The other poster is right...if you have the choice between Tahoe and Reno, stay in Tahoe! The mountain setting is spectacular, there are many things to do, both indoor and outdoor, and it is much more beautiful than Reno. Reno is O.K., if you like big, dirty, rundown cities. Tahoe is a mountain resort, Reno is just another big city.

We have decided to stay in Tahoe... OR somewhere in Gold Country - IF someone can recommend a good place! Does anyone know of any charming lodges, inns or even motels/hotels that capture the flavor of the area - and aren't too pricey? With two kids, a B & B probably isn't practical, but I'm thinking there's probably someplace really special that would be fun. (And probably completely sold out, too! :) Thanks in advance!

Audra, logic would dictate that you spent the night in So. Lake Tahoe or Reno because of the abundance of hotels, Inn's and Lodge's in all price ranges. <BR> <BR>Here is an alternate plan that I have enjoyed. Take Hwy 120 to Hwy 4 up to Sonora and Columbia State Park. The kid's will love Columbia. It's a preserved 1840's mining town that is closed to auto traffic. There are Stage Coaches and panning for gold right in town. The best thing about it is it's free. You will have to pay a bit to pan for Gold or take the coach. There are also several wonderful caves in the area. Again the kid's will love it. Imagine putting on a helmet with a flashlight on it and being led into the darkness only to enter into a huge room with spectacular rock formations. It's also at least 20 degrees cooler than being outside in the hot July sun. I recommend the Day's Inn Sonora for your overnight stay. Reasonably priced (Day's Inn) with lot's of charm. It's an 1840's Spanish style Inn with a swimming pool on the top floor overlooking a valley to the west. Great for a sunset swim. In the morning eat at the Miners Shack across the street from the Inn. Lot's of characters and again good prices for a hearty meal. Then after breakfast you can traverse your way up Hwy 49 stopping at all the cool Gold Rush towns. Then hit Hwy 50 and up to Tahoe for a picnic on one of the beaches on the Lake. Continue on to Virginia City for more gold rush flavor and spend the night at Circus Circus in Reno. Let the kid's go wild watching circus acts while you gamble and eat ton's of food at one of the buffets. <BR> <BR>A poor man's trip for sure (but lot's of fun) <BR> <BR>Good Traveling <BR>

Audra, I have lots of suggestions but the first one that comes immediately to mind is the City Hotel in Columbia, CA. ( 209) 532-1479 Children are welcome, I know, but don't know the current room rates. The hotel is from the gold rush days and is completely restored. Local college students work there, dressed in period costume. The dining room is highly recommended. Also recommend Murphys Hotel(800) 532-7684 in Murphys where kids are also welcome and some rooms share a bath. Again built in the 1800s and a Hostorical Monuments--Mark Twain and Black Bart stayed here! Adjacent to the hotel are modern motel rooms and are quieter than the old rooms. Dining room serves American food and childrens menu is available. St. George Hotel in Volcano has much the same setup. In Nevada City the National Hotel has rooms for families sharing a bath and kids under 12 are free. It's supposed to be the oldest continuously operating hotel west of the Mississippi. Also in Nevada City is the Northern Queen Inn, a larger modern motel type place. There are a number of romantic B&Bs but I haven't listed them since you said you'd have kids along. I think most of these will include breakfast as well and all are kid friendly. I know you probably didn't intend to go that far south, but if you can get to Columbia, the whole town is a recreated gold rush town(it's a state park) and would be a treat with the kids. Interestingly, we were told that High Noon and some of Little House on the Prairie were filmed here. My caveat------call now as these places are very small and family oriented so will be booked in the summer. Failing everything else, there's a line of motels in Auburn (including a Best Western and a Holiday Inn)--and the Placer Co,. Visitors Center is at (800) 427-6463. I think you'll really enjoy this!

