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!

Tag : Lake Tahoe,Lake Tahoe Hotels,Lake Tahoe Accommodations,hotels

Lake Tahoe Vacation Rentals - North and South Lake Tahoe Vacation Homes and Guide

The lake and its surrounding area which is commonly referred to as Tahoe, has an elevation of 6225 feet. Lake Tahoe is twenty two miles long and 12 miles wide and has a shoreline that extends over 71 miles. This gorgeous lake is shared by two US states, namely California which stakes claim to 42 miles of Lake Tahoe's shoreline and the state of Nevada which has 29 miles of it. Lake Tahoe offer many vacation homes on both the North and South shore which, by the way, is the largest alpine lake in North America is renowned for its almost translucent waters that are known to evoke feelings of wonder and awe. In fact, when the famous American author Mark Twain first set his eyes on the Lake during his visit to the area in the late 1860's he described it as "the fairest picture the whole earth affords."

A locale of unmatched beauty

The Lake which was created by volcanic activity was first discovered by an American called John C Fremont in 1844 but before that the Lake and its forested surrounding area was home to the Washo Indian tribe who called the Lake 'big sky lake' in honor of its sparkling, blue and clear waters. It has an average depth of 989 feet and at its deepest point the lake reaches a depth of 1,645 feet. However the Lake is not too conducive to swimming as the waters of the lake are often very cold even during the peak summer months. Moreover it is also known to have extremely strong and treacherous currents. Another interesting fact about the lake, is that this lake doesn't drain into an ocean even though nearly sixty-three streams flow into it, rather it drains into the Pyramid Lake located in the Nevada desert by way of the Truckee River. Apart from the beauty of the lake, the area around it is also characterized by crisp, clear air, dense forests and much tranquility.

Amenable weather

The entire area is blessed with agreeable weather as a result of which it has now become an immensely popular year round destination for Americans. The Lake on an average enjoys 250 to 300 days of sunny weather during the year. During the winter months it tends to receive nearly 300-500 inches of snow fall and this has enabled it to become one of the nation's premier ski destinations. The Lake Tahoe area has a multitude of ski resorts that offer a vast number of activities like snowboarding, ice -skating, snow shoeing, snowmobiling, sleigh riding in addition to skiing and cross country skiing. During the warmer months, people flock to Lake Tahoe to indulge in various recreational activities like boating and water sports, hiking, tennis, camping, ballooning, golf, horseback riding, parasailing, bungee jumping and much more.

Getting there

By Car

North and South Lake Tahoe are easily accessible by various modes of transport. Lake Tahoe is located on the border between California and Nevada. This popular resort destination lies 200 miles to the east of the Californian city of San Francisco while it is just 30 miles to the west of Reno in Nevada. North Lake Tahoe which is known for its ski resorts can be accessed by car via the I-80 from San Francisco. South Lake Tahoe which is populated by many hotels, restaurants and casinos lies mainly in Nevada and can be reached from Reno by taking US 395 South and then US 50 West..

By Air

The closest commercial airports are Reno Tahoe International airport in Nevada which can be accessed via a 40 minute drive from this popular year round destination. Another big commercial airport that serves the region is the Sacramento International Airport in California which is located two hours away. Smaller airports like South Lake Tahoe Airport and Truckee-Tahoe Airport afford additional air links to Lake Tahoe.

By Bus

During the winter ski months several bus services operate to various ski resorts like the Bay Area Ski Bus and the NAC ski.

By Train

Lake Tahoe can also be accessed by train on the Amtrak California Zephyr Route that makes a stop in Truckee.

Towns and Villages on the shoreline

The shoreline of Lake Town has several towns and villages each of which are known for their own distinct character and myriad attractions. Lake Tahoe is divided into two distinct parts North Lake Tahoe which is home to ski resorts and towns like Incline Village, which is a wealthy enclave that is peppered with million dollar homes, shops and restaurants. Other towns in North Lake Tahoe include the old railroad town of Truckee, Tahoe City, ski resort towns of Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley which was the site of the 1960's Winter Olympic Games amongst others.

