mlgb: I specifically mentioned the Lake District only because you mentioned England . . . If you had said Scotland my response would have been different.

I dare say I have been to NW Scatland MANY more times then you have. To use Inverness as an example of scenery shows . . . never mind.

I lived in the UK for 5 years, go back there 2 to 3 times a year, and am a native Califorian who has spent a lot of time at DV as well as owning a condo at Lake Tahoe.

I do think I know what I'm talking about

(of course one can fly non-stop from SFO)

Yawn.

Flying nonstop is one option, and maybe it's preferable to the OP. I mentioned alternative airports and flight itineraries, because many travelers look for the least expensive option when flying. And many prefer to get off the plane half-way and stretch their legs, take a break from all that sitting.
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As far as I know there are NO Lake Tahoe restaurants where you can sit outside on the lake and enjoy a great meal. Quite different from Europe where there are lovely lakeside restaurants in every country. Haven't been to Lake Tahoe in a few years..but I sure don't remember scenic restaurants right on the lake. Yes its ringed with mountains..but..so what. A visitor to the US would find Death Valley more unique...even in the summer.

I have no idea what you are talking about - There are several lakeside restaurants all around the north and west sides of the lake. None right at Stateline at the southshore casino area but just lots of other places.

Seriously, to say there are no lakeside restaurants in Tahoe is wrong.

We were in Tahoe for just one day, didn't know our way around at all, and easily came upon the nicest LAKESIDE restaurant: Sunnyside, 1850 West Lake Blvd., Tahoe City, 530 583 7200. We had lunch there, and a wedding was going on in the other room. I had the best fresh calamari sandwich, which is in on the menu for a very short time. It was a solid piece of calamari, and amazingly good. Highly recommend the Sunnyside.

Surely there are others, too.

I also think it's wrong to steer people to Death Valley in August/September.
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