Audra, the Gold Country is great and the suggestions you've received are very good. However, if you do decide on Tahoe instead, you might want to consider N. Lake Tahoe or Tahoe City rather than the south end of the lake, which IMO is unattractive and over-ridden with mega-casinos and tourist shlock. It is admittedly funky, but you ought to check out the Cal-Neva Lodge in N. Lake Tahoe, full of Sinatra and 50s Hollywood (and some more unsavory types) associations.

Thank you for your latest responses!! <BR> <BR>To SF Ghost & Kam Approx. how many driving hours will it take from San Fran to Columbia, via 580 & 120, then from Columbia to Placerville and then across the mountains on SR 50 to S. Lake Tahoe? <BR> <BR>To John, I cannot find the Cal-Nevada Lodge you mentioned; could it be under another name now? <BR> <BR>This sounds like a GREAT area and we're really looking forward to exploring it! Thanks again!

Hi again, Audra. If you take 580 to 120 you are basically going to Yosemite, which takes 4- 4 1/2 hours from SFO, depending on the time of day. I think since you don't want to go to Yosemite and that is a slower road, I would stay on I 80 until 50 near Sacramento and then go down 49. It probably will save you about 2 hours or so depending on the time of day. Generally, we plan on 2 hours to reach Sacramento on I 80 unless you get stuck in afternoon traffic near SF. Columbia is just into Tuolumne County, my guesstimate about 80 miles from Placerville. Rt. 50 should be about 1-1 1/2 hours from Placerville to So. Lake Tahoe (about 60 miles?)to North Lake Tahoe, don't know as the standard route is to stay on I 80 to Truckee and then head south. I'm sorry to be so vague, but I've only done this either after Yosemite or by driving to Sacramento. Have never driven Rt. 50 over to Reno. My book about weekend trips in the area says to take 80 to 580 to 205 to 120 to 49, but that seems pretty circuitous to me and will take you through the urban sprawl of the East Bay and across the San Joaquin valley--hot and dusty. It would be the preferred route from San Jose, however, and is the one preferred by SFGhost, who always gives good advice. My best suggestion is to call the Columbia State Park at (209) 532-4301 and tell them what you want to do and ask best route and what the times are. You could also compare their opinion with one from the City Hotel at (209) 532-1479 and the Tuolumne Co. Visitors Bureau at (800) 446-1333. Also have to warn you that traffic will be greater on a weekend and the towns of Merced and Modesto are to be avoided whenever possible. Plan on it being quite warm and bring shorts and sunhats for you and the kids. P.S. John is correct in saying North Lake Tahoe is better but I think I would then stay on 49 to I 80 and go that way. I'm sorry we're confusing you, giving you too many options and only you can decide how much time you can spend but do plan to see part, if not all, of the Gold Country. Let us know your final itinerary--it sounds like a great trip.

Thanks Kam for the compliment. After reading your post I can tell that you a more refined traveler than I. My grammer may be bad but I do know how to get from point A to B and have fun exploring on the way. <BR> <BR>Im gonna have to make my case for the circuitus route from SF via 580 (205 not really a change of hwy from 580) to 120 then to good old HWY 49 and I will tell you why. If Audra leaves in the morning out of SF then she will be traveling in the opposite commute direction so no worry about getting out of the Bay area. If you travel via Hwy 50 you will have to deal with Sacramento's commute and going south on 49 only to turn around and head back up north to meet up with HWY 50 is redundant and time consuming. Check out a map. It's pretty simple using 580 and 120 and it takes a normal driver about 2 hours or more depending on if you stop on the way up. If you really want a backroads but direct way to get to Sonora catch HWY 4 off of HWY 80 and take it right into Sonora. HWY 4 is a 2 laner and passes by some boring central valley terrain but it is direct. <BR> <BR>Travel time on HWY 49 from Sorora through Columbia up to Placerville and HWY 50 in pure driving time it will take another two hours. That will never happen because there are to many Gold Rush towns to check out (including Sutters Mill where Gold was first discovered) it's a full half day Audra. <BR> <BR>A word of cautin HWY 49 is narrow and winding so you might want to take dramamine (spelling ?) or some other motion sickness medicine because even the most iron stomached can get car sick on that road. <BR> <BR>Perfect trip would mean getting outa SF in the morning as fast you can(don't even stop for breakfast just bring something with you) breakfast in Sonora then meandering up HWY 49 at your leisure with stops in Sonora, Columbia, Angels Camp, either Murphys or one of the local caves (California, Moaning), Jackson and Sutters Mill. <BR> <BR>Once you hit HWY 50 you are on your own. <BR> <BR>Kam keep up the good work. I know you really love Nor Cal like I do.

