 267. Other popular road rides include climbing almost 1,200 vertical feet in 3 miles on Old Highway 40 from Donner Lake over the Sierra Crest (open weekends-only summer 2020), then westward down a frontage road along Interstate 80, and climbing Ward and Blackwood Canyons on the West Shore. Or to just dial it back and cruise, see Bike Paths.
Dining See “Dining Directory” on page 40. Disc Golf You’re going to come to Lake Tahoe and
play disc golf? Well, why not! Courses are found at Incline Village, South Lake Tahoe, Truckee and North Tahoe Regional Park in Tahoe Vista.
Dog Walks and Swims
Dogs the world-over drool to come to Lake Tahoe. No ticks, no poison oak, water-waterwater, plus mountains to climb, squirrels to chase, and outdoor dining with scraps. Unfortunately, dogs are not welcome on all of Tahoe’s beaches, so head for Kiva Beach in South Tahoe, Zephyr Cove on East Shore, Coon Street Beach in Kings Beach, Patton Beach in Carnelian Bay, and Hurricane Bay near Blackwood Canyon on the West Shore. Dogs on lease or under voice command are welcome on most trails in the area. Water-sprinkled walks include Meeks Bay creek trail, Glen Alpine trail, Five Lakes trail, Shirley Canyon in Squaw Valley, Truckee River Legacy trail, and Donner Memorial State Park.
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Drinking
Breweries throughout Tahoe and Reno produce award-winning “suds,” served up in brew pubs or in taprooms pouring beer from around the world. Local favorites include Fifty/Fifty, Tahoe Mountain Brewing, Tahoe Cold Water, Alibi Ale and Great Basin. The region also has local distilleries with impressive wares, including Tahoe Vodka and Bently Heritage Distillery’s beautiful facility in Carson Valley.
Drives
The 72-mile drive around Lake Tahoe can be a scenic 2 to 3 hours or an all-day odyssey with entertaining side trips. Don’t forget lunch, maybe at a lakefront restaurant, or a picnic at a park or beach. Other scenic road trips include Mt. Rose Highway 431, and highways 89, 88 and 4 south of Lake Tahoe.
Equestrian At press-time, area stables were closed or had limited operation due to COVID-19. Tahoe’s stables include Alpine Meadows, Camp Richardson, Zephyr Cove, Piping Rock and Tahoe Donner. Horses are allowed on parts of the Tahoe Rim Trail and other area trails. Fishing
[Also– Charters, fly-fishing] Charter fishing boats leave from marinas around Lake Tahoe most every morning of the summer, many seeking large Mackinaw Trout. Fly fishing spots include the upper and lower Truckee River, Little Truckee River, and upper Carson River tributaries south of Tahoe.
Floating
[Also– Inner-tubing, river kayaking] The relatively gentle stretch of the Truckee River between Tahoe City and River Ranch can supply multi-generational rafting and tubing fun. Two commercial rafting operations were scheduled to operate at 50% capacity this summer on this section of river due to COVID restrictions—book ahead if you plan to rent a raft! If you’re riding your own floatation, you’ll have to drop a car near River Ranch, where non-restaurant parking is limited. The Truckee River beyond River Ranch becomes more technical. Inner-tubers and others jump in farther down stream where Donner Lake Creek meets the Truckee, then float to Legacy Trail Bridge or beyond to Glenshire Bridge.
Powerboat Rentals Service Department ~ Fuel ~ Shopping and Dining
20 to 23ft. • Up to 300 hp • Canopies • Up to 10-person capacity
RIVERFRONT PATIO DINING
Open 11 am–10 pm | Take-outs available
We will resume weekend breakfasts and Happy Hour when conditions allow.
530.583.3342 | Next to Fanny Bridge in Tahoe City WWW.TAHOEBRIDGETENDER.COM
700 North Lake Blvd. Hwy 28 ~ Tahoe City, CA
530.583.1039 TAHOECITYMARINA.COM SUMMER/FALL 2020 | Lake Tahoe Visitor Guide 25
TAHOE INFO
Portions of the upper Truckee River can also be floated, starting in the Meyers area, but beware of obstacles on the way to Tahoe Keys.
Four-Wheeling
[Also– Off-road vehicle, dirt biking] The Rubicon Trail is a world-classic, off-road journey, labeled “the crown jewel of all off-highway trails.” The trail crosses the Sierra Crest for a technical, 22-miles from McKinney-Rubicon, on Tahoe’s west shore, to near Georgetown in the California foothills— it rates a “10” difficulty on a scale of 10. Four-wheelers and two-wheelers seeking more wide-open spaces head toward Northern Nevada’s countless off-road trails and dirt roads.
Gambling
[Also– Arcades] Stateline in South Tahoe is home to the region’s famous, large casino towers— Harrah’s, Harveys, MontBleu and Hard Rock Hotel—all adjacent to each other. All feature 24-hour slots and table games, plus entertainment, dining and lodging. Just across the Nevada state line in North Tahoe, Crystal Bay has 3 smaller casinos, plus the Hyatt in Incline Village. On the Nevada-side of Tahoe, you’ll also find slots and digital gaming at some bars and restaurants. The casinos have the best arcades in the area, large rooms of cutting-edge games like those found at Harveys.
• Mountain Bike Tours • Guided Hiking • Backpacking • Family Adventures • Multisport Tours
Gliding
[Also– Hang gliding, ultra-lights] Commercial glider plane rides are available from the Truckee and Minden airports. Powered hang glider rides depart from Carson City Airport. All three operations usually take customers over parts of Lake Tahoe. Experienced hang gliders sometimes launch from Slide Mountain Highway off Mt. Rose Highway 431, where summer updrafts along the steep Eastern Sierra can power record flights.
Golf Tahoe-Reno has some good golf, from high-end championship courses to relaxed local links. Edgewood Tahoe at Stateline is the “Pebble Beach” of the region, home to the nationally televised American Century Celebrity Golf Championship. Numerous well-known golf architects have designed courses in Reno/Carson/Tahoe, both private and public. Greater Truckee has seven courses, some private, but with public options including the Jack Nicklaus-designed Old Greenwood and Peter Jacobson-designed Grey’s Crossing.
Tahoe Adventure Company Inspiring High Sierra Adventures
• Kayak & SUP Tours • Beachfront Kayak & SUP Rental 7010 N. Lake Blvd. Tahoe Vitsa
G R O U P & C O R P O R AT E O U T I N G S + T E A M B U I LD I N G
TahoeAdventureCompany.com | 530.913.9212 26 SUMMER/FALL 2020 | Lake Tahoe Visitor Guide
Tee-up at the historic Tahoe City Golf Course. Enjoy golf with a view, bocce ball, dining at Café Zenon, walking distance to downtown Tahoe City and Commons Beach. JOIN US!
Family-friendly | Affordable | Fun Oldest Golf Course in Lake Tahoe
251 NORTH LAKE BLVD, TAHOE CITY (behind SaveMart) Some restrictions due to COVID-19
Book your tee time or private event | 530.583.151 6 | GolfTahoeCity.com
SUMMER/FALL 2020 | Lake Tahoe Visitor Guide 27
TAHOE INFO
In North Tahoe, historic 9-hole courses are found in Tahoe City and Kings Beach. At the latter, Old Brockway, Bing Crosby created in 1934 the pro-am tournament that is now the ATT National Pro-Am at Pebble Beach. Incline Village has two excellent mountain courses. South Lake Tahoe has 3 additional 9- or 18-hole layouts.
South Shore. Wet suits are advised, even on warm afternoons, as lake surface temperatures can drop quickly on windy days.
