1. Massage on the Lake Day Spa

This spa, located in Tahoe City has been voted the best massage in North Lake Tahoe. The spa and its therapists specialize in Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports massage and Reflexology. The space is calm and inspired by Feng Shui and one of the rooms has a view of the lake.

2. The Spa at Squaw Creek

The Spa at Squaw Creek is the epitome of relaxation and high-class facilities. This luxurious spa reflects the natural elements of the beautiful valley where it’s located and has 10 treatment rooms, hot tea, a steam room and outdoor whirlpool tubs. They offer Swedish massage, Tahoe Hot Stone Massage and a Hand and Foot massage.

3. A Massage for All Seasons

If you are in South Lake Tahoe, visit a Massage for All Seasons which specializes in customized treatments like Arnica Deep Tissue Massage and Couples Massage. They also do Thai Massage and Fire and Stone Massage.

4. The Onsen Salon & Spa

This spa, located in the Montbleu resort has some great views of the surrounding mountains, a sauna, whirlpool tubs and a eucalyptus steam room. Their massage therapists specialize in Swedish massage, Aromatheraphy massage and facials.

5. Steamboat Hot Springs

While this day spa and hot springs resort is not at the lake, it’s a great place to stop if you are on your way down to Reno or Carson City. It is located on Hwy. 395 just below the Mount Rose Highway. They offer several therapists, individual bathing rooms where you can soak in natural hot spring water and an outdoor tub with a view of the valley and mountains. I highly recommend the massage therapist, Randy Bright.

Photo courtesy of Nick J. Webb/Flickr

Sierra Hot Springs is a non-profit retreat and workshop center that is open 24 hours a day. The hot, mineral water that comes out of the ground here has been enjoyed for its healing properties for over 150 years, ever since the Native Americans of the area believed the waters were sacred. The owners of the resort have made serenity and body acceptance a large part of the resort’s experience, so each of the pools are clothing optional.

The resort’s set of pools consist of the Temple Dome Area where there is a large, warm swimming pool, a sun deck, a sauna and a hot pool with a sandy bottom that is enclosed with a geodesic dome with a large Buddha statue, stained glass and skylights. In the dome are also two cold plunge tubs. On the other side of the property is the Meditation Pool which is surrounded by rock tile and also has a sandy bottom. The Phoenix Baths are seasonal pools inside private rooms located near the spa area.

The Main Lodge with the covered porch, where the office of the hot springs is located, is also available for rentals. There are five bedrooms with shared baths available as well as a five-bed dormitory. The Lodge was built in the 1870′s and has a granite and wood-paneled lounge with couches, a wood burning stove, a communal kitchen and a small store. There is also a massage room, a TV room and the Philosophy Café, which serves Friday and Saturday vegetarian dinners in the summer and fall. Camping is also available on the property.

To use the pools you must first purchase a “church” membership. A one-month membership costs $5 for your group and a one-year membership costs $20. The day visit costs are then $15 per person for three hours or $20 per person for the entire day.

Photo courtesy of Sierra Hot Springs/jivan child

Sunnyside Resort

The Sunnyside Resort on the West Shore of the lake has a cozy bar that looks out on the lodge’s deck, pier and the lake and mountains beyond. Food such as Caesar Salad, Calamari, Burgers and Pulled Pork Tacos can be ordered at the bar along with drinks like the bar’s Alpine Apple Pie or the Alpenglow-Tini. They also serve wines by the glass from Nine Hats, Duckhorn and Fish Eye.

Gold Hill Hotel

Even though the Gold Hill Hotel near Virginia City is about an hour drive from the East Shore of Lake Tahoe, the hotel’s bar is so much fun, especially in the winter. The Gold Hill Hotel is the oldest hotel in Nevada and you will know that you have stepped back into Wild West history when you visit the bar. It is dark and built with railroad pillars and granite, the bartender is friendly and down to Earth and there is a huge fireplace in the corner of the bar. If you want to leave your mark at the Gold Hill Hotel bar, write or draw on a one dollar bill and tack it to the walls to mingle with the hundreds of other dollar bills that other visitors have left behind.

River Ranch Restaurant and Lodge

If you are staying at the River Ranch Lodge on the banks of the Truckee River, head down to the cozy and lively apres-ski bar that is located in the restaurant. You can sit at the bar, in a warm booth or by the lounge fireplace. Winter Happy Hour is Monday-Friday from 4:30-6:00 and they offer $2 PBRs, $3 house wine, $4 well drinks and draft beer.

