My husband and I are going on a short (5 day) trip to Lake Tahoe the first week in November this year with my parents and brother. We recieved a free week at a timeshare and that is why we are going during this time.

I've been to Reno but never to Tahoe, and my question is, what is there to do there after the summer season and before the ski season starts?

Hikes? Lake Cruises, Gambling (which my parents don't like to do)? My father is not in good shape, so any hiking would have to be short.

Any idea will be appreciated! My father and brother bore quite easily and my family counts on me as the planner.

Thanks a lot!

We really enjoyed the cruise on Lake Tahoe on the M.S. Dixie II out of Zephyr Cove.

Take one day and drive all around the lake...it's a beautiful drive.

Virginia City, NV is a tourist trap, but I always enjoy spending some time walking around town. You could also see Carson City on your way there.

If you don't mind driving, you can make a trip down to Bodie State Historic Park is an old Ghost Town. It's one of the best ghost towns I've ever been to. http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=509 We have done this as a day trip from South Lake Tahoe.

You can also make a trip up to Truckee, CA and walk around the shops there.

Utahtea

ou might also check out Donner Lake and Donner State park and museum. Remember the Donner party?

We stayed at our Timeshare in Incline Village one Thanksgiving week, on a freebee. It was nice and relaxing that time of year, but the activities are really cut in half. No skiing and no boating/swimming in the lake.

A drive around the lake is nice one day, not crowded. We also went to Truckee for lunch and to walk around. Had Spa appointments another day.

The shoulder seasons are my favorite at Lake Tahoe - all the beauty, none of the crowds.

The cruise on the MS Dixie II is great. We've done the cruise over to Emerald Bay, which was really beautiful. Just take a jacket since it will be November. There are indoor areas on the boat too if it is too chilly. Still get a good view.

We love the drive around the lake - generally plan the better portion of a day for it. That way we can stop wherever and whenever we like to see the views, check out shops, or whatever.

For nightlife, check the casinos to see what shows are playing. Being the shoulder season, you probably wont have any large acts, but some of the smaller ones can be just as fun. One time we saw an incredible acrobatic performance by a troupe out of Taiwan, I believe.

Donner lake and the Donner Party museum is definitely worth checking out.