YOUR FRIEND IN HIGH PLACES   Lynn Richardson . Coldwell Banker Real Estate . Lake Tahoe & Truckee

By Michelle Portesi

Aspen Leaves in Full Fall Splendor

Fall is here, and that means the crowds have left the area.  It’s time to partake of what locals have known for years. Fall is still gorgeous here, albeit with a nip in the air. Many restaurants no longer have outrageously long wait times to be seated, bike trails are less crowded and deals can be had at seasonal shops trying to drop inventory before they close for the winter.

At the Tahoe City Y and surrounding areas, there is much to do in a short walking distance.

Truckee River Dam in Tahoe City

Start your tour at Fanny Bridge. How it got its name is really quite obvious from the get go. This is the mouth of the Truckee River, Lake Tahoe’s only outlet. If you look closely, you will see huge trout who hang out at the dam’s pond, and they’re much easier to see this time of year as water is let out only sparingly, especially in drought years.

Fannies along Fanny Bridge and Dam Overlook

After you’ve had your fill of peering into clear waters with BIG fish, wander off to the right to the Gatekeepers Cabin Museum. Here lies lovely walking trails that lead directly to the lake and a wonderful museum featuring beautiful woven pine needle baskets from the local Washoe Indians along with many other tribes throughout North America. The museum also touches on the history of the area as a frontier town and has a resource library that you can research many historical documents. Gatekeeper’s is also host to seasonal exhibits and seminars on local history. Their current exhibit  ‘Ursus Among Us: The American Black Bear in the Tahoe Basin’ will be on display until the end of October. And if you’re looking for a place to hold your nuptials, the ground are also a popular wedding destination.

The Gatekeepers Museum is open all year round, however they are closed on Tuesday and Wednesday during the winter. And if you’re Howling to get your Halloween Haunt on, the Museum is hosting The Spooky Ghost Walk on Friday, Oct. 31st starting at 7:30 pm.  Fun for the whole family, this is more educational than scary, as the museum walks you through the colorful characters from Tahoe’s past.

For more information on the Museum’s events, go here: NorthTahoeMuseums.org

Woven pine needle Indian Baskets

Ready for lunch? Walk across the street to The Bridgetender, a long time local favorite. If the weather is still nice, you can sit at their outdoor dining area along the Truckee River. Featuring reasonable prices for the area and big portions, it’s a pleasant dining experience amongst their lovely garden and cascading stream. If the weather isn’t so nice, the great indoors is cozy and casual.

Outdoor seating at the Bridgetender

After you’ve sated your hunger, you’re at a perfect jump off spot to take a walk or bike ride, as the bike trail is right there at the restaurants edge. Ride along the Truckee River to Squaw Valley, or take the West Shore route that follows the lake and goes all the way to Sugar Pine Point and beyond.  I confess I love bike riding in the fall, the leaves are all changing, the temperature is cooler, and the trails are less crowded.

Bike Trail along the Truckee River in Tahoe City

Along the Lakeside bike trail, a short walk from the Bridgetender is the Tahoe Tree Company. This is a plant nursery to end all plant nurseries, and fall is the time they start their parking lot sales to reduce inventory for the season. I’ve gotten some great deals on shrubs and trees, which is perfect timing as fall is when you want to get those items in the ground so that they can establish their roots in their new home before winter. Fall planting means they’ll have a leg up for great growth next spring.

All in All, A Perfect Tahoe Fall Day!

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