South Lake Tahoe is a large area which is essentially geared towards tourism and lies largely in the state of Nevada. This tourist heavy area is home to several big name casinos like Harrah's, Harveys, Mont Bleu and the Horzion which are all located in the town of Stateline in Nevada. These casinos are not only known as gambling destinations but are considered to be resorts which provide much entertainment of all the family.

Apart from these towns and villages, the area surrounding North and South Lake Tahoe also has a number of state parks like the Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park which offers several recreations options to vacationers and locals alike. Sand Harbor with its sandy beaches is a preferred location in the park. It is located three miles to the west of Incline village and has boating and picnicking facilities. Sand Harbor is hosts the popular Lake Tahoe Shakespeare festival every July. Other popular locales in the Park include Memorial Point and Hidden Beach, Cave Rock, Spooner Lake, Zephyr Cover all of which have facilities for picnicking, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, camping, trekking etc.

Some state parks located on the Californian side include the Bodie State Historic Park which is a well preserved ghost town and the Donner Memorial State Park.

Attractions

Taking a ride on a historic paddle wheeler

You can get out and about on the Lake itself by riding on-board a historic three deck paddle wheeler called the MS Dixie II. This paddle wheel replaced the original MS Dixie in 1994. This paddle wheeler sets sail from the town of Zephyr cove. Similar cruises are also offered by the Tahoe Queen which sails from the town of Emerald Bay in South Lake Tahoe.

Visit Vikingsholm

This Scandinavian styled vacation home was built in 1929 at the cost of US$500,000. Vikingsholm is an exponent of Nordic architecture that was built with local materials. A part of this home is even topped with sod roofs. Tours of Vikingsholm are available from Mid-June until Labor Day. This attraction which is located on the head of Emerald Bay can be accessed via a scenic hike from Eagle Point State Park though it is also accessible by car.

Olympic Valley

This all weather destination is accessed via a cable car ride that traverses over 2000 vertical feet and transports you to a village that features an Olympic Museum, ice skating rink, swimming pool, spa and restaurants.

Bars and Restaurants.

Lake Tahoe is a prime American destination and it boasts of wide variety of bars and restaurants that aim to cater to all tastes. Bars and restaurants populate both North Lake Tahoe as well as South Lake Tahoe. Some popular restaurants located here include Rosie's and the Old Post Café both of which are located in California and are favored brunch and breakfast spots. Other well -like establishments include the Char Pit, which is a small restaurant located in the town of Kings Beach that is renowned for its hearty burgers and baby back ribs. River Ranch Lodge and Restaurant, Le Bistro, Dragonfly, Fiamma are still other dining spots which find favor with both locals and out- of-towners who come to Lake Tahoe on holiday.

Accommodations

If you are planning a holiday in Lake Tahoe sometime soon, you will be happy to know that you have wide range of accommodation options available here that range from the conventional hotels and resorts to charming lodges and cabins and convenient, reasonable and family-friendly vacation rentals. Usually, you will find a better deal when dealing with vacation rentals offered direct from owners.

Vacation rentals make economic sense

Vacation rentals or sometimes called Vacation Homes are in fact a popular accommodation choice in Lake Tahoe which is quite a family-centric destination. Hiring a vacation rental in Lake Tahoe often makes economic sense for a family or large group that wishes to vacation together as it reduces the expenses that are associated with booking individual hotel rooms.

Several websites as well as well known classified sites offer listings of a plethora of vacation rentals in Lake Tahoe.

What makes the Best booking experience when booking Tahoe Vacation Rentals?

One of the latest ways to book North or South Lake Tahoe Vacation homes is simply to book a home online similar to booking a room at a fine hotel.

Tag : Lake Tahoe,Lake Tahoe Vacation,South Lake Tahoe Vacation,Lake Tahoe Vacation Rentals

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scott_A_Norris

Lake Tahoe - The Destination for a Perfect Vacation

If you are long overdue for a vacation, Lake Tahoe can be the perfect getaway for you. Breathe in the beauty of the lake and surrounding mountains and enjoy the unlimited recreational activities. Tahoe Lake truly has something for everyone. Read on to find out more.

