Emerald Bay - Winter Wedding Wonderland of Lake Tahoe

If a destination wedding is in your plans, you may want to consider one of the hottest spots in America. Emerald Bay has long been a popular place for couples to exchange their wedding vows, and the winter season is no exception. Lake Tahoe weddings take place year-round over the bay regardless of the time of year.

Located along the western shore of Lake Tahoe, Emerald Bay towers 300 feet above the Lake, offering a panoramic view of the alpine "Lake in the Sky" surrounded by the majestic Sierra Nevada mountain range. Couples who arrive at Emerald Bay on their wedding day are in awe of the breath-taking views they experience as they climb the path to the wedding location on the bluff.

Though what seems like an area of seclusion, particularly in the winter months, Emerald Bay is not a difficult drive and only about 20 miles from the heart of the City of South Lake Tahoe. It is there on the south shore that many couples prefer to hold their post-ceremony reception and to enjoy their honeymoon since Tahoe has a great deal more to offer once the wedding vows are consummated.

Beautiful resort areas that cater to couples line the main strip, and there are plenty of restaurants and event centers that host receptions. Close to the heart of town is Heavenly Village, comprised of a variety of shops and fine art galleries. In close proximity to the village is the Heavenly Ski gondola that skiers as well as non-skiers ride, available to the newlyweds who desire a scenic voyage up the slope of Heavenly's mountain.

There is an abundance of night life in the general vicinity as well if the couple wants to carry on the celebration into the late night hours. The downtown casinos offer gaming, outlandish nightclubs and showroom performances. In addition to the nightly entertainment, the local casinos offer luxurious honeymoon suites for the newly married.

Keep in mind that when planning a winter wedding in Tahoe on the bluff of Emerald Bay, there is the possibility of road closures due to winter storms. Highway 89 north, the two lane highway that brings you to Emerald Bay, does occasionally close for avalanche control after heavy snow has fallen. However, weddings on the bluff remain to be popular in the winter season, and over the years of performing weddings atop the bay, few brides and grooms have had to change their ceremony plans.

It is well worth mentioning, however, and a great comfort for brides and grooms to know that most wedding coordinators (if you're using one) always have a plan "B" in an alternately beautiful but protected location if winter conditions look threatening. Nevertheless, if the infrequent situation arises, please note that I've never known a married couple to be disappointed with a substitute location, largely due to the excitement and beauty Mother Nature adds to their wedding day.

There are some whopping advantages, though, for braving a winter wedding at Emerald Bay. The wintery atmosphere atop the bluff over the bay with the surrounding white-capped mountains provides a whole different wedding theme. The backdrop alone for the wedding photos is a big plus in favor of a winter wedding. You'll find the winter experience is quite unique compared to other wedding venues, and should a few snowfLakes fall during the vow exchange, it can only add to the nuance of your special day.

If a winter wedding is in your forecast, always remember that Lake Tahoe weddings high on the bluffs of Emerald Bay take place year-round. Through snow or shine, couples in love make the trek to Tahoe to make those promises to each other and exchange the symbolic rings of commitment. Being one of the most popularly photographed places in the world, Emerald Bay may very well be rising in the ranks of popularity for a winter wedding destination, even though the snowy season may seem quite daunting. That very well may be for the reason that a snowy, white wedding has an ambiance of uniqueness and charm all of its own.

Discover Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, Squaw Valley And Napa Valley

The Sierra Nevada Mountain Range serves as a beautiful backdrop to a spectacular region known for its natural beauty and year round activities.

Lake tahoe is 22 miles long and 12 miles wide. Lake tahoe has 72 miles of shoreline, making it the largest alpine lake in North America. The sun shines for three quarters of the year and the water in the lake is so pure that it is 99.7 percent clear! The 72 mile drive along the shores of lake tahoe is spectacular. It is listed as one of the most beautiful drives in the USA. In the winter months, the lake tahoe region becomes the largest concentration of ski resorts in North America. There are 19 ski resorts including terrain to challenge at all levels, and other winter pursuits such as sledding and snowmobiling.

Yosemite has become one of the ‘must sees’ for visitors to California. The rarefied mountain atmosphere of California’s Western Sierra is enhanced by the stunning scenic vistas of this truly unique part of the world. Yosemite is famous for its granite monoliths such as El Capitan, spectacular waterfalls and vast wilderness. Its scenic features include alpine wilderness, giant sequoia tree groves and the Yosemite Valley itself. The discovery of one tiny gold nugget set off the great California Gold Rush of 1849. You can still pan for gold. Experience what it was like to travel in the old days on a paddle steamer cruise, a steam train, or a Wells Fargo stagecoach. Discover quaint museums, tour a mine, explore caverns, taste your way through farm trails, or try white water rafting on some of the best rivers in the west.

The Squaw Valley is one of the top ski resorts in North America, and is world renowned. Squaw Valley resort hosted the Olympic Winter Games in 1960. There is a large choice of activities to do here, including skiing and snowboarding.

The Napa Valley is less than one hour’s drive north of San Francisco. The rolling hills and sun drenched valleys of Northern California’s wine country have welcomed visitors since before the Gold Rush. The Napa Valley produces some of the finest wines enjoyed world over. Even if it did not, it would still be considered the jewel in the crown of North California. Kissed with bay fog at the valley’s southern tip which borders the San Pablo Bay and continuing 30 miles north to the base of Mt St Helena, the valley ranges from 1 to 5 miles wide, and is protected by low mountains on the east and west. It is surrounded with acre after acre of world renowned vineyards!

South Lake Tahoe, A Piece Of Heaven

If you are looking forward to a great vacation, South lake tahoe should be your destination. From lodging to activities to entertainment, it offers a wide array of choices fit for all kinds of people—families, students, business groups, or newlyweds.

The living accommodations vary from hotels, bed and breakfast, private home rentals, vacation rentals and cabins, campgrounds, and RV parks. For quaint and intimate setting, bed and breakfasts, like Inn at Heavenly and Black Bear Inn Bed & Breakfast will be the perfect place to stay. It is less costly without sacrificing comfort. For people who like luxury and pampering, hotels and resorts are available all over lake tahoe with amenities like heated pool, full service day-spa, and Jacuzzi tubs. Condos and homes are situated in the top areas around the lake. This is an alternative for families who are staying longer than usual and for those who prefers privacy and comforts of one’s home. During summer, campgrounds are just the right backdrop for those burnt marshmallows and barbecue.