Hi, Audra, <BR>The web site for the Cal-Neva (not Cal-Nevada) is http://www.calnevaresort.com/ <BR> <BR>I'm frankly not too sure that it's the best place for teenagers, who might not find tha casino, Frank Sinatra or Marilyn Monroe (and maybe JFK) associations all that important (unless you can get one of the lakefront cabins). Might be fun for a lunch stop, though, or an adults night out if you're in the area.

Thank you! John, checked out the lodge - only King suites left. How is Tahoe Village? Is it really "charming" and safe, as described? There are vacancies - in Sunnyside Resort, Pepper Tree Inn and Granlibakken Resort - any recommendations? <BR> <BR>Kam and ghost - I am so excited to explore the area! Haven't decided on the route, but will let you know. This is a 3 week road-trip and I think this will be one of the best areas because it's completely new to us. (This is our 5th trip out west.) <BR> <BR>Thanks again - you guys are great. Any and all additional comments appreciated!

Have only stayed overnight in Tahoe once and felt miserable with the altitude, but good friend has a condo up at NorthStar (800)-533-6787. Sometimes people rent their condos through adds in the Cronicle--try www.sfgate.com, but they are probably weekend, two day rates.The advantage to a condo would be you could fix your own breakfast and most of them have washers/dryers. Other than that, there a huge Hyatt Regency in Incline Village, which is technically in Nevada, but it's right on the shore of the lake. Maybe worth a phone call. Also try calling 916-583-3494 which is the visitors center reservation service. It's such fun giving suggestions to someone who is looking to explore "off the beaten path" in California.

SFGhost, I have to add that you are correct assuming Audra leaves SF in the early am. We generally leave the Peninsula in the afternoon to go to Yosemite taking 680 to 580 and driving that Altamont Pass freeway from hell. Once, for whatever reason (clearly we were out of our minds!) I decided I wanted to see Modesto and Merced and we took 99 and 140 into Yosemite. A real traffic disaster and total waste of time! But, you know, you hear about these places and you say they can't be as bad as everyone says........? My son and I left home at 6 am on a Saturday morning and were in Sacramento in a little over an hour! Don't ask, he was driving and I didn't look at the speedometer! We and the Cronicle trucks were they only ones on the Bay Bridge--a unique experience! But, if you think about it distances aren't very far, it's the traffic that makes this area difficult. So, guess both of us are advising a very early start for Audra. And, you're right, I do love No. Cal--only lived here 6 years, but we try to get in the car and go as often as possible and during the "off season." That's the biggest blessing of living here.

It's me again! :) Wanted to give you our tentative itinerary for our day in Gold Country and see what you thought. (I wish I would have realized the appeal of this area earlier, and I would have allocated more time in our vacation!) <BR> <BR>As you suggested, we're taking 580/120 to Rt. 49 to Columbia State Park. (Not sure if we can wait for breakfast until we get there ghost - even if it's just two hours:). Then, we will work our way up Rt. 49, making as many stops as possible, with a definite stop in Placerville for at least apple pie! We'll head to Tahoe on Rt. 50. Still not sure if we'll be in S. Lake or Lake City.... <BR> <BR>In terms of time, did I understand you correctly: two hours from San Fran (downtown) to Sonora/Columbia, another two (without stops) to Placerville, then 1.5-2 hours to Tahoe, right? Please verify that for me. <BR> <BR>Thank you very much everybody, I really appreciate all your helpful info!!!

