April 2015 to September 2015 North Lake Tahoe Media Placements by North Lake Tahoe

April 2015-September 2015 Media Placements The Abbi Agency

North Lake Tahoe Table Of Contents

Date

Publication

6/15/2015

Capital Public Radio

6/11/2015

Tahoe Weekly

Wet 'n' Dirty

6/8/2015

Examiner.com

USA Cycling Amateur Road National Championships Comes to Truckee

6/5/2015

USA Today 10 Best

6/1/2015

Tahoe Quarterly

6/1/2015

New York Magazine

Choose Your Own Adventure in Reno

6/1/2015 6/1/2015

Mountain Living Eureka

5/27/2015

Thrillist

June Local Events On The Lakes and Trails of Tahoe The 16 Most Iconic West Coast Road Trips

5/27/2015

The Culture Trip

5/27/2015

SF Gate

5/27/2015

San Francisco Chronicle

5/27/2015

Marin Magazine

5/26/2015

NBC Bay Area

5/22/2015

Life & Leisure

5/22/2015

KTVN

5/22/2015

KRNV

5/20/2015

Diablo

5/20/2015

Tahoe Weekly

Heading to North Lake Tahoe for Summer fun? The Ultimate Tahoe Summer

5/19/2015

Travel Channel

10 Can't-Miss Events This Summer

5/13/2015

USA Today 10 Best

5/12/2015

USA Today 10 Best

5/12/2015

NBC Bay Area

Title Tourism Up In Tahoe Despite Drought

10 Best Places to Find the Perfect Lake Tahoe Truckee Gift Sept.

The 10 Best Restaurants in Beautiful Lake Tahoe: Dining in Nevada The Ultimate Guide to Summer Concerts in Northern California The Ultimate Guide to Summer Concerts in Northern California Mountain High Five Memorial Day Weekend Road Trips My Beautiful Balloon Lake Tahoe Kicks Off Busy Boating Season Early Tahoe Kicks Off Boating Season Early

10 Best Shopping in Lake Tahoe and Truckee 10 Best Tapas and Wine Restaurants in Lake Tahoe Made In Tahoe Fest: Local 'N Lively

North Lake Tahoe Table Of Contents

Date

Publication

5/11/2015

USA Today 10 Best

5/8/2015

Lake Tahoe News

5/7/2015

Stars And Stripes

5/7/2015

San Jose Mercury News

5/6/2015

Yoga Journal

Destination Inspiration: Plan a Yoga Road Trip Up the West Coast

5/6/2015

Tahoe Daily Tribune

Amgen Tour of California Women's Race to Circle Lake Tahoe

5/5/2015

Rocklin And Roseville Today

5/3/2015

South Tahoe Now.com

4/30/2015

Reno.com

4/28/2015

CarsonNow.com

4/22/2015

USA Today 10 Best

4/18/2015

Tahoe Ski World

4/14/2015

Curbed Ski

4/13/2015

The Huffington Post

4/13/2015

Tahoe Daily Tribune

4/9/2015

Tahoe Weekly

4/8/2015

Lake Tahoe News

4/4/2015

Ski Area Management

4/4/2015

MSN Travel

4/6/2015

Rocklin And Roseville Today

Title 10 Best Attractions and Activities in Lake Tahoe Women Fight to Win Lake Tahoe Cycling Race Concert Getaways Offer Untapped Vacation Value Nearly foot of Snow Expcted atop Sierra, Icy Mountain Roads

Best Places in Lake Tahoe to Watch Amgen Tour Countdown to Amgen: Best Viewing Spots Spring Activities in Lake Tahoe Best Places in Tahoe to Watch Amgen Tour of California Women's Cycling Competition 10 Best Hotels And Inns In The Lake Tahoe Area Amgen Tour Hits Lake Tahoe On May 8 5 Ski Town Hikes To Help Your Survive Mud Season 10 Things You Didn't Know About Skiing And Riding In Tahoe North Lake Tahoe Locals, Businesses Honored At 61st Chamber Awards 100 Fun Things To Do This Spring North Shore Honors Community, Business Leaders Sugar Bowl's Rob Kautz To Retire The 10 Most Incredible Places To Stand-Up Paddleboard Lake Tahoe Cycling Opportunities: Amgen Tour And Much More

North Lake Tahoe Table Of Contents

Date

Publication

4/2/2015

Family Vacation Critic

4/2/2015

ABC News

4/1/2015

Nevada Business Magazine

4/1/2015

Nevada Business Magazine

4/1/2015 4/1/2015

Meetings And Conventions Meetings And Conventions

4/1/2015

Mountain Living

4/1/2015

Meetings Focus

Title 10 Best Beaches For Families In 2015 Nation's 10 Best Family Beaches Named Face To Face: Andy Chapman Andy Chapman: Crystal Bay Visitors Bureau The Latest Spin On Gaming The Latest Spin On Gaming Local Events: Opening Day On North Lake Tahoe Healthy Haven

Tourism Up In Tahoe Despite Drought June 15, 2015

Hotel occupancy was up 8 percent last weekend over the same period last year according to the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association. The Association’s Tourism Director JT Thompson credits a combination of factors including more international tourists and more events. He says one significant factor is many former winter tourists are coming to Tahoe in the summertime. "The northern California push where people that weren’t coming up in the winter time for the snow vacation, they want to get up here so they are coming up which is a great thing," he says. That trend is expected to continue through the fall. Three of seven public boat ramps on the lake are closed because of low water levels. However, Thompson says the area is expected to attract more people with small boats as they leave other lakes that have lost water in the drought. “Lake levels are rising and boating is accessible up here," he says. "As opposed to some of the other reservoirs around the state it is a little more difficult and they are having a hard time.”

Wet ‘n’ Dirty June 11, 2015

Tough Mudder returns to Northstar Northstar California transforms into a 10- to 12-mile obstacle course during Tough Mudder on June 13 and 14. Tough Mudder is a team-oriented obstacle course designed to test physical strength and mental grit. Tough Mudder puts camaraderie over finisher rankings and is not a timed race, but a team challenge that allows participants to experience exhilarating, yet safe, world-class obstacles they won’t find anywhere else. New this year is the Fruit Shoot Mini Mudder that invites kid’s ages 7 to 12 and at least 42 inches tall, the opportunity to test their own stamina and camaraderie just like the Tough Mudders on a 1-mile course with obstacles like the Secret Agent Squeeze, Tunnel of Terror and Gooey Shoes. Spectators are invited to explore the action-packed base area featuring music, refreshments and Mudder Village obstacles for both participants and spectators. Spectator registration is available online for $20 until June 12 or $40 at the event. For more information or for tickets, visit toughmudder.com. Take the Tahoe Bike Challenge Every year for two weeks, instead of driving, hundreds of Tahoe residents ride their bikes to work, school and for fun through June 14 in the Tahoe Bike Challenge. Register for free at tahoebikechallenge.org, track miles and join the friendly competition for fun prizes and bragging rights.

Events will be held through the challenge, as well. A stretching for cyclists yoga class on June 11 at the North Tahoe Event Center. There will be a Bike Safety Awareness Day on June 13 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Truckee Tahoe Airport with obstacle courses, giveaways and food truck. The challenge culminates with a free Cycle Celebration on June 20 from noon to 4 p.m. in the Heavenly Village. Visit tahoebikechallenge.org for more information or to register. Give back with trail building Truckee Donner Land Trust hosts several trail building days throughout the season. Help work on the Elizabethtown Trail on June 13, Emigrant Trail on July 11 and Hole in the Ground trail on Aug. 1. Workdays are typically from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Dates may change. For more information, visit truckeetrails.org. Big Blue hosts paddling events Join the Thunderbird paddling festival on June 13. Compete in the Thunderbird 4- or 8-mile course or go all in with the Big Blue Waterman Challenge combining paddleboarding, swimming and beach running with heat racing elimination. Kids distances are offered. Willard’s Sport Shop will be offering free lessons, demos and giveaways. For more information, visit laketahoepaddling.com. TAMBA hosts trail days Three trail days are scheduled for continued work on the Snapdragon Trail in Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park. Groups meet at 9 a.m. on June 14, 19 and 24 behind the Tunnel Creek Café. For more information, visit tamba.org. Join women’s rides, clinics Tahoe LUNA Chix hosts group mountain and cross-country bike rides for women throughout the season. Upcoming rides include Sawtooth Ridge Trail on June 17, riding at Tahoe Cross Country Center on July 1, 8, 15 and 29, riding at Tahoe Donner Cross Country Center on Aug. 5, 12, 19 and 26. For more information, visit teamlunachix.com. Join pro mountain bikers Katerina Nash and Teal Stetson Lee with a two-hour cross-country mountain bike on June 23 at 5:30 p.m. at Northstar. The duo will take participants through drills and skills to help improve one’s mountain biking. Clinic participants are asked to bring a $15 donation for the Breast Cancer Fund. For more information, visit Facebook. Compete in marathons, triathlons Take on local marathons and triathlons with Big Blue Adventures. The Squaw Valley Half Marathon prerun takes place at 6 a.m. on June 12 followed by the half marathon on June 14. The Donner Lake Triathlon is on July 25. Starting at the West End Beach on Donner Lake this race includes a one-quarter mile swim, 6-mile bike ride on Old Highway 40 and a 2-mile run on South Shore

Drive. A course preview takes place on July 24 at 6 p.m. Kids distances are also offered. A half-marathon and Olympic distance marathon follows on July 26. Head to Northstar for the Northstar Mountain Run on Aug. 9. The 10K course starts at the Village and culminates at the top of the Tahoe Zephyr Express. Join the Big Blue 5 & 10K Trail Run on Aug 15 starting at the Village Green. Kids distances are also offered. The Lake Tahoe Triathlon takes place on Aug. 22 at Ed Zâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;berg Sugar Pine Point State Park. A halfmarathon, duathlon and a bike-and-swim option follow on Aug. 23. For more information, visit bigblueadventure.com. Mountain Festival returns The 3rd annual Alpenglow Mountain Festival returns from June 20 to 28. The nine-day festival is a celebration of human-powered events, clinics presentations and more. Geared toward beginner and intermediate mountain sports enthusiasts, the Alpenglow Mountain Festival will showcase some of the best activities in Tahoe including hiking, yoga, paddleboarding and natural history events. Many events are free, but participants are encouraged to RSVP. For more information, visit alpenglowsports.com. Join a bocce league Registration for the annual Truckee River Winery Bocce League through June 18. Teams must have at least four players, a team name, a team captain and assistant team captain to be accepted. Tournaments will be a round robin format where each team will play every week and the team with the most wins at the end of the league wins. League nights are Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays. The cost is $20 per person. For more information, call Truckee River Winery at (530) 587-4626. IVGID hosts tennis programs Three-day adult tennis boot camps will be offered once a month for those who want to work on all aspects of their game. Camps will cover stroke technique, strategy, fitness, match play and video analysis. Camps meet from June 19 to 21, July 24 to 26, Aug. 7 to 9, and Sept. 8 to 10. The cost is $201 or $80 per day. Monday night mixers take place from 5 to 7 p.m. every Monday from June to October. Play a friendly round robin with a different partner every round. The cost is $10 or $8 with IVGID membership. Adult tennis clinics are taught USPTA every Monday through Saturday morning at 10 a.m. The cost is $20 or $15 with IVGID membership. Beginner tennis clinics are held at 10 a.m. every Tuesday through Saturday. The cost is $20 or $15 for IVGID members. Tennis Fitness classes take place at 11 a.m. every Wednesday. The cost is $15 or $12 for Tennis Membership Pass holders. For more information, call (775) 832-1235 or visit inclinetennis.com.

Disc golf series continues The Sierra Tahoe Series continues with the Kings of the Lake on June 19 at North Tahoe Regional Park in Tahoe Vista. The series wraps on Oct. 10 and 11 with the Tahoe Mountain Sports Pro/Am Dis Golf Tournament at North Tahoe Regional Park. For more information on upcoming events or to register, visit pdga.com or Sierra Tahoe Series page on Facebook. Adventure sports week returns Adventure Sports Week returns from June 19 to 28 celebrating human-powered sports with clinics, demos and competitions all week. Paddleboarders can test themselves with the Thunderbird Race or the Big Blue Waterman Challenge. Take to two-wheels during the Lake Tahoe Mountain Bike Race or run in the Burton Creek Trail Run or Run to Squaw. Combine several events during the XTERRA Tahoe City races. Additionally, Standup Paddleboard demos take place on June 20 and 28. Join an open water swimming clinic on June 26. Learn what it takes to complete an XTERRA race during clinic on June 26 or join the Salomon shoe demos on June 20, 21 and 28. For more information, visit adventuresportsweek.com. Hit the trails with Big Blue Big Blue Adventures hosts running events through the summer. Join the Burton Creek Trail Run at 7:30 a.m. on June 21 with a course preview on June 19. The Run to Squaw is a 7.9-mile course that follows the Truckee River starting at Commons Beach on June 28. The July 4 Run to the Beach features a 5K and 10K course starting at North Tahoe Regional Park. The Marlette 10-miler and 50K take place on Aug. 16 . Beginning at Spooner Lake, the trail follows the North Canyon Trail to Marlette Lake and back. Race in the Squaw to Alpine Challenge on Aug. 22. This 10K course follows the Western States Trail to Knob Hill and connects to the parking lot at Alpine Meadows. Join the Heavenly Mountain Run on Sept. 6. Starting at the California Base Lodge the trail climbs 5.8 miles to Tamarack Lodge. The Emerald Bay Trail Run takes place on Sept. 19. Starting at Eagle Point the course follows 7.5 miles to Lester Beach. Kick off Oktoberfest with the Lederhosen 5 or 10K course. Prizes are offered for best Lederhosen or Dirndl and top competitors. For more information, visit bigblueadventure.com. TRTA announces hike programs The Tahoe Rim Trail Association has announced its annual thru hike and segment hiking programs. Segment hiking will take place on Fridays from June 19 to Aug. 28. The cost is $550. Two thru hikes will

take place from July 25 to Aug. 8 and from Aug. 22 to Sept. 5. The cost is $1,725. For more information, contact Lindsey Schultz at (775) 298-4491 or visit tahoerimtrail.org. Take on metric century The popular metric century (62 miles) Tour de Manure on June 20 begins in Sierraville, circles the valley and eventually reaches Loyalton, where a climb up Smithneck Road awaits before the return to Sierraville. At the finish, delicious food, great music, and lots of friendly and happy people are ready to greet you. Visit tourdemanure.org for details or to register. Signature races at Northstar The Tahoe Trail 100 qualifier race to the Leadville Qualifying Series is scheduled for July 18 and features two 30-mile loops that circle Northstar and the surrounding areas. Riders have the opportunity to gain entry to the famed Leadville Trail 100 MTB Race by placing at the top of their age group or by winning one of 50 entry spots awarded by lottery. Downhill, Cross-Country and Enduro Mountain bike racers can compete all summer during the Mountain Bike Race Series. Cross-Country races are on June 20, July 11 and Aug. 1 Downhill races are on June 21, July 12, Aug. 9, Aug. 23 and Sept. 6. And, Enduro races are July 25 and Aug. 8. For more information, visit northstarcalifornia.com. Join LUNAChix clinics Tahoe LUNAChix hosts a clinic open to women of all ability levels looking to improve cross-country mountain biking skills. The clinic will feature drills for mastering cornering, obstacles and body alignment taught by professional riders. Meet at 5:30 p.m. on June 23 at Northstar. A suggested $15 donation benefits the Breast Cancer Fund. For more information, visit teamlunachix.com. Northstar hosts clinics and camps Join Northstar for the BetterRide Downhill Mountain Bike Camp from June 26 to 28 and July 10 to 12. Participants will master fundamental skills of downhill mountain biking. The cost is $799. Pumps on Pedals returns on Friday evenings at 5 p.m. starting June 26. Women of all skills and experience can work on technique with Northstarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coaches. The cost is $25. A womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pumps on Pedals workshop weekend is on Aug. 15 & 16 offering two full days of coaching. The cost is $419 and includes breakfast and lunch. For more information, visit northstarcalifornia.com. XTERRA series returns to Tahoe The XTERRA a race series returns to Tahoma on June 27 and Incline Village on Aug. 15. XTERRA combines trail running, mountain biking and swimming in a triathlon, duathlon or sprint format. Both the XTERRA Tahoe City and XTERRA Lake Tahoe are qualifying events for the USA Championship on Sept. 19 in Utah. For more information, visit adventuresportsweek.com. Preview the Tahoe Trail 100 course Join Julie Young, 2011 Tahoe Trail 100 winner, and Andy Buckley, Northstar California Senior Director of

Resort Services, for free Tahoe Trail 100 Course Previews at 9 a.m. on June 28. The course preview includes one lap through the course with race tips and tactics, on-course tips and time for questions. Guests meet at 8:45 a.m. in front of the Adventure, Guiding and Learning Center in the Village at Northstar and be prepared for a 50K cross-country mountain bike ride. The ride will take 4 hours. For more information, visit northstarcalifornia.com. Road bike championships in Tahoe The USA Cycling Amateur National Road Bike Championships will be held in North Lake Tahoe from June 24 to 28. The five-day event features multiple races including individual time trials, tandem time trials, a criterion and road races. The national championships draw more than 1,000 participants, and thousands of spectators, family members and friends. USA Cycling is the national governing body for cycling in the U.S. and represents more than 2,500 clubs and teams and 70,800 members. For more information, visit usacycling.org. Join downhill mountain bike camp Develop the core and fundamental skills of downhill mountain bike riding and racing during the BetterRide Downhill Mountain Bike Camp from June 26 to 28 at Northstar. For more information, visit betterride.net. Truckee Fun Run events announced Truckee Fun Run, a branch of The Auburn Ski Club’s Nordic program, is hosting the Firecracker Mile on July 4, the Squaw Mountain Run on Aug. 1, and the Sierra Crest 10k, 30k, and 50k on Aug. 8 at the Auburn Training Center. The Sierra Crest point-to-point takes place on Oct. 30. Proceeds are used to help support the club’s youth and Junior Nordic Ski Programs. For more information, visit auburnskiclub.com/summer Compete in a tennis open The Incline Open takes places from July 10 to 12 and Aug. 14 to 16 at the Incline Village Recreation Center. This tennis competition is open to players of all skill levels who are USTA members. Registration is available through the USTA website. For more information, visit inclinetennis.com. Tahoe Cup continues The 2015 Tahoe Cup Paddle Racing Series continues with Waterman’s Paddle Jam on July 11. This 6-mile event will take place at Waterman’s Landing in Carnelian Bay. The race is open to all paddling craft and participants of all ability levels. Spectators are also welcome and free demos will be offered after the race. The Tahoe Cup Paddle Racing Series, presented by the Lake Tahoe Paddleboard Association, also features the Tahoe Fall Classic on Sept. 13. For registration and more information, visit www.tahoecup.org.