Although there are many choices, booking may be a problem especially during peak seasons. For less hassles, you can make reservations online. For the townhouses, the real estate will be more than happy to accommodate your needs.

South lake tahoe is the best place to be, whatever time of the year it is. In winter, they offer skiing and snowboarding. It is, after all, North America’s largest concentration of ski and snowboard resorts. From November until April, the place is filled with tourists seeking fun and adventure in snow.

In summer, they have activities like golf, boat-riding, and hiking to keep you occupied. Lake tahoe is the home of Edgewood tahoe Golf Course where the 18th annual American Century Championship Celebrity Golf Tournament. More than 75 stars in sports and entertainment visited and loved the golf course.

With the breathtaking mountain view of South lake tahoe, weddings and honeymoons are made unforgettable. Chapels, ministers, coordinators, and photographers are handy to make that walk-in-the-aisle truly a memory to cherish. One of the famous hotels in the area, 3 Peaks Resort & Beach Club has a Romantic lake tahoe Vacation Package including champagne, romantic dinner, and a dance cruise. Newlyweds will surely go back to lake tahoe for their second honeymoon.

If you are one of those people who lives during the night, your nightlife is not going to suffer while staying in lake tahoe. Good music, grilled food, friendly bartenders, well-stocked wine cellar, chilled beers—you can find these in the local bar and restaurants. There are specials once in a while like dinner/dance cruises and karaoke.

If you are not the bar type, entertainment still would not be a problem. Casinos are open all days of the week providing first-class entertainment like annual Summer Outdoor Concert Series. Montbleu Resort Casino & Spa has a theatre house featuring movies old and new.

You won’t worry where to eat your next meal. There are over 100 restaurants in the South lake tahoe area. Whatever you are craving, be it Italian or traditional Mexican, it’s just a short walk away from your hotel.

Of course, before going home, shopping is a must for souvenirs, mementos, and postcards. For this task, tahoe Emporium boasts stores offering local, regional, and national brand names. From clothes to sports equipments to books, you will find what you are looking for. The stores are conveniently located near resorts and hotels.

Vacation is something all people are looking forward to. It is like a much craved dessert that you would want to savor bite after bite. South lake tahoe has all the ingredients that will satisfy even the most fastidious appetite there is.

South Lake Tahoe - A Full Day Of Activities

Centered on Yosemite as we are with the Hotel Charlotte in Groveland, California, we often feature routes and itineraries that cover areas where Travelers tend go when they leave Groveland, or are on their way to Groveland. We find that Lake Tahoe is one such destination that many of our guests are coming from or going to. We have traveled to Tahoe from all of the Sierra Nevada crossings including Highways 80, 50, 88 and 89, 4, 108, 120 and then North on 395 and offer up our favorite stops along the way.

Our last trip was a 2-night sojourn to South Lake Tahoe. For our route there we took 49 to 50 into South Lake Tahoe. This took us 4 hours. Our return trip we took highway 89 out of South Lake Tahoe to Highway 88 into Jackson, passing Kirkwood ski area and several scenic alpinesque Lakes. From Jackson, we caught 49 South. This route was only 3 hours and 15 minutes and very scenic, far fewer towns and less traffic. Each of these routes is open year-round, plowed throughout the snow season. Alternative summer routes include Highway 4 which has some wonderful stops including Murphys (a wine tasting town), Calaveras Big Trees State Park, and the Scenic Byway section from Alpine Lake to Highway 89 near Markleevile that twists itself over the mountain (A slow and often narrow route, but very photographic.) Highway 108 is another option through the Sierras and rivals Yosemite's Tioga Pass for incredible scenery.

Once in South Lake Tahoe we usually chose to stay at the smallest and friendliest casino hotel, Lakeside Lodge, (not actually on the Lake!) for convenience to the town with fair room rates, excellent menu choices and a small and comfortable casino. We also recommend a stay at the Zephyr Cove Resort, also on the Nevada side for the myriad of activities. One can ride horses, rent speed boats, canoes, kayak and sailboats from Zephyr Cove. In the winter there are oodles of snow activities that start from here.

A drive around the Lake is a must do! Depending on the number of stops you make this scenic loop will take at least 2 hours and is roughly 95 miles. We tend to drive counter clockwise, although driving clockwise keeps you on the coastal side of the highway, Stop at every view point, all the little parks and take photos, splash in the water and talk to the fishermen about their successes; each enclave is unique.

One of our favorite stops has always been the Ponderosa Ranch. For Bonanza fans, this was always a marvelous memory jogger. Sadly, the ranch sold and is now closed to the public. The ranch sported several age-old crafts men from the smithy to the glass blower. Crowd pleasers included a lassoer plying the audience with his artistry.

Tahoe City and several other places along the Western short offer bicycle rentals. The riding trail borders both the Lake and the road. Watch for traffic as the trail crosses the highway in several points. This is a beautiful route on a paved bike path and is well used by families and sport riders alike.

Just before returning to South Lake Tahoe is Emerald Bay where you will see the castle and the island-topped tea house. Both remote and lonely looking places, but stunning in that they even exist.

Once back in South Lake Tahoe jump aboard the gondola to the top of Heavenly Mountain. This might be a bit uncomfortable for those with a weakness for heights and that awful falling feeling, but is well worth the few minutes with no ground below your feet. Victor enjoyed my reaction when he tried to rock our climbing cocoon. There are dozens of hikes that originate from the pinnacle and follow the ski trails. Take care to return to the Gondola before closing, it is a long walk down if you don't!

Consider an even cruise on the paddle wheel boat, MS Dixie II that departs from Zephyr Cove. On our trip we opted for the dinner service, and while the meal was fair and we met some pleasant travelers at our table, if we were to do it again, we would just do the sight-seeing tour, skip the meal, save $20 per person and have a wonderful dinner landside after debarking! The cruise takes you across the Lake to Emerald Bay where we re-saw the sights of earlier in the day, but from a new vantage point. This cove is noted as one of the most photographed spots in the world;a well deserved title!

Additional activities for a prolonged stay include an over-Lake hotair ballon ride, white water rafting on the Truckee river, Horse back riding, a side trip to Virginia City or Reno in Nevada and more! Look for valuable coupons at strategic hotel locations throughout the area.