Audra, I would just correct the SF to Sonora leg to 2-2 1/2 hours. I know SFGhost says 2 hours, but I'm worried about that. Promise you will leave very, very early---like 6-7 am? Make sure you get very detailed directions from your hotel as to how to get to the Bay Bridge. The rest of it looks fine although the Placerville/Tahoe time will depend on where on Lake Tahoe you are going. It's a very big lake! I remember during the drought someone said it would take 300 years of drought to dry up Tahoe and if you could drain the lake the water would cover the entire state of California by 14 inches as I recall. In Volcano there is a restaurant--name escapes--that serves all you can eat sourdough pancakes with yummy berry toppings. But, don't go there just for the pancakes and it will require a bit of time to get there as the road's not terrific. I just announced to my husband last night that we were going back to the Gold Country in August when we have a bit of time. Happy travels.

Audra, You know I'm not a Tahoe expert because I don't feel good up there so I'm going to the guide books on this one, but wanted to see you settled somewhere on that night in Tahoe. In Tahoe City, the only one of your three that still have vacancies in my books is the Sunnyside Resort which actually sounds pretty good. It's a 1908 vintage residence (what is that?) totally refurbished with a restaurant where most of the rooms face the lake. I've got it as a 2 night minimum but maybe that's changed, or maybe that's only true on weekends. The other one that I've actually heard advertised here in the Bay area is in Tahoma, the Alpenhaus. It's across from the lake and does offer 2 bedrooms "suites" including breakfast but it doesn't seem to be very expensive. Wednesdays are advertised as "Basque night" in the restaurant, and if you don't know Basque food and are there on a Wednesday, I would recommend taking a taste. There are wonderful Basque restaurants elsewhere in California--mostly down south near Bakersfield. The only other one seems to be Royal Valhalla Motor Lodge which has two bedroom units many with lake views, use of a private beach and continental breakfast included. I hate to quote a tour book, but this is the one my husband and I faithfully turn to whenever we feel the need to get in the car and go away for the weekend. It's never steered us wrong (called Weekend Adventures for City Weary People, Northern California). Let us know what you find in Tahoe.

Hi Kam, Thank you so much for the additional info! Yes, we will TRY to leave early; we try every day and usually do, although it's harder each year as our kids get older. :) <BR> <BR>I'm still undecided about the Tahoe locations due to price; I don't want to feel like we should rush through Gold Country so we can get the most out of our Tahoe resort - which is why I'm leaning towards finding a less expensive property. It would even be different if we were able to stay even two nights. <BR> <BR>We'll linger somewhat the next am, and MAYBE see the Ponderosa (I know it's shmaltzy) and then hit the road to - somewhere! ?? All depending how long we linger that am, and then breaking the drive down for the next four days. <BR> <BR>I can just see you and ds driving across the country to DC! How fun! Our ds says he's going to school somewhere in the S.W.! Considering that we're always there in July when it's over 100 degrees and he still loves it, he may actually end up there! <BR> <BR>Thanks again Kam, and everybody! ALL comments continue to be GREATLY appreciated!!!

Audra, leaving tomorrow for Chicago so I wish you a wonderful trip. You never told us what your destination was to return to home so I would be interested in your total itinerary. Yes, it's great fun to drive across the country, but as you know, it also requires a great sense of humor. The parents' sense of humor must increase as the kids get older! Enjoy them while they are young--it gets more and more challenging! I'll think of you while you are in our "neck of the woods". I do hope all will work out nicely. :-)

Hey Kam, have a great trip to Chi-town! It's a wonderful city! Now you're getting closer to MY neck-of-the-woods! Yes, I will give you a full report upon return. <BR> <BR>BTW, I totally agree - a sense of humor is the first thing on our packing list! Can you say "The Griswolds"?! The stories I could tell....that we ALL could tell..... <BR> <BR>Enjoy your trip and thanks again so much. God bless!