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 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.

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.

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.

Tag : Lake Tahoe,South Lake Tahoe,Lake Tahoe Hotels,Lake Tahoe Vacation Rentals,Lake Tahoe Ski Resorts

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Lake Tahoe's Western Shore Offers Plenty For Summer Vacationers

If you're looking for a summer vacation with mountain fresh air and mild temperatures, then Lake Tahoe is the place for you. The average summer temperatures are in the 70s and 80s. Tahoe is known for its clear blue water and beautiful mountains surrounding the alpine lake some 4,500 miles above sea level. The lake's western shore in California offers several activities for summer vacationers. From Tahoe City down to Emerald Bay, the west side has lodging, restaurants, boating, kayaking, boat cruises, swimming, hiking, rafting and tours of historic sites.

Tahoe City, the largest city on the western side, offers several options for your summer vacation. The city has many places to stay and eat with plenty of lake side dinning choices. The Sunnyside Lodge offers the mountain grill on their large deck overlooking the lake. The grill has a casual atmosphere where kids are welcome. The menu consists of appetizers, sandwiches, seafood dishes and salads. The Calamari steak sandwich is my favorite menu item. Sunnyside is also a lodge that has been a landmark on Lake Tahoe since the 1950s. Their location is right on the lakefront with 23 guestrooms and suites.

Rafting and boat cruises are also popular activities in Tahoe City. You can take a leisurely, self guided raft down the Truckee River. The trip is a five mile float down the river ending up at the River Run restaurant. About half way down the river along the shore is an ice cream vendor. This stop is a nice break and provides a cool treat on a summer afternoon. You can also enjoy a nice meal along the river at the restaurant at the end of your trip. From the restaurant you can take a bus back to your car on highway 89. There are two different rafting companies on highway 89 offering rentals.

Departing from Tahoe City, the North Tahoe Cruises offer sightseeing boat cruises on the Tahoe Gal. They offer four different daily cruises; a shoreline brunch cruise, a lunch cruise to Emerald Bay, a cocktail cruise and sunset dinner cruise. We took the sunset dinner cruise that goes along the northern shore. This cruise features views of some of the luxury lakefront homes and beautiful views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Further down the shore on Tahoe's west side, between Homewood and Meeks Bay, is Sugar Pine Point State Park. The park has many miles of inland hiking trails and a variety of trees including the park's namesake, the sugar pine. The park also has two miles of lakefront, but the beaches are too rocky for many beach activities. Another attraction here is the rustic three-story Ehrman Mansion which was built in the early 1900s and is open for guided tours.

In Meek Bays at the Meeks Bay Resort and Marina, you have several summer activities to choose from. Boat, canoe and kayak rentals are available along with access to beautiful white sand beaches, barbeques and designated swimming areas. Meeks Bay also offers fishing, hiking and the Washoe Cultural Art Festival. The Meeks Bay Resort offers a variety of lodging choices. You can stay in log cabins along the lakefront or stay in a historic mansion. The Kehlet Mansion rests on the bay's north point and offers impressive views of the lake.

Emerald Bay is located in the southwest corner of Lake Tahoe and is home to a unique Vikingsholm mansion built in 1868 and features Scandinavian architecture. The bay also has a small island, Fannette Island, where a Tea House was built. This is the only island to be found on Lake Tahoe. You can get to the Vikingholm by boat or by hiking down the trail from the parking lot on Highway 89. The hike is about one mile and drops 500 feet to the base of the bay where the house is located.

Down the road from the Vikingshom parking lot, you will come to the Eagle Falls Picnic Area parking lot on highway 89. From here you can hike the trail that leads to the Upper Eagle Falls which is about a one-third a mile away. The hike is very rocky and has steep areas that drop off suddenly. The trail offers several breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe. If you keep climbing further up the trail you'll reach Eagle Lake. The hike is two miles round trip if you go all the way to the lake.

The west side of Lake Tahoe has plenty to offer summer vacationers. From Tahoe City in the northwest down to Sugar Pine Point, Meeks Bay and Emerald Bay in the southwest, the western side of Lake Tahoe is a great choice during the summer months to enjoy all that Lake Tahoe has to offer.

Tag : Lake Tahoe,South Lake Tahoe,Western Lake Tahoe,Lake Tahoe Vacation

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Lake Tahoe Hotels Live Up To The Wonder Of This High Mountain Paradise

Lake Tahoe is a great place to visit almost any time of year. The best thing about it is that there are many choices in places to stay.

The area hotels feature some of the biggest names in the hotel industry. They offer luxury and pampering that only goes hand in hand with the natural feel of Lake Tahoe.

Lake Tahoe is a booming ski area. In the ski season it is is going to be a hard place to get into. All the area hotels are sure to be booked solid. That is why it is important to make reservations as far in advance as possible.

The Lake Tahoe hotels will provide first class accommodations that will be complimentary to the whole mountain lake experience. This area is filled with natural beauty and a fun-filled atmosphere which is why it is so popular.

Lake Tahoe features the wonders of tall mountains and flat plains. It also has the wonderful lake to make even the off season a great reason to visit.

If you can not get a reservation to a hotel in the ski season then consider visiting during the off season. The area offers some of the best summer recreation.

There are first class golf courses and plenty of water sports and activities. It is still as beautiful and breath taking when the snow is not there as when it is.

Getting to stay at a Lake Tahoe hotel is probably going to be one of the best parts of the experience. There are so may different hotel from which to choose that anyone can find the one that meets their needs.

A visit to the region any time of the year is going to be magnificent. Couple that natural wonder of the area with a great stay at a Lake Tahoe hotel and you will have one of the best vacations of your life.

Here are some great options for your hotel stay. On the north side of the lake you should check out the:

*North Star at Tahoe

*Granlibaaken Resort

*Hyatt Lake Tahoe

*Red Wolf Lakeside Lodge

*Pepper Tree Inn Tahoe City

On the south side of the lake you should check out:

*Marriott Grand Residence

*Marriott's Timber Lodge

*Montbleu Casino (formerly Caesars)

*Harveys Casino

*Harrahs Casino

*Embassy Suites

*Tahoe Seasons Resort

*Tahoe Lakeshore Lodge

* Inn By The Lake

* Lakeland Village

*Best Western Timber Cove Lodge

At Squaw Valley:

*Village at Squaw Valley

*Squaw Valley Lodge

*Resort at Squaw Creek

*Red Wolf Lodge Squaw Valley

For lodging right on the lake on the south shore you should check out the Tahoe Lakeshore Lodge.

Tag : Lake Tahoe Hotels,South Lake Tahoe Ca,South Lake Tahoe Hotels

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