Sunday 24 April 2011

Lake Tahoe - A Holiday Location Offering Something For Everyone

To some people, an ideal vacation could mean leaving everything behind and escaping to some place new with a different view and offering complete relaxation. While some flock to cities and go on a shopping spree and enjoy spending, still some think it is a place that offers a lot of outdoor recreation. There are others who prefer an adventurous trip that would be filled with adrenaline pumping activities.

So the next time you plan a vacation with your family or friends, be sure to take into account the interest of everyone who is coming along. The next thing to do will be find a spot where everyone can have fun. Although it may sound impossible to find such a place, there are some locations that never fail to instill fond memories in all who visit them. One such place is Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in the U.S.

Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America. If you have already visited Lake Tahoe, you will almost certainly agree that it is a truly exceptional vacation destination, but if you haven't visited Lake Tahoe yet, you may begin planning your trip by the time you finish reading this article. The lake is located on the California and Nevada border is a major tourist destination. It has some of the best ski resorts and summer outdoor recreation found anywhere in the world and its mountains and lake scenery that will charm anyone who visits.

For those who want to be closer to nature, Lake Tahoe has much to offer. Breathtaking forests that words will fall short to do justice in describing; snow covered in winters and reaching out for the heavens under the blue sky in the summers. There are a lot of flora and fauna that you can explore in this area.

If you love winter sports, head out to the major ski areas. Some of the best know places are the Heavenly Mountain Resort, Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows, Diamond Peak, Northstar at Tahoe, Kirkwood Mountain resort and many more. Snowmobiles, snowshoeing, rope tows, snow tubing (alternative sport) etc are some fun activities offered by the area.

For water sports there are scuba diving, sailboat racing, guided cruises, firework shows over the lake and more. There are also hiking and mountain biking trails all around the lake. You can hardly run out of recreational activities in Tahoe. Major casinos await you on on the Nevada side of Tahoe if you are interested in trying your luck.

Accessing Tahoe is easy. The Reno-Tahoe international airport is only 30-40 minutes away from most Lake Tahoe area destinations. Sacramento is another option with a good sized international airport.

For a unique lodging experience, visitors should try the Lake Tahoe rentals that are spread across the best spots around the area. Affordable and complete with all amenities, these rentals are a smart choice for any type of vacation - long or short. Each place has something special to give you, obviously, when the whole surrounding is exceptional.

Wednesday 20 April 2011

Lake Tahoe, California: Rebalance, Renew and Rejuvenate With Help From Local Inns and Innkeepers

As humans, we have the power to influence the world around us by adopting a positive attitude. We can choose to be a positive force in the world that makes a difference. In order to accomplish this, we need to get ourselves into the right frame of mind. If we are permitting our problems to bear down on us day after day; if we allow negative energy and influences to accumulate so that positive ideas have been choked off; if there is disharmony and imbalance in our lives and relationships, then perhaps it is time to take a break. It is not what we do that is important but why we do it. True happiness and contentment does exist; we sometimes have to go looking for it.

For those seeking to rebalance their lives, there is immense power in taking a getaway vacation. Taking time away from our normal environment to recharge, renew and refresh will help us make sense of the concept of rejuvenation and why it plays such a vital role in our interactions with other people. And yes, when we are away, enveloped in natural wonders, there is even a strong possibility that we may change our perceptions, actions, and the world around us.

True success is achieving a goal that is more than material; real success includes spiritual connection, emotional renewal, health cultivation, social contentment and career satisfaction.

We all possess the ability to modify ourselves. Putting ourselves in a different environment will help us change the way we think, the way we handle obstacles, and ultimately the way we feel. Once we recognize how to tap into these areas, we will discover that our attitudes change in a constructive way, and thus the path to contentment becomes that much easier to achieve.

Most of us seek balance and harmony in our lives; and when things are imbalanced, anxiety can arise. When we are calm and relaxed, we are in an optimal state for functioning. What is important is that we become aware and understand how stress operates, how it unfolds and how it can take over our lives and keep us out of balance. In order to aid our consciousness, we can provide ourselves with the tools that are needed to dissolve the stress and anxiety that is often triggered by a plethora of events in modern life.

Consider taking a few days off in Lake Tahoe, California. Tahoe is a destination that promotes health and well-being. It should be pointed out that becoming refreshed, recharged and rejuvenated is not only important to the whole of us, it also affects every cell, joint and body part.