Hiking
Miniature Golf Find mini-
[Also– Getting away from the crowd, forest- bathing, adventure treks] From spring through late-fall, Tahoe has a perfect hike for most every day and every mood. The Tahoe Rim Trail is one of three iconic trails that originate or pass through the region, the others being the John Muir and Pacific Crest trails. You can pick up sections of the Rim Trail at 12 trailheads, enjoying out-and-backs or point-to-point with a car shuttle. Popular trailheads include Tahoe Meadows, above Incline Village on Nevada Highway 431, Brockway Summit off Highway 267, Echo Lakes near Interstate 50, and Spooner Lake near I-50’s Spooner Summit on Tahoe’s East Shore. The Pacific Crest Trail can be accessed at over 7 trailheads in the Tahoe region. All three trails travel through the spectacular granite landscapes of Desolation Wilderness, the nation’s most visited wilderness area. Many lovely hiking trails wind through the woods at lower elevations, some in state parks, others accessed from neighborhood roads. Look to our recreation map on page 34 for some suggestions. For more adventurous, off-trail hikers, the Sierra Nevada Range offers endless peak-bagging and backcountry route finding. As with all travel in Tahoe backcountry, go prepared with cell-phone charged and adequate water and clothing.
Ice Skating
South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena is an excellent indoor facility with an NHL-sized rink. At presstime, the arena was planning to open this summer but had not announced details of its operations..
Jet Skiing
See “Boating”
Kayaking See “Paddling”
Kite Boarding
[Also– Windsurfing, Hobiecatting] Lake Tahoe and other nearby lakes often have afternoon winds on summer days, but not usually at a velocity to excite kite boarders or windsurfers. That can change as storm fronts brush the Northern Sierra, whipping up whitecapped action off Kings Beach, Tahoe Vista and
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golf fun at two Magic Carpet Golf locations (South Lake Tahoe and Carnelian Bay) and Kings Beach Miniature Golf. Heavenly Village lays out summer-only holes on its plaza.
Mountain Biking [Also– Single track, fire roads] The entire Northern Sierra is a mountain biking mecca of single-track and fire road fun, from classic granite descents to newly built routes that curve and bounce fluidly down mountain sides. Flume Trail is the most iconic of Lake Tahoe routes, a breathtaking trek along mountain ridges and cliff side, including single-track following the route of an old lumber flume. This classic fat-tire ride is made more civilized with a shuttle service that cuts out a painful road climbing part of the loop. Take a look at the map on page 34 for more information on popular trails. Bike shops are great sources for in-depth information on adventures to match your goals. Museums
At press-time, museums in the Tahoe region remained closed due to COVID-19. Interesting area museums include Donner Emigrant Trail Museum outside Truckee, Gatekeepers Museum and Native American basket collection in Tahoe City, and Tahoe Environmental Research Center in Incline Village. Other quality museums in the region include Nevada Museum of Art and National Auto Museum in Reno, Nevada Museum and Nevada Railroad Museum in Carson City, and tours and museums in Virginia City.
Paddling
[Also– SUP, open water kayak, natural adventure] Lake Tahoe’s crystal-clear water—every shade of blue from near-black to turquoise—has a magnetic attraction for paddle boarders and kayakers. There are multiple Tahoe marinas that offer launching and rentals. Many of the most popular beach locations also have rentals and convenient parking. East Shore’s mix of undeveloped shoreline, numerous coves, hidden beaches and huge granite boulders is a
truly connect
530.583.5475 | tahoexc.org 925 Country Club Drive, Tahoe City
SUMMER/FALL 2020 | Lake Tahoe Visitor Guide 29
TAHOE INFO
favorite adventure, normally accessed through Sand Harbor at Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, with rentals available there or at the Hyatt Regency beach in Incline Village. Emerald Bay is the great adventure of the West Shore, accessed from D.L. Bliss State Park to the north or Baldwin and Pope beaches to the south. Go to LakeTahoeWaterTrail.org for information about multi-day paddles around the lake.
Photography
Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park and Old Highway 40 above Donner Lake are Tahoe’s classic vistas, the latter a favorite of national car commercials. The overlook on Nevada Highway 431 above Incline Village has gorgeous views throughout the day and night. The Heavenly gondola was planning to open in July, a journey to spectacular vistas. And even a short hike in any direction can lead to visual treasures at Tahoe. Maybe you’ll spot a bald eagle or black bear? Day trips include historic silver mining boomtown of Virginia City, high desert landscapes at Pyramid Lake and Black Rock Desert, the ghost town of Bodie, and the Sierra Buttes.
Playgrounds
[Also– playing fields] The City of South Lake Tahoe has an excellent recreation and swim center, plus three playgrounds. Kings Beach and Tahoe Vista have numerous playgrounds and play fields, both along the lakeshore and at the North Tahoe Regional Park. Tahoe City Commons Beach has a playground and lawn. In Truckee, find playground and fields at the Truckee River Regional Park.
River Rafting
[Also– White-water rafting, river kayaking] For mellow river trips, see “Floating.” If you seek technical whitewater, portions of the Truckee River Canyon between Truckee and Verdi feature Class Three and higher-difficulty rapids. If COVID conditions permit, Tahoe Whitewater Tours will run commercial day trips in the Truckee River Canyon and forks of the American River.
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Rock Climbing
[Also– Bouldering] Tahoe’s most popular climbing destinations are Donner Summit, near Truckee, and Lover’s Leap, off Highway 50 near Echo Summit. Old Highway 40 west of Donner Lake travels up to numerous granite cliffs with traditional routes of all grades. Lover’s Leap is a classic Sierra climbing area known for its multi-pitch routes reaching up to 600 feet. Emerald Bay and Big Chief, near Truckee, are popular sport climbing spots. Climbers have ferreted out excellent granite bouldering around Tahoe’s woods—look to web or print bouldering guides for details and directions to the continually expanding areas.
Ropes Courses [Also– Adventure parks, ziplines] Tahoe Treetop Adventure parks have three locations—Tahoe Vista, Squaw Valley and Granlibakken Resort—with rope courses, zip-lines and a “leap of faith.” At press-time, Treetop was requiring standard COVID distancing and use of personal helmets, with bike helmets OK. Heavenly in South Tahoe has a fun ropes course and alpine slide at the top of their gondola, which at press-time was scheduled to open in July with COVID precautions in place.
Sailing See “Boating”
Scenic Rides
[Also– Aerial tram, gondola lift] Heavenly ski resort was scheduled at press-time to open its incredibly scenic gondola in July, including operation of its mountain top operations. Squaw Valley’s aerial tram and its mountain top operations had not announced summer opening plans at press-time.
Skate Parks
Skate parks are found in Truckee and South Lake Tahoe, with details of summer operations undetermined at press-time.
Shopping
Boutiques, art galleries, gift and souvenirs shops can be found in many Tahoe communities. Walkable concentrations are found in Downtown Truckee, Heavenly Village/Stateline, Tahoe City, Incline Center and Kings Beach. Look to our Directory, page 44, for more information on shops and galleries.
Swimming
[Also– Open-water] Lake Tahoe is DEEP, and COLD, but its top 3 feet can become refreshingly swimable most Augusts and Septembers, with water temperatures in the 70 degrees F, especially in warmer sandy shallows on summer afternoons off South Tahoe, Kings Beach, Tahoe
Hot Slices, Cold Beer, Subs, Tacos, Burritos, Quesadillas and More!
