Things To Eat, Drink & Explore
Mad Dog Cafe at Woodfords Station
Cafe opened for breakfast and lunch daily with a range of sandwiches. Open 9am-5pm daily.
Markleeville General Store
The closest place around to get a some basic provisions, such as fixings for breakfast or lunch. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10-6pm.
Lake Tahoe Cruises / MS Dixie II
If you're looking for a wonderful way to experience Lake Tahoe and don't mind splurging, the Ms. Dixie Cruise takes you from Zephyr Cove to Emerald Bay. Onboard drinks and food are available, and history and Lake Tahoe lore play over the loudspeakers.
Grover Hot Springs State Park
The Grover Hot Springs State Park is a nearby state park with day use areas and hiking trails. Unfortunately the actual hot springs are still closed after the Tamarack Fire in 2021 burned through this area, but it is still a lovely place to visit. Parking fee is $8/car.
Carson Hot Springs
If you have time to spend on the way down to Hope Valley or back up to Reno, these developed hot springs served by thermal mineral spring water is on the way! You can purchase a day pass for the general pool area or rent shorter times in private pools. Bathing suits required in the general area.
Nevada Museum of Art
We love our local museum, that does a beautiful job of featuring local artists as well as rotating exhibits traveling nationally. Open Tuesday- Sunday, 10am-6pm. And it's right across the street from Lauren's office ;)
The Discovery
A great children's science museum in Reno that's open 7 days/week!
Von Bismarck
One of our favorite restaurants in town, with a seasonal rotating German-inspired menu, great selection of beer, and a lot of courtyard seating.
Perenn at Rancharrah
Some of the best pastries in Reno, and more or less on the way down to Hope Valley, if you're hoping to get a bite on the way to or from the airport!. Open 7:00am-2:30pm daily for breakfast and lunch.
Pine State Biscuits | Reno
biscuits, gravy, & buttermilk breaded chicken. enough said.
Great Full Gardens - MIDTOWN
A tasty spot in town with plenty of options that meet the needs for many different dietary options (V, GF, etc!). There are a few different locations- the one in midtown is very central, but the South Meadows location is also on the way down to Hope Valley from Reno. Open for breakfast and lunch daily, and dinner too on every day but Sunday.
Full Belly Deli-Midtown
Central spot for some quick sandwiches to go!
Peg's Glorified Ham n Eggs - S Sierra St
Derek's favorite diner in town! Open 6:30am-2:00pm daily.
Craft Wine and Beer
Our favorite local bottle shop, where you can pop in for a drink or stock up on a great selection of local (and not local) beer, wine, and other beverages like kombucha.
Freshies Ohana Restaurant & Bar
A yummy spot in South Lake Tahoe, with many options for vegan/vegetarian/GF diets. Open for lunch and dinner every day but Monday.
The Naked Fish
Our favorite sushi restaurant in Reno/Tahoe. Open for lunch/dinner on the weekends and dinner on the weekdays.
Tahoe Paradise Park
This park has it all. Take easy walks around a small lake or wear the little ones out at a playground. The newly paved pickle ball courts are the closest around and open to the public. Parking is $5 per vehicle and Pickle-ball is $4/person per visit. Check the calendar on their website for any private events that may limit access to some of these activities.
Cascade Falls Trail
Enjoy this 1.4-mile out-and-back trail near South Lake Tahoe, California. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 40 min to complete. Check AllTrails for beta and the latest train conditions.
Angora Lakes Trail
Get to know this 1.2-mile out-and-back trail near South Lake Tahoe, California. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 34 min to complete. Check AllTrails for beta and the latest train conditions.
Fallen Leaf Lake Trail
Enjoy this 3.6-mile out-and-back trail near South Lake Tahoe, California. Very pretty views and an easy walk along Fallen Leaf Lake, it takes an average of 1 h 10 min to complete. Check AllTrails for beta and the latest train conditions.
Sand Harbor
A great way to take in epic vastness that is Lake Tahoe. Go early the day as this is a very popular spot but it is well worth the trek if you're up for it.
Sprouts Café
The cleanest, freshest, most wholesome food in Tahoe. Stop here for a quick bite to eat. They serve homemade sandwiches, soups, wraps, burritos & smoothies.
Inclined Burgers and Brews
A favorite of Derek's for an after-hike burger and garlic fries. Ask for their secret menu before you order. There's also a location next to Lauren and Derek's house in Reno if you're around that area.
Izzy's Burger Spa
Check this out if you’re looking for the freshest charbroiled burger you’ll ever eat. This burger shack has been serving Tahoe for 38 years and make all their food fresh with local produce. They also serve up Chicken Sandwich, Garden Veggie Burger, Hot Dogs, Chili Dogs, Calamari Sandwich, Fresh Romain Salad, Fish Sandwich and Fish ‘n Chips, Sodas, Shakes and Ice Cold Beer and Wine if you like too.