Glistening softly in myriad shades of blue and green, Lake Tahoe, which straddles the California-Nevada border, is one of the most beautiful lakes in the country, with an average depth of one thousand feet. It is a destination that is very easy to get to. Once you digest the basic importance of getting away for a few days, you will discover that the wait was well worth it. What is quite fascinating is that Lake Tahoe is a very compelling locale. Tahoe provides a creative, stimulating environment for visitors.

Driving around the lake's 72-mile shoreline rewards travelers with heart-stopping scenery that will stimulate a sense of creativity and wonder. Three out of every four days, Tahoe receives sunshine, making it an ideal destination for outdoor pursuits of all types. The landscape incorporates large ideas for recreation and leisure that will satisfy the uniqueness of every one of us. The environment cleverly bridges nature's beauty with the whimsical imaginations of tourists to create a delectable vacation in any season. Visitors can draw on a smorgasbord of activities to explore the area. Swimming, boating, guided-cruises, fishing, kayaking, parasailing, jet skiing, scuba diving, paddleboards, windsurfing and other water-sports are available. Hiking, walking and scenic drives are also fun. In the marina, pleasure boats are lined up side by side, as the morning sun bounces off the lake, giving the light a glittering, touchable quality.

In summer, you might observe sailboat races, or firework shows over the lake. Winter brings abundant snow, perfect for downhill skiing at more than a dozen world-class ski resorts. Cross-country skiing or snowshoeing are also options. There are plenty of lake front restaurants scattered along the shoreline; most come equipped with docks and buoys. Lake Tahoe, California is the kind of place that can ignite a deep awareness and understanding of our enormous inner potential.

There are numerous hiking and mountain biking trails all around the area, which can range in length, difficulty and popularity. The 165-mile Tahoe Rim Trail circumnavigates the lake and is quite famous. The Granite Chief Wilderness is great for hiking and camping. Desolation Wilderness and Eagle Lake Trailhead are also quite popular for hiking. Several paved off-road bicycle paths are also an option. On the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe, you'll find gambling casinos, restaurants and entertainment.

For pure pleasure, few experiences are as gratifying as visiting a bed and breakfast inn. It is a chance to explore new territory, new foods and new landmarks. Awake to mornings filled with golden sunshine; the smells of sizzling bacon, pine and wood smoke and the boasting cries of birds of prey.

The key to getting the most out of your vacation begins with the innkeeper, who is like your best friend in Tahoe. The innkeeper can help you find activities that blend with your own definition of contentment, which may differ than that of other visitors.

Our definition of a good time is unique to us and when we have a clear vision of what a trip to Lake Tahoe personally could do for us, we will be able to work towards accomplishing a memorable getaway. Fundamentally, the innkeeper might require a snapshot of our likes, dislikes and what is important to us. Once the innkeeper gets a handle on how we perceive a fantastic holiday, the host can formulate an itinerary to help us on our way.

Marty Cohen, innkeeper of The Shore House at Lake Tahoe, in Tahoe Vista, CA shares: "We have lived here for 37 years and have had the inn for 17 years. It gives us a good background to share the area with guests." To help you on your journey, innkeepers will provide a road map that will lead you to having a rejuvenating experience. The innkeeper has a certain amount of knowledge and expertise about the area and can recommend certain excursions without much effort.

Experienced innkeepers will know all the good information, stories and places a visitor will want to see. Typically, innkeepers are warm and conversational; with in-depth knowledge about the location; they are well organized, and accessible. And it is here where customer service really shines, as innkeepers skillfully craft a compelling experience with graciousness and class. They know just the right place for those who are seeking a quiet sanctuary.

The towns and landscapes surrounding Lake Tahoe are refreshing. Here you will experience light bright flashes of new territory. It is a region that gives visitors a different perspective; we see our smallness against the vastness of nature. "Many people get married and come back for anniversaries," remarks Marty Cohen of The Shore House at Lake Tahoe. "We get a lot of writers. They love sitting out by the lake. It is a very comfortable atmosphere for them to be creative."

"A particular couple has been coming for 15 years," continues Marty, "The husband had been diagnosed with non curable cancer, and they keep coming every summer. It is the best rejuvenation for him."

Problems seem less insurmountable while taking in the magnitude of mountain peaks, expansive lakes or soaring pine forests. When we return back to our regular lives, if we can remember to remain positive and recognize that there are no problems but rather, only solutions, this attitude will give us a different perspective on many of life's challenges.

It goes without saying that the grounds and facilities of many small B & B inns in Lake Tahoe, California are peaceful and soothing to the eyes. A welcoming atmosphere is evident throughout them. The location feels like being in the mountains on the water's edge of a pristine lake, with some of the best sunsets imaginable. This gives visitors a sense of privacy and romance. The beautiful setting along with great service makes this a destination of unsurpassed charm.