205 RIVER ROAD TAHOE CITY
www.frontstreetpizza.com
530.583.3770
Tahoe’s Original Surf Shop Owners Carol and Jessica Hester
r
fo
Stand Up Paddle Boards Sales and Rentals Kayak and Canoe Rentals Beach Wear and Sundries
Toys & games for all ages! Helping create memories and celebrating families! Two locations: Cobblestone Mall and Mind Play in Squaw Valley Tahoe City 530-581-Game
8338 North Lake Blvd. Kings Beach 530-546-4112 | Adrifttahoe.com
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TAHOE INFO
Vista and Sand Harbor beaches. To enjoy Tahoe’s water clarity, wear swim goggles or mask. Or take a dip in the lower Truckee River, basically Lake Tahoe in motion. Excellent indoor public pools are usually open in South Lake Tahoe, Truckee and Incline Village, but their operations were undetermined at press-time due to COVID-19.
Trail Running See “Hiking”
Walking
[Also– Handicap access] Paved walking and bike paths exist at numerous spots around Lake Tahoe and surrounding communities, often adjacent to beaches or dirt trails. Popular strolls include the South Tahoe to Tallac Historic Site, the West Shore bike trail from Meeks Bay to Tahoe City, the Truckee River bike trail to Squaw Valley, the lakeside trail through Tahoe City to Dollar Hill, and the path along Lakeshore Boulevard in Incline Village. Many of these trails are handicap accessible with long,
relatively flat sections. The recently opened bike trail from Incline Village to Sand Harbor in Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park is a particularly scenic jaunt with a short, steep hill. Take the kids on Family Discovery nature trails in Sugar Pine Point State Park. Near Truckee, the paved Truckee River Legacy Trail and dirt trails in Donner Memorial State Park and Martis Valley trail are all delightful places to raise your heart rate a bit.
Water Skiing
[Also– Wake boarding, wake surfing, lessons] On a calm summer morning, when the lake’s surface perfectly mirrors the blue sky and green peaks, Tahoe is water skiing nirvana. West Shore locations are often the most wind protected. Take a waterski lesson from experienced pros at High Sierra Waterski School at Homewood Marina. A number of Tahoe marinas rent boats for wake boarding or wake surfing—the latter is fun even in minor wind-chop because it requires slower boat speeds. Pay attention to current weather forecasts before planning any boating trip on Lake Tahoe. Other area lakes with launching marinas include Donner Lake and Fallen Leaf Lake.
Zoos To see animals from around the world, head to Animal Ark, near Lemmon Valley north of Reno, who provide sanctuary for orphaned, injured, or non-releasable wildlife. —CHACO MOHLER CON V LOC ENIENT ATIO N!
THE FOR LY! FUN E FAMI OL H W
H SIERRA G I H
WAT E R S K I S C H O O L 42 Years of Operation! • POWERBOAT RENTALS
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Indoor and outdoor dining with splendid Tahoe views! • Happy Hour daily • Serving lunch on select summer days 760 N. Lake Blvd. #30 • Boatworks Mall • Tahoe City 530-581-3700 www.hacdellago.com
I
32 SUMMER/FALL 2020 | Lake Tahoe Visitor Guide
• PERSONAL WATERCRAFT RENTALS - SEA•DOO (up to 3 passengers) 4 stroke - TRPA approved! - CANOES - KAYAKS - PADDLEBOARDS
highsierrawaterskiing.com At Homewood High & Dry Marina 7 miles south of Tahoe City • 5190 West Lake Blvd.
530-525-1214
GLOSSARY
Lake Tahoe’s Premier Photographic Gallery
(530) 583-9000 www.TheEadingtonGallery.com Heavenly Village & Tahoe City, CA
HIKES 1 Spooner Lake Loop 2 Stateline Lookout 3 Skunk Harbor 4 Shirley Canyon 5 Five Lakes 6 Barker Pass 7 Martis Peak 8 Incline Flume 9 Mt. Rose 10 Washoe Meadows PAVED BIKE TRAILS 1 North & West Shore 2 Lakeshore path 3 Legacy Trail 4 South Lake Tahoe MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS 1 N. Tahoe Regional Park 2 Tahoe Rim Trail (CA) 3 Tahoe Rim Trail (NV) 4 Flume Trail 5 Standford Rock 6 Tahoe XC 7 Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
DIFFICULTY Easy Easy Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Strenuous Easy DIFFICULTY Easy Easy Easy Easy DIFFICULTY Easy Moderate Strenuous Strenuous Strenuous Moderate Strenuous
HIKES AND BIKES MILES RT 2 .5 3 1-4 2-4 2-4 3-8 2-6 12 5.6 MILES 18 2.5 2 11.7 MILES 1W 2-8 10-20 10-20 14 14 5-20 9
TRAILHEAD Hwy. 28, 11 miles south of Incline Lakeshore Ave. behind Tahoe Biltmore Hwy. 28, 10.5 miles south of Incline Behind Olympic Village Inn 2.1 miles up Alpine Meadows Road Top of Blackwood Canyon Road Hwy. 267, just south of Brockway Summit Hwy 431, on right from scenic lookout Top of Hwy.431 behind rest area N. Upper Truckee Rd. off I-50 ACCESS Olympic Valley, Tahoe City, West Shore Along Lakeshore Drive, Incline Village Truckee Regional Park, Old Brockway Road Accessed throughout city TRAILHEAD Off National Ave., Tahoe Vista Top of Hwy. 267 or behind Tahoe City Hwy. 431, 7 miles from Incline Hwy. 28 & Hwy. 50 junction, Spooner Lake Hwy. 89, 3.5 miles south of Tahoe City Country Club Dr. nr. Tahoe City Hwy. 89, 6.9 miles south of I-507
COMMUNITIES
COMMUNITES
Experiencing a Diverse Region
Tahoe/Reno has many vibrant, interesting communities, each with stories to tell. SOUTH SHORE
This bi-state community includes Stateline, Nevada, and City of South Lake Tahoe, California, and spreads along 18 miles of highways 50 and 89. It’s concentration of visitor attractions are close to the state border. On the California-side are numerous shops, restaurants and lodging, plus the Heavenly Village aerial gondola. Steps away on the Nevada-side are Harrah’s, Harveys, Mont Bleu and Hard Rock casino towers. All the casinos have multiple restaurants and entertainment, with restrictions at press-time due to COVID-19. More lodging and restaurants dot the 5-mile stretch of Highway 50 from Stateline south to the “Y” intersection with Highway 89, and for a mile along 89 north. Interstate 50 heads to the community of Meyers and then west over Echo Summit, following routes skied by John “Snowshoe” Thompson 150 years ago while carrying the mail to California.
NORTH TAHOE
The string of smaller communities that dot Lake Tahoe’s west and north shores are resort towns that largely consist of unique, family-owned, small businesses. Incline Village was developed in the 1960s as a planned resort community. Gambling is legal in Incline and at Crystal Bay casinos near the state border. Kings Beach, Tahoe City and Homewood were thriving summer resorts in the late 1800s and early 1900s, then became year-round destinations after the 1960 Winter Olympics at Squaw Valley. Squaw Valley Ski Resort and its base village are approximately 7 miles from Lake Tahoe in spectacular Olympic Valley.
(THIS PAGE, FROM TOP) Strolling from South Lake Tahoe toward Stateline; view of Tahoe City and West Shore. (OPPOSITE, FROM TOP) Downtown Truckee; Reno Riverwalk District; rustic Carson Valley. COURTESY PHOTOS
36 SUMMER/FALL 2020 | Lake Tahoe Visitor Guide
COMMUNITES
TRUCKEE
The Town of Truckee covers almost 34 square miles of Nevada County, including Donner Lake, Tahoe Donner and Glenshire. Northstar California resort is 6 miles to the east. Truckee is historically significant as an Old West frontier town, Intercontinental Railroad depot, and pioneering winter sports resort. Many downtown Truckee buildings are over 100 years old and now house quality shops, boutiques, restaurants and galleries. Amtrak makes twice daily stops at the downtown train station. To the west and east, newer sections of Truckee include shopping centers with more retail and restaurants.