Kirkwood Mountain Classic returns The 4th Annual Kirkwood Mountain Classic is on July 12 at Kirkwood Mountain Resort. The race is part of the Sierra Cup Regional Championship series and is a chance to qualify for MTB Nationals Championships. This cross-country race follows a 6-mile course. Registration is $35. For more information, visit bikereg.org. Learn about backpacking Learn how to be a master in the campsite with Tahoe Mountain Sports’ Backpacking and Camping education series. Participants can learn about the Pacific Crest Trail and Tahoe Rim Trail, discover camp cooking techniques and learn to minimize weight in a free presentation at the store on July 15. For more information, call (530) 536-5200 or visit blog.tahoemountainsports.com. Become a confident backpacker Explore the Sierra Nevada and learn how to become a confident backpacker with an Introduction to Backpacking from the Sierra Club featuring three nights of food, lodging and showers in a rustic lodge from July 18 to 24 for strong day hikers. The trip is based at the Clair Tappaan Lodge on Donner Summit. Visit sierraclub.org for more information. Compete in Lake Tahoe Mountain Bike Race Race in a 4- and 8-hour race as a solo or on a team during the Lake Tahoe Mountain Bike Race on June 20. The course follows approximately 12 miles through Burton Creek State Park and surrounding areas; a course preview takes place on July 18. For more information, visit adventuresportsweek.com. Discover soccer golf It’s a cross between soccer and golf and it’s quickly becoming a new trend across the country. Soccer golf will be held on the driving range at Tahoe Donner and costs up to $8 per person to play. Golf clubs are not needed, but bringing soccer balls is encouraged; cleats optional. The first event is July 22 at Tahoe Donner Driving Range. For more information, call (530) 587-9443 or visit tahoedonner.com 20th running of Downieville Classic This year is the 20th anniversary of the Downieville Classic, and registration is now open for the downhill race on Aug. 1 and 2. The Downieville Downhill on Aug. 2 is reserved for All-Mountain racers only, which means riders will have to earn his or her start time by completing the Point to Point Cross Country course the day before. Dropping 5,000 vertical feet in 15 miles from Packer Saddle to Downieville, the Downieville Downhill is the longest and most demanding downhill mountain bike race in the nation. This prestigious race course follows the paths of the Sunrise Trail, Butcher Ranch Trail, Third Divide Trail and First Divide Trail. The Downieville Classic Cross Country Race on Aug. 1 is a point-to-point cross-country race. The 29-mile course follows a rugged Gold Rush-era route that departs Sierra City, elevation 4,100′, climbs to the

crest of the Sierra Nevada at 7,100â&#x20AC;˛, and then plunges 5,200 vertical feet into Downieville. For more information, visit downievilleclassic.com. Celebrate biking in Meyers The Meyers Mountain Bike Festival returns on Aug. 9 at Divided Sky. This event is a fundraiser for Tahoe Area Mountain Bike Association. Participate in the Triple Crown Ride or take advantage of shuttle rides and bike demos. Live bands, DJs a beer garden and barbecue are all part of the fun. For more information, visit mountinbiketahoe.org. Ta-Hoe Nalu Paddle Festival returns Join the Ta-Hoe Nalu Paddle Festival from Aug. 14 to 16 at Kings Beach State Recreation Area. Voted the best SUP event by Outside magazine, the festival includes races, demos, performances and activities for the whole family. For more information, visit tahoenalu.com. Sorenstam returns to Ritz-Carlton One of the most successful female golfers of all time returns to Tahoe to offer members of the RitzCarlton Rewards Program an exclusive golf weekend getaway. Annika Sorenstam will coach clinics from Aug. 14 to 16. The event includes a two-night stay at the Ritz-Carlton, a private reception with Sorenstam, a round of golf at the Old Greenwood Golf Course with lunch and round-trip transportation from the golf course to the resort. This event is only offered to members of the Ritz-Carlton Rewards Program and membership is complimentary. To join, visit ritzcarltonrewards.com. To make a reservation for the weekend or for more information, call (530) 562-3028. Tahoe Sports Hub hosts Boulder Bash Boulder Bash will take place on Aug. 21 and 22 on Donner Summit. The 2015 Boulder Bash climbing festival will feature an kick off party with a slide show and appearance by famed climber Lisa Rands, an all-levels bouldering competition, free beginner climbing clinics provided by NASTC and a fun-filled after party and awards ceremony at Donner Ski Ranch. The festivities will include climbing shoe demos, food and drink specials, a raffle, and live music by Ann Marie & Caddywhompus. For more information, visit tahoesportshub.com. Explore Tahoe by foot, paddle Explore shoreline and mountain trails around the Tahoe Basin is a Sierra Club outing from Aug. 23 to 29 featuring kayaking and standup paddleboarding. The outing includes hikes from three sides of the lake to see it from all angles, visiting two national forests and two state parks, and enjoy the water sports to see its beaches, rock islands and natural areas. Visit sierraclub.org for more information. Enduro series returns to Northstar The California Enduro Series returns to Northstar as the first Californian stop of the North American Enduro Tour on Aug. 29 and 30. Registration is open at californiaenduroseries.com.

Join the Sierra Gran Fondo Beginning with a mass start in Loyalton, the Sierra Gran Fodno cycling event provides a variety of distance options. Riders can circle the Sierra Valley or climb into the Gold Lakes and Sierra Buttes terrain on Sept. 13. For more information, visit svgf.org. Spartan Race comes to Tahoe Spartan Race has announced that the obstacle racing series’ World Championship will be held in Squaw Valley on Oct. 3 and 4. Since its debut in 2011, the annual event had been held at Vermont’s Killington Mountain Resort & Ski Area. The weekend event will include the World Championship Spartan Beast (13-plus miles, 30-plus obstacles) on Saturday, and a Spartan Sprint (3-plus miles, 20-plus obstacles), a Spartan Beast and Ultra Beast (26-plus miles, 60-plus obstacles) on Sunday. The mountainous course will peak at 9,050 feet in elevation. Spartan Race expects more than 10,000 athletes around the globe to compete in the World Championships for more than $100,000 in cash prizes. NBC Sports has been awarded broadcast rights and is expected to produce a one-hour television special on the event. For more details, visit spartan.com. Hit the trails at night The annual Corral Night Ride is a fabled gathering of hearty souls that stage a night ride with Halloween revelry each year. Riders dressed as ghouls, disco freaks and other random weirdness are all ready to ride mountain bikes in the dark. This year’s ride takes place on Oct. 17. Riders meet in the Corral Trail parking lot at 5:30 p.m. For more information, visit mountainbiketahoe.org.

USA Cycling Amateur Road National Championships comes to Truckee June 8, 2015

The 2015 USA Cycling Amateur Road National Championships will launch on June 24 and run till June 28.North Lake Tahoe will see this intense race pedaling on the roads along Highway 89, stretching from Loyalton and Sierraville to Norhtstar California. According to Michaella Elicegui of North Tahoe's Abbi Agency, there will be a variety of age and category starts. The 9 to 14age group racers will begin with a 5km course, looping around Serene Lakes. For the 15 to 18 age group, the course is a 167km loop, riding out of Northstar California and out onto Highway 89. The elite amateur and U23 category riders will be competing n a 167km course that begins at Northstar and continues north on Highway 89 and finishes back at Northstar. These routes are challenging while riding through stunning Sierra scenes, cheered on by race enthusiasts lining the roads. Gorgeous hardly describes this territory.

The U23 riders will be pedaling to join Team USA in European campaigns later in the season. While the common denominator among the riders is youth, it's serious business for these up and coming riders. Included is a time trial, ranging from 10km to 20km to 40km depending on the age group. The time trial course is an out and back course that differs for each age group. The criterium portion of the race will be spun out on a 1km course in downtown Truckee, and is sure to be packed wall to wall with race supporters and spectators. Elicegui, in the press release, pointed out there are several riders who bear watching. Some of these just may be riders who will make it to pro teams, both continental and European, who will steadily move up the ranks as time goes on. Here is a short list: 

Greg Daniel(Englewood, CO/Axeon Cycling Team) earned the Most Courageous Rider's jersey at Stage 4 at the Amgen Tour of California; reigning U23 national time trial champion.



T.J. Eisenhart (Lehi, UT/BMX Development Team) 10-time national cyclocross champion



Logan Owen (Bremerton, WA/Axeon Cycling Team).



Kelly Catlin (Arden Hills, MN/NorthStar Development); 2013 national time trial champion and third place road race finisher.



Hannah Swan (Alpine, CA/Finish Strong Elite Cycling Team p/b Palmetto State Medical) two-time regining junior time trial champion and 2014 top-five Time Trial World Championships finisher



Emma White (Delanson, NY/Hot Tubes Development Team)

Both the young mens and womens teams are spectacular to watch, and with some luck, may be the pros who will carry the sport into the future.

10Best Places to Find the Perfect Lake Tahoe or Truckee Gift June 5, 2015

There are no large malls in the Lake Tahoe and Truckee area. Most shopping is done at smaller, locally owned and run specialty shops that offer clothing, furniture, books, and home items with a Tahoe flair. If you are looking for some hand carved brown bears or some hand-knitted scarves, there are many places all around the lake where you can find something to bring home as a gift. If you are looking for something uniquely Tahoe, try the fun T-shirts and other "organic" items at the Tahoe Hemp Company in South Lake Tahoe or some handcrafted items from the Artisan's Market Place in Truckee. Truckee is known to have some of the best shopping in the Tahoe area, so visit the many other shops in the old downtown part of Truckee: the Cooking Gallery for their fantastic selection of cooking items, High Camp Home for some handmade goodies and the La Galleria for some wonderful, unique jewelry. In Kings Beach, head to Jai Yen Treasures for beautiful items from Southeast Asia or to Tahoe City and the North Tahoe Arts Center for handmade clothing items, paintings, pottery and other unique gifts. Other great specialty shops include Dorinda's Chocolate in Truckee.

10 North Tahoe Arts Center This cute gallery on the shore of Lake Tahoe offers the visitor everything from fine paintings and

sculpture to handmade textiles and items for the home. The exhibits change on a monthly basis and include mixed media collage, photography, and sculptures of metal, glass and clay. From June through August, the gallery sponsors workshops taught by artists coming from all areas of the country. Watercolor, drawing, painting and collage are some of the classes offered. Admission is free. A gift shop features the works of local artists in all media. The North Tahoe Arts is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to support the arts in the North Tahoe-Truckee communities through exposure, education and participation. (530 581 2787)

9 Artisan's Market Place The Artisan's Market Place in Truckee is located in the cute shopping area of Brickeltown and is a unique gallery that represents work by 15 local artists. The items available for purchase include art glass, knitted creations, woodwork, jewelry, beadwork, ceramics paintings and eco-friendly soaps and lotions from High Sierra Botanicals. Artists represented all live in the immediate area and their items are priced reasonably. The Artisan's Market Place is located in the Blue Victorian, 10382 Donner Pass Road, Brickletown, in historic Truckee. Open daily 11 am -- 6 pm, except Tuesdays. The market place will be open daily from 11 am -- 6 pm, except Tuesdays. (530-401-8917.)

8 Tahoe Hemp Company The Tahoe Hemp Company is South Lake Tahoe is not your average counter-culture shop. The emphasis of this business is to emphasize the importance of hemp as a sustainable crop and design material. The THC (a play on words, of course) sells eco-conscience and green items such as men's and women's clothing, T-shirts, jackets, hats, bags, purses, wallets, bath and body products, shoes, books, gift items, local made jewelry and more. The items are of high quality and many of the T-shirts play off the Tahoe/THC theme. The women's jackets and coats are surprisingly soft and stylish. Many of the items are a priced a little high, but the customer service and cool staff make it worth it to spend some time and little of your vacation dollars at this local Tahoe store. ((530) 544-4367)

7 Cabin Fever Cabin Fever, located right on the shoreline of Lake Tahoe, features mountain and lakeside home decor, furniture, lighting, local artwork and some very beautiful and unusual maps of the country's waterways and lakes. Cabin Fever's heavy, well-made furniture is mostly wood and their decor reflects the mountain lifestyle with lamps featuring pine cones, handmade wood pillows and bed coverings, Tahoe Welcome Bears, fine art, rugs and even items for the deck and garden. Cabin Fever specializes in laser cut birch maps featuring the bathymetric lines and depths of various waterways including Tahoe, the Florida Keys, Manhattan, San Francisco Bay and Hawaii. ((530) 583-8143)

6 Gaia-Licious Global Gifts Gaia-licious in South Lake Tahoe offers a relaxed and sensual shopping experience. An eclectic selection of candles, jewelry, body lotions and perfumes, clotting, music and books are in this delightful little store. Their clothing runs the gamut from hippy style to chic yoga and they are made for comfort. Gaialicious also offers items for yoga, meditation, Eastern philosophy and study, incense, massage oil and baby gifts. The prices are reasonable and the selection is large. Their book selection is personally selected to encourage a healthy and happy lifestyle. Gaia-licous also has special events during the holidays (like henna and glitter tattoo night!) and offers special costume items for parties, Halloween and Burning Man. ((530) 542-4244)

5 Jai Yen Treasures This unique little shop in Kings Beach on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe sells beautiful items from Thailand and Vietnam. There is also a small tea garden where you can order some tea and relax in the shade of the pine trees with the nearby sound of water. The owner travels to Southeast Asia every year to purchase items that she sells at reasonable prices in this darling, little shop. You can pick up handmade items for the home, clothing, jewelry, hats and scarves, Buddha and Ganesh statues, bamboo handicrafts and handmade paper items. The shop also offers free wi-fi. ((530) 546-7775)

4 Bespoke Owned by a high fashion designer turned mountain girl, Bespoke is a fun and unique shop in historic downtown Truckee that celebrates everything vintage, kitschy and natural. When you first step into the small shop, you will first be drawn to the wall of the flora and fauna of the United States. Each state has a handcrafted print by San Francisco company Dutch Door Press. Other letterpress prints are scattered around the shop along with locally made pottery, clothing, scarves and hats, books, jewelry and unusual magazines. Bespoke also has special events like Ladies Nights, art workshops and classes on making your own print stamps or terrariums. Items in the store are actually very affordable and you will be sure to find the perfect gift while browsing. ((530) 582-5500)

3 Trunk Show This small, but sweet boutique in the Cobblestone Shopping Center in Tahoe City has made a name for itself for selling only handmade items from over 30 different artists in the Reno, Tahoe and Truckee area. The store is full of unique items like statues and vases, Sierra Nevada photography, original paintings, jewelry and clothing, Tahoe inspired lotions, essential oils and candles and the Lovin' Tahoe brand of clothing and bumper stickers. The prices at Trunk Show are affordable. The owner's own brand of jewelry is made of recycled items and a beautiful handmade necklace is around $40. Trunk Show also has a customer appreciation party every first Friday of the month, from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. The store serves cocktails and showcases the new collection of local art. ((530) 584-7554)

2 La Galleria La Galleria in historic downtown Truckee is an exquisite gallery that is dedicated to beautiful works of art from Asia and South America, jewelry and other accessories, statues and fountains and local arts from the Truckee area. They specialize in gifts from around the world and will deliver any purchase to your home address. The store is small and tight, but chock full of beautiful items that are also surprisingly affordable. They sells items like stone Buddha statues, handmade items from local pinecones, silver and gold jewelry, stone and marble fountains, handmade and knitted scarves and hats, paper items and handmade cards, and natural items made from local branches, flowers and tree bark. ((530) 587-5444)

1 Cooking Gallery This independent shop for both amateur and professional cooks is nothing short of a culinary lovers dream come true. The shop is two stories of beautiful cooking equipment, cookbooks, spices, cutlery, pots, pans and anything you can think of for the kitchen and dining room. They also have a load of bakeware and glassware, small appliances like juicers, coffeemakers and food processors. They also sell gourmet coffee and specialty foods. Their selection of candles and cloth napkins is impressive. The place is cramped full of so many items you could spend an hour or two just in the downstairs floor before you realize there's a second floor. The Cooking Gallery is located right in old downtown Truckee. (530-5878303)

June1, 2015

CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE IN RENO TENS OF THOUSANDS of Burning Man finalist Mark Estee who has opened a number revelers come through Reno each year to stock- of restaurants featuring fresh, local ingredients. Outside Reno, the greater Lake Tahoe region up on supplies and take one last shower before heading into the desert for art and experience. offers up every kind of outdoor adventure The Burner culture has bled out into the town you could possibly desire. For deliciously over the years, but Reno is a destination with wild experiences, hit up Tahoe South. From nature to nightlife, the region’s activities are events and adventure to be had year-round. Head to the Best in the West Nugget Rib sure to get your heart racing. Take your inner Cook-off (Sept 2-7) as Victorian Square is wild child out to play where you can ski and transformed into America’s biggest and best water ski in the same day. The South Tahoe free rib festival with music, crafts, and more music scene heats up this summer than 100 tons of ribs served! From October at the open-air Harveys Summer 2-4, you can celebrate all things denim at Concert Series with Kenny Chesney, the Blue Jeans Jam, a weekend-long party in Aerosmith, Brad Paisley, Jackson honor of Reno’s own Jacob Davis, the inventor Browne, and others, all with a of riveted blue jeans. With events, concerts, breathtaking backdrop of the visual displays, and a shopping marketplace, lake and mountains. If relaxing on a beach with your it’s a celebration of the blue jeans we know and love today. Anytime of year, you can stroll the family, making s’mores, and taking Truckee Riverwalk District on a Wine Walk, or a horseback ride sound like an go on a pub crawl featuring local microbrews ideal vacation, North Lake Tahoe like award-winning Brasserie St. James. While is your spot. Stop in at the Tahoe downtown, sample the blooming culinary Art Haus & Cinema for movies and scene led by 2013 James Beard Award semi- live performances, or check out

the famous Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival at Sand Harbor’s outdoor amphitheater for some culture on your trip. If you’re up for high-level excitement, scale the treetop ropes course and aerial adventure park at North Tahoe Adventures, with more than fifty platforms and bridges for kids and adults of all ages. When you’re all tuckered out, hit some of the best food and drink spots around. From Sushi to Italian to an awardwinning steak house, the dining options in this small mountain town are endless. Let loose in Reno, explore cultural hotspots, and take in outdoor concerts—wherever you go, enjoy the endless Nevada sunsets and gorgeous mountain views the region has to offer.

Get your adventure started with new daily nonstop service from JFK to Reno-Tahoe.

jetblue.com

May 27, 2015 You know what's crazy? You can drive I-5 from the northernmost point of Washington down to the southernmost point of California in 21 hours. Which means in less than a day you could get to anywhere on the entire West Coast... except Alaska (WAY TO GO ALASKA). The question, though, is where should you get to? Well, consider these 16 places our answer. We're calling them The West Coast's (except no, not you Alaska, STOP RUINING EVERYTHING) 16 most iconic road trips.

â&#x20AC;Ś

North Lake Tahoe Distance from LA: 500 miles; 7hrs 30min Distance from PDX: 581 miles; 9hrs 30min Distance from SD: 559 miles; 9hrs 15min Distance from SEA: 752 miles; 12hrs 30min Distance from SF: 199 miles; 3hrs 15min Why it's iconic: Tahoe's like the Stefan's Nightclub of Iconic Roadtrips, 'cause it has it all: ski slopes, boat rentals, camping, fishing, gambling, nightclubs, screaming babies in Mozart wigs, karaoke... Need a guide to the best stuff? We've got you covered. Andcovered some more. And, if you're cheap, even more than that. â&#x20AC;Ś

The 10 Best Restaurants in Beautiful Lake Tahoe: Dining in Nevada May 27, 2015 A beautiful lake surrounded by breathtaking scenery, Lake Tahoe is a year-round tourist destination located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of Nevada and California. A popular area, the towns lining the lake feature some amazing eateries from fine-dining establishments to budget-friendly options the entire family will enjoy. Here we take a look at some of the tasty culinary gems found on the Nevada side of the Lake Tahoe area.