Lake Rental Tahoe Vacation : Affordable Vacation Rental in Lake Tahoe

Perched atop the Sierra Nevada is the world's second largest alpine Lake, Lake Tahoe. vacation rentals in Lake Tahoe are situated in the midst of all major attractions such as world-class ski resorts, magnificent golf courses and excellent casinos. Lake Tahoe vacation rentals offers you a wide range of vacation homes ranging from affordable vacation rental homes to luxurious condos in both the regions of North Lake Tahoe and South Lake Tahoe.

Straddled by California and Nevada on each end, a vacation home in Lake Tahoe is the best way to enjoy a perfect vacation. Whether you are a water sport enthusiast or a skiing buff, a North Lake Tahoe vacation rental home will bring you closer to all the fabulous wonders of North Lake Tahoe. A South Lake Tahoe vacation rental is the best way to enjoy the glittering attractions of this beautiful region.

Besides a renowned holiday spot, vacation rental in Lake Tahoe is also ideal for a wedding as it is a popular wedding destination. You can opt for a Lakefront vacation rental condo overlooking the breathtaking Lake Tahoe or an authentic 1920's mountain cabin with pine paneling and interiors that invoke an old world charm.

Before you plan your holiday to Lake Tahoe, do make up your mind what is it that interests you more? If casinos and glittering entertainment is more your style then a vacation rental in South Lake Tahoe makes sense. Book a mountain cabin or a vacation rental home in North Lake Tahoe if you are drawn by the pristine natural beauty of the mountains in North Lake Tahoe.

Aptly named the Mecca for skiers, Lake Tahoe luxury vacation rentals gives you easy access to over 17,000 acres at 7 ski resorts. Beach bums need not lose heart as the South Lake Tahoe vacation rentals will keep you occupied and entertained on the southern shores of Lake Tahoe. From lazing under the sun and surfing the waves during the day to taking a romantic stroll under the starlit sky or playing some poker at the casinos; South Lake Tahoe vacation rental home is sure to make a lasting impression on your mind and heart.

Lake Tahoe Boat Rentals Are The Best Way To Experience The High Sierra Mountains

Lake Tahoeis best known for the winter season where the skiing is magnificent and some of the best in the world. However, it is, at heart, a Lake and a place where the summer time offers some great water activities.

This is a boating paradise. Lake boat rentals allow visitors to take full advantage of the Lake front activities that are present in the summer season at Tahoe.

The region offers some great fishing, swimming and other water fun. There are plenty of the resorts that cater to year round guests.

The summer time at the lake is not as amped up or busy as the winter skiing season. This makes it have more of a homey feel to it. The region in the summer offers all the magnificence of the high mountain country with all the beautiful views that are present in the winter season.

Lake Tahoe rentals provide a way for summer visitors to explore the lake and all the wonderful things it has to offer. A boat rental can be secured through many of the resorts in the area. boat rentals are also available through independent rental shops.

Lake Tahoe is a wonderful vacation any time of the year because it is breath taking all year long. In the summer months the focus is on the Lake. There are no pushy skiers off to hit the slopes and the atmosphere is a bit more calm.

Overall the region in the summer is made for those lazy days of relaxing and soaking up the suns rays while floating in a boat on the waters. Lake Tahoe boat rentals can bring you closer to the Lake then ever before and allow you to see why it is not just a skiing paradise, but rather a paradise any time of the year.

So lets' say you want to spend a day on the Lake. Where should you start? Well if you are at the north end of Tahoe you should visit the North Tahoe Marina where you can rent boats from 18' to 24' and reservations are recommended.

If you are on the south shore you should start at The Zephyr Cove Resort marina where they feature a full service facility. The resort is home to a wonderful sandy beach complete with volleyball, swimming, with rental beach chairs and umbrellas! A host of other activities await you including:

Zephyr Cove Marina- Rent a 22' 300-hp SeaRay Powerboat with Water Sports Tower, which allows attachment of tow rope for water skiing, etc and go out for an unforgettable day. Grab some water toys like ski tubes, wake boards, water skis, wet suits and tow ropes, the Zephyr Cove Marina has everything you need.

Enjoying Lake Tahoe One Shore At A Time

Lake Tahoe is one of the most beautiful places in North America to visit. Located in between California and Nevada, the Lake has been dubbed the jewel in the sky and for good reason. When visiting Lake Tahoe you will realize that it is nested up in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, sitting at an elevation of 6,225 feet and having a maximum depth of over 1,645 feet at some points, the shore lines are incredible and very diverse. After reading this, you will be a little more familiar with the characteristics of Lake Tahoe.

The north shore of Lake Tahoe is probably the most neglected. Kings Beach is a little town that brings the most character to the North shore. If you look hard enough or just ask a few locals, you will discover the best Mexican restaurants in the area tucked away in the side streets. Tahoe City is by far the most popular city in the North shore, attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists each year, especially during the fourth of July and the Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends. Here you will find your common tourist shops selling anything and everything with the name Lake Tahoe on it. A popular place for tourists to gather is the Fanny Bridge, which leads to the west shore of Lake Tahoe. Here you can look over and see hundreds of trout eagerly waiting to be fed.

Once you cross over the Fanny Bridge, you will be on your way to the west shore of Lake Tahoe. The west shore is where you will find some of the biggest houses around, many owned by popular celebrities. If you have seen The Godfather Part Two you would have seen bits and pieces of west shore Lake Tahoe, a lot of the filming was done over there. As you make your way south you will eventually run into a part of the shoreline properly named The Gold Coast. This piece of shoreline is a number one contender for the most beautiful beach on earth. The coast is decorated with a flowing display of gold sand that would make any king envious. Unfortunately, most of the gold coast sands are private property and not shared by some of the richest of the area. Don't worry though because a quick drive south will take you to one of Lake Tahoe's most popular features, Emerald Bay, home of the only island in the Lake, Fannette Island. Located on Fannette Island is the "Tea House" which is of the best examples of Scandinavian architecture built in the western hemisphere. The west shore of Lake Tahoe is very beautiful in the spring, summer and fall but beware of the tremendous amounts of snow during the winter. This shore is typically hit the hardest and due to the fact that there is only one road out you may just happen to find yourself stuck and snowed in. Which may not be so bad if you have a pair of skies with you or a snowboard? So if and when you plan a visit to Lake Tahoe, don't forget to visit the north and west shores.

