We had a great time on our recent trip - thanks in large part to feedback rec'd on this site!

Stayed at a private home in Reno for 1 week - but spent most of our time at Lake Tahoe where we enjoyed the following activities:

* Afternoon drive around the entire lake lake where we discovered a lovely 'private' cove at Bliss St Park - also had a great early supper at Bridgetender in Tahoe City (onion rings were super yummy!)

* Shakespeare Festival at Tahoe (the complete works of Wm Shakespeare in 2 hours - very funny!) Packed a picnic supper with wine, and enjoyed great views of sunset with full moon rising over the mountains

* 5-mile raft trip down the Truckee River - easy going until the end (mild white water rapids) - lots of fun!

* Catamaran sail on Woodwind I to Emerald Bay - peaceful trip, great views, only 20 passengers

* Dinner at Lone Eagle Grille - a bit pricey but well worth it (great views at sunset and incredible food)

* Beach time at Sand Harbor - walk around the area was amazing - photos look like postcards!

* Cable car to top of Squaw Valley - incredible views

Headed off thereafter for San Franciso, via wine country where we stopped in Sonoma. Couldn't get into the recommended Della Santini (5-day wait for reservations) but enjoyed a nice dinner at another local establishment - sorry, don't remember the name!

In SF, stayed at Adante Hotel on Geary St. (at Jones) Not the most luxurious, but clean, very conveniently located, and extremely affordable (only $72 per night incl. limited buffet b'fast) How can you beat that in a big city?!

For the next 2 days, toured SF to the max. Especially enjoyed dinner at Bubba Gumps on Pier 39 - great food, reasonably priced, exceptional service. Highly recommend transportation passes avail at Union Sq. Tourist Info Ctr - very resonable and good for all mass transit (bus, trolley, cable car, etc)

All in all, a most memorable trip - and thanks again to all who offered such great suggestions!

Luvs2travel: I was wondering how your trip turned out. Sounds like you made the best of your time in Reno. Isn't Sand Harbor amazing (!) - almost to pretty to be believed.

Last summer I sailed on the Woodwind II (sister to the Woodwind I) w/ a group of friends from the UK/Ireland/Canada/NC/Seattle and No Calif and we had the boat to ourselves. But the lake was mirror smooth w/o even a breath of breeze so we were only under sail for a short time and had to resort to motoring for most of the cruise.

So glad you were able to get to the Lone Eagle Grill for a sunset dinner. It is amazing there, isn't it? We love the Hyatt in Incline Village. Afterward, to have drinks outside on the patio in front of the firepit under the stars, at the lake shore, is a neat experience, too.

Yes, all sights were incredible - and we never minded the drive from Reno to Tahoe. Though it was 45-min+ each way, we varied the routes, and views were all different but spectacular in their own regard. Even at night, we were blessed with full moon which provided a bright and almost supernatural view of the mountains descending back to Reno.

Sand Harbor was incredible!! I lived in Lake Tahoe in 1976, but never got to that beach area - what a treat! Truly the best vantage point for crystal clear water. All who have seen our photos think they've been re-touched, but alas - that's the beauty of the lake.

We contemplated the Woodwind II, but sail times and destination to Emerald Bay won us over to Woodwind I. Winds were just right for the sail - including unfurling of the spinnaker on return trip. Just perfect!

Dinner at Lone Eagle Grille was also very special. Food was delish, and views incomparable. Would've spent time at the outdoor fire pit, but a large group was there before us and took up the space. (Wonder if Garwood's might also be a good choice for lakeside dining - great location...)

While in Reno, we saw huge brush fires in the hills (witnessed the start from views at Squaw Peak) - further observed while dining on our patio in Reno. Top story on the news last night we were there - wondering how long they burned, and how much destruction occurred?

Sounds like a great trip. Our family is considering a similar trip in the spring. There will be 8 of us, ranging in age from 10 months to 87 years.

* Would you stay in Reno again?

* Do you recommend the home where you stayed in Reno? If so, would it hold 8 people and where did you book it? (Other lodging suggestions from Fodorites welcome)
* Would the catamaran be too rough for us all to go?

Thanks for the feedback!

Look into renting a house in Glenshire. Prices are still reasonable and it is more centrally located to tahoe.
Just a thought. I don't personally care for Reno.