Lake Tahoe for Fall Vacation
 

My family is thinking of vacationing in Lake Tahoe this fall. We are looking for a great hotel, golf, hiking, biking, etc. Any suggestions for a location or travel tips? I have never traveled to this area. <BR>Thanks--Susan <BR>

You will love Tahoe at any time, I'm sure. We've been there summer and winter several years and think it's lovely. We like to gamble a little, so we always stay at Harvey's in South Lake Tahoe, but I'm sure there could be places more suited for the athletically-inclined. Each trip we always rented a car for a day and drove around the lake - seems as if it takes several hours and the scenery is spectacular. I envy you the trip - it's been a couple of years since we've been. We live halfway across the country from there...we usually fly into Reno and either rent a car or a hotel shuttle comes for us and we drive over the mountains - it takes about an hour, I think...have a good trip! <BR>

Susan, You didn't say if you would be in Tahoe during early or late fall, but no matter which, I can suggest several places. One place, which has quite a variety of lodgings available is Lakeland Village. They have great facilities, ranging from deluxe king hotel rooms to 5 bedroom, 3 bath townhouses w/loft. They also have free shuttle service to Heavenly Ski Resort. Also available are jet ski rentals, parasailing, fishing charters, golf, sailboarding, mountain biking, hiking, etc. The best part of the fall season is this is their "value" season. They are at www.lakeland-village.com. <BR>Best Western has a lodge at Timber Cove with hot tubs, pool and sauna. You could even call Coldwell Banker McKinney & Assoc. at 1-800-748-6857 and inquire into a wide range of different rentals from cabins, condos and homes. Camp Richardson is a year-round retreat on 80 acres with x-country trails. Call 1-800-544-1801. I've listed a variety of locations for you, but no matter which you choose, you'll have a great time. Enjoy

It is a lovely destination. For hiking, there is a state park on the southwest corner (if a lake has a corner) and another state park halfway up the east side of the lake up a side road. Decent picnic ground on the lakeside on the east. You can rent bikes in South Lake Tahoe and ride a path along the lake or mountain bike trail to Fallen Leaf Lake to the west. So Lake Tahoe is rather busy with traffic. The sides and the north are quieter, but no matter where you stay you will want to drive all the way around and stop for the views. We also enjoyed a drive over to Carson City. The view from the top of one of the ski lifts is great. The Charthouse restaurant in Stateline on the east had a great view of the lake at sunset, though the food is uneven. <BR>I would heartily recommend the area.

I lived in the area for a couple of years. It is spectacular at any time. I would avoid staying in the South Lake Tahoe area as it is blighted by Kentucky Fried Chicken and other fast food outlets. If weather permits, you should venture into that area, however, and take the Heavenly lift to their restaurant - good food and an incredible view of the lake. For places to stay, in my opinion, there are only two: the Hyatt at Incline Village and the Squaw Creek Resort at Squaw Valley. Don't miss dinner at the River Ranch (on the highway from Squaw Valley to the Lake) and a visit to the town of Truckee, where the Donner Party was trapped by snow storms when they were headed west in the 1840's. Its a fabulous area. Have a good time!

I vote for Resort at Squaw Creek. Fabulous! In October it was very chilly at times. Andrea