World Class Skiing At Lake Tahoe

People take off from all over the world to ski Lake Tahoe, to know the intimate feeling of the famous deep, dry, and fluffy Tahoe snow. The area around Tahoe receives an average snow drop of 409 inches a year. That's over 34 feet per season!

With 14 downhill ski resorts and ten cross-country ski centers, Lake Tahoe skiing appeals to all levels and ages. Enjoy the quiet cross-country trails past mountain streams and log cabins or thrash down the steep mountain terrain thousands of feet over the blue expanse of Lake Tahoe.

A number of large, world-class ski resorts call Lake Tahoe home. Heavenly ski resort boasts the highest summit at Lake Tahoe and 4,800 patrolled acres spanning both California and Nevada, one of the biggest ski resorts in the country. Close by, Squaw Valley draws beginner and experts skiers alike. Experience the open bowl skiing at this resort, a bit untraditional, but tons of fun.

On the north of the Lake, Alpine Meadows shines in the Sierra Nevada sun, attracting many, more of a secret than the rest. Alpine Meadows traditionally brags the earliest and longest season. Great bowl skiing for experts and an area just by the base lodge for first-timers. Also more quiet and a bit harder to get to, Kirkwood features the best snow at Tahoe and classic steep shoots.

The Lake Tahoe area provides hundreds of miles of groomed cross-country skiing trails with thrilling descents, challenging climbs and open meadows, and of course, splendid views of Lake Tahoe.

Tahoe Cross Country ski area boasts 65 kilometers of ski trails among a stunning landscape, with expert instruction and rentals for all ages. Cross-country skiing at Spooner Lake in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, provides Scandinavian style log cabins and trails winding over 9,000 acres. Royal Gorge Cross Country ski resort boasts the largest groomed tract system in North America with 3,300 kilometers of trail.s That should keep you fit and busy for some time.

All ski resorts offer discount packages for longer stays and expert downhill, cross-country and snowboarding instruction. Daily tickets start at $20 for the smallest ski resorts and cross-country ski centers and rise from there. Throughout the season various events like races, clinics and parties draw world class skiers, partiers, and families.

Lake Tahoe skiing is world class, that's what makes it one of the most popular ski trip destinations in the world.

Finding Vacation Rentals in North Lake Tahoe

The main difference between North and South Lake Tahoe is that most people who live on the lake year around tend to own houses on the northern end. Here you'll find housing developments of the highest quality, serene resorts, campgrounds, beautiful beaches as well as shopping and dining as good if not superior to the choices in the busier, more crowded southern end of the lake. North Lake Tahoe vacation rentals tend to favor the more family-oriented traveler, seeking peace and serenity. Because there are more permanent living facilities on the north shores, there are more houses and condos available for rent to tourists than there are on the southern shores. Furthermore, the resorts dotted throughout the area are, for the most part, more of the smaller, boutique resorts rather than the larger, bustling hotels. Because the northern shores are in California there is no gambling there. This major difference accounts for the total difference in ambiance between the two locations around the lake.

There are concerts, art shows, dance recitals and other local gatherings on the north shore that are more typical of a small town while the south end is more typical of a Las Vegas atmosphere. In Lake Tahoe you'll find more emphasis on skiing in the winter and mountain play all year round. You can take the Heavenly Gondola Tram into the mountains and hike to your hearts content. Then cool off with a relaxing swim in the lake. In the summer the Renaissance Fair holds its annual merrymaking in the hills around the north shore.

North Lake Tahoe is well known for its community living. Resort condominiums are springing up all over the area. They feature many of the same luxuries found in the major hotels with maid service, beautiful pools, lakeside cabanas and recreation rentals, with one exception - you're an owner not a tourist. True, you can rent out your condominium to tourists as a source of extra income. Or you can just buy it and keep it to enjoy for the rest of your life. In North Lake Tahoe you get the best of both worlds - the peaceful serenity of the mountains and the lake situated minutes away from the glamorous nightlife at the south shore casinos.

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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.

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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.

Tag : Lake Tahoe,Lake Tahoe Road,Lake Tahoe Vacation

Are Lake Tahoe Hotels and Accommodations a Deal?

Lake Tahoe hotels are popular in North and South Lake Tahoe. The South shore of Tahoe is home to Harrah's and Harvey's, two of the most popular casino hotels on Lake Tahoe. The North shore of Tahoe is home to many smaller hotels along with a few bigger ones at Stateline, and of course the Hyatt located in Incline Village, Nevada.

After a recent South shore downtown redevelopment, which now includes many upgrades to the area's attractions, there is new accessibility to Heavenly Valley, a wider array of shopping, and also more dining options. The South shore hotels are located very close to the Lake and many rooms have great views..

On the North shore, you can enjoy two outdoor ice arenas, one on each end of North Shore (North Star and Squaw Valley). You will also find many specialty shops, boutiques and restaurants. There are plenty of opportunities for renting Ski-Doos, kayaks, and ski boats. Some hotels directly offer these rentals in addition to great nightlife in their casinos. No matter what, recreation opportunities are never far away in Lake Tahoe. Both North and South Lake Tahoe hotels are popular for couples looking for a top travel destination.

Why aren't Lake Tahoe Hotels the best choice for your family getaway?

If you are planning a vacation with family or friends, you may want to steer clear of the hotels and rent one of the thousands of rental homes or condos for your accommodations in order to benefit from the lower cost, much more space, views, kitchens and other amenities to feel all the comforts of home while enjoying your vacation.

There are many different types of vacation rentals, so you'll want to choose the right one for your needs and budget. Sharing the cost of a vacation house is usually more affordable than everyone staying separately in any of the Lake Tahoe hotels. Most people find vacation rental homes much more convenient and cost-effective for a family or two.

It's best to make reservations well in advance for both Lake Tahoe hotels and vacation rentals. Also, keep in mind that summer and winter are peak seasons, and quality hotels, lodging, vacation rentals and other resort accommodations can book up fast. Many websites offer a variety of Lake Tahoe hotels but Lake Tahoe Vacation rentals just may be the better deal for you and your family 's accommodations instead of a hotel room.

There is no doubt your vacation will certainly be centered around all of the outdoor activities you plan to participate in, stay close to everything you love about the area with a conveniently located vacation rental.