RENO
Reno and adjacent communities have a growing population of about 400,000, fueled in part by new jobs and facilities created by tech companies Tesla, Apple and Amazon. Along with the growth have come new restaurants, brew pubs and entertainment (some of whose operations were limited at press-time by COVID-19). Downtown Reno is an entertaining destination with 3 well-known casinos now interconnected as The Row, plus the Truckee River Whitewater Park with surrounding lawns and bike paths, and the Riverwalk District’s shops and dining. A few blocks to the south, Reno Mid-Town is an eclectic shopping and dining destination. Other large casino/entertainment complexes in the area include Atlantis, Grand Sierra and the Nugget. Reno is an approximate one-hour drive from most North Tahoe locations and 90 minutes by car from South Tahoe.
CARSON CITY / CARSON VALLEY
Carson City is the state capital and home to the Nevada State Museum and Nevada Railroad Museum, both open at press-time with some COVID-19 restrictions. To the south, the wide-open Carson Valley is full of dramatic Western vistas set against the towering Sierra Nevada mountains. Towns in the valley include Minden/Gardnerville and Genoa (Nevada’s oldest settlement), with attractions including the state-of-the-art Bently Heritage Distillery. Nearby are wild horse herds and mountain bike trails. Carson City and Carson Valley are less than a one-hour drive from many Lake Tahoe locations.
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COMMUNITIES
VIRGINIA CITY
“Step back in time” is the apt motto of Virginia City, site of the historic Comstock Lode silver strike. From 1860 to 1875, this boomtown town grew from a population of virtually zero to 30,000, with 6 churches and 115 saloons! George Hearst and Brett Harte were residents, as was Samuel Clemens, who began signing his articles “Mark Twain” as a reporter for the local newspaper. A few short years later, the silver ore ran dry and the town became a virtual ghost town almost overnight. Flash forward to 2020 and the town’s population of approximately 800 welcome visitors to their well-preserved downtown and a half-dozen authentic saloons. At press-time, Virginia City mine tours and steam engine train rides had not announced their summer operations, due to COVID-19 restrictions. Virginia City is a scenic 70 to 90-minute drive from most Lake Tahoe locations.
Everything Your Dog Needs for Land & Lake Fun!
Tahoe City
Open 7 days a week • Monday-Saturday 11 am–6 pm • Sunday 11 am–5pm In the Cobblestone Center next to Pineapple
530.584.0220
38 SUMMER/FALL 2020 | Lake Tahoe Visitor Guide
COMMUNITIES
e liev e B We
is a
welcoming everyone as a local. Yes, that’s right. Visit Virginia City where we’re thankful for our visitors – near and far. Come for a visit and dive deep into our Comstock history. Stroll our wooden boardwalks. Tour our attractions and museums. Or plan to stay the night. We invite you to join us.
EveryoneIsALocal
Lakefront | Boat Up | Outdoor Dining | Restaurant, Cafe & Bar 780 N. Lake Blvd, Tahoe City, CA jaketahoe.com 530 583 0188 Mention this ad for a complimentary artichoke hearts appetizer*
*One per table with purchase of an entree, not valid with Happy Hour or other discounts, offer expires 12/31/2020
SUMMER/FALL 2020 | Lake Tahoe Visitor Guide 39
DIRECTORY—Dining
DINING At press-time, area restaurants are implementing COVID-19 precautions recommended by officials, including use of mask or face covering when entering and leaving the restaurant. If you feel ill, please do not dine-out.
NORTH LAKE TAHOE BRIDGETENDER American
Bridgetender is a true local’s favorite, with excellent burgers, starters and salads and a large selection of beer on tap. Outdoors: Riverfront dining in a spacious patio and bar. Indoors: Rustic and warm dining room and bar. Take out, too! More on page 27. 65 West Lake Blvd., Tahoe City 530.583.3342 tahoebridgetender.com CHRISTY HILL American
Elegant, unique cuisine with spectacular lake views, Christy Hill is a favorite of Tahoe gourmet aficionados. Chef Andrew Shimer brings a creative touch to the ever-changing dinner menu. This summer, full meals are served in the restaurant’s lakefront gardens, The Sand Bar. More on page 2. 115 Grove Street, Tahoe City 530.583.8551 christyhill.com FAT CAT BAR & GRILL American
This family-friendly restaurant is dedicated to using the freshest ingredients from local farms and ranches. Guests can enjoy quality dishes and an extensive bar menu with a view of Lake Tahoe. Inside and outside dining available. 599 North Lake Blvd., Tahoe City 530.583.2233 fatcatrestaurants.com FRONT STREET STATION Pizza
Located in a log cabin right on the river, Front Street serves up all-natural, hand-thrown, New York-style pizza, plus authentic Mexican specialties, mouthwatering sandwiches and beer on tap. Outdoor tables are available on the deck and near the river. More on page 31. 205 River Rd., Tahoe City 530.583.3770 frontstreetpizza.com
GRAN SPOT American
Outdoor patio set amongst the pine forest at Cedar House, Granlibakken Resort. Offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. Featuring salads, burgers, sandwiches, and family meals with tri-tip, whole chicken or salmon. Open Daily 8–11 a.m., 12–8 p.m. 725 Granlibakken Rd., Tahoe City 530.583.4242 granlibakken.com HACIENDA DEL LAGO Mexican Cantina
All the indoor and outdoor tables and the large bar of this Tahoe dining institution have grand lake views. Located in Boatworks Mall, Hacienda has a popular Happy Hour with generous cocktails and a dinner menu full of large, delicious entrees. More on page 32. 760 North Lake Blvd., Tahoe City 530.581.3700 hacdellago.com JAKES ON THE LAKE American
Outstanding scenic dining, Jakes’ menu specializes in seafood and steak, plus delicious appetizers and salads. The long bar and large outdoor patio overlook Tahoe City Marina in Boatworks Mall. Serving lunch and dinner, with online ordering available. More on page 39. 780 North Lake Blvd., Tahoe City 550.583.0188 jakestahoe.com JASON’S BEACHSIDE GRILL American
With a scenic lakefront deck and grassy sandbar area, Jason’s serves classics like prime rib, baked chicken, burgers, sandwiches and Tahoe’s best salad bar! At press-time, Jason’s was serving on its outdoor tables only, plus take-outs. 8338 North Lake Blvd., Kings Beach 530.546.3315 jasonsbeachsidegrille.com
PIONEER COCKTAIL CLUB Bar & Restaurant
World-class cocktails created with premium spirits, fresh organic juices and other house-made ingredients. Drinks served to your table or to-go this summer! From the kitchen flow wood-fired pizzas, farmto-table tapas, and additional apps and entrees. Indoor and outdoor lakeview seating. More on page 15. 521 North Lake Blvd., Tahoe City 530.523.0402 pcctahoe.com RIVER RANCH American
Treat yourself to drinks and dining at the iconic River Ranch Lodge & Restaurant. A landmark since the late 1800’s, River Ranch is known for the lively, spacious outdoor patio and the more intimate and historic river-view dining room and bar. More on page 18. 2285 River Rd., Alpine Meadows 530.583.4264 riverranchlodge.com WOLFDALE’S CUISINE UNIQUE Seasonal Asian & Californian
Since 1978, Chef Dale has developed a fusion of California and Asian influences, using ‘Cuisine Unique’ to describe the fresh and simple aesthetics. With a warm ambiance and lake views, the family-run business celebrates 42 years of exceptional food and service. More on page 17. 640 North Lake Bvd., Tahoe City 530.583.5700 wolfdales.com CROSBY’S GRILL & PUB
868 Tahoe Blvd., Incline Village 775.833.1030 DAM CAFÉ—breakfast/lunch
55 West Lake Blvd., Tahoe City 530.581.0278 LAS PANCHITAS—Mexican
8345 North Lake Blvd., Kings Beach 530.546.4539 LONE EAGLE GRILL—American
OLD POST OFFICE Breakfast & Lunch
111 Country Club Dr., Incline Village 775.886.6899
This family-owned and operated café has specialized in serving breakfast and lunch for over 45 years at Lake Tahoe. Meals prepared with the finest local ingredients available, cooked to order and served to customers with love and kindness.