It is located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains at and elevation of 6,225 ft (1,897 m). Its striking blue waters offer picturesque views from dozens of mountain tops and 72 miles of shoreline. It falls on the border of California and Nevada and is a major year-round vacation destination.

For winter travel, Lake Tahoe and is home to numerous world class ski resorts. Pacific coastal storms deliver 300-500 inches of annual snowfall to the local ski resorts. Lake Tahoe skiers often have the best of both worlds - tons of snow and relatively warm temperatures. These great conditions combined with amazing views of this Lake below make skiing at Tahoe Lake truly exceptional. The largest ski areas in the Lake Tahoe area are Squaw Valley, Heavenly, Sugar Bowl, Alpine Meadows, Kirkwood, Mt. Rose, Northstar and Sierra at Tahoe and Diamond Peak. In addition there are numerous smaller ski areas including Tahoe Donner and Dodge Ridge which offer lower lift prices and can be a great choice for those just learning to ski or snow board. Cross country skiing and snow mobile riding are also very popular in Tahoe. Royal Gorge is largest cross country ski resort in the United States featuring over 330km of groomed trails.

For summer travel, it offers nearly unlimited hiking, biking and lake activities. There are hundreds of miles of trails in the Lake Tahoe basin. The Tahoe Rim Trail is a 150-mile hiking and equestrian trail that follows the ridge tops of the Lake Tahoe Basin. The trail traverses six counties and two states and includes a portion of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. This trail is on the adventurous side with elevations ranging from 6,300 to 9,400 feet and an average grade around 10%. Shorter and less demanding trails are available throughout the region. It also offers incredible trails for both road and mountain biking. For golfers, numerous courses are available for all skill levels and budgets.

In winter or summer, the towns and villages surrounding Lake Tahoe have a lot to offer. Tahoe City and Incline Village on the north shores of this Lake and South Lake Tahoe on the southern shores of Lake Tahoe offer great shopping and dining. Major casinos are located on the Nevada side of the border on both the northern and southern ends of Tahoe Lake with even more choices located in nearby Reno, Nevada.

It offers and incredible range of accommodations that matches the huge number of recreational activities that are available. Travelers increasing select vacation rentals to meet the needs of their vacation. For those seeking the flexibility and amenities available in a vacation rental, there are literally thousands of vacation rental choices available including vacation rental homes, cabins and condos available all around the Lake. Options range from studio condos to huge home sleeping 20 or more guests. This diversity of vacation rentals makes them a great choice for couples, groups or extended families.

In North Lake Tahoe, there are numerous vacation rental homes and condos surrounding each of the major ski areas. In addition, Tahoe Donner, Truckee, Tahoe City, Kings Beach and Incline Village have a diverse selection of vacation rentals available. South Lake Tahoe offers many vacation rentals on the south end of Tahoe Lake which are perfect for travelers who want to be close to the lake, skiing and the casinos. You can look online for good Lake Tahoe vacation rentals and plan that vacation you had been dreaming about.

Tag : Lake Tahoe,Lake Tahoe Vacation,North Lake Tahoe,South Lake Tahoe,Lake Tahoe Vacation Rentals

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Caren

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.

Tag : Lake Tahoe,South Lake Tahoe,Lake Tahoe Vacation,Lake Tahoe Resort

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Don_Kanare

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

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Rockwell

South Lake Tahoe Vacation Rentals

South Lake Tahoe is a year-round vacation paradise that is perfect for any outdoor adventurer who loves breathtaking scenery. With the sparkling blue lake, the towering pines, and snow-covered mountain peaks, anyone with the urge to enjoy fresh mountain air and an abundance of activities can fulfill their wishes at this scenic playground. Make you way to South Lake Tahoe for your next summer or winter excursion and enjoy all this amazing city has to offer from the comforts of a vacation rental.

There are vacation rentals located throughout this gorgeous city so you can soak in the surroundings that mean the most to you while enjoying all the amenities of home. Many of the home rentals in South Lake Tahoe come complete with fully-stocked kitchens, numerous TVs and DVD players, and plenty of space so everyone in your family can spread out without feeling overcrowded. Throw in extras such as hot tubs and easy access to the lake, and you can truly begin to experience the relaxing nature of South Lake Tahoe.