Vacation rentals can be found just steps away from the ski lifts or ideally situated on the blue waters in the basin for an exciting, entertaining vacation in some of the most beautiful surroundings possible. Start your vacation planning today for the perfect accommodations that offer an all-season retreat beyond the ordinary.

The difference between choosing one of the hotels in the area vs. a vacation home rental is simply a matter of choice when it comes to vacationing, no matter what time of year. This travel hot spot has all kinds of accommodations for even the most selective traveler, but remember, book your getaway early!

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Learn a Little History on Your Lake Tahoe Vacation

Would it not be a fulfilling getaway when you get to find out a bit about of history during your Lake Tahoe vacation? It wouldn't hurt so much to dig in to the culture or know the history of where you are taking vacation in, since this will give you helpful key trivia items that you can boast about with friends when you return to school or work. Lake Tahoe's history is one for the storybooks.

It started out as a land mass of shifting, grinding, sliding earth with imperceptible, perpetual movement which later on became the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the massive water basin that came to be knows as Lake Tahoe.

Here are some more interesting information about Lake Tahoe.

Lake Tahoe's elevation is 6,229 feet, arriving the highest lake of its size in the United States.

The water depth measures 1,645 feet at a portion of the lake in the Crystal Bay region, arriving the tenth deepest lake internationally and third deepest in North America.

Lake Tahoe also boasts of water clarity to a depth of 75-feet.

The lake covers a surface field of 191 square miles with 71-miles of exquisite shoreline, while the Nevada/California border traverses lengthwise with a greater portion being on the California side.

Average snowfall in a few areas is 300-600 inches and melting snow finds its way to the lake via 63 streams entering the basin.

But what would strike you as odd is the fact that there's just one outlet, the Truckee River.

Because of the enormous volume and constant movement of the water, Lake Tahoe never freezes despite the drastic winter temperature ranges.

Back in the old, old days summer vacationers began arriving to a greater extent 10,000 years ago when the US Indian Washoe tribe camped along the cool lakeshores.

One of their favorite places is known right now as Camp Richardson and the men of the tribe were skillful hunters and took advantage of the abundant wildlife.

The Washoe women were noted for their intricate and artistic basket weaving and this idyllic lifestyle spanned generations of the peaceful tribe, still, it wouldn't last.

The first European American to observe Lake Tahoe was John C. Fremont, whose exploration party was led by Kit Carson in 1844.

In 1859, the discovery of the Comstock Lode in Virginia City, changed the face of the lake would affect it forever.

With mines, cities and the railroad invading the territory, wood was of the many available the fuel source wand was also needed to supply building materials.

The east shore, from what is now Incline Village to Glenbrook, became a vast logging empire and the ravages of clear-cutting would remain evident for some time to come.

The Comstock silver lode made hundreds of people during the California and Comstock mining days and many were attracted to the pristine lake.

This was how tourism started and the resulting resorts soon to dot the lush landscape.

The Tahoe Basin managed to remain in relative obscurity with only a few people aware of its existence until the 1950s when Bill Harrah and Harvey Gross built the first casinos on the south shore.

With their gaming expertise they heard in recent times back in Reno, they knew how to attract business for their establishments and became mainstays up until right now, Referred to Harvey's and Harrah's

Back in 1960, the Winter Olympic Games were hosted at Squaw Valley on the west shore and with the resulting publicity, the location was soon accepted as a world-class winter playground, as well as the premier summer vacation venue.

The Olympic Rings still remain at Squaw Valley Resort and where and when is renowned for year-round sporting activities.

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Lake Tahoe Vacation Rentals

You only go around once in life (or so they say) so make sure Lake Tahoe, California is on your list of places to see and experience, at least once. The Sierra Nevada Mountains plays host to this resort town, which actually sits in both California and Nevada, only 45 miles from Reno. Lake Tahoe vacation rentals are abundant and amenity filled, plus the choice of style and location is varied as well. The region is quite a popular ski resort area, so make your plans early if you plan on visiting during the peak snow sports months. The prime locations within this resort area for great rental homes and condos include Agate Bay, Alpine Meadows, Brockway, Carnelian Bay, Cedar Flat, Dollar Point, Donner Lake, Juniper Hill, Kings Beach, Kingswood Estates, Lake Forest, Northstar, Squaw Valley (Olympic Valley), Tahoe City, Tahoe Donner, Tahoe Vista, and Truckee.

A Lake Tahoe rental home, condo or cabin makes for a great respite while vacationing in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Consider the added privacy, space and freedom you will have over staying in a hotel room. Even the nicest of lodges and hotels will keep you uncomfortably close to all the other guests, and you may find yourself longing for some space to stretch out and relax, maybe make your self and the family some dinner. Look through the assortment of Lake Tahoe rental homes, villas and cabins on this site, and you will see that your choices are many. All rental properties come fully furnished, with functioning kitchens and linen service. The amenities are suited for a mountain getaway, and include, hot tubs, fireplaces, covered parking, mountain access, gourmet kitchens and designer decor, just to mention a few. The reputable rental management companies that show their properties on this site can guide you through all the choices, and help you makes the right decisions for you and your travel companions.

Snow is always falling in Lake Tahoe, however that doesn't mean Spring, Summer and Autumn don't offer up some non-skiing options for a great getaway. There are 46 golf courses in the area, for example, and with an average summer temperature of 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit, your game just got a little better. Tahoe is the Washoe word for "Big Water", and the lake is why most people come here, whether they ski or not. The water activities are endless, along with cultural events that will keep interesting and make your Lake Tahoe trip memorable. Spring brings an international film festival to the area, shared with neighboring Reno, Nevada. Summer offers up Shakespeare on stage, and carved wooden boats at the Concours d'Elegance. During prime skiing time, there are 15 resorts from which to choose, seven ski resorts in North Lake Tahoe alone. 26,000 ski-able acres in all, with 200 for cross country pursuits.

Ski boarding, snowmobiling, and the art of snowman and snow angel making can be perfected here also. The casino scene in North Lake Tahoe is alive and well, with dozens of locales in which to make your bets, complete with all the live entertainment you expect in upscale gambling establishments. Great nightlife, abundant shopping, good eats and endless activities all year long make Lake Tahoe an ideal vacation location. Picking Lake Tahoe rentals like homes, villas or condos will make it even better, if that's possible. They say you only go around once in life, but no one ever said you couldn't go back to Lake Tahoe, the "Jewel of the Sierra" as many times as you want.