Austin's Found in North Lake Tahoe in Incline Village, Austin's has been inviting locals and tourists alike to its warm and inviting eatery for over 20 years. Open daily for lunch and dinner, Austin's menu will satisfy a wide range of tastes from meat and seafood lovers to vegetarians. Specializing in home-

style American cuisine, the eatery's culinary team seeks out the freshest, seasonal ingredients available from local sources when possible ensuring flavorful dishes. From starters to burgers to entrées and more, the varied offerings include highlights such as the classic meatloaf, the white bean and kale bake with a creamy garlic sauce, parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs and the breaded and pan-fried mountain rainbow trout. They also have a full bar on-site. Austin's, 120 Country Club Dr. #24, Incline Village, NV, +1 775 832 7778 Ciera Ciera — the only Four Diamond restaurant in the Tahoe area — is a fine-dining establishment featuring succulent steaks and chops and mouthwatering seafood. Tucked inside the Montbleu Resort Casino and Spa on the south side of the lake in Stateline, the modern, elegant restaurant, complete with private booths, serves dinner Wednesday though Sunday. Discerning diners can savor the gorgonzola and pine nut-crusted sea bass with lump crabmeat, grilled spinach, lavender cream and a basil infusion and the Rocky Mountain elk chop served with a sweet bing cherry glaze. Side dishes are plentiful and the wine list is extensive, with approximately 300 varieties from around the world. Ciera (Montbleu Resort), 55 Highway 50, Stateline, NV, +1 775 588 3515 Bite Founded in 2007, Bite is a lovely establishment serving tapas with an American twist. Open for dinner Monday through Saturday, this Incline Village gem of an eatery is a perfect spot to gather with friends while savoring delectable, sharable eats and great drinks, including beer, wine and hand-crafted cocktails. The 'evening star' cocktail with Tito's vodka, pear purée, rosemary-black pepper simple syrup, fresh lemon and soda water is one great choice. Small plates to try include the deviled eggs with crispy prosciutto; the BLT sliders with bacon, Maine lobster and roasted tomato; and the Moroccan spiced lamb meatballs served with warm pita and mint chimichurri. Vegetarian options are also available, as are sweet treats. Bite, 907 Tahoe Blvd., Incline Village, NV, +1 775 831 1000

CBC Steak & Lobster House A fine-dining eatery on Lake Tahoe's north shore in Crystal Bay, CBC Steak and Lobster House is a charming venue tucked inside the Crystal Bay Casino. A beautiful, grand atmosphere that evokes Old World charm waits for guests who visit for a wonderful classic tableside preparation dining experience. Specializing in steaks and seafood, the culinary team is also more than happy to prepare vegetarian and vegan dishes for those who seek them. Delectable highlights include the Caesar salad for two, either traditional or grilled and prepared tableside; the New Orleans barbecued lobster, which finds a Maine lobster tail poached in a Cajun cream sauce; and the all-natural Durham Ranch filet mignon. Many side dishes, sauces and tantalizing desserts along with an extensive wine list are also offered. CBC Steak & Lobster House (Crystal Bay Casino), 14 State Highway 28, Crystal Bay, NV, +1 775 833 6333 Edgewood Restaurant Part of Edgewood Tahoe, a popular golf course, dining, and special events destination located along the shores of Lake Tahoe in Stateline, the eponymous Edgewood Restaurant will delight guests with its delicious cuisine and stunning environment. A beautiful venue, complete with vaulted ceilings and large windows providing panoramic views of the gorgeous lake and mountains, the restaurant is a great choice for dinner with offerings that will suit a variety of tastes. Highlights include the roasted vegetable entrĂŠe with cauliflower, quinoa, dates, asparagus, smoked potato aioli and carrot coulis and the rack of

spring lamb with pinot noir jus, horseradish-garlic mashed potatoes and mint pesto. To complement the meal, a great wine list is available. Edgewood Restaurant (Edgewood Tahoe), 100 Lake Parkway, Stateline, NV, +1 775 558 2787 Le Bistro A charming eatery found in Incline Village, Le Bistro specializes in contemporary French cuisine. Serving dinner Tuesday through Saturday, the bistro features a casual yet elegant atmosphere making it a wonderful spot to celebrate any occasion. The culinary team, headed by French Chef Jean-Pierre Doignon, procures the best ingredients, which often include organics, for the delectable cuisine. With Ă la carte and prix-fixe menus, the dishes available are varied and may include the tomato and onion tartlet with fresh thyme and tomato coulis, homemade duck confit with black beluga lentils and caramelized onions or even ratatouille lasagna. Reservations are recommended on the weekends. Le Bistro, 120 Country Club Dr. #29, Incline Village, NV, +1 775 831 0800 Lucky Beaver Bar & Burger A 24-hour venue located in Stateline, Lucky Beaver Bar and Burger is a lively bar and grill providing a fun atmosphere in which to relax with friends and enjoy mouthwatering burgers and other deliciousness. The menu is large, with something for everyone; however, it is geared toward meat lovers and thus packed with steaks, hotdogs, sandwiches and the signature item: burgers. A combination of Black Angus choice, upper choice and prime cuts, the meats are chopped creating a flavorful burger, with highlights being the Black Jack with blackened seasoning, blue jack cheese, grilled onion, lettuce, tomato, pickle chips, mayo and mustard and the Gambler, topped with applewood-smoked bacon, beer-battered onion rings, BBQ sauce and cheddar. All burgers are served with a choice of fresh cut fries or tater tots. Lucky Beaver Bar & Burger, 31 U.S. 50 #104, Stateline, NV, +1 775 580 7770

Mirabelle Another delicious fine-dining eatery in Stateline, Mirabelle delights diners again and again with its French-inspired delicacies and gracious hospitality. Open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday with lunch being offered in the near future — be sure to check their website for updates — the menu is small but packed full of wonderful flavors that will appeal to many tastes. Sourcing the freshest, local and seasonal ingredients available, the culinary team creates enticing options such as the vegetable pavé, which includes potato 'pasta' with roasted yellow and red peppers, summer beans, plus lemon thymeinfused vegetable broth and the seared crispy skin duck breast served with lentil ragout and a savory cherry sauce. Outstanding desserts are also available, including the grilled fresh peach and praline ice cream with bourbon caramel. Mirabelle, 290 Kingsbury Grade, Stateline, NV, +1 775 586 1007 Mountain High Sandwich Co. Found in Incline Village, Mountain High Sandwich Co. is a gourmet deli focusing on healthy cuisine. Using all-natural ingredients with an emphasis on local, seasonal and organic products, this eatery provides a comfortable and friendly atmosphere in which to sample a host of great eats from breakfast items to sandwiches and more. Open seven days a week from 8 AM to 5 PM, the menu has something for everyone with tasty options being the vegan breakfast burrito with potatoes, sautéed peppers, onions

and mushrooms along with lentils, vegan cheddar, vegan sausage and salsa and the house-smoked BBQ tri-tip sandwich with smoked BBQ sauce and coleslaw on a telera roll. Mountain High Sandwich Co., 120 Country Club Dr. #28, Incline Village, NV, +1 775 298 2636 T's Mesquite Rotisserie T's Mesquite Rotisserie is a family-owned operation in Incline Village. A popular, fast-casual eatery, the cafĂŠ's menu is sure to whet the appetite of many diners from meat eaters to vegetarians. Specializing in rotisserie meats, including soy lime chicken, Yucatan-style chicken and beef tri-tip, T's also serves burritos, tacos, sandwiches, quesadillas, tostadas and various side dishes, including house-made salsa, marinated cucumber salad and potato salad. Must-try options include the Yucatan-style chicken, which is marinated in a citrus-pineapple juice and rubbed with achiote chile paste, and the burrito stuffed with tri-tip, cheese, black beans, rice and sour cream. T's does not accept cards, so be sure to have cash in hand. T's Mesquite Rotisserie, 901 Tahoe Blvd. #3, Incline Village, NV, +1 775 831 2832

The ultimate guide to summer concerts in Northern California May 27, 2015

Find your summer music bliss with our list of major Northern California festivals and tours. BottleRock Napa Valley, Napa Expo Center (May 29-31) Imagine Dragons, No Doubt, Robert Plant, the Avett Brothers, Foster the People, Passion Pit, Snoop Dogg, Cage the Elephant, Gipsy Kings, Young the Giant, Capital Cities, Awolnation, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Public Enemy, ZZ Ward, Brett Dennen, others. www.bottlerocknapavalley.com Healdsburg Jazz Festival, Healdsburg (May 29-June 7) Eddie Palmieri, Pablo Ziegler, Luciana Souza with Romero Lubambo, Trio da Paz, Kenny Barron, Wayne Wallace, Batachรก, Ritmos Unidos, the Cookers, the Benny Green Trio, others. www.healdsburgjazzfestival.org Yerba Buena Gardens Festival, Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco

André Thierry (May 30), Ka-Hon (June 12), Dafnis Prieto Sextet (June 13), San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band (July 4), Elephantine and Bells Atlas (July 25), the San Francisco Mime Troupe (Aug. 2), Lavay Smith & Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers (August 15), others. www.ybgfestival.org Live at Lagunitas, Petaluma Trampled by Turtles (June 1), Hanni El Khatib (June 9), James McMurtry (June 15), Delta Spirit (June 16), Shovels & Rope (July 6), Jessica Hernandez and the Deltas (July 7), Pokey LaFarge (July 21), Charles Bradley (Aug. 25), others.www.lagunitas.com Shoreline Amphitheatre, Mountain View Live 105 BFD with Modest Mouse (June 6), Nickelback (June 24), Lady Antebellum (June 26), San Francisco Symphony (July 4), Steely Dan and Elvis Costello (July 11), Van Halen (July 16), Ice-T (July 19), 5 Seconds of Summer (July 22), Phish (July 24), Incubus and Deftones (Aug. 26), Ariana Grande (Sep. 8), others. www.livenation.com Thunder Valley Resort, Lincoln (Placer County) Peter Frampton and Cheap Trick (June 6), Brian Regan (June 26), Willie Nelson with Alison Krauss (July 17), Alice in Chains (July 25), Huey Lewis (July 31), Boyz II Men and Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds (Aug. 22), others.www.thundervalleyresort.com Huichica Music Festival, Gundlach Bundschu Winery, Sonoma (June 12-13) Allah-Las, Atlas Sound, Amen Dunes, McCombs Skiffle Players, Jessica Pratt, Shannon and the Clams, Sonny & the Sunsets, Gap Dream, the Fresh and Onlys, the Tyde, Mariee Sioux, Kacey Johansing, others. www.huichicamusicfestival.com SAP Center, San Jose June Boom with Pitbull and Meghan Trainor (June 12), Mana (June 14), Super Freestyle Explosion (June 26), Kevin Hart (July 16), Rush (July 23), Shania Twain (Aug. 17), others. www.sapcenteratsanjose.com Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz

Eddie Money (June 19), Edgar Winter Band (June 26), the Sun Kings (July 3) Macy Gray (July 10), Berlin (July 17), Soul Asylum (July 24), Wang Chung (July 31), Y&T (Aug. 7), Everclear (Aug. 14), Blue Oyster Cult (Aug. 21), Smash Mouth (Aug. 28). www.beachboardwalk.com Grand Sierra Resort, Reno Creedence Clearwater Revisited (June 19), Billy Idol (Aug. 7), Diana Krall (Aug. 15), others. www.grandsierraresort.com Sierra Nevada World Music Festival, Mendocino County Fairgrounds, Boonville (June 19-21) Jimmy Cliff, Thievery Corporation, Steel Pulse, Luciano, Third World, Max Romeo, Common Kings, Ken Boothe, Yellowman, Big Youth, Melbourne Ska Orchestra, others. www.snwmf.com Hickey Fest, the Peghouse, Leggett (June 19-21) Assateague, Bells Atlas, The Blank Tapes, Cool Ghouls, Dead Meadow, The Donkeys, Electric Magpie, Extra Classic, Everyone is Dirty, Fpod Bpod, Jolie Holland, Kacey Johansing, Lost Luvs, Luke Sweeney, Mild High Club, Pearl Charles, Sugar Candy Mountain, the Range of Light Wilderness, this Frontier Needs Heroes, Trans Van Santos, Two Sheds, Vetiver, White Manna, Young Nudist, others. www.hickeyfest.wordpress.com Stanford Jazz Festival, Palo Alto Eliane Elias (June 20), John Scofield/John Medeski Duo (June 21), Regina Carter Quartet (June 27), Akira Tana (July 10), Tommy Igoe Groove Conspiracy (July 11), Pete Escovedo (July 18), Keb' Mo' (July 19), Anat Cohen Quartet (July 26), John Santos (Aug. 1), Charles Lloyd (Aug. 8), others. www.stanfordjazz.org San Francisco Free Folk Festival, Cyprian's Center, San Francisco (June 20) Lineup to be announced. www.sffolkfest.org Cache Creek, Brooks (Yolo County) Beach Boys (June 20), Keb Mo (July 18), Adam Carolla (July 25), others. www.cachecreek.com Mountain Winery, Saratoga

Willie Nelson and Alison Krauss (June 22), the Roots (June 28), Boz Scaggs (July 7), Jake Shimabukuro (July 12), Harry Connick Jr. (July 14-15), Blondie and Melissa Etheridge (July 24), Boston (July 30), Spandau Ballet (July 31), Huey Lewis and the News (Aug. 6), Diana Krall (Aug. 19), others. www.mountainwinery.com Stern Grove Festival, San Francisco The Doobie Brothers (June 14), Pacific Mambo Orchestra with Sheila E. (June 21), Randy Newman (June 28), San Francisco Symphony (July 5), Amy Hanaialiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;i and the Stern Grove Festival Orchestra (July 12), Tune-Yards (July 19), San Francisco Ballet (July 26), Mary Chapin Carpenter (Aug. 2), Morris Day and the Time (Aug. 9), Talib Kweli (Aug. 16), others.www.sterngrove.org Jazz on the Plazz, Los Gatos Town Plaza Halie Loren (June 25), Ramsey Lewis (July 23), Snarky Puppy (Aug. 6), others. www.jazzontheplazz.com Kate Wolf Music Festival, Black Oak Ranch, Laytonville (June 25-28) Smokey Robinson, Angelique Kidjo, Steve Earle and the Dukes, Judy Collins, Iron and Wine, Lukas Nelson and the Promise of the Real, Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks, Maria Muldaur, Charlie Musselwhite, Holly Near, others.www.katewolfmusicfestival.com Greek Theatre at UC Berkeley Ed Sheeran (June 26), Death Cab For Cutie (July 11), Willie Nelson and Alison Krauss (July 23), Culture Club (July 25), Jackson Browne (Aug. 15), Atmosphere (Aug. 22), Daryl Hall and John Oates (Aug. 29), others. www.apeconcerts.com Deathstock, Camp Outback, Guerneville (June 27-28) Tomorrows Tulips, Sarah Beth Nelson, the Mantles, Danny James, Tiaras, Dissolve, Teenage Chain, Breather, Blood Sister, Emotional, Air Surgeon, Smiles, the Strangeland, Fred Thomas, Healing Potpourri, Cole Lode, Part/Human, others.www.longlivedeathrecords.com Leviâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Stadium, Santa Clara

Grateful Dead (June 27-28), One Direction (July 11), Taylor Swift (Aug. 14-15), Luke Bryan (Aug. 29). www.levisstadium.com Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Stateline, Nev. Lake Tahoe Reggae Festival (June 27), Fishbone (July 3), Del McCoury, Jerry Douglas and David Grisman (July 11), others.www.hardrockcasinolaketahoe.com High Sierra Music Festival, Quincy (July 2-5) The String Cheese Incident, Umphrey’s McGee, the John Butler Trio, the Word, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Galactic, Lake Street Dive, others. www.highsierramusic.com Harvey’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, NV Steven Tyler (July 3), Jackson Browne (Aug. 7), Elton John (Aug. 8), others. www.caesars.com/harveystahoe Robert Mondavi Winery, Napa Valley The Wallflowers (July 4), Phllip Phillips (July 11), Lyle Lovett and His Large Band (July 18), Melissa Etheridge (July 25), Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue (Aug. 1). www.robertmondaviwinery.com Burger Boogaloo, Mosswood Park, Oakland (July 4-5) John Waters, the Mummies, Gories, King Khan & BBQ, the Black Lips, Shannon & the Clams, the Pandoras, Midnite Snaxxx, others. www.burgerboogaloo.com Fillmore Jazz Festival, San Francisco (July 4-5) Lineup to be announced. www.fillmorejazzfestival.com Concord Pavilion, Concord The Smashing Pumpkins and Marilyn Manson (July 7), Van Halen (July 9), Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire (July 15), Sublime with Rome and Rebelution (July 15), 5 Seconds of Summer (July 21), Fall Out Boy and Wiz Khalifa (Aug. 4), Idina Menzel (Aug. 7), Nicki Minaj (Aug. 14), Slipknot (Aug. 26), others. www.livenation.com

Phono Del Sol, Potrero del Sol Park, San Francisco (July 11) Tanlines, King Tuff, Generationals, Verite, Sonny & the Sunsets, Marriages, the Tropics, Everyone is Dirty, Tiaras, Scary Little Friends, others. www.phonodelsol.com Mendocino Music Festival, Mendocino Festival Orchestra with Livia Sohn (July 11), De Temps Antan (July 12), Vishten (July 12), Calder Quartet (July 13), California Honeydrops (July 13), Cantus (July 15), Ching-Yun Hu (July 16), Tierney Sutton (July 16), Blame Salley (July 19), Clarice Assad Trio (July 24), others. www.mendocinomusic.org Wente Vineyards, Livermore Third Eye Blind and Dashboard Confessional (July 15), Lyle Lovett and His Large Band (July 21), Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo (July 28), Sheryl Crow (Aug. 3), Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers (Aug. 19), Peter Frampton and Cheap Trick (Aug. 25), Colbie Caillat and Christina Perri (Aug. 26), Smokey Robinson (Sep. 3). www.wentevineyards.com California Worldfest, Fairgrounds, Grass Valley (July 16-19) King Sunny Ade and His African Beats, Lucinda Williams Band, Beats Antique, Richard Thompson, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Emisunshine, Dengue Fever, Sean Hayes, Mariee Sioux, Kacey Johansing, others. www.worldfest.net Wanderlust, Squaw Valley, North Lake Tahoe (July 16-19) MC Yogi, Michael Franti, Thievery Corporation, Rob Garza, Trevor Exter, Swells, Trevor Hall, Buster Blue, Wild Child, DJ Seriousblack, others. www.wanderlust.com Napa Valley Festival Del Sole, Napa Deborah Voigt (July 17), RNO (July 21), Dmitri Hvorostovsky with the RNO (July 22), Herb Alpert and Lani Hall (July 23), Midori and Hvorostovsky with the RNO (July 26), others. www.festivaldelsole.org SFJazz Summer Sessions, SFJazz Center, San Francisco Kim Nalley (July 17), Paula West (July 18), Natalia Lafourcade (July 23), Tania Libertad (July 25), Orkestra Rumpilezz (Aug. 7), Jorge Drexler (Aug. 8), Bassekou Kouyate (Aug. 13), Los Van Van (Aug. 14), Tinariwen

(Aug. 15), Buddy Guy (Aug. 15), Jake Shimabukuro (Aug. 16), Antonio Sanchez (Aug. 22), others. www.sfjazz.org Northern Nights, Cook’s Valley Campground, Humboldt (July 17-19) Gold Panda, Rufus Du Sol, Goldfish, Slow Magic, Autograf, Goldlink, Lane 8, G Jones, Monophonics, Gallant, Rachel Torro, CRNKN, Basecamp, Luck & Lana, Dubbel Dutch, Awesome Tapes From Africa, DJ Dials, the Starship Connection, others.www.northernnights.org Outside Lands, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco (Aug. 7-9) Elton John, Mumford & Sons, the Black Keys, Sam Smith, Kendrick Lamar, Wilco, D’Angelo and the Vanguard, Tame Impala, Axwell & Ingrosso, St. Vincent, Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals, Hot Chip, Billy Idol, Chet Faker, First Aid Kit, Milky Chance, George Ezra, Lake Street Dive, James Bay, Toro Y Moi, the Drums, Fantastic Negrito, Sky Ferreira, others.www.sfoutsidelands.com

The ultimate guide to summer concerts in Northern California May 27, 2015

Mountain High With more music, theater, festivals and art than ever, Tahoe is no longer just a place to ski. May 27, 2015 YOU’LL MOUNTAIN-BIKE THE Flume Trail, hike to the highest peaks and dine at your favorite eateries, but how about exploring beyond the run-of-the-mill this summer? Discover the arts in Tahoe and see that a culture fix is possible in this Sierra hamlet.

