Napa would be too far (we've done it from Tahoe, not worth it), but the Gold Rush country has wineries all its own. Plus it's apple country! What could be more perfect for fall?

We're taking some good friends out there this fall also (their first trip west of the East Coast). I went to a private school in Sutter Creek way back when, and there are some good Gold Rush things around there as well.

Here are some links from my vacation collection:

http://www.applehill.com/

http://www.discovergold.org/GrapeEsc...ns/amador.html

http://goldcountry.winecountry.com/wineries/

http://goldcountry.winecountry.com/wineries/

http://www.placerville-downtown.org/

http://www.visit-eldorado.com/placerville.html


We're arriving in very late September, staying until mid-October. When will you be there? That is a fantastic time of year to go.

Thanks guys for setting me straight!

We have done Bodie as a day trip from Lake Tahoe and it's very do-able!

Utahtea

Depending on exactly when your trip is - Vikingholm is closes for the season Labor Day weekend.

Bodie is doable as a day trip - but you are north of the North end of Lake Tahoe so you'll have to ad 45 - 60 extra drive time.

Virginia City makes a good day trip.

If you go to Cal Neva, try to take a tour of the tunnels Sinatra built so he, the Rat Pack, the Kennedy brothers and Marilyn Monroe could get around and up to the show room w/o being seen. It is hokey (Marilyn's ghost etc.) but otherwise based on fact.

Truckee has good shopping and restaurants.

Whatever you do - DO NOT attempt a day trip to Napa - it will be a 4 hour drive each way - and a lot longer if you travel through Sacramento at rush hour or any time on a Friday or Sunday.

The entire area is Tahoe National Forest - but not a "National Park" per se. LOTS of CA and NV state parks, though

Alohaa jj!

I guess Sir Paul and Heather won't be dropping by Truckee and jamming with the locals at Moody's anymore, yah?

Probably not

Missed them by 1 day a couple of years ago . . . .

It has been several years since we visited Lake Tahoe but we were busy the whole week without side trips. We did visit Truckee.

D.L. Bliss State Park has a nice beach and great hiking--the Rubicon Trail is beautiful. There were lots of enjoyable hikes in the area.

Riding bikes along the West Shore bike path--lots of fun, places to stop for lunch. Rented bikes in Tahoe City and rode down to Sugar Pine Point State Park.

Visit Sand Harbor--our favorite place to swim--beautiful place with huge rock boulders--our kids (and my husband) had a great time jumping off them and into the water. The water was just too cold for me.

My husband and son played golf at Incline and a great nine hole course called Glenbrook. The views on the course at Glenbrook were great.

We rented a boat one day at Zephyr Cove--fun to get out on the water.

We did drive up to Echo Lake for the views and to hike a bit. It is a beautiful lake and I think this is where we took a little boat to the trailhead.

Lindainohio's suggestion of Sand Harbor is an absolute must

It is w/o question the prettiest place on the Lake. Sand dunes, amazing rock outcroppings on the lake's edge, tourquoise colored water, trails through the rocks, big beach. Just an amazing place.

Wow! What great responses from everyone! I've been without a computer for over a week, and came back to such wonderful information. I'm absolutely eliminating the Napa option, after reading all the advice. Regardng Sand Harbor, it sounds beautiful, even though we will be there after the swim season. I have no doubt we'll never be able to get to all these spots, but we'll give it our best shot. It's great to have so many good suggestions before getting out there. Thanks to all!