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Lake Tahoe - A Destination For Any Season

If you are a winter sports enthusiast you will no doubt be enjoying some skiing or snowboarding at one of the area's many fantastic resorts. Heavenly Ski Resort is on the South Shore and is a well rounded resort and one of North America's largest mountains. The 3500 foot vertical drop is unmatched anywhere on the west coast. Heavenly is famous for its gondola, located half a block west of Stateline, and putting the serenity of the mountain just steps away from the major casinos and nearly 5,000 hotel rooms. The eight passenger enclosed compartments take you 2.4 miles up the mountain in 12 minutes while you marvel at the staggering views of the lake. Once you arrive at the 14,000 square foot observation platform, you will be treated to views of Carson Valley, Desolation Wilderness, and shore to shore views of Lake Tahoe. Regardless of whether or not you are continuing to Adventure Peak at the top of the mountain to enjoy winter activities such as skiing and snowmobiling, a trip on the Heavenly Gondola is something that everybody should do while in Lake Tahoe, the views will be unmatched.

Another popular ski Resort is the Squaw Valley Resort on the North Shore. The Resort, home to the 1960 Olympic Games, is set over six magnificent mountain peaks and offers over 4000 acres of skiable terrain. This is a large resort with an abundance of activities for all the family to enjoy. As well as many recreational opportunities, Squaw also is home to the Village at Squaw Valley, an interesting collection of stores, boutiques and some great eateries, and is a great way to spend a leisurely day.

After an exhilarating day on the slopes, Lake Tahoe allows you the chance to either relax over a good meal in one of the area's exceptional restaurants, or for those with energy left to spare, there are a huge variety of thrilling nightlife options, mostly centered around the casinos. Lake Tahoe is famous for its casinos, most of which you will find on the South Shore, and each with a multitude of dining, entertainment, gaming and dancing options. Most casino resorts have up to ten different restaurants, and several bars, lounges and nightclubs. Day or night, there is always something going on, but with the gaming laws, all the casinos are on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe, with the Stateline area being where most of these resorts are clustered together. Harrah's Lake Tahoe, Harvey's, the new MontBleu Resort and the Horizon Resort and Casino are all great choices for 24 hour action under one roof. No trip to Lake Tahoe would be complete without a visit to at least one!

Of course winter is not the only time that Lake Tahoe is buzzing, the summertime brings with it blue skies and warm weather, and opportunities for enjoying the outdoors like no other place on earth. Hiking, boating, fishing, golfing, swimming, kayaking, rafting, the list is endless and the backdrop for any of these activities will take your breath away. Tahoe is an outdoor enthusiast's dream, full of hidden coves to discover, hiking trails that afford views unlike any other, magical treasures just waiting to be found. One of the most scenic games of golf anywhere can be found at the Edgewood Tahoe, an elegant resort situated on the South Shore, and designed by George Fazio. Edgewood is the home of the annual celebrity golf championship and if you enjoy golf, this beautiful course will test your skills with its challenging but fair game. If you prefer to hike than play golf, then try the Emerald Bay to Vikingsholm trail. Starting in the spectacular Emerald Bay in South Lake Tahoe, the trail is wide and well maintained, but can be a little steep in places. It runs for two and a half miles round trip, and you will get to see the amazing Vikingsholm, a replica of a Scandinavian castle that was once a summer home for a wealthy family, but now serves as a museum, and is a unique blend of architecture and nature.

For those who prefer to take things at a more relaxed pace, there is no better way to enjoy the splendor of the lake than to sail on its waters. Zephyr Cove in South Lake Tahoe offers not only horseback riding, camping, beaches and jet-ski and boat rentals, but also is where you can cruise on one of its historic paddle wheelers and take in the scenery. The award winning vessels serve champagne brunches, breakfast and dinner, and there is even a romantic sunset cruise to music. Scenic cruises run daily from June through mid September and there are many different themed cruises to choose from, such as the 'Mark Twain's Tales of a Tahoe' cruise, or the 'Family Fun Cruise with Tahoe Tessie.' The cruises are a relaxing and enjoyable way to spend some time and provide some incredible photo opportunities to ensure that you will never forget your trip.

With or without photographs, a trip to Lake Tahoe will always be memorable and very special. This destination has it all, and anyone lucky enough to visit will be spoilt for choice with the extent of recreational and sightseeing activities available here. This is a place where the variety of things to do for all the family, coupled with the glorious scenery make an excellent choice for your next vacation.

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The Many Flavors of Lake Tahoe

NORTH LAKE TAHOE

On Lake Tahoe's serene and stunning North Shore, you can find anything from hearty log cabin style meals, to award winning continental cuisine. Restaurants are family orientated and there is a big emphasis on fresh seafood. At Incline Village, The Big Water Grille has spectacular panoramic lake views and an extensive variety of fish, seafood and even some unusual items such as the grilled 'white stag' elk chop! Also at Incline Village is the popular Hacienda De La Sierra where you can enjoy excellent Mexican food in a colorful and vibrant atmosphere. Voted 'Best Mexican Food', 'Best Happy Hour', and 'Best Inexpensive Meal', this is a fun place to relax with friends and try the famous fajitas and margaritas.

While on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe, the Pfiefer House is well worth a visit. One of Lake Tahoe's oldest restaurants, and also one of its finest, the Pfiefer House is owned by Franz Fassbender, a culinary gold medal winner. Franz has successfully instilled the culinary traditions of old world charm and atmosphere, and prepares all the food fresh daily. European specialties such as Vienna Schnitzel, Hungarian Beef Goulash and Rack of Spring Lamb are offered along with many other interesting and delicious choices.

The Resort at Squaw Creek is a great place to stay, ski, shop or dine. There are 4 terrific dining options at the resort, and you can take advantage of them regardless of if you are a guest, or staying outside of the resort. There's the Six Peaks Grill that offers fresh produce, seafood and steaks and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Sandy's Pub, where you can find burgers and microbrews in a lively sports bar atmosphere, Sweet Potatoes Deli, that has gourmet coffees, light breakfast and casual lunches, and then finally the Ristorante-Montagne, which is divine California Italian cuisine in a bistro setting. Add to these great options the beautiful setting, and the activities and quaint shops located at the resort, and this is a wonderful place to have some fun and a good meal at the same time!