If you love the towering pine trees that head outwards from the alpine lake, then a cozy and inviting cabin tucked away among pines, firs, and cedars would be a great lodging option for you. Imagine stepping out of your home away from home and relaxing on the deck, listening to the birds singing above as you sip a cold beverage. And when the urge to explore the woods become too much to ignore, head out along the trails and catch sight of the gorgeous mountains and the stunning lake, which is only one mile away.

Summer visitors who simply cannot get enough of Lake Tahoe and its numerous opportunities for recreation can stay in a home rental that rests along the shores of this expansive body of water. With a private dock you can pull your boat rental right up to your house so heading out for a day on the water is a quick and simple task, or you can take in the warm sunshine from the comforts of the private beach before waterskiing, tubing, or cruising around the lake with the family. Whatever water activity you can imagine, a waterfront home rental makes it easy to experience the fun and excitement of the clear blue water.

Staying directly on the lake is also great for visitors who need to unwind and escape from the stresses they have left behind. Waking up to the sun rising over the mountains and reflecting on the glassy surface of the lake is the perfect alarm clock, while watching the bright orange glow of the sun setting is the ideal serene sight for melting stress. All of your cares will slip away after you soak in the fresh air and the natural beauty of South Lake Tahoe that surrounds your vacation home rental.

Winter visitors head to South Lake Tahoe for the exceptional skiing at Heavenly Ski Resort so staying in a home or condo in the Heavenly area would be the ideal lodging choice. You can find homes that are located at the base of Heavenly and homes that are conveniently situated next to Heavenly's Boulder Lodge, meaning all you need to do is grab your skis and you are ready for a day of thrills and adrenaline. And when you are ready to retire into the warmth of your accommodations, you can curl up on your sofa near the fire as you thaw your fingers and toes after a long day on the slopes.

South Lake Tahoe Vacation Rentals are conveniently located on and around the stunning Lake Tahoe so you can experience the most relaxing and convenient vacation possible. Whether you are visiting in the summer for the numerous lake activities or venturing here in the winter for the amazing ski and snowboarding conditions, you can find a home or condo that makes it easy to take advantage of everything South Lake Tahoe offers to its visitors.

Tag : Lake Tahoe,South Lake Tahoe,Lake Tahoe Vacation,Vacation Rentals

Have a Taste of Hollywood on Your Lake Tahoe Vacation

Who would ever have thought that you can have a taste of Hollywood on your Lake Tahoe vacation?

A lot of large screen films and television shows have attended various filming locations in the majestic Lake Tahoe, and who among Hollywood's biggest names in Tinseltown could resist the beauty of Lake Tahoe.

Indeed, only to name some, the famous Ponderosa Ranch of the TV series Bonanza is actually located on the Nevada side of Tahoe.

And another bit of film trivia is that the opening sequence of the famed TV series was filmed at the McFaul Creek Meadow with the beautiful Mount Tallac in the backdrop.

In the highly acclaimed motion picture The Godfather Part II, the Corleone family lived in a compound on the shores of the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe. In one of the famous scenes throughout final minutes of the film, Fredo Corleone is removed onto the lake for a fishing trip, on the orders of his brother Michael (Al Pacino) to be executed for treachery, where Michael stands by the shore watching the deed being done.

The house and grounds portrayed in the film are also located on the California side of Tahoe in the summertime estate of Henry Kaiser known as Fleur du Lac. The single structures used in the movie that still remain are the complex of old native stone boathouses with wrought iron gates. And although Fleur du Lac is private property and no one is allowed ashore there, the boathouses and multi-million dollar condominiums are easily viewed from the lake.

In the film Smoking Aces, most of the scenes were filmed in South Tahoe and Stateline.

Most the hotels and casinos are visible in the film with their older names. The climactic scenes of the 1987 Charles Bronson film Assassination were filmed around Tahoe.

