Here's the scoop. Spanning two states, California and Nevada, the lake and surrounding area provide sun-kissed days, awesome sunsets, starry nights and Nevada-style nightlife.
Even in the summer months snow drapes the craggy Sierra Nevada Mountains framing the magical blue of Lake Tahoe.
See Shakespeare on the sand. Bring a beach chair and a picnic dinner and dine under the stars while watching classic theatre. On the East Shore of Sand Harbor is one of the most unique theatrical settings available and the award-winning Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival would make the Bard proud. The plays change with each season.
Bonus Points: Each summer the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival offers free matinee performances throughout the Reno-Tahoe-Truckee region. (Lake Tahoe Shakespeare 948 Incline Way, Incline Village, NV 89451. Toll-free 1-800-74 SHOWS or
www.laketahoeshakespeare.com)
Meet history on the lake shore. Seventy-four acres of wooded forests and beachfront property comprise the Tallac Historic Site, which is registered on the National Registry of Historic Places. With three rustic, turn-of-the-century estates, and the converted Valhalla Boathouse theatre history comes alive on Lake Tahoe.
Bonus Points: Every summer the Tallac Historic site hosts the Valhalla Summer Arts Music Festival – the festival includes a variety of events for the whole family from late June until September. Special events include the Valhalla Renaissance Festival, the Rhythm & Brews Beer Tasting Festival and Reggae Sunday in August. (3 miles north of South Lake Tahoe on Highway 89, (530) 541-4975 or
www.virtualtahoe.com)
Slide the flume. In the Tahoe region there are few bike trails more historically popular than the Great Tahoe Flume Trail ride overlooking the east shore of Lake Tahoe. With several variations, the trail allows bikers of all levels to enjoy the ride. The area that the trail winds through is only accessible by mountain bike, and offers bikers drop-dead gorgeous views of Lake Tahoe’s Sand Harbor and beyond. (
www.tahoecam.com)
Sail or parasail? Sailing the emerald waters of Lake Tahoe has been a pastime for over a century. Boat rentals of all sizes are available for the novice or advanced sailor. Be aware that Tahoe’s winds are often unstable and can come up quite quickly in late afternoon. If you prefer parasailing, hook in and hold on as you ascend high over the lake’s shores. Float over the shoreline, check out Tahoe’s lakefront estates and glide in for a landing. (3411 Lake Tahoe Blvd. South Lake Tahoe, (530) 544-JETS or
www.action-watersports.com)
Hike the rim or climb the stairway to heaven. The best views of Lake Tahoe can be found by hiking the Tahoe Rim Trail. With stunning views and over 135 of completed trails, this hike’s not to be missed. One of the best parts of the trail is an 8-mile stretch between Kingsbury Grade and Star Lake, where the trail arches above the desert and Lake Tahoe. Summer weekends beginning each year in mid June, volunteers build the trail and each September they hold a Hike-A-Thon for the nonprofit Tahoe Rim Trail. (Tahoe Rim Trail access points (775) 588-0686). For a challenging hike try the six-mile hike up the backside of Mt. Tallac. It’s not easy but the reward is breathtaking scenery. During early summer the back slope is resplendent with wildflowers, and Gilmore Lake is a great place to picnic.
Access the trail is just jump on the Heavenly Tram. (775) 586-7000 or
www.trails.com)
Bowl the North Shore. For a complete family recreation experience try Bowl Incline. With 16-lanes, bumper bowling for kids, automatic scoring, video poker, six billiard tables, a full-swing golf simulator, cocktails and more Bowl Incline is definitely a place for the entire gang. (Bowl Incline 920 Southwood Blvd. (775) 831-1900)
Make it happen. Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority. Go to
www.bluelaketahoe.com or toll-free 1-800-AT-TAHOE (1-800-228-2463).
Reno-Tahoe - America’s Adventure Place. Go to
www.visitrenotahoe.com or toll-free 1-800-FOR-RENO (1-800-367-7366).