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE

On the South Shore of Lake Tahoe is where you will find most of the casinos and larger resorts, as well as more in the way of nightlife and entertainment. There are plenty of great restaurants both inside and outside of the casinos, and just as on the North Shore, the choices are varied and there is something for all tastes. In Stateline, Nevada, the Edgewood Terrace Restaurant sits overlooking Lake Tahoe from the Edgewood Golf Course Clubhouse, and offers casual elegance in truly breathtaking surroundings. The menu is superb and the view is one of the best around. Edgewood is a great choice for a special occasion or a romantic dinner for two, or perhaps lunch after a morning enjoying one of the most scenic games of golf you will ever play!

Meanwhile if you are looking for something a little more casual, then try Ernie's coffee shop on Emerald Bay Road. This is an old fashioned diner that is very popular with the locals and where you will find really good American food at inexpensive prices. The service is great and the LA Times describes Ernie's as 'the undisputed king of coffee shops in Lake Tahoe.'

Even with such a wide variety of excellent restaurants on the South Shore to choose from, it's impossible to forget the incredible options that the casino resorts offer. There are so many of these resorts in the area and each one with its own fine selection of everything from upscale restaurants to chic lounges and fun, casual eateries. Harrah's Lake Tahoe, for example, has seven different dining options, so finding something for everyone is easy. The Forest Buffet is located on the 18th floor and offers amazing views of Lake Tahoe and Heavenly Mountain. There are daily breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets with a special seafood buffet on Fridays and a Sunday champagne brunch. The Summit is Harrah's crown jewel restaurant and serves award winning continental cuisine on the 16th floor. Dinner is accompanied by music and the chef changes his menu weekly. North Beach Deli is where you can find soups, salads, subs and delectable breakfast pastries, or try Café Andreotti for regional Italian cuisine served in a bistro style atmosphere.

Away from the glitz and energy of the casinos, the Paddle-wheeler MS Dixie sits in serenity on the lake at Zephyr Cove. This historic vessel was voted 'Best Boat Cruise' for a dozen years running, and a dinner cruise provides a unique dining experience while taking in the beauty of the lake. Select from a flavorful menu of entrees such as filet mignon or seared ahi tuna, enjoy cocktails or fine wines and watch the sun set over the water. Choose from an early dinner cruise with the family, or maybe the sunset dinner dance cruise if you are looking for a romantic and memorable way to spend an evening with some-one special.

Whether you are enjoying a winter wonderland adventure or relaxing under the summer skies of Lake Tahoe, you will find that opportunities to savor meals with your family and friends are all part of the fun. Lake Tahoe boasts some incredible dining choices for every taste and every budget, so make discovering the many flavors of the lake a part of your whole Tahoe experience.

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Lake Tahoe - How to Make The TRPA More Accountable and Fund It's Operations

There has been a continuing controversy surrounding the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) when it comes to the accountability of the Board of Governors, how the agency is funded and the size and scope of its annual budget. In 2009 the budget is approximately $11.7 million and there is a potential revenue shortfall of $800,000.

The agency gets its funding from three different sources. The state of California contributes 1/3 of the money, the state of Nevada 1/6, and one half of the money comes from fees. The various fees include permit fees, mitigation fees, development fees and all sorts of other fees that the agency is able to assess within the Lake Tahoe basin.

It's immediately apparent that if the agency depends on fees for approximately 1/2 of its annual revenues that it has a conflict of interest with its primary mission, which is to preserve and protect the Lake Tahoe environment. How can the agency on one hand rely on development fees and other types of fees for half of its budget yet still maintain as its priority lake clarity and preservation of a relatively pristine mountain environment?

With both California and Nevada facing state budget deficits, it is only a matter of time before both states try to reduce their contributions to the TRPA. This will put even more pressure on the TRPA to raise revenues from fee sources. That is why we are hearing the TRPA during the last several years talk about sustainable development in an environmentally friendly way.

But, we all know this is a difficult notion to accept when you are trying to reduce air and water pollution, reduce sediment and run off going into the lake and improve lake clarity. We can't develop our way to a better environment, but we can take steps to improve already developed areas. For example, the TRPA does not even recognize the benefits of pervious asphalt and concrete, a long proven science that should be implemented with every paving and sidewalk project in the basin to reduce runoff of sediment into the lake.

We have seen a number of new large-scale developments in various stages of approval, yet the debacle at South Lake Tahoe should be a warning sign that the notion of sustainable development at Lake Tahoe is at best a fantasy and at worst an environmental and economic disaster. For those of you not familiar with the failed convention center project in South Lake Tahoe, it's worth your time to stop near Stateline and take a walk around the boarded-up construction site. Where you once had a thriving and eclectic mix of small business owners with everything from little restaurants to retail shops and quirky boutiques, there is now a giant scar upon the landscape and no money to complete the project.

It's tragic that the TRPA finally opened an office on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe a couple of years ago and then closed it in early 2009 due to budget cuts. Think about the additional air pollution, all the time and gasoline wasted, and increased traffic on the road because every single person from the North Shore who needs to visit the TRPA office must now drive down to South Lake Tahoe. There is no mass transit alternative, so the TRPA budget cuts are actually helping to make the environment worse, when simply having enough money to keep the North Lake Tahoe branch office open would have a positive impact on the environment.

But there are solutions to these problems if we could simply make the TRPA Board of Governors and Executive Director accountable to the property owners in the Lake Tahoe basin. And we also need to find an independent source of funding so the TRPA will return to its original mission of preserving and protecting the Lake Tahoe environment and not be reliant upon development fees for a significant percentage of its annual revenues.

At the present time the TRPA Board of Governors is made up of a collection of appointed officials. There are a couple of elected officials, but someone who is running for Washoe County Supervisor won't win or lose based on TRPA issues when 95% of the electorate lives outside the basin. Having the entire Board of Governors elected directly by property owners in the Tahoe Basin would immediately and permanently make each member of the Board of Governors fully accountable for their actions.

We could have regular elections for all of the members of the Board of Governors and every parcel in the Lake Tahoe basin would be given one vote. This way, large hotels and corporations would not have an unfair voting advantage over the small condo owner. All property owners in the Tahoe Basin would have an equal voice in electing the Board of Governors instead of the patronage process that currently exists.

When it comes to funding the annual budget of the TRPA, there are two excellent alternative revenue sources. The simplest measure to implement would be to have a visitor fee of 2 dollars per person added on to the lodging bills at all of the hotels, motels, timeshares, vacation rentals and other lodging accommodations.

