Archive for the ‘Lake Tahoe’ Category
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Michelle Portesi
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As a long time resident, I remember when Tahoe House was an actual dinner house restaurant. Somewhere along the line, they decided to make it an awesome coffee house, bakery with a Bavarian flair and specialty market, and it’s been a must stop at, go to place ever since. Recently they’ve spent some time remodeling; updating the facade and making the spot more wheelchair accessible, but it still has the same great coffee, sweets, sandwiches and other various noshes to please every palette. Sporting an offering of specialty wines and their own signature brand of relishes, dressings and sauces in addition to tasty treats from around the world, it’s a great place to find those hard to find gourmet items in addition to grabbing a hearty sandwich to take on your local travels around the lake.
Hang out in the sun in front of the building, grab a seat by the window – and on cold, snowy days, sit on the sofa by the fireplace. Featuring free WiFi, you can check on your email, have a meeting or get some work done on your laptop while you sip a warm cup of joe.
Be sure to get a Sacher Torte to go or the addictive raspberry pockets, among many other goodies.
Tahoe House is located at:
625 West Lake Blvd, Tahoe City, CA
530-583-1377
www.tahoe-house.com
Hours are from 6 am to 4 pm Sunday through Thursday
Friday and Saturday – 6 am to 6 pm
THINK OF ME, LYNN RICHARDSON, FOR ALL OF YOUR LAKE TAHOE AND TRUCKEE REAL ESTATE NEEDS!
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By Michelle Portesi
On a trip to New England in the fall some years back, I had to laugh at what the locals call the tourists at that time of year. ‘Leaf Peepers’ is a humorous reference to the throngs of people who come to the area to take in the yearly spectacular display of fall colors.
While our area may not sport the vivid reds of sugar maples (unless they’ve been planted by you or your neighbors) we here at the Tahoe basin are still treated to fall’s marvelous show. Vast stands of aspens grace our area along with many other shrubs and trees that turn color, a visual witness to the change of seasons. If you grew up in southern California like I did, where there aren’t really seasons, (unless you count temperatures that go from ‘hot’ to ‘not quite so hot’ and fall just means the leaves turn brown and fall off the trees), then the changing of seasons will come as a revelation.
The summer tourists abandon the area, completely unaware of what local’s know. That this is one of the best times of the year to get outside, go for a hike, a ride a bike, or even just take a stroll. The temperatures are still sunny and warm during most days, but with a refreshing nip in the air. Enjoying the area’s quieter times surrounded by such beauty seems almost spiritual and meditative.
There are some favorite places where the colors seem especially vivid and you’ll be sure to see photographers snapping away. Here are some of mine.
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Aspen Grove on Hwy. 267
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HWY 267. Just after the Northstar turn off on the way to Lake Tahoe. For whatever reason, this area seems to turn earlier than others and is going off right now. What’s left of the shell of a funky old cabin adds visual interest to any photo.
MOUNT ROSE – Also one of the early turning areas due to its higher elevation.
THE WEST SHORE – The bike trail isn’t technically open, but it’s a lovely ride along the lake, where you’ll be sure to see birch and aspens turning a little later. As I write this, the area hasn’t quite done so yet.
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Kokanee Salmon in Taylor Creek
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TAYLOR CREEK – South Lake Tahoe, next to the Mt. Tallac Historic Site. Also an area heavily populated by deciduous trees, it’s a lovely walk along the trail. The Kokanee salmon are just starting their spawning run, with a few individuals making it to the stream chamber as of Oct. 1st. Rangers believe this weeks cold temperatures will lure them in, and the trees and shrubs will most likely change to greet them. Be sure to hike or drive to The Tallac Historic Site next door. The vintage cabins are now closed for the season, but the park is open for strolling and the grounds are alive with color.
FALLEN LEAF LAKE. South Lake Tahoe across the highway from the Mt. Tallac Historic Site. Near the entrance to the lake is a large stand of aspens, with a vast grove along it where horses graze in the autumn sun. Last year’s poor snow pack meant no colors at all as the leaves withered and died in August, but this year looks to have afforded them enough water that the aspens still sport their leaves. Not quite turned yet as of Oct.1, but I’m keeping my eye out for this area. (I’m hoping the S. Lake Tahoe peeps can give me a heads up when they do).
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Spooner Lake. The aspens haven’t turned yet.
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SPOONER LAKE – at the juncture of Hwy. 28 and Hwy 50. We went for a lovely hike last week along the lake, not only spotting a slew of ducks, but a very skittish blue heron. The leaves weren’t quite turning yet except for a few random trees, so keep an eye out for this to go off in the next week or two. If you’re feeling especially vigorous, Marlette Lake is a 5 mile jaunt away.
HOPE VALLEY – I confess to not having been to this area during the fall yet, but I hear it’s spectacular. Located on Hwy. 88 off Hwy. 89 out of south shore. A side trip to the vintage Sorenson’s Resort on Hwy. 88 north of Hope Valley is also a treat.
