If this is your first trip to Lake Tahoe, or your first trip in a very long time, you may need some ideas on some “Not To Be Missed” activities from a local catering for Canadians. After all, most of the Lake Tahoe locals were visitors for the first time at one point. In fact, we did a little research and asked around the office about first trips to the area and what the perceptions were. Our marketing associate told us about how her first trip was for a family wedding and she honestly had no clue that there was life past the Casinos. Once she came back and visited a local friend, she got to do Lake Tahoe the “local way” and was hooked. She moved to the Jewel of the Sierra a year later. You may not have the option to move, but you certainly can experience our home in the same way we do every day by making sure you add a few of these activities to your list.
Do the gondola
You don’t ski or snowboard? No problem! The Gondola has an observation deck at the top that gives you the BEST view of the entire lake. Since we get roughly 274 days of sunny blue skies a year, chances are you will see stunning snowcapped mountains encircling the 22 mile long lake under a solid blue sky. People that live here year round stop and take photos of the view from the top, you should definitely do the same.
If it just dropped feet of snow, go outside and play
You are probably thinking “Umm, but the snow is up to me knees!” Yes, we know. One thing you should know about Tahoe is that it is a dry atmosphere with low humidity. Which means even when it is cold, it is still tolerable. The snow is also typically dry and fluffy, which means getting around is pretty easy. Bundle up, and go for a walk to the lake if it is nearby, or simply walk around the neighborhood. Right after a heavy snow fall, the town has this magical energy you don’t want to miss.
Now go back inside
Take off those snow clothes, mix up a hot toddy, get the fireplace going or enjoy some modern residential heating and cooling. Get out the deck of cards, a board game or fire up that Netflix. If you have a hot tub, add that to the list too. We know we are surrounded by endless outdoor activities, but sometimes, especially after a long day on the slopes, nothing sounds better than relaxing indoors while mother nature does her thing outside.
Go watch live music
A majority of the local restaurants here have live music nightly, or at the very least on a Friday or Saturday night. If you crave pizza, head on over to Base Camp Pizza in the Heavenly Village. They offer music every day and it is the ultimate Lake Tahoe experience. Inside you will find décor resembling an actual base camp, delicious drinks served out of mason jars and some of the most delicious pizza around the lake. Outside, you can listen to live music bundled up under heat lamps and blankets provided by the restaurant. If you want a different food fare, try the Fresh Ketch down at Tahoe Keys Marina. You can get everything from steak to crab legs and the location right on the marina allows you to watch the sun go down over the boats. If tacos are more your thing, try Riva Grill on a Friday night. Ike & Martin (vote Tahoe’s Best Band two years running) play every Friday night, there are raffles and prizes, along with yummy food beyond the tacos. The best part is, Riva is right on the lake giving you a front row view of that big body of water we love so much.
Go for a drive
As long as road conditions are clear and Hwy 89 is open, you must drive around the lake. While South Lake Tahoe is the biggest town around the lake, there are several more little towns and areas, all of which encompassing their own vibe and atmosphere. If you get a wild hair, drive the extra 15 minutes to Truckee. Downtown Truckee has an awesome strip of restaurants, bars and boutiques. Be sure to get out and walk around at each stop you make. Whether it is a different photography angle of the lake or the best cup of coffee you have ever had, each town along the way has something worth stopping for.
For more ideas of what to do and local tips, ask your Pinnacle Lake Tahoe Getaway agent or visit www.tahoeactivities.com.
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