A stay at Lake Tahoe is recommended to anyone who wants a good dose of serenity, privacy and relaxation. Rest on a balcony and just gaze at the beautiful wooded landscape with Lake Tahoe shimmering in the background. It is a place where you can spend easy times in good conversation with friends.

Most B & B inns in Lake Tahoe are a lovely blend of warm service, sumptuous breakfasts, and home-style charm. The accommodating staff, comfortable rooms, abundant amenities, exceptional location, and excellent value make for a pleasant experience.

Rooms are typically comfortable, airy and inviting. Relaxing beds, bathrobes and signature toiletries are usually provided along with hairdryers. Some rooms have refrigerators and balconies; some come equipped with gas log fireplaces, and some rooms have two person whirlpool tubs. There is normally free WiFi, cable TV and a DVD player. Complimentary coffee, water and hot chocolate are normally available in the dining room 24/7. Fresh baked treats and chocolates are placed in the rooms everyday. Some rooms are decorated with pine walls, and log furniture. Unique artwork throughout the property provides a glimpse into Lake Tahoe's character. In addition to the spacious comfort, rooms are immaculately clean with tasteful design. Some properties have several gardens, and a pier over the water.

Expect to receive gracious service with a warm smile. The owners/innkeepers typically known for their genuine hospitality, efficient service and willingness to help plan activities or excursions. The innkeepers are knowledgeable about the area and provide helpful suggestions to all of their guests. Spa treatments and massage is also available to guests upon request.

Some inns are known for providing an exceptional, and hearty breakfast that is artfully presented. Most dining rooms are filled with character. Award winning Monte Cristo breakfast sandwich and a chili egg puff with fresh baked scones and muffins are some of the items on the menu. Covered balconies, or lakefront lawns and gardens by the waters edge are the ideal reading areas for visitors. The common rooms are peaceful areas with a variety of different books, magazines, and board games. The lakefront lawns and gardens have superb views overlooking majestic Lake Tahoe with its towering pines. Every afternoon at 5pm, the inn may host an afternoon social gathering that includes wine and appetizers. It is a great opportunity to interact with other guests.

Lake Tahoe is an ideal location for those who want to feel they are in a quiet serene lakeside getaway, yet still within a few miles of all other activities. Shopping is a few miles away, as are some of the well-established galleries where you can purchase jewelry, ceramics, textiles and paintings or Lake Tahoe memorabilia. Performing arts centers, spas, dining, parks, attractions, and cultural activities are just a short distance from the town. Its proximity to fishing, hiking, biking and water activities provide incomparable value. Some inns provide complimentary kayaking. There are also cruise boat excursions including lunch and swimming, (at extra charge.)

The B & B's at Lake Tahoe are known to be spotless, especially the guestrooms. The grounds and gardens are meticulously maintained. Overall everything, including the town, is quite picturesque.

Compared to a standard hotel room, a bed and breakfast inn provides an excellent alternative. The niceties, friendly conversation and attentiveness of staff make the difference. The guests appreciate being asked if they are comfortable. The innkeepers are helpful without being intrusive.

Tag : Lake Tahoe,California,Inns,Innkeepers

Tuesday 12 April 2011

Check Lake Tahoe Road Conditions Before You Leave On Your Trip

Before you head to Lake Tahoe, remember that no matter what route you take, you'll be going through the mountains and that the weather can change very fast. In order to make sure you're prepared, you should check the latest Tahoe road conditions before you get going. There are tourist locations in the area that can give you some information as well as maps, but this information could possibly be out of date by the time you get it.

The best resource here may be the California Highway Patrol's website, where you can search by highway to get the latest reports on driving conditions. However, the CHP website only allows researching a single highway at a time so you may be better off using a website that combines the reports for all the highways in the Tahoe area in real-time as well as providing detailed maps showing detours and road closures in the Lake Tahoe area.

What's the Best Route to Lake Tahoe?

Take I-80 to Truckee, then CA 89 South to get to Tahoe City or Squaw Valley if you're coming from Reno, Sacramento or the Bay area to get to the North Shore of Lake Tahoe.

You can take US 50 to get to the South Shore from Sacramento. From Reno, the best route is to take US 395 South and then US 50 West after you pass Carson City.

Because the weather can change from calm to stormy so quickly, the road conditions may vary and you should always know what the roads are going to be like before you head out to ensure a safe trip to Lake Tahoe.

Nine Winter Driving Tips for Lake Tahoe Roads

* If you are instructed by a police officer or a sign to put chains on your tires, do so ASAP.