Truckee Hotel

The Truckee Hotel has been located on the main street of historic downtown Truckee for over 125 years. The hotel itself does not have a bar, but the very popular Moody’s Bistro is located in the same building where the Happy Hour is hoppin’. Most Friday and weekend nights you can enjoy live music at the bar.

Cedar House Sport Hotel

This beautiful (and dog friendly) hotel just north of downtown Truckee has a full bar in the lobby along with a cozy gas fireplace and friendly people. While you are relaxing with your drink, the hotel lobby offers free evening snacks.

Photo of the Gold Hill Hotel courtesy of Reno Tahoe Territory

Lake Tahoe’s winter weather can range from sunny and warm to a blizzard with 40 mph winds. One day you could be sitting on the beach having a picnic, the next you will have to stay indoors by the fire. However, weather predictions are usually pretty accurate and winter storm warnings come with enough time to get ready. If you have decided to take a winter ski or snow-play trip to Lake Tahoe, there will be a few necessary (and a few fun items) to throw into your suitcase.

If you are skiing or boarding…

Long underwear

On those really frigid days on the slopes, long johns or silk underwear will keep you warmer than just your ski pants.

Hat, gloves, cowl or scarf

Sitting for about 20 minutes or so on a ski lift can get really cold if there is any wind. Bundle up with a good wool or fleece hat, waterproof ski gloves and a fleece or wool cowl or scarf that you can put over your face.

Waterproof jacket and pants

Don’t be caught with a denim jacket on the slopes. Get a good, waterproof ski jacket that zips up the front and it long enough at the back to cover your bum in case you fall down in the snow. A pair of waterproof pants in a neutral color will keep you warm, dry and stylish.

Polar fleece

Polar fleece is very popular at the lake. You can even wear it out to dinner at the more casual restaurants.

Boots

If you are walking around in the snow or on icy streets, you want a good, warm pair of boots with soles that grip. The clunkier versions are fine at the resorts, dive bars and most restaurants. Bring a more trendy pair for dinner out.

Long, warm socks

Socks like Wigwam and Smartwool are perfect for skiing and boarding. Choose the longer lengths that go up to your knees so you won’t have to spend your time always pulling them up. Bring an extra pair to the ski resort in case the ones you are wearing get wet.

Sunscreen and lip balm

Most of the Tahoe ski resorts are over 9,000 feet in altitude, and if it’s a sunny day, you will get burned. Wear sunscreen on your face and bring lip balm with you while skiing.

If you are going out at night…

Lake Tahoe is fairly casual, so for going out at night, you won’t need to dress up. For a nice dinner out at the Chart House or Edgewood women should wear a nice sweater and a stylish scarf or shawl with some nice boots and men should wear a nice sweater and blazer with smart casual pants. Dark jeans are fine in all but the fanciest restaurants. Wear a skimpy cocktail dress and you will be sure to freeze.

If you are going clubbing or dancing…

If you are heading out to the bars or the casinos, you can dress a little more trendy with some skinny jeans or pants, a glittery top or cool T-shirt and some high heels or ballet flats. Be sure to bring a warm coat and your hat and gloves. These can be checked at the club or bar.

What to avoid…

Jeans

Don’t wear jeans in the snow. They sop up water and freeze. They are not waterproof and you will look like a snow nube.

Cotton socks

Cotton socks don’t hold in heat like wool or wool blends. You will just end up with wet, cold feet.

Tennis Shoes

Tennis and hiking shoes don’t do as well in the snow as waterproof boots. If they are paired with cotton socks, you will be asking for trouble.

Flip Flops

Even if the sun is shining and it is 60 degrees out. Don’t do it. Save the flip flops for summer.

Ski photo courtesy of dpstyles/Flickr

Now that the craziness of Black Friday and Cyber Monday has ended, take what you have saved and do some shopping at with some of your local merchants. Some of the best shopping in the Tahoe area is in downtown Truckee, where you can park once and walk through the entire area to complete your shopping list. There are stores for the clothes horse, the decorator, the chef and even the kids on your list. Here are the top five places to pick up your holiday gifts.

The Cooking Gallery

The cooking galley is a chef’s wet dream. It is full of everything an experienced or aspiring cook will ever want including cast iron Dutch Ovens, cookbooks, tablecloths, cutlery, candles, spices and more.

