Fodor's Expert Review Tamarack Lodge Resort

Tucked away on the edge of the John Muir Wilderness Area, where cross-country ski trails loop through the woods, this 1924 lodge looks like something out of a snow globe. Rooms in the charming main lodge have spartan furnishings, and, in old-fashioned style, some share a bathroom. For more privacy, opt for one of the cabins, which range from rustic to downright cushy; many have fireplaces, full kitchens, or wood-burning stoves. In warm months, fishing, canoeing, hiking, and mountain biking are right outside. The small, romantic Lakefront Restaurant serves outstanding seasonal, locally sourced dinners in a candlelit dining room. Reservations are essential.