Music The diversity of high-caliber music on the North Shore and in Truckee alone is staggering. There is something for every taste plus free outdoor concerts nearly every day.

Tahoe City Tahoe City is the place to be on Sunday afternoons. Hear funk, pop, rock and more during the 12-week music series. Bring beach chairs, blankets and a picnic or support the beer, wine, ice cream, sushi, barbecue and salad vendors during Concerts at Commons Beach. Children love the playground. June 21– September 6,concertsatcommonsbeach.com.

Daily Dose On Tuesdays kick back for Bluesdays in the Village at Squaw Valley (June 23–September 8, squawalpine.com); on Wednesdays head to the Truckee Regional Park, where children boogie in front of local and regional bands (tdrpd.com); and on Friday evenings enjoy Music on the Beach in Kings Beach (June 19– August 7,northtahoebusiness.org).

South Shore If you’re on the South Shore, hear Brad Paisely (June 11), Aerosmith (July 3), Elton John (August 8), Sammy Hagar (September 5), Dave Matthews Band (September 9) and others at the Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena,caesars.com/harveys-tahoe/shows.

Get Classical While bluegrass, blues, country and rock are profuse in the area, classical music enthusiasts will not be disappointed. The Orchestra and Community Choral Artists of the Tahoe Area present Baroque Summer Solstice Serenade, a weekly series featuring the music of Vivaldi, Mozart, Fasch, Telemann and Haydn (June and July,toccatatahoe.com). Summer Fest in Incline Village showcases pianist Joseph Kalichstein, Emerson Quartet cellist Paul Watkins and acclaimed classical guitarist Ana Vidovic (July 31–August 16, tahoesummerfest.org). Theater From established venues to new hot spots, there is no shortage of breathtaking performances in equally stunning settings. Secure tickets in advance and be wowed by the onstage performances.

Tahoe Art Haus and Cinema The renovated movie theater has become a hub of activity since operating under new ownership. With beers on tap, an inviting popcorn spice bar, baked goods and lattes and cappuccinos, everyone will find a delectable snack. In addition to live shows, independent films and popular movies, Tahoe Art Haus shows memorable shorts and documentaries during the Reno Tahoe International Film Festival (June 5– 7). tahoearthauscinema.com, rtiff.org

The Bard For a spectacular show against a stunning backdrop, see Romeo and Juliet at Sand Harbor. Bring a picnic or choose among gourmet salads, tacos, sandwiches and burgers. Insider’s tip: avoid lines by opting for premium seats (with table service) or preorder dinner online. July 10–August 23, laketahoeshakespeare.com

Dance Festival The Lake Tahoe Dance Festival, a mix of classical, modern and contemporary, includes performers from prestigious companies like Erick Hawkins Dance, Cross Connection Ballet and Aspen Santa Fe Ballet. Expect exceptional choreography, site-specific installations and opportunities to meet the artists. “Being able to bring world-class performers here while exposing visitors to yet another element of Lake Tahoe really just seemed natural,” says festival producer Christin Hanna. July 22–24, laketahoedancefestival.org

Art With festivals, art months, walks and even a new museum exhibit, Tahoe has much to offer visitors seeking a little culture.

Festival of the Arts The 34th annual Valhalla Arts, Theatre and Music Festival, a summer-long celebration of the arts, is held at the Tallac Historic Site and features performances of On Golden Pond, comedy shows by the Tahoe Improv Players, traditional and contemporary Mexican dance, even a Great Gatsby Murder Mystery Dinner. All productions take place in the Boathouse Theatre, originally built in the 1800s. June 17– August 26, valhallatahoe.com

Reno in July Take the scenic drive over the Mount Rose Highway for Artown, which includes more than 500 events, 60 percent of which are free. The festival includes concerts, workshops, multicultural celebrations,

fashion shows, visual and performing arts and tours. July 1– August 1, renoisartown.com, visitrenotahoe.com

North Tahoe in September September is North Lake Tahoe’s official art month. Be sure to check out ARTour, a self-guided excursion to dozens of studios that connects art aficionados with professional artists. See the creative process in action as you visit glassblowers, painters, sculptors, wood carvers and other artisans. September 4–6, 11–13, northtahoearts.com

Walk With Art There is nothing like the annual Trails and Vistas Art Hike. The guided walk among the Aspens at Spooner Lake features acclaimed dancers, musicians, poets and storytellers. Pacific Mambo Orchestra, the Grammy winning band known for modern twists on salsa, mambo and Latin jazz, is one of the highlights during this summer’s hike.September 12, trailsandvistas.org

Museum Takeover The new Tahoe exhibit opening at the Nevada Museum of Art takes over the 60,000-square foot museum with more than 200 works including the largest collection of Washoe baskets ever shown, striking photography, architecture and contemporary art. “In short, it will be the most comprehensive art exhibition on Tahoe any organization, anywhere, has ever done,” says Amanda Horn, the museum’s director of communications. August 22–January 10, 2016, nevadaart.org

Five Memorial Day Weekend Road Trips With summer’s unofficial kickoff just around the corner, it’s time to hit the open road and discover all that NorCal has to offer. Read on for five awesome trips… May 26, 2015 Summer gets its unofficial kickoff this weekend, which means it’s high time for you to hit the open road. And what better way to start your summer of adventure than by exploring the beauty of Northern California in a brand new 2015 Toyota Prius? With an estimated 51 miles to the gallon, a windcheating aerodynamic design and loaded with next level technology (from remote air conditioning to a Hybrid System Indicator that assesses your driving efficiency in real-time), this year’s Prius is as fuelefficient as it is stylish. Not to mention affordable. Thanks to the ToyotaTime Memorial Day sales event, you can get behind the wheel of a 2015 Prius Liftback, Prius c, or Prius v at super low prices with great financing options. Hurry, their special Memorial Day offers on Prius end May 26th. Purchasing a 2015 Prius will leave more money in your wallet and more fuel in your tank, making a Memorial Day road trip a must. Luckily, Northern California offers some of the most scenic getaways. We suggest starting with these five. Pebble Beach/Mt. Carmel It’s no secret that Pebble Beach is home to some of the world’s best and most scenic golf courses. But there’s much more than just the golf links to this beautiful community located only two hours south of San Francisco by car. After playing 18,head down to Carmel-By-The-Sea for lunch at Anton & Michael (order the Lobster Spring Rolls), then stroll around its charming downtown, which is dotted with art galleries, boutiques and unique architecture. Feel like staying in your Prius? Then stick to these scenic drives along the Monterey coast — just be sure to stop for a dip at Stillwater Cove or Spanish Bay.

Tahoe Just because ski season is over doesn’t mean Lake Tahoe should slip off your radar. In fact, there’s probably more to do in this outdoor lover’s paradise after the snow has melted. Take the sub four hour drive to the Sierra, then get ready for the adventure. From hikes along the Pacific Crest Trail to shopping in funky Truckeeto Parasailing over the North Shore, there’s never a shortage of fun to be had. Keep the green spirit alive by turning in at Basecamp Hotel, an environmentally-friendly boutique property with stylish and cozy rooms in South Lake Tahoe. Napa Wine Country Napa is a no-brainer for wine and food lovers. Located less than two hours outside San Francisco, the rolling hills and lavender scented fields feel more like Tuscany than California. Take in all the bucolic bliss with a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon in hand at the family-owned Buehler Vineyards, then hit bustling downtown St. Helena for dinner at Auberge du Soleil, the birthplace of French-California cuisine. Muir Beach More in the mood for a day trip? Only 16 miles northwest of San Francisco, Marin’s Muir Beach is the ideal beach getaway for people pressed for time. Hike the surrounding trails, hit the pristine cove and waters, and take in wildlife from Monarch Butterflies to Whales just offshore. After a day at the beach, grab a late lunch of pub grub at the Pelican Inn. San Francisco Pro tip: The best time to explore San Francisco is when the city clears out over a holiday weekend and no one will judge you for acting like a tourist. Hit the empty streets in your Prius and check things off your must-see list, then take advantage of the open tables at one of the best restaurants in town — we recommendCommonwealth, where $10 of each tasting menu is donated to a local charity. To get make your Memorial Day Weekend a memorable one and to get a great deal on your 2015 Toyota Prius, click here.

22 May 2015 Australian Financial Review, Australia Section: Life and Leisure • Article type : News Item • Audience : 57,451 • Page: 1 Printed Size: 4260.00cm² • Market: National • Country: Australia • ASR: AUD 74,487 Words: 772 • Item ID: 410838748

Seat 1A: Tommy Hilfiger

I Hotels California

Page 1 of 5

Billionaire mountain

I Ranch life

Business Traveller

Life & Leisure THE SOPHISTICATED TRAVELLER USA

ISSUE 45 1 WINTER 2015

AMERICAN BEAUTY

RETURN OF A FOREIGN CORRESPONDENT

VAIL PUTS ALTITUDE IN APRES SKI

AL HIGH

CULTURE OUTRIDES COWBOYS

MY BEAUTIFUL BALLUON WHEN SOPHISTICATED TRAVELLER WAS INVITED TO ONE OF THE WORLD'S LARGEST HOT-AIR BALLOON RACES, WE DISPATCHED CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER LOUIE DOUVIS, WHO VENTURED OUT OF RENO AND INTO THE WILD WEST.

Page 2 of 5

Page 3 of 5

*.' 4

T*MJEJiFttjB&l -

RENO I arrive in Reno on a warm, autumn afternoon. The landscape is dry and arid; the city eerily sleepy. As it's a gaming town, I imagine the action starts after dark, when the illuminated casino houses will light up the night streets. It's my first time in Reno and I want to get out on the streets with my camera. The colour and scenes fascinate me, but I need to pace myself. You see, the Great Reno Balloon Race starts at dawn. I set the alarm for 4am. "How an earth did I get myself into this?" I ponder, pulling on jeans and jacket in the wee hours. The need to photograph the race from the air gets me out the door. Reno's is one of the biggest hot-air balloon races in the world, I tell myself- of course it's worth going up.

y *

The first of the scheduled events is the Glow Show, where balloons are lit up with a short burst of flame to the strains of Duelling Banjos. I wolf down a burrito and coffee (yes, filter but at least it's caffeine). In the darkness I hear someone yell out, "America". They really know how to put on a show, don't they? I climb into the basket, nursing my camera. My heart is pounding. But as the ropes are released and we drift above everyone's heads, I'm overcome by a sense of calm. If this is a bird's-eye view, how I envy them. Caught in a cloud of about 90 brightly coloured balloons, we float high above the ground, now blanketed by more than 100,000 spectators. It's so beautiful, I have to remind myself to click the shutter.

Page 4 of 5

VIRGINIA CITY Next stop is Virginia City, to the south-east, for the International Camel and Ostrich Races. This is one event I won't participate in: luckily, I'm just here to take the photos. Virginia City sprang up overnight after the discovery of a major silver deposit there (Comstock Lode) in 1859. Today, the small town looks much as it did at the turn of the 20th century. Wooden boardwalks line the main streets and Victorian-era buildings dot the mountainside. It's the Wild West and they wouldn't have it any other way. A short walk from the town, the camel and ostrich races are under way. How did this event come about? The story goes that the local newspaper, The Territorial Enterprise - known for its fanciful articles - published an item in 1959 about a fictitious upcoming camel race and challenged other newspapers to enter. The San Francisco Chronicle mischievously called the Enterprise's bluff and showed up with a team of camels. The following year, a proper race was organised and was won by film director John Huston. He was in the area filming The Misfits, Marilyn Monroe's notorious last film. The Enterprise has another claim to fame: Mark Twain (real name Samuel Clemens) once wrote for it.

Page 5 of 5

LAKE TAHOE Our final stop is Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in North America and the second deepest in the US. It's well known for its ski resorts, summer activities and as a stopover for Canada geese on their annual migration. Not as well known, though, is that Lake Tahoe was the location of one of the fictitious Corleone family's homes in Godfather II. During September, the sun is still hot, however the lake is cold. It's not ideal for a lazy swim but, hey, I'm Australian. The day is overcast and clouds gather ominously as I head towards the crystal-clear lake for a kayak. As quickly as they gather, the clouds pass again. The sun warms the day to the perfect temperature for an invigorating swim.

Our morning activities have worked up my appetite and there's no better way to satisfy a raging hunger than at the Autumn Food and Wine Festival "Grand Tasting" at premium ski resort Northstar. Some of the finest regional fare is available at the open-air marketplace. Samplers are asked to vote for their favourite dish, making for an incredibly difficult challenge; one that requires you to taste as many offerings as possible - in the interest of fairness, of course. The photographer travelled as a guest of Tahoe Nevada, travelnevada.com.

The annual Great Reno Balloon Race will

be held from September 11 to 13; renoballoon.com.

To see a

full image gallery, go to Sophisticated Traveller online, afr.com/sophisticated-traveller.

Lake Tahoe Kicks Off Busy Boating Season Early May 22, 2015 Boating season has arrived early in Lake Tahoe as sunny days, warm temperatures and boat ramp openings combine to make perfect conditions for early summer on-the-water recreation. Thousands of boaters flock to Lake Tahoe each summer for wakeboarding and waterskiing, scenic boat rides over crystalline waters, or family outings of swimming and sunbathing. This year, boating has gotten off to an early and busy start as warm weather has prompted many local and visiting boaters to put their boats in the water early. Marina and boat ramp managers expect another long and active boating season. “Boating has been on a steady increase the last three summers,” said Darren Kramer, operations manager for Obexer's Boat Company in Homewood. “This year we opened our boat ramp two weeks early because of the number of boaters wanting to get out on the lake early and enjoy the early summer conditions.” Because of the warm May weather, Obexer's Boat Company is already seeing busy May operations and currently is open seven days a week for boat rentals, boat launching and watersports lessons. • Lake Forest Boat Ramp Renovation The Tahoe City Public Utility District has also expanded and upgraded their Lake Forest Boat Ramp, which is currently open with three expanded boat launching lanes. “Our renovation of the Lake Forest Boat ramp accommodates up to 26-foot boats comfortably at current depths, and the large 15-foot lanes offer plenty of room for easier launching on those busy summer days,” said Bob Bolton, director of parks and recreation for the Tahoe City Public Utility District. At least nine other marinas and boat ramps are open or opening for summer boating, including: • Ski Beach Boat Ramp (Incline Village)

• Obexer's Boat Company (Homewood) • Homewood High and Dry Marina • Cave Rock • Tahoe City Marina • Meeks Bay Marina • North Tahoe Marina • Sierra Boat Company • Sunnyside Marina For a full list of boat and watercraft rental locations, visit: http://www.gotahoenorth.com/summer/outdoors/on-the-water/boat-rentals • Paddleboarding and Kayaking Early summer conditions are also perfect for paddleboarding and kayaking. With lighter powerboat traffic and often glassy lake conditions, kayakers and paddleboarders can explore the shoreline, coves and beaches of Tahoe in relative seclusion. Outside Magazine highlighted the world-class paddleboard conditions on Lake Tahoe by naming the lake one of the top 10 beginner stand-up paddleboard spots in North America. The accessibility of rental locations, the number of beaches and the diversity of paddling locations makes the lake a great place to both learn and perfect stand-up paddleboarding. For a full list of kayak and paddleboarding options at North Tahoe, visit: http://www.gotahoenorth.com/summer/outdoors/on-the-water/stand-up-paddleboarding

Tahoe kicks off boating season early May 22, 2015 NORTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. -- Boating season has arrived early in Tahoe with warm temperatures and boat ramp openings combining to make perfect conditions for early summer onthe-water recreation. Each year, boaters flock to Tahoe for wakeboarding and waterskiing, boat rides and family outings. This year, boating has gotten off to an early start thanks to the weather and Marina managers said they expect another long and active boating season. “Boating has been on a steady increase the last three summers,” said Darren Kramer, operations manager for Obexer’s Boat Company in Homewood. “This year we opened our boat ramp two weeks early because of the number of boaters wanting to get out on the lake early and enjoy the early summer conditions.” Because of the warm May weather, Obexer’s Boat Company is already seeing busy May operations and currently is open seven days a week for boat rentals, boat launching and watersports lessons.

Heading to North Lake Tahoe for Summer Fun? Here are six ways to make it great. May 20, 2015

1. Get the scoop on the Donner Party. Check out the soon-to-open Donner Memorial State Park Visitor Center. This center replaces the charming but outdated Emigrant Trail Museum, which was famous for historic dioramas, and its eye-opening documentary on the Donner Party. The new center will be state of the art and interactive and is built not far from the Donner Party campsites. Opens Saturday, June 6. (530) 582-7892, parks.ca.gov

2. Hit 30 wineries and 20 restaurants at the Tahoe City Wine Walk. Cline Cellars, J Vineyards, and Madrona Vineyards are some of the wines that will be pouring at stations throughout this cute town right on the lake. Saturday, June 20. Tickets are $40 in advance, tahoecitywinewalk.com

3. Try the Truckee Tavern and Grill. This restaurant opened last spring in the former location of the beloved Dragonfly and was an instant hit. Its specialty is wood fired cuisine, locally sourced. Great artisanal cocktails, too. The bar opens at 4 p.m. Weds.-Thurs. (530) 587-3766, truckeetavern.com.

4. Do yoga at Squawâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wanderlust Festival. This fest seems to get more buzz every year, which is no surprise, given that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a four-day celebration of the mindful revolution that has been sweeping the nation. Wanderlust feature speakers, music, shopping, and lots and lots of yoga. The Wanderlust Festival was born at Squaw 10 years ago, and has since expanded to 10 locations around the world. July 16-19. Ticket prices vary, wanderlust.com/festivals/squaw-valley.