No one is going to cancel their vacation if it costs them 2 bucks, especially if they know 100% of the money is going into a fund that is dedicated for the preservation and improvement of the Lake Tahoe environment. With about 2.7 million visitors to the lake each year, that would provide about 50% of the TRPA budget, eliminating the need for most of the fee based revenue. We will never get rid of development and permit fees altogether, but they should be ancillary and not primary sources of revenue.

An alternative revenue source would be to take the $11.7 million annual budget and divide it by all of the square footage of developed land in the entire Lake Tahoe basin. Then, we would be able to calculate how many pennies per square foot it would cost each property owner on an annual basis to have enough revenue to completely fund the TRPA budget and provide a small amount of money for reserves.

My estimate is that it would cost the average homeowner somewhere less than $50 per year (possibly a lot less after we add up the millions of square feet of hotel space and parking lots). Or, we could do some combination of the two revenue systems described above and then fee revenues could be used exclusively for environmental restoration projects. In addition we would gain voting rights and a huge measure of accountability that is lacking under the present system.

If we don't reform the TRPA's budgetary and oversight processes, lake clarity will continue to decline and we will kill the goose that laid the golden egg. One summer I stayed in a cabin on a dead lake in New Hampshire (an algae bloom killed all the fish). It's an environmental and economic tragedy that we don't ever want to happen here at Lake Tahoe. And with the threats from invasive mussels, non-native plants, wildfire, sediment in runoff, air and water pollution from cars, trucks and boats, and future development, it's going to take a huge effort to preserve and protect our beautiful lake.

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Lake Tahoe - History and Fascinating Facts

Lake Tahoe is located on the western border of Nevada and the eastern border of California. It is 198 miles (316.8 kilometers) north of San Francisco, 98 mi. (156.8 km.) east of Sacramento, California, and 158 mi. (252.8 km.) west of Reno, Nevada. It is central to several National Forests and State Parks. It's known for its purity and outstanding clarity. Once can see objects clearly as deep as 100 feet (30.48 meters) beneath its surface. This lake has 72 mi. (115.2 km.) of shoreline, with open beaches and shaded, sheltered coves alike.

Tahoe is the eighth largest lake in the world (519 square miles, or 1343.69 square kilometers), and it is the third largest lake in the United States. It is fed by 63 streams and two hot springs. The water has a purity level of 99.9%, making it one of the cleanest natural water resources on the planet. It is 22 miles (35.2 km) long, and 12 mi. (19.2 km.) wide. The deepest point is 1645 feet (501.39 meters), making it the tenth deepest lake in the world. The Lake Tahoe Basin floor is at an elevation of approximately 4580 feet (1395.98 meters).

One research resource states that Tahoe never freezes to its depth, because of said depth and constant water movement. This same source went on to state that, if the lake were ever drained, it would take seven hundred years to refill it. Further, if Lake Tahoe were "tipped over" the contents would cover an area the size of California (163,707 sq. mi., or 423,837 sq. km.) in 14.5 in. (36.83 cm.) of water. The total volume of water is 39 trillion gallons (902,063,703 barrels-UK)!

Even at its elevation, the first 12 feet (3.65 meters) of surface water can reach 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) in the summer, with the shallows at the shoreline warming even more. At the coldest, the surface temperature may drop to between 40 and 50 degrees F (4.44 to 10 degrees C). The depths below 600 and 700 ft. (182.88 and 213.36 meters) stay consistently at 39F (3.88C) year round.

The Lake Tahoe Basin has an annual snowfall of 152 inches (386.08 cm.), which typically occurs between December and March. This accounts for 80% of the total annual precipitation for the area. Average temperatures range from 60 to 80F (15.55 to 26.66C) between June and October, and 20 to 60F (6.66 to 15.55C) from November to May. Records show that the mountain peaks surrounding the Basin can be snow capped all year round, and there may actually be snowfall even in the hottest months.

The water is typically a turquoise-blue, and reflects the sky and surrounding objects as clearly as a mirror when the surface is placid and undisturbed.

History

Lake Tahoe was formed when the valley which became Tahoe Basin sank between two parallel fractures in the Earth's crust. Mountains continued to form over a period of time. The lake began to fill at the south end of the valley, fed by snow meltdown and rainfall. During the course of formation, an erupting volcano blocked the outlets for water drainage and forced the lake to rise. During the Ice Age, large masses of ice determined the outlay of the land surface and terrain, which is the present-day topography that one can see when visiting the Basin.

The Native American Washoe tribe inhabited the Tahoe region as far back as 10000 years ago. The Washoe called the area "Da ow a ga", translated to "edge of the lake". The first white visitors to the area mispronounced this name, and called it "Tahoe". The name remained in this Anglicized form.

In 1844, pioneers began to settle throughout Tahoe Basin and establish claims on the land. In 1849, during the California Gold Rush, more settlers came along, opened roadhouses, and staked out ranches and farms. Toward the end of the 1800s, many Tahoe forests were leveled to supply lumber and fuel to the Comstock Mines in Virginia City, Nevada. Once the land had been stripped of its natural forestation, entrepreneurs snapped up the land (literally dirt-cheap) and began building hotels and mansions for the wealthy.

In the early 1900s, serious attempts were made to have Lake Tahoe declared a national park. These efforts failed, due to the fact that the area had been ravaged and lacked the "untouched" qualities necessary for national park status.

With the coming of the automobile and improved roadways, Tahoe lost its exclusivity with the influx of the general population. After World War II campgrounds and inexpensive hotels sprouted up, and were very popular during the post-war growth period.

The Winter Olympics in 1960 thrusted Tahoe into the international spotlight, and was instrumental in establishing it as a world-class resort. It quickly became popular in both the winter and summer seasons. The growth period that followed threatened the purity of the lake and its environment. In 1970, a group or preservationists and residents came together to form a regional planning agency to regulate the growth and protect the lake.

Tahoe is known today for it marvelous cold-weather sports conditions and great ski slopes, as well as the warm-weather amenities. It is a magnet for tourists from around the world. Thanks to the efforts of the regional agency, as well as the National Forest Service and other preservationists, much of the area surrounding the Basin has been restored to its natural beauty. The views are magnificent and the forests provide habitat for many species of wildlife, including some of those which are listed in the United States as endangered.

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