High Camp Home

Even though the furniture in this beautiful store is a little on the pricey side, just going into this shop will make you want to redecorate your home into Tahoe Mountain Chic. High Camp Home features cabin-style furniture with a rustic look but they also offer stylish and industrial items such as granite topped tables, woolen couches and leather chairs.

Spirit Gallery

If you are looking for that one special piece for a loved one’s home or garden, the Spirit Gallery and Interior Design studio will give you that. Many of the items are made from reclaimed or found wood and metal items. Items include furniture and decorative items, fountains and items for the bathroom or the kitchen.

The Artisans Market Place

Support local artists in the Tahoe and Truckee area by purchasing some wonderful handmade items such as jewelry, oil paintings and photographs of the surrounding area. Silk screen scarves and knitted hats, sweaters and scarves are also sold at this fun, little shop.

The Pour House

After all this shopping you might need to put your feet up, so visit this little shop just behind the main downtown shopping area and grab a glass of wine. For about $8 a bottle you might be able to pick up something for the oenophile on your list.

Photo Courtesy of Larry and Linda/Flickr

Now is the time of year to throw off the casual clothes of Summer and dress up a bit for dinner. It’s also a time to do some end-of-year celebrating. The Lake Tahoe area has some wonderful restaurants for fine dining with award-winning chefs, menus and excellent drinks and wines. All of these restaurants are located just a few steps from the lake and most of them have a view.

Cafe Fiore

Intimate, cozy and oh-so-cute with candles. Cafe Fiore in South Lake Tahoe serves Italian food that you write home about. Reservations are required at this tiny place that only has about seven tables. The cafe, voted one of the best places to kiss in Northern California, serves up entrees like Linguine alla Toscana, Aragosta Melodia and Pollo al Pomodoro. Their wine list is extensive and the cafe has their own wine cellar.

Edgewood Restaurant

The Edgewood has been a popular stop for a fine dining experience for years and the view of the lake and the Edgewood beach might be one of the reasons. The restaurant is impressive, with large pine logs as decor and a great fireplace. Most of the seating has a view out the large windows and the menu includes local steak and seafood as well as local produce. Try the fresh Cypress Island Salmon with Dungeness Crab or fresh Ahi Tuna with wasabi créme.

Christy Hill

Christy Hill in Tahoe City has one of the best views of the lake. No matter what the weather, you will be able to see the lake lapping (or crashing) at the deck of this stylish, but low-key restaurant. For over 25 years, Christy Hill has been serving a nice mixture of seasonal, sustainable California cuisine with a French twist. Their wine selection is superb and the bar is a popular place to hang out during happy hour.

Dinner items include Hamachi Tartare, Organic Field Greens, Moroccon Spiced Lamb Loin and Braised Short Ribs of Bison. The desserts are heavenly and include Vanilla Bean Creme Brûlée and a Flourless Chocolate Torte with fresh berries.

The Chart House

If you want a spectacular view of all of Lake Tahoe, head to this restaurant just up Kingsbury Grade. The Chart House has been in the Tahoe area for decades and is a choice for many visitors for engagement and wedding parties as well as a place to pop the question. This is a great spot for birthday dinners too.

The Chart House serves primarily seafood with items like Lobster Bisque and Tempura Lobster Lollipops as well as Crab Stuffed Mushrooms, Surf and Turf and Macadamia Encrusted Mahi Mahi. The desserts include Mud Pie and Lava Cake. Their happy hour is from 4:30-6:30 Monday through Friday.

Wolfdales

Wolfdales in Tahoe City is a great place for a romantic dinner that is part Asian inspired and part California hip. Come for happy hour from 5:30-6:30 Sunday through Friday and stay for a great dinner that includes small plates like Seared Bay Scallops or Chile Relleno Tempura, entrees like Thai Seafood Stew, Tagine Braised Lamb Shank or the Portabella Cheeseburger. Dessert is a must with items like Warm Chocolate Molten Cake and the Berry-Port and Coconut Sorbet. Their specialty drinks are fun too with cocktails like the Lemon Grass Cocktail costing $9.

Photo courtesy of Wolfdales’s

Bed and breakfasts are one of the best travel deals around. It’s another way to get a more local experience as well, since most likely you will be staying at a resident’s establishment where you can get the scoop on the all things to do in the area. Lake Tahoe is no different. There are several small bed and breakfasts in the area that will meet all your needs. Following are the five best B&B’s in the Tahoe area.