5. Book a fancy dinner at the Ritz. The hotel is nestled among the pines at Northstar’s mid mountain, and its restaurant, Manzanita, hosts the most Ritz-worthy dinners in Truckee. The hard part is choosing which ones to go to.

On Friday and Saturday evenings, for $95, you can chat with the chef during six-course Chef’s Tasting Counter. Or, for $125, book one of the select wine pairing dinners—Stag’s Leap is July 2. Sit outside on the terrace for one of the three-course, $65 brew master dinners. On August 13, Truckee’s Fifty Fifty will be on tap. There is also a four-course Spirits Dinner for $85.

For family fun, try the Friday Night Family Cookout, which features your BBQ faves—and giant Jenga, bocce, and corn hole on the lawn. Call for reservations, (530)562-3121, ritzcarlton.com/laketahoe.

6. Hear a symphony at sunset. Mozart, Shubert, and Haydn star at this year’s Lake Tahoe Music Festival. Just bring a picnic, blanket, and wine for these outdoor mountain symphonies. Aug. 18-22. Tickets are $20 for the first four days; Sat. night is $55 and includes dinner and wine. tahoemusic.org.

The ultimate Tahoe summer May 20, 2015

Memorial Day Weekend signals the beginning of summer in Tahoe. Bright sunny days and fresh mountain air beckon all to enjoy all that Tahoe has to offer. Kick off summer with the Tahoe Weeklyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s checklist of must-do summer activities. Tahoe Weekly challenges our readers to complete each of these before the leaves start to turn for fall. Just remember this list barely scratches the surface of summer fun in Tahoe. Share your photos with us at facebook.com/TheTahoeWeekly and @TheTahoeWeekly #tahoesummer. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll share our favorites in a future issue of Tahoe Weekly, and our favorites will be receiving great prizes throughout the summer.

Share photos to win Our favorites will win tickets & other goodies

Post to facebook.com/TheTahoeWeekly or @TheTahoeWeekly Tag #tahoesummer

Get outside Take a hike There are hundreds of trails throughout the Tahoe Basin and Truckee area from Donner Summit to the Carson Range. Local visitors’ centers offer information on hikes, or pick up one of the dozens of hiking books at a local bookstore. Please, wear good shoes, be prepared with food, water, sunscreen and layers (the weather is unpredictable in the Sierra).

California State Parks Go camping There’s something about sitting around a campfire, roasting s’mores and spending hours with friends and family that’s filled with magic. There are scores of area campgrounds (they fill up fast), wilderness camping in some back-country areas or try boat camping at Emerald Bay. Head to the Beach Pack a picnic and grab the family for a day at the beach. From the bustling scene at Kings Beach to a movie under the stars at Commons Beach, a day at the beach is always a good day.

Truckee River Canyon The stretch of Highway 89 between Tahoe City and Truckee has one of the most peaceful and beautiful bike rides in the region. The paved path runs to Olympic Valley, where you can continue on Squaw Valley Road and ride through the valley. Or, you can follow the bike lane to Truckee. Visit the Rocking Stone The legendary rocking stone, one of only 25 known rocking stones in the world, sits above downtown Truckee on Keiser Avenue. Through it no longer rocks (it was cemented in place), the site has great views of downtown and the Truckee River. Head to the river The Truckee River Regional Park is one of the area’s gems. The park offers hiking and biking trails, a skate park, rodeo arena, picnic areas, disc golf and free concerts every Wednesday from June to August. Climb the face Rock climbers love Tahoe. Whether they’re climbing a rock face or heading to a boulder field, opportunities for climbers are everywhere. Sounds fun, but looks too technical to try on your own? Don’t worry. Many local guide services are ready to take you out and show you the ropes. Throw some disc Tahoe is home to several disc golf courses, whether it’s meandering along the river at Truckee River Regional Park or experiencing a high altitude game at Squaw Valley, there’s plenty of opportunity to get out and enjoy the fresh air. Feeling competitive? Join the Sierra Tahoe Series and test your skills at one of several summer tournaments.

Squaw Valley Enjoy a dinner outdoors Enjoy gourmet meals cooked with locally sourced ingredients during one of several Farm to Table events throughout the summer. Check our Events calendar in every issue for details.

Rip the single track Northstar’s Mountain Bike park offers some of the only lift-accessed mountain biking in the area. Riders of all abilities will enjoy the opportunity to explore trails ranging from mellow cross country to adrenaline pumping downhill. First-time mountain biking? The Bike 101 package includes all the gear and instruction needed to get rolling. Enjoy the view Head to Emerald Bay No visit to the area is complete without heading to Emerald Bay. You can drive by and marvel at this wonder from vista points, hike down to the beach or take your boat for a slow drive around the bay. Hike to Eagle Falls This is possibly the most well-known hike in the area. The trailhead is at Emerald Bay off Highway 89 with magnificent falls only a 5-minute walk away. Don’t stop there, however. Make the 1-mile trek to Eagle Lake for a great picnic spot. Everyone knows about this great spot, so visit early in the morning during midweek. Climb Eagle Rock This volcanic plug towers above Lake Tahoe along the West Shore. Park along Highway 89 for a short hike up for panoramic views of the Lake.

Ride the Flume Trail One of the most popular, and well known, mountain bike trails is the Flume Trail. Pick up the trail at Spooner Lake State Park. For a tamer ride, enjoy the trek to Marlette Lake. There’s even a shuttleto get you back to your car.

Take to the sky Soar Truckee offers breathtaking gliders rides over Lake Tahoe and Truckee. They can make the ride mild or wild (hold on to your stomach). On the water

Visit Fannette Island Fannette Island in Emerald Bay is the only island in Lake Tahoe and features the remnants of a stone tea house. Visitors may reach the island by boat or kayak only, and hike to the top (closed until June 15 for nesting birds). Go boating Boating and sailing are among the most popular activities at Lake Tahoe, Donner Lake and Prosser, Stampede and Boca Reservoirs. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have your own, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worry, most marinas offer rentals. (Check conditions before making plans.)

Paddle it Area lakes offer beautiful shoreline scenery you might miss in a speeding boat. So, bring a kayak or standup paddleboard, or rent one, and head out on the lake. Morning is the best time on Lake Tahoe with little wind. Check local rental shops for equipment and a lesson. Get out the toy box Water toys are a great way to enjoy the water. Rent a personal watercraft or enjoy an Aqua Trike (think a bike for the water). Take a boat cruise Boating on the Lake is a summer must, but if you don’t have a boat or any boat skills, don’t worry. There are many wonderful tours offered from wooden boat tours of the East Shore to cruises on the West Shore and Emerald Bay to sailing charters. Fly above the Lake Parasail over Lake Tahoe from one of the many companies around the Lake. Ride the boat out on the Lake, then glide off the back on a parasail. Don’t forget to take a friend, or two, or three. Spend the day at Donner Lake Access the beach next to the Donner Memorial State Park, or launch your boat or kayak and enjoy the day relaxing at one of the 37 public piers around the lake. On the town Shop, shop, shop Shopping can be considered a sport with stores catering to every fancy. Driving along Highway 28 on Lake Tahoe‘s North Shore, keep your eye out for the many shops spread along the communities of the North Shore including Tahoe City, Tahoe Vista, Kings Beach, Crystal Bay and Incline Village.

Roll the dice Tahoe shares its shores with California and Nevada, with lots of gaming options on the Nevada side. Crystal Bay is home to the Tahoe Biltmore, Crystal Bay Casino, Cal Neva and Jim Kelly’s Nugget. In Incline Village, head to the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe. Meander through the Village The Village at Squaw Valley is filled with specialty shops, restaurants and much more. There’s a mini-golf course through the Village, rock climbing wall, bungee trampoline, free movies in the summer, and loads of events and festivals. Stroll through Northstar Shopping, dining, fine art, roller skating, a ropes course and bungee trampoline are among the attractions at the Village at Northstar. Enjoy Star Tours, the Wine Walks and many special events throughout the summer. Dance all night Check out the local hotspots for a night of music. Whether it’s a bluegrass jam at Moe’s Original Bar B Que in Tahoe City or a night of rocking out at Moody’s Bistro Bar & Beats in Truckee, the options are endless. Looking to dance until dawn? The Crystal Bay Casino hosts late night after parties most weekends. Explore the arts Discover local artists North Tahoe Arts Center in Tahoe City is the area’s only public art center featuring rotating exhibits by local artists. Cap off a summer of art during ARTour in September. Truckee artists invite the public into their studios during the inaugural Truckee Open Art Studios tour in July.

Greensky Bluegrass | J. Van Buhler

Enjoy a festival Musicians from around the world converge to perform with Lake Tahoe as their backdrop. From a day of electronic music during BassCamp Festival to string pickin’ tunes of the Lake Tahoe Bluegrass Festival, this summer is the chance to catch your favorite artists. See the dancers The Lake Tahoe Dance Collective hosts the annual Dance Festival bringing some of the world’s most talented dancers to an open-air stage at Tahoe City’s Gatekeeper’s Museum in July. Take in a play Head to Sand Harbor State Park for the annual Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival. Enjoy the sunset over the lake and a picnic dinner while taking in one of the Bard’s tales. Free jams all week Each summer brings the opportunity to enjoy live music almost every night in North Lake Tahoe and Truckee. From soulful blues at Squaw Valley to rocking out on the beach at Kings Beach or Commons Beach, a summer season full of free live music five nights a week brings talented music to the area.

Look for Tahoe Weekly’s Summer Music & Festival Guide in June.

Ditch the car Take the trolley Ditch the car; you’ll never see all of the sights that way. There’s an extensive network of bus and trolley routes that encircle the Lake. Employ pedal power Truckee-Tahoe is bike friendly with miles and miles of paved bike paths on the North and West Shores, and even more bike lanes encircling Lake Tahoe, Truckee, Donner Lake and many other areas. Discover history Visit Historic Downtown Truckee The area surrounding the Truckee Depot is a bustling shopping district with Commercial Row across from the Depot and Brickelltown a few blocks to the west. Historic homes and buildings date back to 1868. Unique shops and superb restaurants are now the main attraction. Pick up a map for a self-guided walking tour at the Depot. Also, enjoy the Truckee Railroad Museum located in a caboose next to the Depot.

Learn the Donner Partyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fate The ill-fated Donner Party suffered through the harsh winter of 1846-47 camped around Donner Lake and Truckee. The Donner Memorial State Park features exhibits and artifacts on the Donner Party at the Emigrant Trail Museum (reopening in June) and the towering Pioneer Monument, built to commemorate those who came to California in the mid-1800s.

Revel in maritime history The Tahoe Maritime Museum in Homewood features an unmatched collection of wooden boats, historic photos and artifacts, interactive exhibits and much more. Explore the 20-mile Museum Donner Summit is rich with historical sites. Visit the Donner Summit Historical Society for a guide to the 20-mile Museum. This driving tour explores Donner Summit via Old Highway 40.

10 Can't-Miss Events This Summer May 19, 2015 Stay everywhere but still this summer. From music festivals in the mountains to family getaways at the beach, Hiltonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 12 brands will be there to help you play as hard as you work this summer. Here are the 10 canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t-miss events of the summer.

10 Best Shopping in Lake Tahoe and Truckee May 13, 2015

Many towns around Lake Tahoe have their distinct shopping districts. On the South Shore, there are gift shops and larger name stores like Patagonia, North Face and Quicksilver. In Truckee on the North Shore, there are dozens of boutiques and art studios that feature handmade items that reflect a mountain style. If you are strolling around old downtown Truckee, head to High Camp Home for rustic but stylish items for the home, the Artisan's Market Place for locally made jewelry, art and sculpture and if you like to cook, you will go crazy at the two-storyCooking Gallery that is chock full of items for the amateur or professional chef. If you head to Tahoe City or South Lake Tahoe, check out the THC-inspired clothing at the Tahoe Hemp Company or pick up a (Heart) Tahoe sticker or some local artwork at the darling Trunk Show.

There are a few small shopping malls around the lake: Boatworks Mall and theCobblestone Center in Tahoe City and The Shops at Heavenly are smaller shopping malls that offer higher end clothing stores, bookstores and speciality food shops. The Cobblestone Center also has one of the best antique stores at the lake, the Alpine Antiquer.

10 The Shops at Heavenly The Shops at Heavenly are located just below the Heavenly ski area in South Lake Tahoe. The village includes an eclectic mix of shops from fashionable lifestyle apparel, accessories and art. The shops include the Pacific Crest art gallery, the Serenity Spa, Tahoe Old Time Photos, Up Shirt Creek, Apricot Lane Boutique, Blue Sky the Great Outdoor Clothing Company, Patagonia@Heavenly, Posh Punkins and Sealed with a Kiss. Sporting goods stores include Powder House Sports and Quiksilver. There are several eateries including the Nestle Toll House Cafe, Cold Stone Creamery, Base Camp Pizza, Wolfgang Puck Express and the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. The Shops at Heavenly also have an 8-screen movie theater showing the latest movies. (775-265-2087)

9 Cooking Gallery This independent shop for both amateur and professional cooks is nothing short of a culinary lovers dream come true. The shop is two stories of beautiful cooking equipment, cookbooks, spices, cutlery, pots, pans and anything you can think of for the kitchen and dining room. They also have a load of bakeware and glassware, small appliances like juicers, coffeemakers and food processors. They also sell gourmet coffee and specialty foods. Their selection of candles and cloth napkins is impressive. The place is cramped full of so many items you could spend an hour or two just in the downstairs floor before you realize there's a second floor. The Cooking Gallery is located right in old downtown Truckee. (530-587-8303)

8 Artisan's Market Place The Artisan's Market Place in Truckee is located in the cute shopping area of Brickeltown and is a unique gallery that represents work by 15 local artists. The items available for purchase include art glass, knitted creations, woodwork, jewelry, beadwork, ceramics paintings and eco-friendly soaps and lotions from High Sierra Botanicals. Artists represented all live in the immediate area and their items are priced reasonably. Special events and sales are held at the Artisan's Market Place during the summer. The Artisan's Market Place is located in the Blue Victorian, 10382 Donner Pass Road, Brickletown, in historic Truckee. Open daily 11 am-6 pm, except Tuesdays. (530-401-8917.)

7 Tahoe Hemp Company The Tahoe Hemp Company is South Lake Tahoe is not your average counter-culture shop. The emphasis of this business is to emphasize the importance of hemp as a sustainable crop and design material. The THC (a play on words, of course) sells ecoconscience and green items such as men's and women's clothing, T-shirts, jackets, hats, bags, purses, wallets, bath and body products, shoes, books, gift items, local

made jewelry and more. The items are of high quality and many of the T-shirts play off the Tahoe/THC theme. The women's jackets and coats are surprisingly soft and stylish. Many of the items are a priced a little high, but the customer service and cool staff make it worth it to spend some time and little of your vacation dollars at this local Tahoe store. ((530) 544-4367)

6 Gaia-Licious Global Gifts Gaia-licious in South Lake Tahoe offers a relaxed and sensual shopping experience. An eclectic selection of candles, jewelry, body lotions and perfumes, clotting, music and books are in this delightful little store. Their clothing runs the gamut from hippy style to chic yoga and they are made for comfort. Gaia-licious also offers items for yoga, meditation, Eastern philosophy and study, incense, massage oil and baby gifts. The prices are reasonable and the selection is large. Their book selection is personally selected to encourage a healthy and happy lifestyle. Gaia-licous also has special events (like henna and glitter tattoo night and tea-tasting night) and offers special costume items for parties, Halloween and Burning Man. ((530) 542-4244)

5 High Camp Home High Camp Home is located in the small town of Truckee, just north of Lake Tahoe. They are one of the leading design firms in the area and their high quality and beautiful furniture is available for purchase at the store in downtown Truckee. They offer furniture for all parts of the house including the bathroom and bedroom as well as accessories, lighting, rugs and items for the garden.They specialize in cabin-style furniture with a rustic look but they also offer stylish and industrial items such as granite topped tables, woolen couches and leather chairs. Their decorative items are really nice as well. High Camp Home brings the outdoors in with hand-crafted wood items, statues of black bears, vases shaped like leaves and birch-turned candlesticks. ((530) 582-6866)

3 Boatworks Mall The Boatworks Mall is an indoor, enclosed mall right on the shore of Lake Tahoe with a wonderful view of the marina. The design is woodsy and typical Tahoe with lots of wood, large beams and an open and airy entryway. Inside is several clothing stores including a contemporary store for women and a resort and outdoor apparel shop, an art gallery, a yoga studio, a jewelry store and a chocolate shop. There is also a hair

salon and a professional makeup salon that specializes in makeup for weddings. At Hemmings & Jarrett, you can find high-quality furniture, home accessories and gifts and at the Tahoe Shoe & Clothing Company you can find top brand names such as Dansko, Crocs, Merrell, Ugg, Clarks, Reef, Privo, Keen and Teva. The wonderful Bookshelf book store carries a complete line of fiction and children's books, with over 20,000 titles. They also specialize in large picture books. (530-583-1488)

2 Jai Yen Treasures This unique little shop in Kings Beach on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe sells beautiful items from Thailand and Vietnam. There is also a small tea garden where you can order some tea and relax in the shade of the pine trees with the nearby sound of water. The owner travels to Southeast Asia every year to purchase items that she sells at reasonable prices in this darling, little shop. You can pick up handmade items for the home, clothing, jewelry, hats and scarves, Buddha and Ganesh statues, bamboo handicrafts and handmade paper items. The shop also offers free wi-fi. ((530) 5467775)

1 Trunk Show This small, but sweet boutique in the Cobblestone Shopping Center in Tahoe City has made a name for itself for selling only handmade items from over 30 different artists in the Reno, Tahoe and Truckee area. The store is full of unique items like statues and vases, Sierra Nevada photography, original paintings, jewelry and clothing, Tahoe inspired lotions, essential oils and candles and the Lovin' Tahoe brand of clothing and bumper stickers. The prices at Trunk Show are affordable. The owner's own brand of jewelry is made of recycled items and a beautiful handmade necklace is around $40. Trunk Show also has a customer appreciation party every first Friday of the month, from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. The store serves cocktails and showcases the new collection of local art. ((530) 584-7554)

10 Best Tapas and Wine Restaurants in Lake Tahoe May 12, 2015

These 10Best tapas restaurants in the Lake Tahoe and Truckee area offer small plates for just a few bucks where you can try several different flavors without filling up. Many of these appetizers or tapas dishes can also be paired with a great, local wine or microbrew. For traditional tapas, visit Bite in North Lake Tahoe where you can also try their made from scratch cocktails. Petra at the Northstar ski resort serves locally raised meat and produce in their small plates was well as local and regional wines. Moody's Bistro in Truckee also serves up local and regional wines and beers with their small plates that include Crab Toasts and Beef Tartare. If you want to stick to the bars, try Uncorked in Squaw Valley or in Tahoe City. This wine tasting bar also offers small cheese and dessert plates to pair with your favorite vintage. Avec Wine Bar in Truckee also offers small plates and even deli items with their wine tastings.

For something a little more American, try the appetizers at Freshies (with a Hawaiian twist) or the appetizers at the Brewery at Lake Tahoe. They offer small pizzas and typical appetizers like chicken wings and fried ravioli.