ROSIE’S CAFÉ—American
5245 North Lake Blvd., Carnelian Bay 530.546.3205
877 North Lake Blvd., Tahoe City 530.583.1784
40 SUMMER/FALL 2020 | Lake Tahoe Visitor Guide
571 North Lake Blvd., Tahoe City 530.583.8504 TAHOE HOUSE BAKERY
625 West Lake Blvd., Tahoe City 530.583.1377 THAI KITCHEN
DIRECTORY—Dining
WEST SHORE MARKET—deli & grocery
a comfortable, unique communal space, freshly roasted specialty coffee and excellent service. Located in a cozy, historic building downtown near the river.
1780 West Lake Blvd., Tahoe City 530.584.2475
10009 W. River St. Ste. B, Downtown Truckee 530.550.9239 darkhorsetruckee.com
SOUTH TAHOE
PIANETA Italian
SONNEY’S BBQ SHACK American
WEST SHORE CAFÉ & INN—American
5160 West Lake Blvd., Homewood 530.525.5200
ZA’S—Italian
120 Grove St., Tahoe City 530.583.9292
TRUCKEE FRONT STREET STATION Pizza
Front Street’s Truckee restaurant has generous outdoor seating and convenient location, serving all-natural, hand-thrown, New York-style pizza, authentic Mexican specialties, sandwiches and a large selection of beverags and beer on tap. More on page 43. 11782 Donner Pass Rd., Truckee 530.536.5035 frontstreetpizza.com DARK HORSE COFFEE ROASTERS Freshly Roasted Coffee
Dark Horse has been roasting and serving quality coffee in Truckee since 2014, providing Tahoe coffee-lovers with
A favorite for excellent and creative Italian food, salads, full bar and wine list. As with other Downtown Truckee restaurants, Pianeta is expanding its outdoor seating this summer. Inside, seating in this historic building is intimate and cozy, but with limited access at press-time. More on page 2.
SIAM CUISINE—Thai
10770 Donner Pass Rd., Truckee 530.550.0503 STELLA—American
10918 Brockway Rd., Truckee 530.582.5655
Voted Best BBQ in Tahoe, all meats are cooked low-and-slow over oak, apple and other hardwoods. Sonney’s has fun, open-air bar with large beer selection and large outdoor seating area. 787 Emerald Bay Rd., South Lake Tahoe 530.541.7427 sonneysbbqshack.com
10096 Donner Pass Rd., Downtown Truckee 530.587.4694 pianetarestauranttruckee.com
BASECAMP PIZZA
CASA BAEZA—Mexican
BEACON BAR & GRILLE—American
10010 Bridge St., Truckee 530.587.2161 FIFTY-FIFTY BREWERY—American
1900 Jamison Beach Rd., South Lake Tahoe 530.541.0630
11197 Brockway Rd., Truckee 530.587.2337
BISTRO AT EDGEWOOD—American
MORGAN’S LOBSTER SHACK—seafood
180 Lake Pkwy., Stateline 855.681.0119
10087 W. River St., Truckee 530.582.5000
CAFÉ FIORE—Italian
MOODY’S BISTRO—American
1169 Ski Run Blvd., South Lake Tahoe 530.541.2908
10007 Bridge St., Truckee 530.587.8688
Heavenly Village, South Lake Tahoe 530.544.2273
SUMMER/FALL 2020 | Lake Tahoe Visitor Guide 41
DIRECTORY—Activities EDGEWOOD—American
180 Lake Park, Stateline, 855.681.0119
NORTH TAHOE REGIONAL PARK Variety of recreation
FRESHIES RESTAURANT & BAR
This beautiful park’s 124 acres includes playgrounds and fields, hiking and biking trails, dog park, disc golf course, Tree Top Adventure Park and ¾ mile Interpretive Nature Trail. Nearby on the lake is Tahoe Vista Recreation Area, with boat launch and beach. More on page 28.
3330 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe 530.542.3630
6600 Donner Rd., Tahoe Vista 530.546.4212 northtahoeparks.com
FIRE + ICE—American
Heavenly Village, South Lake Tahoe 530.542.6650 FRESH KETCH—seafood
2435 Venice Dr., South Lake Tahoe 530.541.5683
FRIDAY’S STATION—steak & seafood
Harrahs Casino, Stateline 775.586.4988 GORDON RAMSAY HELL KITCHEN
Harvey’s Casino, Stateline 775.586.6868 MCP’S TAPHOUSE GRILL
4125 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe 530.542.4435 OFF THE HOOK SUSHI
2660 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe 530.544.5599 ORCHIDS THAI CUISINE
2180 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe 530.544.5541 OYSTER BAR
Hard Rock Casino, Stateline 884.588.7625
TAHOE ADVENTURE COMPANY Tours & watersports rentals
Serving up all the best in Tahoe fun and natural beauty, including kayak and paddle board rentals and tours, mountain biking and hiking tours, rock climbing, corporate trips and events, even paddle board yoga. Specializing in exceptional service. More on page 26. 7010 North Lake Blvd., Tahoe Vista 530.913.9212 tahoeadventurecompany.com TAHOE TREETOP ADVENTURE Rope courses & zip lines
117 US 50, Stateline 775.588.8588
Each of Tahoe Treetop’s parks features a variety of courses for every level of athleticism. Multiple tree platforms are connected by zip lines, bridges, or “events.” It adds up to over 2 hours of fun for the entire family! More on page 3. Three locations: Granlibakken Resort,
CARSON VALLEY
North Lake Tahoe Regional Park & Squaw Valley 530.807.1004 tahoetreetop.com
BENTLY HERITAGE ESTATE DISTILLERY Fine Spirits
INCLINE VILLAGE REC CENTER & INDOOR POOL
RED HUT—breakfast/lunch
3 locations in South Tahoe 530.544.1595 SPROUTS CAFÉ—vegetarian
3123 Harrison St., South Lake Tahoe 530.541.6969 SUSHI PIER
Bently Heritage Estate Distillery is a world-class, sustainable distillery creating single-estate spirits made from grains grown on their own ranch. Their public house, located just east of South Lake Tahoe, offers tours, spirit pairings, and specialty cocktails. More on page 7. 1601 Water St., Minden 775.210.5097 www.bentlyheritage.com
ACTIVITIES At press-time, recreation rentals and activities providers were implementing COVID-19 precautions recommended by state, county and city officials. Call ahead for reservations and more information.
