Your First Time in Lake Tahoe
Description:
The Lake Tahoe regions span two states: California and Nevada. The California side (The northwest portion of the lake) is home to Tahoe City, Truckee and most of the major ski resorts. It's got a small, mountain-town and occasionally hippie vibe. South Lake is a bit more urban; this is where the previous area of Tahoe meets Nevada's state line (and where the casinos start cropping up). Although it's got outdoor adventure activities year-round, winter is when Tahoe really shines. Or sparkles, rather. World-class skiing, amazing back-country snowshoeing, ice skating and snowmobiling take place all day, while hot tubbing, dancing, eating and cozy fires fill the nights. Don't expect the snobbery of other ski towns, either; from ski bums to strippers, all types populate this seasonal area of northern California and if you can drag your gaze away from the snow capped mountains and blue, blue lake for a few minutes, there are some amazing people to meet.
Author: Alexi
Day 1 - Lake Tahoe, Reno
THINGS TO DO
If you've never been to Tahoe, hitting the slopes should be your priority. Squaw is Tahoe's most famous ski resort (and the site of the 1960 Winter Olympics). Tahoe and nearby Nevada are also known for their casinos; Harrah's and Silver Legacy are both iconic gambling halls. You could also do a snowshoe trek at Kirkwood, wander by the lake to Vikingsholm or do some shopping/ski bunny sighting in Tahoe City, A car is a must, since shuttles to and from resorts aren't 100% reliable, and public transit just isn't that impressive.
2
Kirkwood Ski Resort
Location:
view in google maps1501 Kirkwood Meadows Drive
Off Hwy. 88 at Carson Pass
Lake Tahoe, CA 95646
Phone:
+1 209 258 60005
Silver Legacy Resort Casino
Location:
view in google maps407 North Virginia Street
Reno, NV 89501
Phone:
+1 775 325 7401 / +1 800 687 87336
David Walley's Resort Hot springs
Location:
view in google maps2001 Foothill Road
Lake Tahoe, NV 89411
Phone:
(775) 782-8155Day 3 - Reno
NIGHTLIFE
Just like the restaurants, Tahoe's offerings span many demographics: cozy pubs for ski bums who just want a cold one in hand while they regale people with tales of their mountaintop adventures to swank nightclubs, often in casinos, pulsing with loud music and surprisingly-scantily-clad ladies.
2
Brews Brothers
Location:
view in google maps345 N. Virginia St
The Eldorado Hotel/Casino
Reno, NV 89501
3
Siena Hotel Spa and Casino
Location:
view in google mapsOne South Lake Street
Reno, NV 89505
Phone:
775 337 6260 / 1 877 743 6233 (Toll Free)4
The Chocolate Bar
Location:
view in google maps95 North Sierra St # 101
Reno, NV 89501
Phone:
(775) 337-1122Day 4 - Reno
LOCAL RECOMMENDATION: MUSEUMS
Not everyone knows this, but Lake Tahoe and the region has been home to some very important California state history. It was the site of the Donner Party's unfortunate (and ill advised) trek and played important roles in the California gold rush and railroad development. Museums and exhibits in the area pay tribute to its fascinating "Old West" past.
1
National Automobile Museum
Location:
view in google maps10 South Lake Street
Reno, NV 89501-1558
Phone:
+1 775 333 9300