Tahoma Meadows Bed & Breakfast

This historic bed and breakfast consists of little red cabins nestled in the pine trees of the West Shore of Lake Tahoe. All units have a bathroom, king or queen beds and some have gas fireplaces. A family-style breakfast is served in the main lodge’s common room.

Knotty Pine Bed & Breakfast

This little charmer on the West Shore of the lake is a European style chateau with a fireplace made of Truckee River rock and spacious rooms. There are only four rooms, but that makes it all the more enjoyable.

Genoa House Bed & Breakfast

Even though this little Victorian home is located in Genoa (just over Kingsbury Grade in Nevada) it is worth the drive. I’ve stayed in this B&B several times and it is always a treat. The owners and staff are very accommodating, the furniture and feather comforters are wonderful and the full breakfast is not the only food served to guests. Upon arrival, you have your choice of complimentary wine and cheese, crackers, fruit or cookies.

Hania’s Bed and Breakfast Inn

This charming little B&B in Truckee is warm and welcoming. It was built in 1884 and each room is comfortably furnished with queen beds and pine lodge-pole furniture. Glasses of wine are served each afternoon at the rustic bar in front of a wood burning stove in the main room. The B&B also has a year-round spa tub.

Richardson House Bed & Breakfast

The Richardson House is a restored 1880′s Victorian home in Truckee. It overlooks the town and the Truckee River and you can still hear the trains as they pass through town. Each room has their own distinct character and you can choose from several cozy themes. This B&B is also a perfect spot for family reunions or special events such as weddings.

Photo Courtesy of [The Richardson House]

Snow has already begun to fall at Lake Tahoe and many ski resorts are making their own. Some of the world-renowned resorts are scheduled to open around Thanksgiving including Squaw Valley, Kirkwood, Heavenly and Homewood. Boreal on Hwy. 80 is already open. If you’re planning a ski vacation with your family up at the Lake, here are some tips to make sure you get the best bang for your buck on the Tahoe slopes.

Where to lay your head: If you are planning a family trip, the best value is to rent a condo or house where everyone has enough space and you can cook your own food. Squaw Valley is offering a deal on their Village at Squaw condos for Thanksgiving. A one-bedroom condo is $90 per person per night for the Thanksgiving weekend. If you decide to come over another weekend you can stay two night and get the third night free.

For something larger, rent an owner owned home at Kirkwood. Many condos in the area sleep 6-10 people for about $100-$400 a night. The Northstar California condos at Northstar-at-Tahoe are also a good deal. You can rent a 1 bedroom starting at $175 a night or a 4 bedroom 2 bath for about $400. Guests can enjoy access to the Northstar Recreation Center with outdoor spas, swimming pools a fitness center and a game room.

Heavenly in South Lake Tahoe is also having a special where you can stay for two nights at the Best Western Station House Inn (non-holiday) and get the third night free…and the skiing is free. The packages start at $325 per person.

Mom..I’m hungry!

If you are tired of cooking your own meals, head to some of these restaurants and cafés that are local favorites. If you are in Tahoe City head to the Fire Sign Café or Gear & Grinds for breakfast. Each of these places have great deals on fresh coffee, baked goods, full breakfasts and a warm atmosphere. For lunch, head to South Lake Tahoe and grab a pizza at the Brewery. Parents can also grab a few of the locally brewed beers on tap. Dinner near Homewood ski area can be had at the Swiss Lakewood Restaurant and lodge which is actually the oldest continuously running restaurant at the lake.  You can also stretch your buck by heading to one of the casino buffets on the East shore. Harrah’s and Montbleu both have fully stocked and delicious buffets.

For the Kids

If the little ones are not skiers or boarders yet, stick them in a tube and push them down a hill. Many ski resorts have snow parks and tube runs that are fun for the kids or every member of the family. Boreal, Sierra-at-Tahoe and Homewood all have tubing areas. Heavenly’s 500 foot tubing area is found after a scenic gondola ride at the top of the mountain. The tubing area at Squaw Valley has four tube lanes and if the kids get tired of that, they can head to High Camp and do some high-altitude ice skating.
Photo Courtesy of [wka/Flickr]

With the colder weather coming into the Tahoe area, starting your day out with a good breakfast/brunch is par for the course in this land of mountains, biking, hiking and high altitude. There are many places around the lake where you can pick up a hardy (and inexpensive) breakfast. These are the top five:

Fire Sign Café

This restaurant in between Tahoe City and Homewood has been rated one of the best breakfast places on the lake. It’s located right next to the Tahoe House Bakery and that might account for the excellent bread, muffins and buns offered during breakfast. The place can be full and there will probably be a line, but the warmth and comfort of their stacks of blueberry pancakes, Baker’s Benedict (with sausage patty), and their Greek Omelet (with feta cheese, olives and spinach) will make up for it. The Fire Sign serves up great coffee, tea, hot chocolate with whipped cream and fresh squeezed orange juice. A meal with all the fixin’s will cost about $12-$14 per person.