10 Murphy's Irish Pub and Rockwater Restaurant Yvonne and Keith Simpson (owners and managers) opened Murphy's Irish Pub & Rockwater Restaurant in 1996. Murphy's is the place in Tahoe for delicious food and plentiful drinks with traditional Irish Flair. Murphy's pub has two bars, one inside and one outside on the heated sun deck. Inside, surrounded by antique, authentic Irish memorabilia, you can snuggle up to the fire place, shoot some pool, play darts, fire up the jukebox or (on the right night) dance to live music. There are several well appointed rooms that are perfect for groups, too.What's not to love? Murphy's serves up mounds of comfort food from the homeland. Shepherd's Pie, a delectable mixture of mashed potatoes, gravy, ground meat, peas and carrots, is a menu staple, along with Irish stew, Bangers and Mash, Fish 'n Chips and, of course, Corned Beef and Cabbage. Don't worry if everyone in your party isn't a fan of Irish fare. Murphy's also has a beautiful salad bar, specialty vegetarian dishes, American favourites, pastas and juicy steaks. (5305448004)

9 The Cork & More This small wine and cheese store has a lot of character, plus an excellent deli in the back of the shop.ďż˝Cork has a nice selection of red and white wines at great prices, coffees and teas, specialty foods and gift baskets and specialty cakes in their bakery. The deli serves both cold and hot sandwiches like the Tahoe Dip with roast beef and au jus or the Tuna Melt on sourdough bread. They also have a huge selection of deli salads like Penne Macaroni, Chinese Chicken, Summer Couscous and Asparagus with Pistachio Balsamic Vinaigrette. Cork & More also offers Picnics to Go that are arranged in a basket with table wear and glasses for rent or you can bring your own basket. Choose from the All-American Picnic for $45 for two people or the French-Style and California Picnic for $50 for two people. Each basket includes various sandwiches, patďż˝s and spreads, salami, cheeses, olives, salads and fresh fruit and dessert. ((530) 544-5253)

8 The Brewery With original ales and fresh pub grub, the Brewery at Lake Tahoe is another local favorite. The summer crowds will fill the outdoor tables, but the winter crowds create a cozy atmosphere for your after skiing adventures. Try the Bad Ass Ale and the Bad Ass Pizza. You will look pretty...well...bad ass. Along with its huge pizzas, the Brewery also serves up appetizers like fried zucchini and raviolis, sandwiches and burgers like the hot pastrami on rye and the Portabella Mushroom Burger. They also have salads and a really good French Onion Soup. Their beer selection runs the gamut from Miller and Coors to local microbrews like Sierra Nevada and Deschutes. They also have their own brews including fore-mentioned Bad Ass Ale, the refreshing Alpine Amber Ale and the Summery Washoe Wheat Ale. ((530) 544-2739)

7 Jake's on the Lake Jake's on the Lake serves lunch only on the weekends, but the seafood-focused menu is worth an entire week's wait. Enjoy spectacular views of the marina on Lake Tahoe as you dig into grilled prawns with basil and prosciutto, a shrimp and crab melt with provolone over English muffins, or a buttermilk and panko chicken sandwich. Salads, soups, and several desserts are on hand to round out your meal. A kids' menu ensures that families leave happy. If you're making an afternoon of it, the full bar has its own menu, along with specialty cocktails, wines, and draft and bottled beers. (530-583-0188)

6 Fat Cat Cafe This small cafe in Tahoe City is a mix of everything: sports bar meets lunch place meets gathering area meets live music venue. It is a beautiful, little place with comfy places to sit and plenty of parking. The decor is a mix of dark wood, nice stained glass and local artwork as well as big screen TVs. The friendly, quick staff serves up tasty sandwiches, soups and salads and has a generous happy hour. The Fat Cat Cafe in Tahoe City is a cool and laid back restaurant, bar, artists space and performance area for local and regional bands. Come here during the day for great sandwiches and salads and stay into the night for appetizers, a fun bar and live entertainment. The Fat Cat has special events for the holidays and usually has a band playing on the weekends. Past performances have been by Horsemouth, Drop Theory and the On the Spot Trio. They have open mic night every Tuesday and karaoke every Thursday. Their bar features wine, beers on draught and a full selection of cocktails. ((530) 583-3355)

5 Avec Wine Bar This wine bar is located just outside of the main part of town in the Rock Shopping Center on the way to Lake Tahoe. Avec is more than just a wine bar, it's both a day and evening gathering spot that is unpretentious and fun. Wine by the glass and small plates of rustic food is served all day and into the night. You can also shop in their store which offers a great selection of international and domestic cheeses and wines, house pastries and specialty grocery projects and items for the kitchen or home bar. Avec also offers daily wine pairing specials and monthly wine events, sandwiches, panninis, soups and salads for take-out or for eating in and Avec will also cater your special event. ((530) 582-1903)

4 Moody's Bistro & Bar Moody's has become one of the best places for lunch, dinner and drinks in downtown Truckee. Their menu has been Zagat rated and they also offer a great selection of live music in their classic lounge. They are known for their season, organic and regional dishes and wines. They offer comfort dishes like Crab Toast with Dungeness Crab on sliced Ciabatta, their famous Tomato Soup en Croute (delicious!) and thin crust Neopolitan pizza. Moody's also offers sandwiches, salads and burgers. Their main dishes from the grill and rotisserie include Pan Roasted, Free Range, All Natural Chicken Breast with Purple Potatoes, Wild Arugula and Fava Beans. Moody's also has a great wine list that includes wines from around the world like Caposaldo from Italy, Elyse from Napa Valley, Paul Jaboulet from the Cote du Rhone and Pierre Spar from Alsace. You can also get wines on tap like Caldera from the California Central Coast.

Their beer list is just as extensive with selections from New Belgium, Black Butte and Pyramid. ((530) 587-8688)

3 Uncorked Wine Bar Uncorked Wine Bar at Squaw Valley and Uncorked in Tahoe City features fine wines, cheeses and wine accessories. Join them for wines by the glass, cheese plates, wine tastings, live music, and "Meet the Winemaker" events each weekend. Here you will encounter boutique wines, hard to find labels, and limited case productions from around the world. Uncorked at Squaw is located 'First Street' in The Village at Squaw Valley at the base of the Squaw Valley ski area in North Lake Tahoe. The second location is in Tahoe City at 475 North Lake Blvd., Suite 151 in Tahoe City, CA. (530.581.1106)

2 Petra Wine Bar at Northstar Petra, located at the Northstar ski resort offers Mediterranean influenced dining, shared plates, wine tasting and an extensive selection of wines by the glass. Private wine tastings and pairing events are also available. Petra offers local and regional wines as well as locally raised and farmed produce, dairy and meats. Their menu includes cheese plates that you can mix and match for a low price. These include serra de estrela, sheep milk from Portugal, gouda from Holland and organic triple cream cow milk from Sebastopol, California. Other small plates include charcuterie like duck mousse, wild Alaskan salmon and wild boar, red pepper hummus with marinated feta, spanikopita and sweet plates like baklava and gluten free torte. ((530) 562-0600)

1 Bite Restaurant & Lounge This chic but homey place serves up tapas with an American flair. Their menu consists of items like Tiny Cheesburger Sliders, Grilled Jamaican Jerk Prawns with Jicama Slaw and Lime Creme, Roasted Lamb Chop Bites with "French Toast," Dried Winter Fruit and Mint Maple Pan Sauce and Warm Apple Turnover Bites with Creme Anglaise. The bar serves up over 30 wines from around the world, unusual cocktails and craft beers and they have happy hour specials every day from 5-6 and 10-11 on the weekends. The atmosphere of the restaurant feels more like a larger city rather than a small town on the shores of Lake Tahoe. ((775) 831-5100)

Made in Tahoe Fest: Local 'N Lively Want to soak in what makes the Big Lake so much itself? Head up over Memorial Day Weekend. May 12, 2015

CONNECTION TO PLACE: When we go anywhere outside of our sphere we typically travel with a toothbrush, a small tube of toothpaste, some favorite pajamas, and the desire to make a connection with the place we're landing. Desire to connect is rather hard to pack, so we hold it in our hearts, or our heads, if you prefer, lest "hearts" seem to gooey (it is pretty gooey, and that's okay). But connecting with place isn't just breathing in vistas or admiring the local flora or finding a few historic markers, as lovely and as essential as those things can be. It's finding out about the locals, what they do, what they make, and how they connect to the place they call home all year long. Travel guides often suggest striking up conversations and finding locally owned stores -- two excellent plans -- but a third route, when one chances upon it, is also quite ideal: the local goods festival. Not every town has 'em, but plenty of neato nooks do, places so awesome and chillaxed in their identity that they'd never mind be called "neato" (a compliment). Lake Tahoe absolutely qualifies here, above and beyond and through the roof, and it boasts, no surprise, a sizable multi-day festival devoted to local artisans, local products, local

tunes, and anything that has to do with living lakeside (or in the lake-y area, like in Truckee). Want to stock up on some of your alpine-originating products, from home goods to bath goods to you name it? MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND... is the time to head up, though note the Made in Tahoe Festival lands on Saturday and Sunday only (so plan on doing something else cool on Monday). The Village at Squaw Valley is the place, and vendors will be plentiful. Who'll be there, selling swell stuff and chatting people up? Gypsy Soul Glass, Old Forty Skate Company, Sierra Essentials, Tahoe Naturals, and Tahoe Dog Gear, plus about 70 other artisans and small companies. There shall be live music and food for sale in the area, and there shall be strolling straight into the summer season, Squaw Valley-style. And don't you always think your Tahoe getaway ends too soon? This is a way to have some true Tahoe-ness, created by a resident, back at your own pad, to remind you of vacation good times.

10 Best Attractions and Activities in Lake Tahoe May 11, 2015

Lovers of the outdoors are in luck on both sides of Lake Tahoe. In one day at the lake you can ski, hike, bike or just sit around on the beach. These 10Best attractions at the lake start at the very top with Emerald Bay or the summits of Mount Tallac on the South Shore or from Mount Rose on the North Shore. Other great views of the lake can be seen in the winter with trips to the top of Squaw Valley and theHeavenly Gondola. For some unique views of the lake, take the family to the Taylor Creek Visitor Center for a underwater peak at the spawning salmon that swim out of Tahoe and into Taylor Creek. For an evening view, go to Zephyr Cove and take a trip on the paddleboat, the M.S. Dixie II to Emerald Bay. If you want to get a nice view of another lake, head to Donner Lake near Truckee for some dock swimming or kayaking. Other attractions and activities include kayaking the Tahoe Kayak Trail around the water's edge or heading back up into the hills to hike the Tahoe Rim Trail, which circumnavigates the entire lake and even meets up with the famous Pacific Crest Trail.

10 Sand Harbor Sand Harbor is considered the most beautiful beach in Lake Tahoe. It is located on the Nevada side of the lake in the Lake Tahoe National Park. The beach has a small museum and store, bathrooms, showers, parking, a boat launch, picnic tables and BBQs and plenty of golden sand to put down a blanket and umbrella. Some areas around the beach have rocks that you can jump off of. There is a parking fee at Sand Harbor during the summer and fall months. During the summer season, Sand Harbor has beach lifeguards. The boat launch area of Sand Harbor is located on the North side of the beach and launch fees and boat inspections apply. There is also a bay just for SCUBA divers called Diver's Cove. (775 831 0494)

9 D.L. Bliss State Park D.L. Bliss State Park is located just a few miles past Emerald Bay on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe. It consists of several hundred acres of granite hillside and pine forests and a large and family-friendly campground. The bottom of the park is Lester Beach, one of the prettiest beaches on the Lake. The entrance and parking fee for D.L. Bliss is about $8, but there is plenty of parking for day users as well as campers. The campground has private and semi-private spots, firepits, plenty of tent spots and hot pay showers. From Lester Beach, you can paddle past Rubicon Point towards Emerald Bay as you glide through the the clear blue-green waters. You an also access the beautiful Rubicon Trail that runs about 3 miles along the shoreline to Emerald Bay. Another, shorter hike is the Balancing Rock Hike. The Balancing Rock is the feature attraction of a short, half mile self-guided nature trail in the northwest section of D.L. Bliss State Park. The granite of this large rock began weathering more rapidly at the joint plane, an extensive horizontal crack that is easily seen at its "waist". The overlying rock weighs around 130 tons and is now balanced on the rock below. ((530) 525-7277)

8 Taylor Creek Visitor Center The Taylor Creek Visitor Center is located near Camp Richardson on the south shore of Lake Tahoe. It is free to enter and offers both adult and children an up-close view of the local flora and fauna. The paved trails and bridges throughout the marshlands are stroller friendly and there are both guided and self guided interpretive trails, an underground "aquarium" area where you can see an actual part of Taylor Creek. During the fall the Kokanee Salmon are spawning and visitors can watch the process through glass windows. There is also a 180 degree curved diorama that illustrates life above and below the water. Be sure to look for the raccoon, crayfish, bats, frog, Stellar Jay, Bald Eagles, butterflies, and the slug. In winter, the Taylor Creek area becomes a crosscountry ski area especially suited to beginners. Using the area is free, but you need to purchase a California SNO-PARK permit for your vehicle. It comes to about $5 a day or $25 for a season. ((530) 543-2674)

7 Donner Lake This beautiful lake north of Lake Tahoe is just a quick drive West of the small town of Truckee, California. This lake is great for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, sailing and fishing. There are free public docks on the North side of the lake, a marina with fee parking on the West side and the Donner Lake Village Resort offers cabins and condos

for rent. The resort is right on the water and the rooms run between $90 and $320 a night depending on the size and season. Parking can be tight during the height of summer, but you can park on the North side of the lake just off the edge of the road. There is a small beach at the West end of the lake where you can rent boats, kayaks and jetskis. There is a roped off area for children and plenty of parking. Donner Lake is much smaller than Tahoe and not as clear and blue. In the winter it has been known to freeze, but ice skating can be dangerous. ((800) 979-0427)

6 Squaw Valley USA The second largest and likely the most beautiful ski resort at Lake Tahoe, Squaw Valley USA was home to the 1960 Winter Olympics and has only grown since then. The 4,000 acre resort consists of the Olympic Village where there are several inns and hotels, condos, restaurants and bars. The mountain itself has dozens of runs, 30 lifts and a 110 person gondola that takes both skiers and non-skiers up to High Camp where you can ice skate, lounge in a warm swimming pool, do some hiking or go snowtubing. The base elevation of Squaw is 6,200 feet with a peak elevation of just over 9,000. There are six mountain peaks in the area and the average annual snowfall is 450 inches. Approximately 50 percent of the runs are intermediate and 25 percent are beginner. Squaw Valley Central Reservations can customize a winter vacation package to suit any budget and any length of stay. Representatives can arrange all travel plans including lodging, activity packages, ski school lessons, scenic Cable Car rides and more. Discount packages are also available. Squaw Valley offers group and individual ski and boarding lessons, ski clinics and rental services. ((800) 403-0206)

5 Heavenly Gondola The Gondola at Heavenly is open during the winter for skiers and non-skiers and open all year long for visitors to the lake who want a spectacular view of Lake Tahoe. The ticket to the top is a little pricey ($38), but you can stay at the top as long as you want. Each 8 passenger car leaves from Heavenly Village on the Southeast side of the lake and takes about 5-7 minutes to get to the top of the mountain. At the first stop you can get out and walk around on the platform. There are seats and some picnic tables as well. You can buy a ticket with a lunch voucher for the Tamarack Lodge at the top of the resort if you want to get something to eat or you can bring your own food to the first platform and just sit and enjoy the view. At the top of the mountain is a snow play area for children. ((775) 586-7000)

4 Mount Tallac Hike Mount Tallac is one of the tallest peaks in Tahoe at 9,735 feet and the loop from the Glen Alpine Trailhead at 6,500 feet is a long, strenuous 11.6 mile hike. However, the views are so worth it. There is free parking at the trailhead and a bathroom. You will need to bring your own water and food. The hike takes you over crushed granite and loose rock and shale and you get views of Fallen Leaf Lake on the way up. Along the trail you will come to two smaller alpine lakes, Gilmore and Cathedral Lake. At the top of the mountain you will get some wonderful views of Desolation Wilderness, Fallen Leaf Lake, Granite Lake and all of Lake Tahoe. The hike will take about 8-10 hours for the average hiker. ((530) 573-2600)

3 Tahoe Rim Trail The Tahoe Rim Trail follows the shore of Lake Tahoe and is one of the world's premier trails. It passes through two states (California and Nevada), six counties, one state park, three National Forests, and three Wilderness areas. This spectacular trail is 165 miles of single-track multiuse trail, winding peak to peak around Lake Tahoe. Hiking and horseback riding are allowed on all portions of the trail, while mountain biking is allowed on the trail with the exception of the wilderness areas, the section that is in the Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, and on the sections of trail that overlap with the Pacific Crest Trail. Day hikes, backpacking and camping are also allowed on the trail and rules and permits may apply to certain areas. Donations and volunteers are needed for the Tahoe Rim Trail and the TRT will have special events and free public hikes with local TRT guides available. Become a member of the 165 Mile Club when you complete the entire trail and you will receive a certificate of completion, a 165 mile patch and recognition on the TRT website. ((775) 298-0012)

2 Mount Rose Hike Mount Rose is the 3rd highest peak in Lake Tahoe. It is easy to drive to, but not so easy to climb. It is located next to, looking down and over Mt Rose ski resort, Reno/Sparks/Carson City/Washoe Valley and Lake Tahoe. Mount Rose is a challenging hike that can be done in about 4-6 hours by an average hiker. The trail initially takes you through forest, scrubland, beautiful meadows full of wildflowers and a waterfall. After falls, the trail climbs steeply upward toward more stark terrain and shale. Once you've made it to the top, you are over 10,778 feet and can see the entire Tahoe area. Destination: Difficulty Mileage: (One Way) 6 miles Elevation: 8700'/10778' Directions: Take Highway 431 (Mt. Rose Highway) north of Incline Village. Park at the trailhead located one mile south of the summit. ((530) 543-2600)

1 Emerald Bay State Park Emerald Bay State Park on the southwest area of Lake Tahoe is home to park is home to Eagle Falls and Vikingsholm, a 38-room mansion that is one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in the western hemisphere. The views from any part of the Bay are fantastic. The park contains the only island in Lake Tahoe, Fannette Island where a small teahouse was built by the owner of the Vikingsholm Castle. The park is accessible by State Route 89 near the southwest shore of the lake. Emerald Bay is one of Lake Tahoe's most photographed and popular locations. In 1969, Emerald Bay was recognized as a National Natural Landmark by the federal Department of the Interior. In 1994, California State Parks included the surrounding water of the bay as a part of the park, making Emerald Bay one of the first underwater parks of its type in the state, protecting the various wrecks and other items on the bay's bottom. There are several camping areas in Emerald Bay including Eagle Point Campground, Bayview Campground and the boat-in campground on the West side of the bay. Parking around the bay is small and will cost you about $8 for the day. You can also access the popular Desolation Wilderness hiking and camping area from the Eagle Falls parking area. (530-541-3030, 530-525-7277)

laketahoenews.net

http://www.laketahoenews.net/2015/05/women-fight-to-win-lake-tahoe-cycling-race/

Women fight to win Lake Tahoe cycling race Published: May 8, 2015

The peloton makes its way through Cave Rock on May 8. Photo/Carolyn E. Wright/Copyright

By Kathryn Reed Mother Nature teased Amgen Tour of California race officials Friday morning as temps hovered just above freezing and snow danced in the air. As the 11am start time got closer, the clouds parted to show blue sky and the requisite 45degree mark had been reached.