980 Incline Way, Incline 775.832.1300 TRUCKEE COMMUNITY REC CENTER & INDOOR POOL
10981 Truckee Way, Truckee 530.582.7720 SOUTH LAKE TAHOE REC COMPLEX & INDOOR POOL
1180 Rufus Allen Blvd., South Lake Tahoe 530.542.6056
WATER SPORTS ADRIFT Surf shop & rentals
A one-stop shop for a day at the beach! Adrift is Tahoe’s original surf shop, offering canoe, kayak and stand up paddle board rentals right on the beach in Kings Beach, and sales of top SUP brands, custom Adrift boards, beach ware and
42 SUMMER/FALL 2020 | Lake Tahoe Visitor Guide
sundries. More on page 31. 8338 North Lake Blvd., Kings Beach 530.546.4112 sanduppaddletahoe.com ACTION WATER SPORTS Rentals, lessons & tours
AWS is a premium North Tahoe destination for boat and yacht rentals, jet skis, parasailing, sailboat tours, wake surfing and water skiing lessons, located on the water across from the Hyatt Regency. More on page 4. 995 Lakeshore Blvd., Incline Village 775.831.4386 awsincline.com HIGH SIERRA WATERSKI SCHOOL Lessons & rentals
For 43 summers, High Sierra has been introducing visitors and locals to the thrills of Tahoe water sports; in 2020, that including water skiing, wakeboarding, wake surfing, tubing, knee boarding, and wake skating lessons, or rent a boat, jet ski, paddle board, canoe or kayak. More on page 32. 5190 West Lake Blvd., Homewood 530.525.1214 highsierrawaterskiing.com LAKE TAHOE BOAT INSPECTIONS Environmental protection
All boats entering the Lake Tahoe Basin are required to be inspected prior to launching on the lake. Clean, drain and dry all watercraft before arriving at an inspection station. There a friendly inspector will check your boat for invasive species. More on page 17. Locations in Meyers, Truckee and Spooner Summit (US-50 & NV-28) 888-824-6267 tahoeboatinspections.com SUNNYSIDE MARINA Rentals, marina & repairs
Premium boat, wake surfing, jet ski, paddle board and kayak rentals. Located next to Sunnyside Restaurant, two miles from Tahoe City on the West Shore. Experience the beauty of Tahoe on the lake from an iconic Tahoe location. More on page 25. 1835 West Lake Blvd., Tahoe City 530.583.7201 marinasunnyside.com TAHOE CITY KAYAK Rentals and Hobie sales
Two convenient rental locations: Tahoe City’s Commons Beach and Nevada State Park at Sand Harbor. Lessons and
DIRECTORY—Activities tours, too! North Lake Tahoe’s Hobie kayak and pedal board dealer, plus SUP sales in their downtown Tahoe City shop. More on page 27. 521 North Lake Blvd., Tahoe City 530.581.4336 tahoecitykayak.com TAHOE CITY MARINA Rentals & marina services
Offering boat, slip and buoy rentals, this waterfront complex includes shopping and lakefront dining. It is one of Tahoe’s oldest marinas, recently renovated and enlarged. Powerboats and sailboats are available for rental and fishing charters leave daily. More on page 27. 700 North Lake Blvd., Tahoe City 530.583.1039 tahoecitymarina.com WILD SOCIETY Clear Crystal Kayak rentals
These completely transparent kayaks provide an incredible view of Tahoe’s crystal clear waters—an experience that can’t be beat. Or ride a crystal-clear SUP board. Kayaks come with waterproof speakers and phone cases, snorkels, cooler, even a selfie stick! More on the Back Cover.
TAHOE XC Rentals and trail system
8612 North Lake Blvd., Kings Beach 530.553.1771 wildsocietylt.com
Tahoe Adventure Company —rentals & tours
Offering mountain bike rentals plus a large system of single-track and fire roads, Tahoe XC is fun for all levels of riders. The lodge has apparel and gear, although access was limited at presstime due to COVID-19 precautions. Call ahead for bike rental reservations.
7010 North Lake Blvd., Tahoe Vista 530.913.9212
925 Country Club Dr., Tahoe City 530.583.5475 tahoexc.org
TAHOE SPORTS/SKI RUN MARINA —retail, rentals & services
900 Ski Run Blvd., South Lake Tahoe 530.544.0200
ZEPHYR COVE MARINA —cruises, rentals
THE BACK COUNTRY Sales, rentals & service
760 US 50, Zephyr Cove 775.589.4906
BIKES OLYMPIC BIKE SHOP Demo rentals, sales & service
One of the region’s premier bike shops, Olympic was only renting its demo and power-assist fleet at press-time due to COVID-19 precautions. Offering mountain and road bike repair, plus clothing and gear, with a staff extremely knowledgeable about local trails and conditions. 620 North Lk. Blvd., Tahoe City 530.583.2500 olympicbikeshop.com
With a wide variety of mountain and road bikes to rent (plus paddle boards), The Back Country is Truckee’s recreation headquarters. The store has a large selection of equipment and gear, plus clothing, books and full bike service shop. More on page 29. 11400 Donner Pass Rd., Truckee 530.582.0909 thebackcountry.net SOUTH SHORE BIKES—rentals, sales, service
871 Emerald Bay Rd., South LakeTahoe 530.544.7433
Hot Slices, Cold Beer, Tacos & More At Convenient Truckee Location!
“Whatever your cycling needs may be, Olympic Bike Shop can get you riding!”
PHOTO BY TOM ZIKAS
SALES SERVICE RENTALS
NORTH LAKE TAHOE’S PREMIER BIKE SHOP! 620 North Lake Blvd., Tahoe City, CA 96145 | 530-581-2500 O p e n s e a s o n a lly 10 a m–5p m | w w w.O ly m p icB i keS h o p.co m
11782 DONNER PASS RD TRUCKEE, CA
www.frontstreetpizza.com
TRUCKEE
530-536-5035
SUMMER/FALL 2020 | Lake Tahoe Visitor Guide 43
DIRECTORY—Shopping GOLF TAHOE CITY GOLF Community course
Enjoy a family-friendly golf facility located in the heart of Tahoe City. Experience this fun and challenging 9-hole, par-33 course surrounded by towering pine trees with views of Lake Tahoe. Please be advised that COVID-19 guidelines are in place. More on page 25. 251 North Lake Blvd., Tahoe City 530-583-1516 GolfTahoeCity.com EDGEWOOD TAHOE
180 Lake Pkwy., Stateline 888.881.8659 INCLINE VILLAGE CHAMPIONSHIP & MOUNTAIN COURSES
775.832.1146 or 775.832.1150 OLD BROCKWAY
400 Brassie Ave., Tahoe Vista 530.546.9909 PONDEROSA GOLF
10040 Reynold Way, Truckee 530.587.3501 TAHOE PARADISE
3021 US-50, South Lake Tahoe 530.577.2121
SHOPPING NORTH TAHOE BLUESTONE Jewelry & Wine
If you like fine jewelry or wine from Sierra Foothill wineries, visit Bluestone Jewelry & Wine in Truckee. Unique jewelry from local to custom designs can be found there and in Bluestone’s Tahoe City store, that looks over Lake Tahoe. More on page 6. 10046 Donner Pass Rd., Downtown Truckee 530.582.0429 495 North Lake Blvd., Tahoe City 530.581.4298 bluestonetahoe.com GALLERY 5830’ Truckee Artist Collective
Gallery 5830’ is a creative portal, featuring an eclectic mix of artwork and functional crafts, handmade by artists in the local community and neighboring regions. Examples of artwork for sale on consignment include: Painting, sculpture, ceramics, blacksmithing, glass, jewelry and furniture. 10060 Donner Pass Rd., Downtown Truckee 530.902.0322 gallery5830.com
GEARED FOR GAMES / MIND PLAY Games, puzzles & toys
These two stores carry an entertaining selection of board games and puzzles for all ages, plus toys and books. Stimulate your brain while having fun with family and friends! Locations in Tahoe City’s Cobblestone Mall and Village at Squaw Valley. More on page 31. 475 North Lake Blvd., Tahoe City 530.581.4263 1985 Squaw Valley Rd., Olympic Valley 530.584.6133 MOUTAIN HARDWARE & SPORTS Hardware, sporting goods, clothing
Serving the Truckee community since 1977, Mountain Hardware & Sports offers a wide variety of products for camping, hiking, fishing, painting and staining, hardware and home décor. More on page 11. Two Truckee locations: 11320 Donner Pass Rd., 530.587.4844 10001 Soaring Way, Suite 105 mountainhardwareandsports.com SCRAPS DOG BAKERY Pet supplies
Located in Tahoe City’s Cobblestone Mall, Scraps has a full selection of high-quality toys, food and accessories for your pets. All items are selected with your pet’s health in mind, free of toxins, and foods low in preservatives. More on page 38. 475 North Lake Blvd., Tahoe City 530.584.0220 TAHOE CITY CHOCOLATES Sweets
culinary creation or find the perfect gift. More on page 18. 10091 Donner Pass Rd., Downtown Truckee 530.550.8857 tahoeoilandspice.com THE POTLATCH Jewelry, gifts & clothing
Celebrating 50 years in business, The Potlatch is the place to shop for Native American jewelry and gifts. You will find a wide selection of jewelry, home decor, Tahoe clothing, souvenirs, bath and body products, and more amazing merchandise! More on page 49. 930 Tahoe Blvd., Incline Village 775.833.2485 potlatchlaketahoe.com TIPSY GYPSY BOUTIQUE Women’s clothing
The latest in fashions and styles to make you look and feel amazing. From seductive lounge wear and intimates to evening wear and everything in between. Even “one-of-a-kinds!” Visit this friendly boutique in Tahoe City’s Cobblestone Mall. More on page 21. 475 North Lake Blvd., Tahoe City 530.584.2210 tipsygypsytahoe.com THE TREE HOUSE Children’s clothing & toys
A large selection of imaginative and cute children’s and toddler’s clothing, books, puzzles and toys. Popular brands and new discoveries, perfect for finding birthday and holiday gifts! More on page 45. 10104 Donner Pass Rd., Downtown Truckee 530.587.4883 tahoetreehouse.com ADRIFT TAHOE—beachwear
“The World’s Best Candy Store” has the top handmade chocolates and candies from all over the world, plus classic, nostalgic confections and delicious ice cream in a cone. Located upstairs in the Boatworks Mall. More on page 31.
