Vera

We've been at Lake Tahoe a couple of times before and love the gorgeous scenery, not crazy about the casinos. We'll be there in early June for a week and don't want to miss any goodies.
What are your suggestions? In the area as well as right on the lake? Have a place to stay but need restaurant suggestions (not the most expensive).
Thanks.
Vera

janis

Some things not to miss: Emerald Bay and Vikingsholm, Eagle Falls, Sand Harbor, a tour of Thunderbird lodge (fabulous tour but you need to reserve timed tickets from the Incline Village Visitors' Center), a boat trip on the Lake (MS Dixie or Tahoe Queen or others), Tahoe City, Gondola from Stateline up to the top of Heavenly Valley, Squaw Valley, Truckee and maybe a trip over Kingsbury Grade into the Washoe Valley and over to Virginia City.

Vera

We've been to Virginia City and its a hoot. Probably go back again. What's to do in Truckee? Is the Donner Site worth a visit? Haven't heard of Thunderbird Lodge before. What is/was it?

Vera

janis

The Thunderbird Lodge is a very eccentris home built during the 30's by george Wittel who inherited millions of daolars from both sides of his family and bought 40,000 acres on the east and north sides of the Lake. It is a fascinating place in a gorgeous site south of Sand harbor. the 90 minute tours are limited to about 15 people and cost $22 including the (mandatory) shuttle bus from Incline. there are several tours a day but the places fill up several days ahead. www.thunderbirdlodge.org

Truckee is an interesting 1880's town - now mostly for shopping and dining plus the wooden sidewalks and old bldgs. The Donner site is now a state park and there are interesting interpretive exhibits on the shore of Donner lake. The park is OK - but the lake is GORGEOUS.

Suzie

Here's some things we like to do:

Raft down the Truckee River. It's really fun on a warm day. Stop along the way and picnic. There are some areas that you can stop.

Tram up to High Camp in Squaw Valley. There is a pool and giant jacuzzi at the top as well as a year round ice rink for skating. Also has a large bar . Lots of lounge chairs around the pool and spa.

Take a ride on the Meteor. The speed ferry that leaves from the Marina t South Shore and lands in Tahoe City. Second year of operation.

Take the new gondola from near the Embassy Suite in South shore up to the viewiong area. Can picnic up there as there are tables and chairs/benches. Then take it to the top and hike around. Great views.

Spend a day at the beach at Meeks Bay. Nice sandy beach on the west side. Has a snack bar with grilled food. They also rent paddle boats, etc.

Visit historic Chambers Landing on the west side. Go during happy hour for a chambers punch.

Visit the Historic Tallac site in Camp Richardson. More info: http://www.r5.fs.fed.us/heritage/047.HTM

Visit Sugar Pine and take a tour of the Mansion.

Have fun!!!

David

Vera,

Do take a boat tour on the lake. I have taken both the M.S. Dixie and the Tahoe Queen. Both were great. I would recommend the M.S. Dixie which takes you through Emerald Bay. You can pick it up at Zephyr Cove.

In terms of places to eat, the Harrah's has a nice casual restaurant as well as a great buffet on the 18th floor with spectacular lake and mountain views.

LCM

Asked a similar question Vera as I am also going in June for my 40th Birthday meeting up with friends. Only got a few restaurant suggestions and the Tahoe websites are hard to pick through as you don't know if they are being used as marketing tools. Hope you get some more answers of restaurants! Heard Evans was great and Llewelyns (expensive, but nice view and good food), also Fiore's and Nephales was mentioned, but heard or read mixed on both.

Suzie

Don't know where you are staying so I'll try a bunch of places. South Shore: Riva Grill at the Marina, The Cantina Bar and Grill north of the Y, Cafe Fiore. South Shore also has all the regulars like Marie Callenders, Denny's, Sizzler etc if you want.

West Shore: Angelinas Pizza in Tahoma. Also for great breakfast (crepes) Norfolk Inn (Tahoma). Near Tahoe City Sunnyside Restaurant. Sit on the Deck or if not good weather sit by the windows.

North Shore: Carnelian Bay - Garwoods! Incline - Hacienda de la Sierra. Hyatt at Incline Lone Eagle Grill for lunch.


These are the "not most expensive" places. If you want pricier let me know!!!

Tony

Evans is finest place to eat on South Shore, probably all of Tahoe. Cantina (run by same people as Evans) has great mexican food. Scuzas has great italian food at reasonable prices. Fiores is also quite good. Chart House at Tahoe Keys has good seafood. Beacon located at Camp Richardson has good dinners. Believe it or not, the casinos also have some great restaurants. Both Harrahs and Harveys have great restaurants on their top floors. Ceasars has a great steak restaurant. On North Shore either Captain Jeans or Le Petit Pier are both excellent.

Suzie

Yes! Tony is right, Evans is without a doubt the best! It pains me to even think about it!! It is expensive so I didn't put that on my list. If there is a night you'd like to have a nice dinner then Evans would be the place!

Vera

Thanks for all the tips. Sounds like enough to keep me busy for a week. Would you believe there was a travel story on Thunderbird Lodge in our Sunday paper last weekend?
I appreciate the dining tips, also. My husband has a swiss background and we loved the Swiss Chalet restaurant west of Stateline. Also had a great buffet at a casino--Not sure which one.

Thanks again.
Vera