About Lake Tahoe

   "Why write about Lake Tahoe? People just go there to gamble or ski." WRONG! There is much to see and do in the area. Lake Tahoe is the largest Alpine lake in the U.S. Here are facilities for both winter and summer recreational activities. True, the South Shore is the home of several, well visited casinos (on the Nevada side of the state line, of course), but gaming is just part of the opportunities for a fun time. Here are just a few of the points of interest:

D.L.Bliss State Park and Emerald Bay State Park - A pair of California State Parks on the southern end of Lake Tahoe's west shore (between Meeks and Emerald Bays). The two, together, total some 1,800+ acres. Geological formations of interest range from a nice little sandy beach at Rubicon Point to the famous Balancing Rock in the northwest corner of the park. Several promontories overlooking Lake Tahoe enable visitors to have exceptionally great views of the lake. For more information, see: D_L_Bliss_State_Park and Emerald Bay State Park

Heavenly Tram - The Heavenly Tram takes passengers to the top of "Gun Barrel". At 8,000 feet (2,000 feet above lake level) the vista is absolutely spectacular. There are several hiking trails for the more energetic visitors. Also at the top is The Top of the Tram Lodge which is open for lunch and dinner. The tram departs about every fifteen minutes from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends. The rest of the year schedules vary. For more information, phone 775-586-7000. Fare is about $15; less for children 12 and under. Web site: Heavenly

Lake Cruises - The daytime and evening cruises make it easy to take a ride on either the MS Dixie II or the Tahoe Queen, Lake Tahoe's sternwheelers. If you have a romantic bent - and someone to share the occasion with, pick the sunset cruise complete with dinner and dancing. For more information, phone 1-800-238-2463 (toll-free) or e-mail them at info@laketahoecruises.com. Web Site: Cruises

Ponderosa Ranch - If you were once a Bonanza fan, you'll want to see the Ponderosa Ranch. Yes, this is where they shot the series and it is open to visitors (for a small fee). They have a great web site which tells you everything you'll need to know (and, maybe, lots more) at www.ponderosaranch.com

Tallac Historic Site - This National Historic Site include three of the summer homes built by and for some of early 20th Century California's newly rich. The Pope Estate, built between 1894 and 1913, was one of the largest and most opulent in the area. Built in 1921, the Baldwin Estate was unpretentious, but impressive in its fortress-like construction. Valhalla was built in 1924 and was the forerunner of what has become to be known as California architecture. The U.S.Forest Service has a good description at: Tallac Historic Site

Vikingsholm - Here, at the southwest end of Emerald Bay, is more proof that you never know what you'll find in the U.S.A. In 1929, Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight had this 38 room reproduction of a Ninth-Century Norse fortress built for her as a summer home. It is most easily accessed by boat but you can also drive there and then take a rather steep, one-mile trail to the home. Frequent tours during the day in the summer months only cost $1. For more information, see their web site: www.vikingsholm.com

and, finally,

The Casinos - First of all, there are no casinos in South Lake Tahoe... it is in California. The casinos are next door in Stateline, Nevada. And they're all lined up awaiting your entrance. Most of them also have accommodations so you can sleep, eat and spend without leaving the building. How thoughtful.
   Reserving a room in a fine hotel in the Lake Tahoe area is very easy here on Reserv-Net.net. Just select the community with a left-click of your mouse and then select the hotel of your choice. You can even request desired amenities.