The Old Post Office Café

Yes, it really is an old post office. This little place in Carnelian Bay on the North Shore is also a cozy hangout with some great food options. Try any of the omelets like the Veggie Omelet with avocado and you get a side stack of pancakes included. Their Crab Cake Benedict is a pleaser as well as the French Toast. The prices are great with most items only costing about $8-$10.

Heidi’s Family Restaurant

Heidi’s is an old-Tahoe local hangout. This popular place in South Lake Tahoe is great for both breakfast and brunch as well as some lunch thrown in. Heidi’s is not afraid of a little fat and grease and the Bacon Waffles and the Bacon Pancakes.

Squeeze In

This very popular place in Truckee has become even more popular after being featured on Throwdown! with Bobby Flay on the Food Network. Their menu features 62 different types of omelets so it’s okay to get overwhelmed. Ask any of the staff for a recommendation. Along with their great egg dishes (try the Forest Gump with shrimp or the Hangover Helper) they also serve “the usual breakfast” like Nanna’s Famous Biscuits & Gravy and the Queen Victwa which is an extra thick French Toast stuffed with cream cheese and crowned with fruit. The Squeeze In offers an early bird menu between 7-8 a.m., but you must be an EggHead Club member. The early bird dishes run about $6-$7. For non-EggHeads, omelets run about $10-$12.

Rude Brothers Bagels

If you are in a hurry to get to the slopes or the hiking trails and you want a quick and filling breakfast, go to Rude Brothers Bagels on the South Shore. Their selection of bagels is a little overwhelming, but I highly recommend the Pesto Bagel or the Everything Bagel – both with cream cheese. You can also pick up a bagel with your choice of eggs, meats and veggies. Their breakfast burritos are good too. Rude Brothers also has some great fair trade coffee and tea. Their prices are moderate with a bagel and coffee costing around $6-$7.

Photo Courtesy of [orijinal/Flickr]

The Lake Tahoe area is a land of views: mountains, forests, alpine lakes, rivers and streams and, of course, the big blue lake itself. Visitors to the lake will most certainly find the typical outlooks that show off the best views of this beautiful area (the viewpoint on Hwy. 431 above Incline Village and the parking area just above Emerald Bay), however, there are several other great places to get a perfect view of this alpine paradise.

1. Eagle Lake Hike

This easy to moderate 1-mile hike up to Eagle Lake in the Desolation Wilderness has wonderful views of South Lake Tahoe and Emerald Bay. Eagle Lake itself is not too shabby either.

2. Rainbow Bridge

While the Rainbow Bridge is not near Lake Tahoe, it does offer wonderful views of nearby Donner Lake, Donner Pass and Truckee, Calif. The Rainbow Bridge is a 100 foot concrete span on the Old Lincoln Highway or Hwy. 40. Cars and bikes will pull over on the bridge to take in the scenery.

3. Flume Trail

If you are a mountain biker, this is the view for you. The Flume Trail is probably the most popular mountain biking destination in the area and offers spectacular views of the lake and the mountains from 1,000 feet above the shoreline. The trail starts at the Spooner Lake State Park just off of Hwy. 50.

4. Vikingsholm

For a view that is a little less high and strenuous, the view of Emerald Bay with the Vikingsholm Castle in front of it is really beautiful. This Scandinavian style home was built in 1929 and is rugged example of Tahoe architecture. From the castle you can look across the bay and see Fanette Island, the only island in Lake Tahoe.

5. Mt. Tallac

If you can get to the top of this nearly 10,000 foot peak, you will see the best views in all of Lake Tahoe. From the top Mt. Tallac, in South Lake Tahoe, you can see all of Desolation Wilderness, Emerald Bay, South Shore, Fallen Leaf Lake and Granite Lake. It’s stunning. The moderate to difficult hike will take you near alpine meadows, over shale and boulders and through patches of wildflowers. It typically takes about 6-7 hours.

Photo of Emerald Bay courtesy of [blackwing_de/Flickr]