Top Gear a British TV program on progressive cars and gadgetry filmed one entire episode at Lake Tahoe sometime this year.

Located between the borders of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe boasts of over 300 days of warm sunshine, 396 inches of annual snowfall, 18 world-class ski and snowboarding resorts, incredible golf courses, fantastic hotels, casinos and many, more.

For a relaxing and romantic getaway, one can find many romantic destinations that boast of world-class service, elegant decors and scenery, superb cuisine and a wide array of alternatives to choose from. From five star to professional, standard and high-class, even economy accommodations, a large number of hotel and motel establishments are in addition to willing to give free information about Lake Tahoe and how it might be best enjoyed.

And this is how Lake Tahoe has indeed captivated filmmakers and movie buffs alike.

So now you can also have a taste of Hollywood in your Lake Tahoe vacation

Tag : Lake Tahoe,Lake Tahoe Vacation,Hollywood,Taste

A Destination Wedding in Lake Tahoe - How to Make it Happen

Lake Tahoe weddingscan be the most beautiful events of a lifetime. Whether you are in the wedding or attending one there, this beautiful, one-of-a-kind location provides incredible views, and powerful memories. If you're planning a wedding, and want to make it something a "little bigger" than the typical wedding, this may be the place to go! Of course, the majority people don't actually live there, so you would need to obtain the services of a wedding consultant who specializes in the area.

How can you tell if a consultant is reputable? All professional consultants who are certified by a well known wedding association have to adhere to a strict Code of Ethics. If your consultant has been certified, typically this indicates that they have completed an extensive program on the wedding industry. The very fact that a consultant has committed time and resources into a certification program shows they are dedicated, professional and knowledgeable. It's always a good idea to ask for references from other businesses in Lake Tahoe, as well as brides and grooms who have used their services and local vendors. What are the important qualities a Lake Tahoe wedding consultant should have? Experience in the field, knowledge of the area, and continual training.

Questions to Ask a Lake Tahoe wedding Planner

Q: Why choose Lake Tahoe for a destination wedding?

Lake Tahoe is quite simply a natural wonder. Where else in the world can you ski down a 4000 foot vertical slope overlooking a giant Lake in the morning and gamble in the evening? Your guests will be amazed by the beauty of the mountains that surround the glassy waters of Lake Tahoe. Your guests will thank you too! They'll get to attend a great wedding and go on vacation. Lake Tahoe also offers all the necessary professional services for weddings including florists, photographers, caterers and reception sites. Lake Tahoe also offers many different types of accommodations, from first class resorts to spectacular cabins overlooking the Lake. Lake Tahoe weddings are fun!

Q: The Location I have chosen has an on-site coordinator. Why do I need someone else?

Most banquet facilities that handle Lake Tahoe weddings have staff that act as wedding coordinators, in addition to their other duties. Most of them are extremely professional and experienced; however, some locations have multiple events going on simultaneously. If personal attention is important to you, then hiring a professional consultant is important. They will attend to your needs only, including everything from determining the ceremony site to the decorations at the reception.

Q: What is it that you do exactly?

With so many people out there with the title "wedding coordinator", it helps to understand what this person will do for you. Make sure you review

o Assistance in finding the perfect location for your ceremony and reception.

o Assistance in finding vendors who suit your budget and needs.

o Understanding your vision and helping to create your wedding day as planned.

o Create the agenda for your wedding day and events leading up to it for your guests.

o Confirm with all vendors the timing for the wedding day.

o Remind client of any final payments due prior to the event.

o Assist with the rehearsal if required.

o Confirm last minute changes.

o Assist clients on the day of the wedding, including music coordination, and assisting bride attendants and groomsmen to their appointed positions.

o Final touches to bride before she walks down the aisle.
o Watch over the event to ensure event is going as planned.

o Final assistance to make sure all items such as toasting glasses, guest book and other items have been taken care of.

o Final tipping or payment to vendors who require payment at the end of the event.

o Giving you and your family the opportunity to enjoy the day and not work it!

Lake Tahoe weddings can be spectacular, just make sure you plan it the right way! That way, you can focus on your soon spouse-to-be.

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.