SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CA
I am lucky enough to live in a city that is hours away from many different types of play. For me, taking a weekend to go to Tahoe is something that only costs me 3 – 4 hours in the car. That said, I would happily spend more time and more money to go there. What a beautiful place. Both summer and winter provide you plenty of things to do in the mountains, as well as on the water. The summer gives you hiking, biking, swimming, water skiing and just plain hanging out with your friends and having a BBQ.
I am lucky enough to live in a city that is hours away from many different types of play. For me, taking a weekend to go to Tahoe is something that only costs me 3 – 4 hours in the car. That said, I would happily spend more time and more money to go there. What a beautiful place. Both summer and winter provide you plenty of things to do in the mountains, as well as on the water. The summer gives you hiking, biking, swimming, water skiing and just plain hanging out with your friends and having a BBQ.
This small town by the lake is a perfect getaway for city people. You have entertainment in just about any form, but in a laid back atmosphere. No one is rushing you to be anywhere at any specific time. A day might be perfectly spent sitting on the back porch of a rented cabin, sipping a beer and playing a board game with friends. Or if you want to exude immense amounts of energy to achieve that endorphin rush, there are plenty of bike trails in the mountains, and calm waters, perfect for water skiing or kayaking.
My friends and I opted for the first option. Slow to rise, we took our time making breakfast and drinking our coffee. The air outside was crisp and fresh and made you want to just sit and listen to the sounds of nature. It’s amazing how a woodpecker can captivate you as you watch it go about its business. But of course we made use of what Mother Nature had to offer us in the area.
The area around Lake Tahoe has some amazing outlooks. Going for a drive on a road along the lake will make you understand why convertibles are possibly the greatest invention ever. Put that top down and feel the wind in your hair. Other than staying on the road and not being distracted by the beautiful countryside, you won't have a care in the world. One of my favorite drives and subsequent walks is to Emerald Bay. Emerald Bay is a little bay on the south west side of South Lake Tahoe and has some magnificent views. And the hike down isn’t very hard. In fact, it's very easy. Even in the sweltering heat of the summer, you will find some (crazy) local kids doing a run to the bottom and back up. The way down to Emerald Bay and Vikingsholm (a replica of a Scandinavian “castle”, right on the beach) is a very very easy one. Anyone who has the ability to walk can do this 1 mile walk. Park at the Vikingsholm parking lot and follow the trail down. There is a picnic area, restrooms and of course, the lake there. Now remember, the lake is cold. It’s always cold. What else would you expect from a lake that, at its deepest point is 1645ft deep? Another fun fact: the water below the depth of around 600ft is a pretty constant 39°F! Of course, after a nice walk in relatively warm weather, what could possibly be better than a liquid shock to the system? And in I went! It was refreshing and exciting and entertained the (other) tourists greatly.
Surprisingly, South Lake Tahoe has some good food options to. Note that this is not what this town is known for, so don’t get your hopes up too high. But there are a few gems. My favorite place in town is Sprouts. Not only is their food good, the people there are never less than incredibly friendly. Sprouts has been around forever, love their customers and serve good, healthy food, although in huge portions. Although it's not all vegetarian, it's a place is very veggie friendly. Freshies is another great place. Tucked away in a strip mall, it’s so easy to miss, but try not to! The fish tacos are great, but beware the hot sauce. When they say hot, they mean *hot*. Last but not least, and although I have no idea what their afternoon hours are, Rude Brothers Bagels is the perfect place for breakfast. It’s located next door to Sprouts but will actually wrap something up for you, to go. But you know what -- the best option for food in Tahoe is to visit one of the supermarkets, make sure your place has a grill, and make yourself some BBQ on the porch. Combine that with your favorite drink and people, and you have a great evening made.
People often come to Tahoe to go to the casinos on the Nevada side. I mean sure, if that’s your thing, go for it. But if you are in want of a casino, why aren’t you in Vegas? Or at least Reno? I think that Tahoe is more of playground for the outdoor-loving person who wants to come home at the end of the day exhausted and sun-kissed, in serious need of a hot tub and a beer.
My life has been one of constant migration. I have spent all of it moving from one place to another, and when I’m finally in one place, I can’t help of thinking where the road will take me next.