* If there is fog or if the roads are wet or icy, drive carefully and reduce your speed. Wet roads and cold temperatures can mean black ice, which is very hazardous. Keep a larger distance between yourself and motorists ahead of you than you normally would; and if you have chains on your tires, keep your speed to a maximum of 30 mph.

* Fill your tank before you get to the Lake Tahoe area, since gas usually costs more and gas stations are harder to come by in the mountains.

* In winter, make sure to allow ample time for your trip, since winter weather can cause delays and necessitate lower speeds.

* Stock some essential emergency supplies in your car: a blanket or towels, ice scraper, shovel and de-icer as well as some food, water and warm clothes in case you're stranded.

* Have an extra set of car keys in your wallet or with a traveling companion in case you're locked out of your car as well as a cell phone, a list of emergency numbers and a map.

* Keep your tires properly inflated and bring snow chains and any tools needed to mount them. A flashlight is also a good thing to have in case you have to do this in the dark.

* Add antifreeze to your radiator and use a windshield wiper solution which will not freeze in subzero temperatures. * Check your heater, defroster and brakes before you leave for Lake Tahoe.

While some roads may occasionally be closed due to snowstorms, some highways are always kept open except immediately after storms. These include the Mount Rose (SR 431) highway to Reno, the US 50 and US 395 to Carson City and the I-80 as well as US 50 over Echo Summit, the CA 88 to Stockton and CA 207 over Kingsbury Grade.

Wednesday 6 April 2011

Lake Tahoe - A Perfect Winter and Summer Getaway

If you are planning to spend your vacation time around the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe, make sure that you rent an accommodation that offers a lot more than just adequate lodging.

If you are an admirer of snowy mountains and crystal waters then the best place to visit is Lake Tahoe. The natural beauty of Lake Tahoe is reason enough to visit the destination. Visitors from around the world come to Lake Tahoe to experience the calm and serene surroundings. If you are interested in activities like skiing and snowboarding, Lake Tahoe has numerous excellent ski resorts to visit. Over 400 inches of annual snowfall at the ski resorts makes the Lake Tahoe area a winter wonderland for Alpine and Nordic skiing. Apart from the memories of a great trip, you may want to bring back souvenirs which are available in the many towns and villages surrounding Lake Tahoe. You will find everything from designer clothes and shoes, to outdoor gear clear for mountain activities.

Fannette Island, the only island of Lake Tahoe, offers an enchanting look of the woods and the mountains. Regan, Ski run beach, Tallac picnic area, Baldwin beach, Marina beach, Connolley beach, Emerald bay beach and El Dorado beach are some of the best attractions of Lake Tahoe. Most of these sites offer activities like camping, parasailing, tennis, volleyball, water skiing and fishing. On Marina beach you can go boating, paddle boating and kayaking. You can even rent a boat house or a yacht to experience a smooth sailing experience. Restaurants, barbeques and various bars offer a variety of beverages and food.

Grover hot springs state park, Tahoe paradise park and Emerald bay state park offer great opportunities for fishing in the calm waters of the lake which is also perfect for water skiing. In the land area of the park, you can find basketball courts, playgrounds for children, volleyball fields, swimming pools and a picnic area. The best attraction of Emerald bay is Vikingsholm Castle, an exemplary example of Scandinavian architecture, which can be toured during the summer. The Taylor creek visitor center has an underground chamber which features a cut-away of the stream so that a variety of fish can be viewed through glass. Desolation wilderness incorporates hundreds of glacial lakes, valleys, forests and high peaks.

You can easily find a number of resorts and homes around Lake Tahoe. Vacation rentals are a better option for many vacations when compared to hotels. These rentals are located at convenient places close to various tourist attractions. Renting a house for your family is a viable choice as these are not as expensive as hotels which typically require multiple rooms for a family. You can cook a few or all of your meals in your own kitchen which saves the extra expenses that would incur in a hotel. Apart from a homely feel and convenience, you get many other facilities like a private pool, hot tub and garage, wireless Internet, TV and DVD. You enjoy your vacation with more privacy and freedom in a vacation rental without the restrictions of a hotel room. You can get more features in a fully equipped house than a hotel and that too for a lower price. Vacation rentals offer you great accommodation with various facilities according to your requirements.

If you are planning a perfect vacation at a beautiful and enchanting place, you can search the Internet and find companies that offer convenient and spacious Lake Tahoe rentals that ensure a great accommodation for you.

This article has been written by an expert associated with Lake Rentals, a trusted website providing Lake Tahoe vacation rentals at reasonable prices.

Tag : Lake Tahoe,Lake Tahoe Vacation,winter,summer