Eighty-two elite women racers left Heavenly Mountain Resort’s California Lodge on May 8 on a 74.5-mile trek around Lake Tahoe, with an elevation gain of 5,300 feet. They rode through South Lake Tahoe, turned right onto Highway 89 to ride around the lake (72 miles) and then up Keller Road with its 15 percent grade, to finish at the California Lodge. (Cycling events go clockwise because it’s safer to make right turns.) This is the first time a women’s cycling event of this caliber has been staged in the United States. As the teams each signed in and were introduced before the start, Ali Tetrick of the Optum team said, “I think at the finish you will see a small group. You will see who wants to sprint after climbing that hill.” She was correct in her prediction.

Elite racing bikes easily cost five figures. Photo/Carolyn E. Wright/Copyright

Riders enjoy views of Lake Tahoe for much of the competition. Photo/Carolyn E. Wright/Copyright

“That last hill will turn riders inside out,” the announcer boomed as the pack thinned out in the last few miles. “They are all hoping they have enough gas in the tank to make it to the finish. You thought the Donner Party was bad; this is ridiculous.” Katie Hall of team United Health Care crossed the line first with a time of 3:10.49. Rounding out the podium were Alena Amialiusik of Velocio-SRAM and Lauren Komanski with Twenty 16, both with a time of 3:10.51.

Top riders from each team on the start line. Photo/Carolyn E. Wright/Copyright

Sarah Storey (Pearl Izumi) started a breakaway and was followed by Allison Beveridge (Canadian national team). They pulled 1:25 minutes ahead of the peloton until they were caught at the top of Spooner Summit. With 7 kilometers to go, all the major teams had a rider in the breakaway. One by one they started to fall back. Earning the best young rider jersey was Hannah Barnes (UHC); Queen of the Mountain went to Storey; and the sprint leader was Beveridge. Dealing with the elements The elevation and temperature are not issues most of these cyclists have to deal with on a regular basis. Lauren Stephens with team Tibco said, “I’m used to riding in 100-degree heat, and 100 percent humidity.” The topped ranked rider in the United States in 2014 calls Texas home. Storey said, “We had a lot of preparation with the altitude.” The British athlete is already well decorated with Olympic cycling and swimming medals from the 1996 Paralympic Games in Atlanta. (When she was born her left arm was entangled with the umbilical cord in the womb, which left her left hand unable to function.)

The gear, the bike and the rider are lightweight. Photo/Carolyn E. Wright/Copyright

The BMW team came to Tahoe in March to check out the courses. It was beautiful weather for their weeklong training

– nothing like this week’s weather. While May is always iffy weather in Lake Tahoe, it felt more like winter than spring on Friday. More snow covered Gunbarrel than has been on that ski slope in the last month. All morning clouds shrouded Mount Tallac.

Rhae Shaw and her BMW team scouted the course in March. Photo/Carolyn E. Wright/Copyright

Cycling is a team and individual sport. Photo/Carolyn E. Wright/Copyright

The cold had most of the riders covered head to toe, with only a few braving shorts. “We know mountain weather. Anything can happen,” Rhae Shaw of the BMW team told Lake Tahoe News before the start.

“It’s very difficult to ride at this elevation,” Shaw added. She said Colorado is the other area that gives cyclists a bit of a challenge when it comes to altitude. Saturday’s forecast is a high of 61 degrees in South Lake Tahoe. Local impact The South Shore in 2011 tried to host the men’s first stage. Mother Nature wasn’t as forgiving then and the race was canceled because of snow. Carol Chaplin, executive director of Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority, was hesitant to put a dollar figure on the economic impact a race of this magnitude has on the region. “More for us it’s about the awareness of the destination,” Chaplin told Lake Tahoe News. “We have great cycling. Elite athletes like to train here.” While the North Shore does not have a start or finish like when the men’s race was here and Northstar and Squaw Valley were part of the itinerary, it is still involved. Sandy Evans Hall, executive director of the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association, was on hand for the start of Friday’s race. “They will get to see the entire lake. It showcases what we have,” Hall told Lake Tahoe News. “We are really focused on human powered sports.”

Cyclists pause for the national anthem. Photo/Kathryn Reed

A team Optum rider prepares for the start of the first phase. Photo/Carolyn E. Wrigth

Katie Hall, center, celebrates her win May 8 with Alena Amialiusik, left, and Lauren Komanski. Photo/Kathryn Reed

Even though there isn’t live television coverage of the women’s races in Lake Tahoe, it is possible to stream the events. And footage from these events will be used during the men’s race this coming week. Plus, it gives locals a chance to see a professional sporting event for free. More than 100 people gathered near the Y on Friday as the cyclists made the turn onto Highway 89. Cheering crowds were in groups throughout the race as well as many more who gathered at the finish line. —– Notes: · Stage 2 for the women begins May 9 at 10:30am at Heavenly Mountain Resort’s California Lodge. · The 49.7-mile course goes into Meyers, will be two circles, with an elevation gain of 3,300 feet. · Pioneer Trail will be closed from Ski Run Boulevard to Highway 50 in Meyers from 9:30am-1pm. · The finish at the Cal Lodge is expected to be at 12:30pm. · For more info, go online. · There are two sites where people may stream the event live. Here is the first and the second.

Concert getaways offer untapped vacation value May 7, 2015 Music fans will typically go to great lengths to enjoy their favorite act or artist. A flight or train ride to a major performance venue, along with an overnight hotel and dinner out usually comprise the total of most travelers' concert getaway itineraries. While there's certainly nothing wrong with this approach, failing to dig deeper for additional activities is a sure-fire way to miss out on added vacation value. Most cities with concert venues have a great deal to offer in addition to booking great bands. Working a few of those activities and venues into your trip will only add to the value of that plane ticket. From exploring fab food scenes and checking out the cultural circuit to making time for a little adventure before you go home, there are plenty of options available to you. Museums: The Tacoma Dome in Washington may be the big draw for many, but Tacoma's museum district is definitely worth an extra day or two to fully explore. The Best Western Plus Tacoma Dome Hotel offers a free parking space for each registered guest, and is located next to the concert dome itself. It's also a short stroll to the city's free light link rail system, which connects that end of town with the museum and theater districts as well as other stops along the way. Getting off at Union Station puts you in the heart of things, and within steps of a precious coffee shop called Anthem, which offers great baked goods, vegan coffee options and Wi-Fi for those who can't wait to update their social media accounts. Of note are the newly expanded Tacoma Art Museum, the Museum of Glass with its dramatic entryway across the popular glass art bridge and the Washington State History Museum. If you have time to head a little further away, make time for America's Car Museum. A favorite of antique automobile aficionado Jay Leno, this venue displays vehicles from every era in chic splendor. Nature fans may also want to take time to explore Mount Rainier National Park, which is an easy day trip out of town. Proximity: A reasonable drive to the north shore of Lake Tahoe or picturesque Carson Valley, the city of Reno, Nev., makes a great home base for exploring this part of the Silver State. It's also a great place to catch a show in a more sedate urban atmosphere, while enjoying the hipster revitalization efforts throughout town. The Cargo Concert Hall, located in the Whitney Peak Hotel, offers live musical performances on a firstclass stage with an in-hall bar and easy access to the establishment's mod, pet-friendly hotel rooms. The same building houses Basecamp, an indoor-outdoor climbing facility with infrastructure on the outside of the building as well for a unique adventure experience the morning after the concert. The downstairs restaurant, Heritage, is a great place to go for snacks, a glass of wine and just to relax. The giant hanging chairs and coffee tables with board games provide a casual feel, while the higher-end grub offers an affordable vacation splurge. In addition to the various vegetarian lunch options available for between $6 and $10, their $1 oysters are a huge hit with locals and visitors alike. Vegetarians will also find lots to love at Campo, which has starters for as low as six bucks. Their woodfired cauliflower and warm olive plate will give vegans plenty to smile about, while their artisanal cheese

plate and farmhouse pizza will have veg heads leaving satisfied. Heading to the Peppermill Resort to catch a musical performance after dinner? Stop by the on-property Biscotti's Cafe for their $3.50 homemade gelato and $1.50 waffle cones. Heritage: Billy Bob's, the Fort Worth, Texas, bar and concert spot which bills itself as the world's largest honky-tonk, not only features acts of all levels of fame, it's also located smack dab in the middle of the historic Forth Worth Stockyards. Entry fees typically range from $2 to $5, and come with boatloads of Texas atmosphere. This part of town has been a functioning part of the city's history and culture since the early days, and the atmosphere is still prevalent everywhere you look. From the free-to-watch authentic cattle drives that occur twice a day, to cowboy wineries and vintage record stores, this is a fun place to explore and grab some great vacation pics. Free parking is available in the back lot off of Exchange Avenue across from Stockyards Station. Summer concertgoers will want to head over to the Panther Island Pavilion on Trinity River. Since the venue boasts a waterfront stage, attendees can float up to the event in their inner tubes and enjoy a great day of entertainment during one of the city's Rock on the River events.

Nearly foot of snow expected atop Sierra, icy mountain roads May 7, 2015 RENO, Nev. (AP) â&#x20AC;&#x201D; A spring storm is moving across the Sierra Nevada, with nearly a foot of snow expected on the mountain tops, and flurries and rain showers in the valleys into Friday morning. The National Weather Service reported more than 3 inches of snow early Thursday on Lake Tahoe's western shore at Homewood, California. Chains or snow tires are required over the Mount Rose Highway connecting Reno to Lake Tahoe's north shore. A winter weather advisory remains in effect through 11 a.m. Friday in California's Mono County south of the lake. The weather service says the heaviest snow is expected Thursday afternoon, with some bands producing as much as 2 inches of snow an hour in the areas south of U.S. Highway 50. Travelers should be prepared for snow- or ice-covered roads.

Destination Inspiration: Plan a Yoga Road Trip Up the West Coast May 6, 2015 Start at YJ LIVE! in sunny San Diego, then work your way up the West Coast  for an ideal combination of oceanfront and Sierra mountain yoga. TOTAL TIME ON THE ROAD 24–47 days BACK TO Top 3 Summer Road Trips for Yogis …

Stop 8: North Lake Tahoe,  California (4 days; 3 hours from Woodacre) Wanderlust Squaw Valley July 16–19; squaw.wanderlustfestival.com $495 (4 days) Based at Squaw Valley Ski Resort in the Sierra Nevada, this four-day mind-body-community celebration

is both kid friendly and host to  hipster-pleasing DJ sessions. Practice with Shiva Rea and Elena Meta, groove with Michael Franti and MC Yogi, and hike or bike in the mountain air. While you’re there Practice: Play in the Yuba River, then drive north to check out The Expanding Light, where you can schedule a personal yoga or meditation retreat near the ashram inspired by the late spiritual teacher (and Autobiography of a Yogi author) Paramahansa Yogananda. Eat: On the way to or from the Bay Area, stop for healthy eats, a bohemian vibe, and local artwork at The Fix in Nevada City. …

Amgen Tour of California Women's Race to circle Lake Tahoe May 6, 2015 Fourteen of the world’s elite women’s cycling teams are set to square off at Lake Tahoe this weekend. More than 80 cyclists will compete in the Amgen Tour of California’s Women’s Race. The first two stages of the race take place Friday and Saturday at Lake Tahoe before the race moves to Sacramento and, later this month, Big Bear Lake. Heavenly Mountain Resort’s California Base Lodge will serve as the start and finish for both Lake Tahoe stages and will feature live race announcements, food, music and exhibitors. The first stage of the race will start at 10 a.m. Friday. “Stage 1 on Friday, May 8, consists of a 74-mile clockwise lap around the perimeter of Lake Tahoe and provides a bit of everything: twisting descents, fast straights, and two challenging hill climbs,” according to a press release for the event. The stage will end with a brutal climb up the 15 percent grade of Keller Street on its way back to Heavenly. “This is going to be a compelling stage to say the least,” said Kristin Bachochin, executive director of the Amgen Tour of California and senior vice president of AEG Sports, Wednesday morning. The second stage of the race starts at 10:30 a.m. Saturday and will include competitors taking two laps around a 25-mile loop starting from Heavenly and traveling along Pioneer Trail and into Christmas Valley. “After a descent from Heavenly they will ride off to the beautiful canyons of State Route 89,” according to a press release. “The second half of the course features the switchback hill challenges of Apache Avenue followed quickly by the climb back up to Heavenly on Ski Run Boulevard to the finish line, and the conclusion of two challenging days in Lake Tahoe.” The women’s competition is being staged in conjunction with the eight-day men’s Tour of California, which stars in Sacramento on Sunday.

The women’s race is being sanctioned by the Union Cycliste International for the first time, making this year’s competition particularly heated. “This will be the toughest level of competition to date,” Bachochin said, adding, “You have the top riders participating in this. “We look forward to see everyone there supporting the best women racers out there for these two days.” Although there is some rain and snow in the forecast, Bachochin said she is optimistic the race can avoid a repeat of 2011, when a snow storm canceled the Lake Tahoe stages of the Amgen men’s race. On Wednesday morning, the National Weather Service in Reno was predicting chances of rain and snow on Friday, with slight chances of thunderstorms Saturday. WHERE TO WATCH Race organizers are encouraging spectators to ride their own bikes or walk wherever possible to limit the number of vehicles on the road during the race. Travelers should expect 20-minute delays along the course due to partial road closures, according to organizers. STAGE 1, FRIDAY Cyclists will travel clockwise around Lake Tahoe May 8, entering Tahoma, on the West Shore, at approximately 12:01 p.m. They are expected to reach Tahoe City at approximately 12:23 p.m., Kings Beach at 12:45 p.m., Crystal Bay at 12:50 p.m. and U.S. Highway 50 at 1:29 p.m. Emerald Bay is one of Lake Tahoe’s most photographed areas and a spot to watch the racers, who are estimated to top the summit between 11:34 and 11:41 a.m. Parking for these vantage points is tight, the Eagle Falls Trailhead and Vikingsholm Visitors Center serving as the only parking areas. Spectators’ best bet is to get there early before traffic schedules hinder access. Kings Beach at the North Shore will offer prime viewing opportunities for the race. Public parking is located next to the Kings Beach State Recreation Area. Viewers can also watch from the top deck of Caliente Restaurant. Crystal Bay is a few miles up State Route 28 and viewers can watch from Reservoir Road or Stateline Lookout (Fire Trail) behind the Tahoe Biltmore. Spooner Summit at the southeast corner of the lake, where U.S. Highway 50 and State Route 28 intersect, is where the cyclists will ascend to 7,150 feet between 1:29 and1:58 p.m. Spooner Lake State Park, a Snow Park and the Tahoe Rim Trail Access Road provide parking there. The last ascent to the finish line is up Keller Road in South Lake Tahoe. Riders are expected to reach here between 1:49 and 2:40 p.m. Parking is available at the festival area at Heavenly Mountain Resort’s California Lodge. STAGE 2, SATURDAY Partial road closures and delays will affect drivers at the South Shore from approximately 11 a.m. through 12 p.m. Saturday.

This stage winds through South Shore neighborhoods and the best spot for many people to watch the race may be their front yard. The intersection of Pioneer Trail and Black Bart Avenue also provides a good viewing location, with parking along Black Bart Avenue. Spectators will be able to see the racers pass four times from this location. Pioneer Trail between Washoan Boulevard and Busch Way allows spectators to park along the frontage road and cheer the riders as they head toward Meyers and again when they return. State Route 89 between Portal Drive and Cornelian Drive has limited parking but good viewing. Apache Drive provides another opportunity to see the riders up close. Organizers recommend getting there early for parking along lower Mohican and lower Chippewa and walking up to Apache Drive to see the riders. There is no parking permitted along Apache Drive during the race. Ski Run Boulevard will offer viewing of the final push to the finish line. For real time updates during the race, visitwww.amgentourofcalifornia.com.

Best Places in Lake Tahoe to Watch Amgen Tour May 5, 2015 (LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev.) - Lake Tahoe's natural geography of steep climbs and long descents against postcard views will offer plenty of sites to catch race action as the top women cyclists compete in Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the Amgen Tour of California Wo men's Race Empowered with SRAM, May 8-9. With the start and finish line at Heavenly's California Base Lodge, spectators will be updated with live race announcements, and entertained with high-energy music, local and Amgen Tour of California exhibitors, food and beverage. Race organizers are encouraging individuals to ride their own bikes/walk wherever possible to limit the number of vehicles on the road. "This historic race for women's cycling within our own backyard, near our homes, favorite beaches and trails reflects Tahoe's appeal as a top cycling destination," said Carol Chaplin, executive director of the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority. "We'll be out to celebrate the first two stages of the Amgen Tour of California women's race." "North Lake Tahoe is excited to have such high caliber women's professional sporting events in our region," said John "JT" Thompson, tourism director of the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association. "We look forward to showing off our natural environment that organically lends itself to the outdoor sports enthusiast." STAGE 1 With a route that runs clockwise around Lake Tahoe, Stage 1 is full of ups and downs . CLIMBS: Iconic Emerald Bay is one of Lake Tahoe's most photographed areas and a spot to watch the racers, who are estimated to top the summit between 11:34 to 11:41 a.m. The athlete who completes the three designated climbs during both stages with the fastest cumulative time will receive the "Queen of the Mountain" designation. Emerald Bay is the first location for th e challenge. Parking for these vantage points on the West Shore is tight with only two parking lots available: Eagle Falls Trail Head and Vikingsholm Visitors Center. Spectators' best bet is to get there early before traffic schedules hinder access. Kings Beach is nestled in the heart of North Lake Tahoe and will offer prime viewing

opportunities for the race, passing through at approximately 12:45 p.m. Public parking is located next to the Kings Beach State Recreation area, the largest public beach on th e north shore. Viewers can also watch from the top deck of Caliente Restaurant. Crystal Bay is a few miles up Highway 28 and viewers can watch from Reservoir Road or Stateline Lookout (Fire Trail) behind Tahoe Biltmore Lodge & Casino. The race should pa ss through Crystal Bay around 12:50 p.m. Spooner Summit - at the conclusion of the two plus mile uphill grade from the scenic Lakeshore Boulevard in Incline Village - on the southeast corner of the lake, where Highways 50 and 28 intersect, is where the cyclists ascent to an elevation of 7,150 feet around 1:29 to 1:58 p.m. This is the second "Queen of the Mountain" challenge. There are three parking lots here: Spooner Lake State Park, Snow Park and the Tahoe Rim Trail Access Road . The last ascent is up Keller Road in South Lake Tahoe to the finish line, expected to take place between 1:49 to 2:40 p.m. Parking is available at the festival area at Heavenly Mountain Resort's California base. Local Viewing Venues Bijou Community Park off Al Tahoe Drive in middle of South Shore, the "Y" where Highway 89 and 50 intersect, and Camp Richardson Resort off of Highway 89 before Emerald Bay each have parking areas (available on a first-come, first-served basis). STAGE 2 The course for Stage 2 includes two-laps through South Lake Tahoe and Meyers, Calif., the town seven miles west of South Shore. As much of this stage route winds through neighborhoods, the best spot for many South Lake Tahoe locals to watch the race may be their front yard. For other viewing suggestions: Pioneer and Black Bart Avenues: park along Black Bart Avenue; walk or ride your bike to Pioneer Trail. You'll be able to watch the riders fly past four times. Pioneer Trail, between Washoan Boulevard and Busch Way: park along the frontage road and cheer the riders as they head toward Meyers and again when they return . Highway 89 between Portal Drive and Cornelian Drive; limited parking. The final "Queen of the Mountain" challenge will be on Apache Drive with another opportunity to see the riders up close. Get there early for parking along lower Mohican and lower Chippewa, and walk up to Apache Drive to see the riders before they turn onto Mandan Street. There is no parking permitted along Apache Drive during the race.

