By Michelle Portesi

The Pier at Sugar Pine Point State Park
There are a few places around the lake that are very near and dear to my heart, and Sugar Pine Point is one of them. That’s why I am so pleased to tell you that they are hosting a free locals day on Sunday, May 31st from 10am-3pm, which includes free parking and a free tour of the Hellman-Ehrman Mansion.
If you’ve never done this wonderful tour, it’s a must do for any Tahoe/Truckee local and visitor alike. You will be treated to not only a viewing of the mansions well appointed rooms as they would have been during their heyday, but your very knowledgeable guides will take you on a heady historical journey of the various homes occupants and how they lived. (Think an ‘American Mountain Style’ version of Downton Abbey’…)

Front porch of the Hellman Ehrman Mansion
After you’re done with the tour, sit a spell on the the expansive and shady porch, or peruse the out buildings, including General Phipps Cabin, one of the oldest structures still existing at Lake Tahoe. Wander down to the pier and its inviting white sand beach and crystal aqua waters.
The grounds of the estate is fairly large and includes a nature trail that can take you all the way to the highway and on to General Creek Campground. For more information, visit: www.parks.ca.gov

Starling on the pier at Sugar Pine Point State Park
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The Deck Heads . Truckee Regional Park
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Summer season at North Lake Tahoe and Truckee means music concerts – mostly free – throughout the basin. With musical styles running the gamut, you can sit back and enjoy as the band is ‘Singing the Blues’ or you can ‘Listen to a Country Song’, rock out to the ‘Rock of Ages’ and get down with your bad self when they ‘Play That Funky Music’. (Ten points if you can name all the artists who sang those…)
Most of these venues encourage you to bring a picnic along with your low backed chairs and blankets. Sip a glass of wine while you relax for an evening of open air entertainment. (decant beverages into plastic bottles if you can. Broken glass on the beach is a real buzz kill). Don’t feel like cooking or packing picnics? Some venues offer food and beverage vendors on site that can sate your hunger pangs and wet your whistle.
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In Truckee, The Truckee-Donner Recreation & Park District hosts the Truckee Summer Music Series on Wednesdays from 6:30-8:00pm at the Truckee River Regional Park. For more information on their full schedule, the bands and the type of music they play, click their link above. Also note all the many local businesses that sponsor this event to bring this wonderful music to you. So shop local, these businesses will appreciate your support. Donations to help fund this event are also appreciated and donation boxes are available at the park.
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The Blues Monsters. Photo from the Concerts at Commons Beach website.
In Tahoe City, The Tahoe City Downtown Association and the Tahoe City Public Utility District hosts the Concerts at Commons Beach. Concerts are held on Sundays and start at 3 or 4 pm and go until 7pm. Once again, local businesses and community groups sponsor this event too. Click the link above for more information, and there is also a place for you to donate to ‘the cause’ on the website.

In Kings Beach, The North Tahoe Business Association hosts Music on the Beach every Friday from 6-8:30pm at the Kings Beach State Recreation Area. What makes this particular venue even more enjoyable is not only its vast sandy beach, but its sandy lake bottom and warmer water temperatures that make it perfect for a before concert afternoon swim. Kings Beach also has many restaurants and food purveyors in quick walking distance to the beach. Come early though, as there is road work being done in the area which can slow you down. Parking is available for a fee at the beach, but parking here can fill up early, so plan accordingly. As always, support your local sponsors of this event.
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If your tastes run more towards classical music and sumptuous orchestral arrangements, The Lake Tahoe Music Festival starts in July. Dubbed ‘Serenades at Sunset’, the locations, days and prices vary from venue to venue, so be sure to check out their website as to what is being played where and when and for how much. Links on the website allow you to buy tickets for these concerts in advance.