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Do you have a favorite place for leaf peeping? Let us know in the comments section.
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THINK OF ME, LYNN RICHARDSON, FOR ALL OF YOUR LAKE TAHOE AND TRUCKEE REAL ESTATE NEEDS!
Share this: Lynn Richardson, Your Friend in High Places
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By Michelle Portesi
There’s a nip in the air and the leaves are just now starting to turn even as I write this. Even though most of our visitors have left, what they don’t seem to know is that there is still plenty to do here and Fall at Lake Tahoe and Truckee is one of the best seasons of all!
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OKTOBERFESTS ABOUND!
Even though it’s not quite October, we apparently can’t wait to get our oomp-pa-pa on.
Stateline, NV holds their SeptOberfest on Thursday, Sept. 22 at 6pm at the Mont-Bleu Resort Casino. Featuring a German Buffet, Biergarten, wine tasting, music, dancing and more. $45. To reserve tickets go to tahoesierrakiwanis.org
Squaw Valley is hosting their annual Oktoberfest on Saturday, Sept 24 from 2 to 6pm at the Village. Serving up Beers and Brats, with live music and games of the season. squawalpine.com/events
Tahoe City. Oktoberfest at the Gatekeepers Museum/Layton Park. Oct. 1 from 12 to 6pm. Featuring craft beers, food from local eateries, traditional Bavarian games and live music. Visit their website at: visittahoecity.org/event
Historic Camp Richardson Resort – Oktoberfest at South Lake Tahoe – the yearly celebration of all things German – is in its 22nd year at Camp Richardson Historic Resort and Marina October 1 & 2, 2016. 10am-5pm. (530) 541-1801. 1900 Jameson Beach Rd. www.camprichardson.com/oktoberfest
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The Sierra Boat Company
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OTHER EVENTS
Red, White and Tahoe Blue. – Antique Classic Boat Society’s International Boat Show. Sept. 23 & 24 from 9am to 4pm. At the Sierra Boat Company in Carnelian Bay, CA. ACBS.ORG
Downtown Truckee Wine, Walk & Shop – Saturday, October 1, 2016 from noon to 4:00 p.m. at Historic Downtown Truckee. 12-4pm. www.truckeewinewalk.com
Fall Fish Festival – Oct. 1 and 2nd at the Taylor Creek Visitors Center. 10am-4pm. Visitors can learn about the natural wonders of Taylor Creek from Forest Service biologists, as they stroll along the accessible, ½ mile loop Rainbow Trail. A family fun event, with a treasure hunt, fish painting and more! www.fs.usda.gov
Donner Party Hike: October 8th and 9th celebrates Truckee’s rich history with a weekend of guided hikes. Explore scenic Donner Summit with local historians on interpretive hikes followed by BBQ lunch and music. Donner Ski Ranch- 19320 Donner Pass Rd, Norden, CA 95724. donnerpartyhike.com
Truckee Haunted Historic Tour. Oct. 13 & 14. Each year the highly anticipated performances take place in new featured haunts. Our writers skillfully weave together dramatic, downright haunting and funny stories inspired by times of yore, this Tour is complete with treats and tricks. www.truckeehistorytour.org
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Truckee Haunted Historic Tour. Photo from their website.
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LOCAL RESTAURANT 2 FOR 1’s!
These are just starting to appear, with more restaurants offering deals the further we get into the off season. Here are the ones I know about. Be sure to call your favorite restaurant for their local specials.
Spindleshanks in Kings Beach. 2 for 1 Wednesdays. 2 course minimum per person for dinner only. Get your coupon from The Tahoe Weekly and present it at time of ordering.
The West Shore Cafe in Homewood. 1/2 price dinner entree Mondays – through Sept.
The River Ranch – Return of Friday Night Prime Rib – Starting Friday, September 30th, 2016. $21.95 Prime Rib while it lasts. Make your reservations early for this one. www.riverranchlodge.com/events
The Bar at the River Ranch in Tahoe City
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NEARBY DAY TRIP FUN FESTIVALS.
Genoa Candy Dance Faire – A local favorite since 1919! Sept. 24 & 25 from 9am-5pm. Nestled into the foothills of the eastern side of the Sierra’s is the quaint little town of Genoa. This long running local Arts and Crafts Fair features over 300 craft booths and food vendors. Live music. www.genoanevada.org/candydancefaire
The Celtic Festival. The Nevada County Fairgrounds, Grass Valley, CA. Sept 30-Oct. 2. kvmrcelticfestival.org
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THINK OF ME, LYNN RICHARDSON, FOR ALL OF YOUR LAKE TAHOE AND TRUCKEE REAL ESTATE NEEDS!
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Share this: Lynn Richardson, Your Friend in High Places
YOUR FRIEND IN HIGH PLACES 