Tahoe Local
Palisades Tahoe & Alpine Meadows Ski Resorts
Skiing & snowboarding: There should still be lots of snow in April for optimal spring skiing conditions! Palisades Tahoe & Alpine Meadows are easiest to access if you stay in Olympic Valley. Both resorts are on the Ikon Pass. Palisades (formerly Squaw Valley) has a large village with shops and restaurants while Alpine Meadows stays true to it's roots with a smaller base. The resorts are connected by the Base to Base Gondola and a free shuttle. Other activities: Snow tubing, Tahoe Treetop Adventure Parks, Ice skating at Everline. Restaurants and shopping. Our favorite spots: - Wildflour Baking Company: breakfast, lunch and pocket cookies!! - Le Chamois & Loft Bar ("The Chammy"): Legendary après ski watering hole with a mixed indoor/outdoor area. Pitchers of beer, wine, sake, pizzas, pretzels and iconic decor. - The Slot Bar: Quintessential après vibes in probably one of the tiniest bars on earth. Features shot skis of all sizes. Parking reservations may be required.
Bridgetender Tavern and Grill
The local hot spot where it all began. Family friendly (but no high chairs) with a lively bar scene. Burgers, salads, tacos and more. No reservations. Visit sister establishments on the west shore: Shadyside Lounge for craft cocktails and modern Mexican classics - tacos, burritos, salads, bowls. Definitely get the nachos! West Shore Market Deli & Grocery for almost anything else you might need! Grab and go deli sandwiches, coffee bar, gelato, baked goods, souvenirs and other sundries. Also notable nearby is the River Grill (finer dining, just across the river from The Bridgetender) and the Fire Sign Café (across the street from the Shadyside and the Market - great for a sit down breakfast and lunch).
Historic Downtown Truckee & Visitor Center
Truckee's historic and charming main street has an Old-West mountain vibe and is definitely worth a stroll. Browse shops, art galleries, restaurants, bars and more. Note: it's not that big so you don't need to plan more than an hour or two to take it all in. Our favorite restaurants: - Old Town Tap for pizza and lighter bites. Great for lunch or dinner. - Squeeze In for breakfast or lunch. - RMU Truckee for craft cocktails and comfort food. Fun Fact that Lynn's office is on the top floor of this old Victorian known as the Kruger-White House. - Cornerstone Bakery and Kitchen for breakfast, lunch and treats. - Alibi Ale Works for craft beer and bites. - Sweets Homemade Candies. - Uncorked wine bar. - Moody's Bistro, Bar and Beats for dinner and live music.
Northstar California Resort
Another cute ski village to explore with skiing/snowboarding, restaurants, shopping and ice skating. Both Aaron and Lynn worked here in the past but don't ski it very often anymore. This destination is on the Epic Pass.
Emerald Bay State Park
A must see if the weather allows and the pass is open on the way to South Lake Tahoe. Mini hikes and breathtaking Tahoe views. One of Aaron's favorite backcountry skiing spots so you are sure to recognize it from his many photos.
Sand Harbor State Park & the Tahoe East Shore Trail
The east shore is debatably the most beautiful part of the lake. It's actually one of the reasons Lynn moved to Tahoe, after seeing the stunning water and rock formations in a paddleboard photo on Instagram. April is a perfect time to walk around and see it before summer crowds. There is a 3-mile biking/walking trail that connects Sand Harbor to the Tunnel Creek Cafe in south Incline Village. Park at either end and enjoy the fresh air and view.
South Lake Tahoe & Heavenly Mountain Resort
About an hour drive from North Lake Tahoe, South Lake Tahoe's downtown centers around Heavenly Village ski resort. South Lake is a bit more bustling than the quieter North Lake but there isn't necessarily a reason to venture all the way there unless you plan to see Emerald Bay since you're basically already there. You could drive the full way around the lake and also hit Sand Harbor on the east shore. Heavenly Mountain Resort - On the Epic Pass for skiing. Offers much of the same things that Palisades and Northstar. Skiing/snowboarding, snow tubing, a scenic gondola and viewpoint, ice skating, shops, restaurants and more. South Lake sits on the border of California and Nevada. Because of this there are many casinos. Smaller casinos can also be found in Crystal Bay/Incline Village, on the north side of the lake.
Eagle Rock Trailhead
Less than 1 mile to a spectacular Tahoe view, weather dependent. The path is somewhat rocky.
Trailhead for Stateline Fire Lookout
This paved trail begins in Nevada and ends in California at an old fire lookout with beautiful views of the Lake and mountains. It is 1.7 miles with 298ft elevation gain. Although this trail is paved, it is steep with a grade of 8% to 12% for much of the trail so it is not considered wheelchair or stroller friendly.
evo Sierra Surf Club
Open all day for breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks! Centrally located in Tahoe City; family-friendly with a kid's play room with mini climbing wall. Lake views.
Old Range Steakhouse
One of Aaron's favorites!
Great Gold
A Modern American Italian Kitchen - Lynn's favorite, of course! Handmade pizza and pasta. Their sister restaurant, Tangerine French Bistro, is in historic downtown and also excellent. Both from the SF team behind Flour & Water. Also, nearby: - Pacific Crest Coffee Company - The Good Wolf Brewing Company - Truckee Brewery Co
Drunken Monkey Sushi
Aaron's other favorite but Lynn loves it too. Much more than just sushi on the menu. Their sister restaurant FiftyFifty Brewing Co is also a standby.