8338 North Lake Blvd., Kings Beach 530.546.4112
769 North Lake Blvd., Tahoe City 530.583.6652 tahoecitychocolates.com
NULEAF—dispensary
TAHOE OIL & SPICE Olive oil, vinegar, gifts
Sample a delicious selection of over 50 extra virgin and flavor-induced olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The store also offers a selection of other condiments and foods items. Spice up your next
44 SUMMER/FALL 2020 | Lake Tahoe Visitor Guide
EADINGTON GALLERY—fine art photography
589 North Lake Blvd., Tahoe City 530.583.9000 877 Tahoe Blvd., Incline Village 775.404.5323 THE BACKCOUNTRY—sports clothing & equipment
11400 Donner Pass Rd., Truckee 530.582.0909 THE POUR HOUSE—fine wine
10075 Jibboom St., Downtown Truckee 530.550.9664
DIRECTORY—Shopping VILLAGER NURSERY—plants and garden supplies
10678 Donner Pass Rd., Truckee 530.587.0771 WILD SOCIETY—boutique & decor
8612 North Lake Blvd., Kings Beach 530.553.1771
SOUTH TAHOE BIG VISTA Clothing & gifts
Uniquely handcrafted clothing, thoughtfully produced by true artisans, proudly made in USA. Garments are dyed by hand using our environmentally conscious techniques. Featuring epic, original artwork inspired by America. Clothing as unique and interesting as the people who wear it. More on page 21. 4101 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe Across from Heavenly Village, BigVista.com
EADINGTON GALLERY Fine art photography
HEAVENLY VILLAGE SHOPPING CENTER
Discover awesome moments of light and landscape, captured at Tahoe and other spectacular locations by Michael Eadington and other fine art photographers, this gallery is a feast for the eyes! Archival-quality printing and mounting in a variety of sizes. More on page 33.
Over 40 shops are located in this openair, pedestrian mall, plus a variety of dining options, miniature golf and the Heavenly Gondola. Dozens of additional shops are only steps away in the adjacent Village Center and right across US-50 at The Chateau at the Village.
1001 Heavenly Drive #9, South Lake Tahoe theeadingtongallery.com
1001 Heavenly Village Way, South Lake Tahoe 775.265.2087 theshopsatheavenly.com
VILLAGE TOYS Toys & gifts
POWDER HOUSE—sports wear
This store is packed with so much fun and nostalgia! Classic and retro toys, nostalgic candy, board games and puzzles, educational and science toys, books and videos, plush animals, arts and crafts; plus Lego, Barbie, John Deere, trains, Rubberband Shooters, kites, balloons, cards and Lake Tahoe Souvenirs! Free gift-wrapping! 1001 Heavenly Village Way #39, S. Lake Tahoe (530) 541-6600 www.villagetoys.com
Multiple locations in South Lake Tahoe 530.542.6222 SAVVY—women’s boutique
4000 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe 530.541.3827 TAHOE SPORTS LTD.
4000 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe 530.542.4000 TAHOE WELLNESS CTR—dispensary
3445 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe 530.694.4904
A Magical Place for Children of All Ages Clothing from newborn to size 14, a large selection of toys, books, accessories and shoes. Open every day,
10 am until 6 pm.
10104 Donner Pass Road
Email: tahoetreehouse@aol.com
530.587.4883 www.tahoetreehouse.com
SUMMER/FALL 2020 | Lake Tahoe Visitor Guide 45
DIRECTORY—Lodging
LODGING
TAHOE VISTANA INN
NORTH TAHOE
6549 North Lake Blvd., Tahoe Vista 530.546.2529
CEDAR CREST COTTAGES Cabins
6821 West Lake Blvd., Tahoma 530.525.1553
TAHOMA MEADOWS COTTAGES
Beautifully decorated one-, two-, threeand four-bedroom cottages, steps away from the West Shore bike path. Each cottage has a kitchen, washer/drier, spacious dining and living room, and large, flat-screen T.V. Family-owned and operated. Access to some communal facilities was limited at press-time due to COVID-19. More on page 47.