From the Lake Tahoe Summer Music Festival website. Venue: The West Shore Cafe
And if you still haven’t gotten enough of your groove on, many of the local ski areas like Squaw Valley and Northstar also often have free music and events. Be sure to peruse their websites for upcoming events. The links to their websites or in the column to the left.
Sing. Sing. Sing!
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Spring is upon us in the mountains (or what passes for spring here), which means this may be one of the last opportunities this year to go for a moonlight snowshoe. If you have never done this before, it is one of those beyond words experiences to remember! Should the sky be clear, the moon lights up the snow as if from a fairytale dream, negating the necessity of flashlights. (But bring one just in case).
If you prefer your athletic endeavors in the daylight, there are also many day snowshoe events as well.
Dress warm, pack a hot beverage of your choice, and keep your nose to the wind for the smell of ‘s’mores‘ wafting in the air. Always a good time.
Here are some local areas that are offering snowshoe tours this month.
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Moonlight on Squaw Valley. For more events at Squaw Valley, visit their website on the link below.
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http://www.squaw.com/things-to-do/events-calendar/guided-moonight-snowshoe-tours
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Guided Moonlight Snowshoe Tours – Squaw Valley
Explore Squaw Valley under a full winter moon. As the moon lights the way our experienced guides will lead you on a snowshoe tour along Siberia Ridge. Lake Tahoe glows under the winter moonlight and you feel like you are on top of the world. Fun for all ages, cost includes snowshoe rentals (you must supply your own poles if needed). Dress appropriately and wear sturdy winter boots.
For reservations – call 800-403-0206
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MARCH 22-23
Snowshoe Social & Race Series – Northstar at Tahoe
Join us for the Northstar Snowshoe Social & Race Series taking place December 22 (USSSA National Championships Qualifier), January 27 (Tahoe Rim Tour & Race), and March 23 (Truckee Tahoe Humane Society Fundraiser). The December and March races will feature a 5k, 10k and kid’s races while the January race, in conjunction with the Tahoe Rim Tour & Race, will be a point-to-point 21K snowshoe from the North Tahoe High School to the Northstar Cross Country, Telemark & Snowshoe Center. The third race will be a fundraiser for the Truckee Tahoe Humane Society and we will allow dogs on the cross country trails that day only. There will be fun for all ages at the finish of each race. During the December and March race dates we’ll have live music at the finish along with snacks, beers and sodas, 10k awards and a raffle for all. During the January race there will be a chili lunch, awards and a raffle. For more info:
http://www.northstarattahoe.com/info/ski/snowshoe_social_race_series.asp
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MARCH 23
Winter Wildlife snowshoe – Mount Rose Tahoe Rime Trail Association and Tahoe Institute for Natural Science host a Winter Wildlife Survival Snowshoe at Tahoe Meadows at 10am. Enjoy a snowshoe trek and learn about winter ecology and survival strategies of wildlife. For the entire family. Moderate, 2-3 miles. Bring equipment and dress appropriately.
Register at http://tahoerimtrail.org/
Sunset Snowshoe – Area Venue
Tahoe Adventure Company hosts a Sunset Snowshoe every Saturday through April featuring natural history discussions, hot drinks and snacks. No experience necessary. $65, includes equipment. Reservations (530) 913-9212
Full Moon Snowshoe – Tahoma
West Shore Sports hosts a Full Moon Snowshoe at Sugar Pine Point State Park. Benefits Sierra State Parks Foundation. $20, ($5 kids), includes snowshoes and parking. Reservations (530) 525-9920
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MARCH 24
Snowshoe Hike – East Shore
Tahoe Rim Trail Association hosts a snowshoe hike to Marlette Lake. 7-10 miles, difficult. Bring equipment, dress appropriately and bring water and food. Free. Register at http://tahoerimtrail.org/
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MARCH 26
55+ snowshoe – Incline Village
IVGID hosts a snowshoe and lunch for 55+ with a light to moderate hike to various locations at 10 a.m. After, enjoy a buffet lunch at Sierra Nevada College. $16, $13 with IVGID pass, includes transportation. Register at (775) 832-1310
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MARCH 27
Full Moon Snowshoe – Area Venue
Tahoe Adventure Company offers a full moon snowshoe trek from 6:30 to 9:30 pm featuring professional guides, natural history discussions,, hot drins, trail snacks and searching for animal tracks. $65 includes gear. Reservations (530) 913-9212 or tahoeadventurecompany.com
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MARCH 31
Family Snowshoe Tours – Northstar at Tahoe
Grab the kids and join us for our Family Afternoon Snowshoe Tours taking place at Northstar California this winter season. These tours are a wonderful way to introduce your little ones to the great outdoors in a fun, unintimidating, friendly atmosphere. The tours are open to all ages and will be an easy snowshoe for the whole family.
Tours will begin at the Cross Country, Telemark & Snowshoe Center at 1:00 p.m. and will last approximately 3 hours. Your guide will lead you on a snowshoe adventure through some of our easier trails to a historic red caboose set in an alpine meadow for hot chocolate, cookies, and snow play!
For more information:
http://www.northstarattahoe.com/info/ski/family_snowshoe_tours.asp
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For more events in the area, visit The Weekly website (featuring North Lake Tahoe and Truckee):
http://theweeklymagazineonline.com/
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And don’t forget to check out the websites of the other ski areas in town. They often offer more events than just skiing!
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