Spring into Tahoe City

042414-TC_calstatepier_cr.NiobeBurden

California State Pier | Niobe Burden ·

Take pleasure in the joys of springtime in Tahoe City, the tranquility on hiking and biking trails and the sheer wonder of being in such a magical place. There are dozens of delicious bites and fun things to do around town, so we’ve narrowed it down to 25 favorites. Whether you are passing through or looking to spice up your normal routine, let this list of Top 25 things to do in Tahoe City inspire your creativity, sense of adventure and zest for Tahoe.

PLAY

Lake access, stellar hiking trails and a paved bike path make outdoor time a must.

Hit the Tahoe Rim Trail from Tahoe City. Go big all the way to Brockway (20.2 miles) or Barker Pass (16.2 miles) or take a jaunt. Visit tahoerimtrail.org.

Cycle along the bike path to Dollar Hill or to the Village at Squaw Valley and complete the day with a burger at Bridgetender, fish and chips at Tahoe Mountain Brewing Company, or Happy Hour at River Grill. Need a bike? Check out a local bike shop.

Launch a kayak or SUP from Commons Beach.

Raft the Truckee River.

Golf. Visit playtcgc.com.

Take an aerial trek at the Tahoe Treetop Adventure Center at Granlibakken. Visit granlibakken.com or northtahoeadventures.com.

Join the Tahoe Cit Downtown Association aboard the Tahoe Gal to celebrate 10 years of service for Tahoe City on June 4. Visittahoecity.com.

EAT*

Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks – there is something to please your palette in Tahoe City. Beginning May 22, find inspiration along with fresh produce at the weekly Thursday Farmers Market. Mmmm.

Savor the best breakfast burrito in the area at The Dam Café and while you’re there enjoy an Illy Espresso (sandwiches and baked goods also are divine). (530) 581-0278.

Excite your taste buds with seasonal pasta dishes and house-baked pizzas at Zia Lina. Visit zialinatahoe.com.

Try one of the delectable vegetarian or seafood rolls at Tahoe City Sushi.

Head off the beaten path (preferably on a bicycle) to Sugar Pine Cakery in Lake Forest for grain-free chocolate chip cookies and outrageously decadent desserts. Visit sugarpinecakery.com.

Indulge at Wolfdale’s. ‘Tis the season of two-for-one entrees.

Dig into a frozen yogurt from Poppy’s Waffle Shop and Frozen Yogurt. The blackberry and other fruit flavors are especially good on a sunny day. Visit poppystahoe.com.

Enjoy a pie with homemade dough and sauce at Lakeside Pizza or enjoy a slice overlooking the Truckee River at Front Street Station. Visit lakesidetahoecity.com or frontstreetpizza.com.

*Note: Some restaurants may close for spring cleaning. Call to check hours and secure reservations.

LOCAL CULTURE

Art, museums, wine tasting. Where to begin?

Discover diverse creations at North Tahoe Arts, which frequently updates exhibits and has a treasure-packed gift shop. Visitors may cast a vote for People’s Best Choice award through May 26. Visit northtahoearts.com.

Visit the Gatekeeper’s Museum, a reconstruction of the original Gatekeeper’s Cabin near Lake Tahoe’s only outlet (the Truckee River). The original cabin was built as the home of the watermaster (person who controls the flow of water out of Lake Tahoe). In addition to historic photos and local artifacts, there is an interesting exhibit about black bears. Visit northtahoemuseums.org.

Head to the Boatworks Mall to check out the Museum of Sierra Ski History and 1960 Olympics. Visit tahoemuseum.org.

Unwind at Uncorked. A large selection of limited production wines, plus tastings change daily. Every Wednesday night is Ladies Night: $4 for a glass of wine from 4 to 8 p.m. Visit teloswine.com.

Pick up maps and information at the North Lake Tahoe Visitor Center next to Fanny Bridge at the wye.

SHOP

It’s fun to walk through Tahoe City visiting old favorites, taking in panoramic views of Big Blue and shopping at the creative places along the way. While walking from one end of town to the other, pop into some of these shops.

Find and sample the latest items including Burrata, salted caramel corn and creative seasonal culinary items at Market 28. Visit market-28.com.

Visit the Cobblestone Center. Don’t miss the made-in-Tahoe City soaps and candles at Lather and Fizz Bath Boutique. Soaps range from manly scents to the most feminine and dozens are available. Be forewarned: It’s highly likely that you’ll be tempted to treat yourself (or a special woman in your life) to Bedhead pajamas. Visit latherandfizz.com.

Another not-to-miss shop at the Cobblestone Center is the Trunk Show featuring handcrafted and locally made jewelry and fun stuff. Check out Sip ‘n’ Shop on May 2. Visit tahoetrunkshow.com.

Check out art at the James Harold Galleries, home accessories including fine bedding at Hemmings & Jarrett and gems at Steve Schmier’s Jewelry before sampling something sweet at Tahoe City Chocolates – all in the Boatworks Mall.

Head into Alpenglow Sports to pick up a new pair of hiking shoes or score deals on 2013-14 skis. Visit alpenglowsports.com.

PAMPER

The joys of fresh mountain air, clean water and an abundance of skilled professionals make Tahoe City a divine pampering destination.

Reap the rewards from a signature facial by “Mamma Mia” above the Blue Agave at Pure Skin (530) 412-0446. Leave your troubles behind under the care of one of Tahoe City’s best massage therapists: Tracy Kimmons “The Stress Manager” or any of the professionals at Clearwater Day Spa (conveniently located above Gear and Grind, one of the best places for coffee drinks and ice cream), or at the Lighthouse Spa with rooms overlooking Lake Tahoe. Visit thestressmanager.net, lighthousespa.com or clearwatertahoe.com.

Saturday, June 21, is the first day of summer. Not only are the next couple of months ripe with activities in Tahoe City, but there is no better place to welcome in summer than the Tahoe City Solstice Festival planned for June 19 to 22.

For the most-up-to-date list of Tahoe City happenings today, this week and in the coming months, follow the Tahoe City Downtown Association at facebook.com/downtowntahoecity.

What’s on your list? Comment at facebook.com/thetahoeweekly.

 

 

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Nicole Cheslock
Hailing from the northeast, a love of skiing first attracted Nicole to the area. The scenic hikes along the Tahoe Rim Trail, long days of sunshine, refreshing summer dips and brilliant blue sky encouraged her to call this place home. Nicole holds a master’s degree from Stanford Graduate School of Education, specializes in action-oriented education program evaluation and supports career connections for Sierra College, Tahoe-Truckee. She lives with her husband and son in Truckee.