TRUCKEE DONNER LODGE
4815 West Lake Blvd., Homewood 530.412.9222 cedarcrestcottages.com THE COTTAGE INN Cabins
Delightful, themed cabins, each unique and enchanting, located across from private Tahoe Park Beach with access for inn guests. Many of the cabins have fireplaces and large jetted or soaking tubs. Some services and communal facilities limited at press-time due to COVID-19. More on page 47. 1690 West Lake Blvd., Tahoe City 530.581.4073 thecottageinn.com
plans to posters, direct mail marketing, graphic design, layout, binding, copying, lamination... The BOSS does it! Two locations in Truckee: Truckee Safeway and Soaring Way (near Airport) 530.587.1620 TheOfficeBOSS.com
10527 Cold Stream Rd., Truckee 530.582.9999
RAINBOW OFFICE SUPPLY
VILLAGE AT SQUAW VALLEY
FEDEX OFFICE AND PRINT
1750 Village East Rd., Olympic Valley 530.584.1000
4000 LakeTahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe 530.542.2402
SOUTH TAHOE
MEDICAL
EDGEWOOD TAHOE RESORT Luxury golf resort
TAHOE FOREST HEALTH CARE SYSTEM Inpatient & outpatient services
Edgewood Tahoe Resort has crafted a new beginning in a storied setting where casual comfort effortlessly blends with classic refinement. The lakefront resort boasts 154 luxury rooms and suites, an 18-hole golf course, spa, 3 restaurants, premium shopping and more. 180 Lake Pkwy., Stateline 888.881.8659 edgewoodtahoe.com HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO
50 US-50, Stateline 884.588.7625
917 Tahoe Blvd., Incline Village 775.831.2276
An excellent rural hospital system with two locations: Truckee Forest Hospital and Incline Village Community Hospital, plus the state-of-the-art Gene Upshaw Memorial cancer treatment center, 24-hour emergency care, and women, family, children, sports performance and long-term care centers. More on page 8. 10121 Pine Ave., Truckee 530.587.6011 880 Alder Ave., Incline Village 775.833.4100 tfhd.com
HOTEL AZURE
3300 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe 800.877.1466
BARTON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL— “5 Star” health care
10918 Brockway Rd., Truckee 530.582.5655
MONTBLEU RESORT CASINO & SPA
2170 South. Ave., South Lake Tahoe 530.541.3420
CLUB TAHOE RESORT
TAHOE BEACH RETREAT
914 Northwood Blvd., Incline Village 775.831.5750
3411 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe 530.541.6722
REAL ESTATE
FRANCISCAN LAKESIDE LODGE
TAHOE BEACH & SKI CLUB
6944 North Lake Blvd., Tahoe Vista 530.546.6300
3601 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe 530.541.6220
CHASE Regional experts
GRANLIBAKKEN TAHOE—resort & conference center
TAHOE SEASONS RESORT
CEDAR HOUSE SPORT HOTEL
725 Granlibakken Rd., Tahoe City 530.583.4242 HAMPTON INN
11951 CA-267, Truckee 530.587.1197
5 US-50, Stateline 800.235.8259
3901 Saddle Rd., South Lake Tahoe 530.541.6700 ZEPHYR COVE RESORT & CAMPGROUND
760 US-50, Zephyr Cove 775.589.4906
HYATT REGENCY LAKE TAHOE— cabins, spa & casino
SERVICES
111 Country Club Dr., Incline Village 775.832.1234
BUSINESS
RIVER RANCH LODGE—with restaurant
OFFICE BOSS Shipping, printing & supplies
2285 River Rd., Alpine Meadows 530.583.4264 SQUAW VALLEY LODGE
201 Squaw Peak Rd., Olympic Valley 530.562.4881
Let the BOSS help you get your to-do list DONE! Shipping services include packaging, mailbox rentals, parcel handling, notary, plus printing of house
46 SUMMER/FALL 2020 | Lake Tahoe Visitor Guide
Chase International is the #1 real estate firm in the Tahoe-Reno region. With more than 375 professional Realtors® representing homes at all price points, the company is proud to be the market leader, achieving the highest 2019 volume in the region with nearly $1.5 billion in sales. More on page 1. Offices in Zephyr Cove, Glenbrook, Incline Village, Carson Valley, South Lk. Tahoe, Tahoe City, Truckee, Reno, Sparks, Henderson and London. 530.544.2121 chaseinternational.com
TRANSPORTATION TAHOE AREA REGIONAL TRANSIT Free North Tahoe & Truckee service
Clean-burning, propane-powered buses
DIRECTORY—Services run regular routes from Tahoe’s West Shore to Incline Village and Truckee— 7 days a week from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Bike racks are available. Schedules expand during the winter. Download the NEXTBUS app for real-time schedules and departures. More on page 8.
surgery, laser therapy, in-house laboratory, ultrasound and emergency care. University of California, Davis-trained veterinarians. Complete client intake form prior to appointment. More on page 18. 2933 Lake Forest Rd., Tahoe City 530.583.8587 burtoncreekvet.com
530.546.4324 1100 Lyons Ave., South Lake Tahoe 530.542.0838 A+ CHILD CARE
390 Fairway Dr., Tahoe City 530.583.1534
EVENTS
180 West Lake Blvd., Tahoe City 530.550.1212
BLUE LAKE ANIMAL CARE CENTER
BLUEGO TRANSIT
1154 Emerald Bay Rd., South Lake Tahoe 530.600.3911
1679 Shop St., South Lake Tahoe 530.541.7149 tahoetransportation.org
AVIATION
VISITOR SERVICES
GARY AIR, AIR TAXI
CALIFORNIA WELCOME CENTER— Truckee
NORTH LAKE TAHOE EXPRESS— airport shuttle
BIG BLUE ADVENTURE—athletic & corporate events
530.546.1019 bigblueadventure.com
Reno International Airport 866.216.5222 northlaketahoeexpress.com
Service to Tahoe and Reno airports 408.805.4359
SOUTH TAHOE AIRPORTER
LAKE TAHOE AIRPORT
10065 Donner Pass Rd., Truckee 530.587.8808 Truckee.com
Reno International Airport southtahoeairporter.com
1901 Lisa Maloff Way, South Lake Tahoe 530.542.6182
INCLINE VILLAGE CRYSTAL BAY VISITORS BUREAU
TRUCKEE TAHOE AIRPORT
969 Tahoe Blvd., Incline Village 775.832.1606 gotahoenorth.com
VETERINARIAN BURTON CREEK VETERINARY CLINIC Full-service veterinarian
Providing a personal, thorough approach to high-quality veterinary care. Quick and timely services, including outpatient
10356 Truckee Airport Rd., Truckee 530.587.4119
TAHOE CITY VISITORS CENTER
100 North Lake Blvd., Tahoe City 530.581.6900 gotahoenorth.com
CHILD CARE
TAHOE SOUTH VISITORS CENTER
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB
8125 Steelhead Ave., Kings Beach
169 US-50, Stateline 775.588.4591 tahoesouth.com
Luxury Vacation Cottages Overlooking Tahoe’s West Shore
CedarCrestCottages.com | 530.412.9222 SUMMER/FALL 2020 | Lake Tahoe Visitor Guide 47
GALLERY
Sunrise and sunset are often spectacular at Lake Tahoe. To enjoy the show, get up early or grab an evening spot on a beach, rock, ridge or lakeview restaurant. PHOTO BY MIKE EADINGTON
Come up to the cool, clean air, the rich smell of pine trees..
...and the peacefulness of the west shore of Lake Tahoe! Room range from studios to suites with two-person tubs. Beach access, close to recreation, shopping, museums, & restaurants. Leave restored! 800.581.4073 • 1690 W. Lake Blvd., Tahoe Ciry/Sunnyside • www.TheCottageInn.com 48 SUMMER/FALL 2020 | Lake Tahoe Visitor Guide
50 0
Celebrating Fifty Years!
Book your next adventure today!
An Innovative Troupe of Travel Ambassadors and Masterminds
Explore the shores of stunning Lake Tahoe in our unique transparent kayaks and clear SUPs! Set sail on the north side of Lake Tahoe and wander freely with a self-guided transparent kayak rental. Our clear kayaks and SUPs are each equipped with fun accessories such as wireless waterproof speakers to play what you desire with your own personal device, waterproof phone cases that keep your phones dry and even allow you to take underwater photos, high-quality dry bags, binoculars, goggles and snorkels, a small cooler, selfie sticks and, of course, safety equipment needed to protect you in any situation.
Experience Our Lit Up After Dark Tour
Light Up this summer and explore Lake Tahoe after dark in our lit-up clear kayaks. With a lighting system that makes each kayak glow in a variety of different colors and spotlight-like-light that gives you visibility of the water up to 20ft. below; this is an adventure unlike any seen in Lake Tahoe before! Book this magical tour today! We will also be adding our clear SUPs to our After Dark Tours later this summer!
Come check out our Lifestyle Boutique! We are an island chic lifetsyle boutique & giftery nestled in the heart of the mountains of Lake Tahoe. Offering a variety of décor, clothing, plants and exclusive novelities unlike any others found in the area. Call, Drop By or Visit our Website!
530–553–1771 www.wildsocietyLT.com
8612 N. Lake Blvd, Kings Beach, CA 96143
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