Along Ski Run Boulevard riders will turn off Pioneer Trail onto Ski Run for the final push to the finish line. Times for the Amgen Tour of California Women's Race Empowered with SRAM are approximate based on average speeds of the peloton, and are subject to race dynamics. The area visitor bureaus encourage spectators to abide by the "pack-in pack-out" motto to help keep all areas clean, as well as bike or walk to key race viewing points.

Countdown to Amgen: Best viewing spots May 3, 2015 Lake Tahoe’s natural geography of steep climbs and long descents against postcard views will offer plenty of sites to catch race action as the top women cyclists compete in Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the Amgen Tour of California Women’s Race May 8-9. With the start and finish line at Heavenly’s California Base Lodge, spectators will be updated with live race announcements, and entertained with high-energy music, local and Amgen Tour of California exhibitors, food and beverage. Race organizers are encouraging individuals to ride their own bikes/walk wherever possible to limit the number of vehicles on the road. “This historic race for women’s cycling within our own backyard, near our homes, favorite beaches and trails reflects Tahoe’s appeal as a top cycling destination,” said Carol Chaplin, executive director of the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority. “We’ll be out to celebrate the first two stages of the Amgen Tour of California women’s race.” “North Lake Tahoe is excited to have such high caliber women’s professional sporting events in our region,” said John "JT" Thompson, tourism director of the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association. “We look forward to showing off our natural environment that organically lends itself to the outdoor sports enthusiast.” STAGE 1 With a route that runs clockwise around Lake Tahoe, Stage 1 is full of ups and downs. CLIMBS: Iconic Emerald Bay is one of Lake Tahoe’s most photographed areas and a spot to watch the racers, who are estimated to top the summit between 11:34 to 11:41 a.m. The athlete who completes the three designated climbs during both stages with the fastest cumulative time will receive the “Queen of the Mountain” designation. Emerald Bay is the first location for the challenge. Parking for these vantage points on the West Shore is tight with only two parking lots available: Eagle Falls Trail Head and Vikingsholm Visitors Center. Spectators’ best bet is to get there early before traffic schedules hinder access. Kings Beach is nestled in the heart of North Lake Tahoe and will offer prime viewing opportunities for the race, passing through at approximately 12:45 p.m. Public parking is located next to the Kings Beach State Recreation area, the largest public beach on the north shore. Viewers can also watch from the top deck of Caliente Restaurant.

Crystal Bay is a few miles up Highway 28 and viewers can watch from Reservoir Road or Stateline Lookout (Fire Trail) behind Tahoe Biltmore Lodge & Casino. The race should pass through Crystal Bay around 12:50 p.m. Spooner Summit – at the conclusion of the two plus mile uphill grade from the scenic Lakeshore Boulevard in Incline Village – on the southeast corner of the lake, where Highways 50 and 28 intersect, is where the cyclists ascent to an elevation of 7,150 feet around 1:29 to 1:58 p.m. This is the second “Queen of the Mountain” challenge. There are three parking lots here: Spooner Lake State Park, Snow Park and the Tahoe Rim Trail Access Road. The last ascent is up Keller Road in South Lake Tahoe to the finish line, expected to take place between 1:49 to 2:40 p.m. Parking is available at the festival area at Heavenly Mountain Resort’s California base. Local Viewing Venues Bijou Community Park off Al Tahoe Drive in middle of South Shore, the “Y” where Highway 89 and 50 intersect, and Camp Richardson Resort off of Highway 89 before Emerald Bay each have parking areas (available on a first-come, first-served basis). STAGE 2 The course for Stage 2 includes two-laps through South Lake Tahoe and Meyers. As much of this stage route winds through neighborhoods, the best spot for many South Lake Tahoe locals to watch the race may be their front yard. For other viewing suggestions: Pioneer and Black Bart Avenues: park near Black Bart Avenue or in the old post office lot; walk or ride your bike to Pioneer Trail. You’ll be able to watch the riders fly past four times. Pioneer Trail, between Washoan Boulevard and Busch Way: park along the frontage road and cheer the riders as they head toward Meyers and again when they return. Highway 89 between Portal Drive and Cornelian Drive; limited parking. The final “Queen of the Mountain” challenge will be on Apache Drive with another opportunity to see the riders up close. Get there early for parking along lower Mohican and lower Chippewa, and walk up to Apache Drive to see the riders before they turn onto Mandan Street. There is no parking permitted along Apache Drive during the race. Along Ski Run Boulevard riders will turn off Pioneer Trail onto Ski Run for the final push to the finish line. Times for the Amgen Tour of California Women’s Race Empowered with SRAM are approximate based on average speeds of the peloton, and are subject to race dynamics. The area visitor bureaus encourage spectators to abide by the “pack-in pack-out” motto to help keep all areas clean, as well as bike or walk to key race viewing points. For the full schedule and more information, click here.

Spring activities in Lake Tahoe April 30, 2015

Spring is an amazing season at Lake Tahoe. As the snow melts, the outdoors begin to open up to all kinds of fun. The crowds drop and the temperatures rise. From biking to hiking, there's a ton to do. And, often, it'll feel like you have the whole lake to yourself. Ride a bike Without a big snow year, many of the trails around the lake, both paved and unpaved, are already open. The South Shore's famous Pope-Baldwin bike path is totally clear, as are many of the lower mountain biking trails like Corral Loop and Powerline Trail. On the North Shore, there's plenty of riding from Tahoe City to Incline Village. The trail along the Lower Truckee is also open. Need a bike? Rentals are nearly in full swing. Anderson's Bike Rental on the South Shore and Olympic Bike Shop in Tahoe City are open. Many of the shops are switching from

winter to summer with brand new lines of mountain bikes, road bikes and cruisers. If you need a tune-up, head in to your local shop now because busy season is coming early this year. Go paddling Conditions on the lake can hardly get any better. With barely any wind, the water has been ideal for standup paddling and kayaking. The spring runoff has added a few inches, making it easier to launch and land man-powered craft. Wildlife waking up from winter is especially active. Bears, coyotes and dozens of species of birds can be seen along the shoreline. The osprey and eagles are building their nests in Emerald Bay and the Canadian geese, some with cute little babies, are cruising through the area on their way south. Though most of the lakefront concessions have yet to open, rentals are available at South Tahoe Standup Paddle and Adrift on the North Shore. If you're looking to buy, shops will be filling up with new inventory in the coming weeks. Hike a new trail Many of the alpine lakes above Lake Tahoe are beginning to thaw or have already thawed. Some of the larger bodies of water like Fallen Leaf Lake, Spooner Lake and Echo Lakes are melted and surrounded by budding flora. Though there's still snow up high, trails around these lakes are clear. Backpackers have already begun to traverse into Desolation Wilderness. Looking for something shorter? The area's many waterfalls are at their peak. Eagle Falls, Horsetail Falls, Glen Alpine Falls and Cascade Falls make great day hike destinations. Hit the beach The water is still pretty cold, but on a warm day a quick dip will pair well with a few hours in the sun. Since it's shoulder season, it may feel like you have the lake to yourself. For a full list of public beaches at the lake, download this app. As the winds tend to pick up in the afternoon, the mornings seem to be the best for some time on the sand. If you can only make it out later in the day, check out some of the protected coves on the East Shore like Skunk Harbor or Chimney Beach. Though it's tempting, please do not build fires, as there's an especially high risk of forest fires this year

Best places in Tahoe to watch Amgen Tour of California Women's Cycling Competition April 28, 2015

Lake Tahoe’s natural geography of steep climbs and long descents against postcard views will offer plenty of sites to catch race action as the top women cyclists compete in Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the Amgen Tour of California Women’s Race Empowered with SRAM, May 8-9. With the start and finish line at Heavenly’s California Base Lodge, spectators will be updated with live race announcements, and entertained with high-energy music, local and Amgen Tour of California exhibitors, food and beverage. Race organizers are encouraging individuals to ride their own bikes/walk wherever possible to limit the number of vehicles on the road. “This historic race for women’s cycling within our own backyard, near our homes, favorite beaches and trails reflects Tahoe’s appeal as a top cycling destination,” said Carol Chaplin, executive director of the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority. “We’ll be out to celebrate the first two stages of the Amgen Tour of California women’s race.” “North Lake Tahoe is excited to have such high caliber women’s professional sporting events in our region,” said John "JT" Thompson, tourism director of the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association. “We look forward to showing off our natural environment that organically lends itself to the outdoor sports enthusiast.”

STAGE 1 With a route that runs clockwise around Lake Tahoe, Stage 1 is full of ups and downs. CLIMBS: Iconic Emerald Bay is one of Lake Tahoe’s most photographed areas and a spot to watch the racers, who are estimated to top the summit between 11:34 to 11:41 a.m. The athlete who completes the three designated climbs during both stages with the fastest cumulative time will receive the “Queen of the Mountain” designation. Emerald Bay is the first location for the challenge. Parking for these vantage points on the West Shore is tight with only two parking lots available: Eagle Falls Trail Head and Vikingsholm Visitors Center. Spectators’ best bet is to get there early before traffic schedules hinder access. Kings Beach is nestled in the heart of North Lake Tahoe and will offer prime viewing opportunities for the race, passing through at approximately 12:45 p.m. Public parking is located next to the Kings Beach State Recreation area, the largest public beach on the north shore. Viewers can also watch from the top deck of Caliente Restaurant. Crystal Bay is a few miles up Highway 28 and viewers can watch from Reservoir Road or Stateline Lookout (Fire Trail) behind Tahoe Biltmore Lodge & Casino. The race should pass through Crystal Bay around 12:50 p.m. Spooner Summit – at the conclusion of the two plus mile uphill grade from the scenic Lakeshore Boulevard in Incline Village – on the southeast corner of the lake, where Highways 50 and 28 intersect, is where the cyclists ascent to an elevation of 7,150 feet around 1:29 to 1:58 p.m. This is the second “Queen of the Mountain” challenge. There are three parking lots here: Spooner Lake State Park, Snow Park and the Tahoe Rim Trail Access Road. The last ascent is up Keller Road in South Lake Tahoe to the finish line, expected to take place between 1:49 to 2:40 p.m. Parking is available at the festival area at Heavenly Mountain Resort’s California base. Local Viewing Venues Bijou Community Park off Al Tahoe Drive in middle of South Shore, the “Y” where Highway 89 and 50 intersect, and Camp Richardson Resort off of Highway 89 before Emerald Bay each have parking areas (available on a first-come, first-served basis). STAGE 2 The course for Stage 2 includes two-laps through South Lake Tahoe and Meyers, Calif., the town seven miles west of South Shore. As much of this stage route winds through neighborhoods, the best spot for many South Lake Tahoe locals to watch the race may be their front yard. For other viewing suggestions: Pioneer and Black Bart Avenues: park along Black Bart Avenue; walk or ride your bike to Pioneer Trail. You’ll be able to watch the riders fly past four times. Pioneer Trail, between Washoan Boulevard and Busch Way: park along the frontage road and cheer the riders as they head toward Meyers and again when they return. Highway 89 between Portal Drive and Cornelian Drive; limited parking. The final “Queen of the Mountain” challenge will be on Apache Drive with another opportunity to see the riders up close. Get there early for parking along lower Mohican and lower Chippewa, and walk up to Apache Drive to see

the riders before they turn onto Mandan Street. There is no parking permitted along Apache Drive during the race. Along Ski Run Boulevard riders will turn off Pioneer Trail onto Ski Run for the final push to the finish line. Times for the Amgen Tour of California Women’s Race Empowered with SRAM are approximate based on average speeds of the peloton, and are subject to race dynamics. The area visitor bureaus encourage spectators to abide by the “pack-in pack-out” motto to help keep all areas clean, as well as bike or walk to key race viewing points. Volunteer positions are still available. Those interested in assisting on either or both of the race days can register at www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/Tour/volunteer. Registrants must be at least 18 years old, or accompanied by an adult. Interested applicants can contact local volunteer coordinator Mark Luke at watoc.vols@gmail.com.

10 Best Hotels and Inns in the Lake Tahoe Area April 22, 2015

There are a wide range of hotels in the Lake Tahoe area: ski resorts that offer condos and suites, spa resorts, hotels with views of the lake and the mountains or a casino right in the middle of concert central. To get a great deal at a Lake Tahoe hotel or bed and breakfast, visit during the off season in the spring or fall. During the ski season and the summer season, most hotels will raise their rates and require minimum night stays. Tahoe during the fall is beautiful and you can get a great hotel value. Tahoe during the spring can be unpredictable, but there will be after ski season values to be had. If you want to be near the action in South Lake Tahoe, you can stay at one of the various casinos in Stateline (on the Nevada side) like Harrah's or Montbleu or even the camping themed Basecamp Hotel. Here you will find great room deals, restaurants and clubs and access to one of the most popular and beautiful ski resorts in the area: Heavenly. If you really want to splurge, visit any of the accommodations at the Village at Squaw in Squaw Valley including the Resort at Squaw Creek or the beautiful RitzCarlton at the Northstar ski resort. If you are on a budget, try the Rustic Cabins resort in Tahoe Vista, the service is great and it is close to the lake. Also try the Tahoma Meadows Bed and Breakfast. If you want a little history, stay at the Richardson House in Truckee which is a refurbished Victorian home from the 1880s.

10 Marriott Grand Residence The Marriott Grand Residence Club, Lake Tahoe is located right at the base of the Gondola at the Heavenly ski resort in South Lake Tahoe. The hotel is located in the Village at Heavenly close to restaurants, shopping a movie theater and some of the best skiing in the area. Each of the hotel's luxurious rooms includes plush beds and furniture and many include fireplaces, full kitchens and spacious living rooms. Each guest will have access to an in-house spa, sauna, steam room, exercise facility, children's center, on-site restaurant and business center. The hotel's complimentary ski equipment storage. During the summer months, you're just a few minutes from water sports and equipment rentals.

9 MontBleu Resort Lake Tahoe Stateline The Montbleu Casino Resort & Spa is located right in downtown Stateline amongst the other casinos that make this a gamer's Mecca. The Montbleu has a chic lobby, two hip nightclubs, a 1,500 seat theater for concerts, an outdoor sports arena, a 40,000-squarefoot casino and guest rooms with awesome views of the lake and the mountains. The rooms are furnished with contemporary hardwood pieces and equipped with signature Bleu Cloud Beds and extra-large tubs. Suites range from executive-style quarters to lavish suites for high rollers. Other highlights include a lagoon-style indoor pool, a Starbucks, and the new Onsen Spa. The Montbleu also has seven restaurants, an indoor pool, a health club with tennis courts, a hot tub and sauna, a video arcade, car rental desk, business center, salon and ski rentals.

8 Harrah's Lake Tahoe Harrah's Lake Tahoe is located in Stateline and is close to several area attractions include the Zephyr Cove Beach, Emerald Bay State Park, Lake Tahoe-Nevada State Park and South Lake Tahoe. There are over 500 guest rooms and suites at the Harrah's Lake Tahoe. These accommodations are complete with cable televisions, video game consoles, ironing equipment, clock radios, wireless Internet connections and telephones with voicemail features. Private bathrooms come with showers, bathtubs, hair dryers and complimentary toiletries. The Harrah's Lake Tahoe offers spa services, an indoor swimming pool, a fitness center and a game/arcade room. This 18-storey property also features a casino, a 24-hour business center, meeting/banquet facilities, a concierge desk, an ATM and a nightclub. Wired and wireless Internet access is also available throughout the hotel.

7 The Landing Resort & Spa The Landing Resort & Spa is a luxurious boutique hotel that features 88 rooms with views of the lake, bathrooms with heated toilet seats and floors, luxurious linens and furnishings and 55-inch wall-mounted televisions. The resort itself is in South Lake Tahoe, close to the Heavenly ski resort and the casinos of the South Shore. The hotel also features several conference and reception rooms including the Rooftop Deck with a fireplace and a heated outdoor pavilion. The hotel's restaurant, Jimmy's, featured a California cuisine menu with wood-fired Greek food, a glass enclosed wine cellar and locally sourced ingredients. The hotel spa offers several treatments including massage, body wraps and facials. The hotel also has an outdoor pool, hot tub and fire pits.

6 The Ridge Tahoe Overlooking the breathtaking and beautiful Carson Valley, and nestled on a spectacular Sierra Nevada ridge above Lake Tahoe, this 11 acre hotel resort offers year-round vacation rentals with panoramic views and luxurious accommodations. complimentary health club, indoor sports complex, indoor/outdoor swimming pools and hot tubs, restaurant, deli, market, full service spa and more. Shuttle service whisks guests six miles to Lake Tahoe and casino nightlife. The magnificent hotel resort is located on Heavenly Ski Resort's Nevada slope, adjacent to the Stagecoach Lodge and ski chair lift. The 302-unit resort features Deluxe Hotel Rooms, Junior Suites, One and Two Bedroom Condominium Suites.

5 Basecamp Hotel The Basecamp Hotel is a fun, outdoors inspired hotel that celebrates the outdoors with camping themed rooms, some complete with canvas tents and faux campfires. The hotel includes a buffet breakfast as well as an outdoor hot tub and access to the Heavenly ski area. The stylish rooms are designed with outdoor adventure in mind and include rustic wood elements, camping supplies, lanterns and lounge chair, wool blankets and luxurious linens all with prices that reflect an affordable motel. The main lobby is filled with warm accents, leather sofas, books and Tahoe sport memorabilia and the outdoor deck has a gas firepit where you can roast marshmallows.

4 The Cedar House Sport Hotel This smaller (44 room), but cozy hotel near Truckee has a distinct mountain architecture that has attracted the attention of both visitors and publications like Outside magazine. The Cedar House Sport Hotel encourages a natural connection between the outdoors and the comfort of indoors. The design reflects a comfortable atmosphere, warm woods, large timbers and an excellent staff, in-house touring company and an award-winning restaurant, Stella. The warm, contemporary rooms include luxurious European bedding, in-room safes, refrigerators, Keurig coffemakers, fresh ground coffee, radios with iPod docks, flat screen LCD televisions, cable TVs and a complimentary breakfast buffet for two. The hotel also has a hot tub, a beautiful courtyard and quick access to the small, historic town of Truckee.

3 Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort The Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino is located near the beach on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe and is close to Diamond Peak ski resort. The Hyatt has a private beach, several restaurants and the Cutthroat's Saloon bar and lounge. The hotel also has a special program for guest's children. The Hyatt's heated pool, Lone Eagle Grille and recreational areas look out over the water of Tahoe and visitors are welcome to use the hotels' dock and outdoor firepits. Over 400 rooms rooms are equipped with WiFi, TVs and game consoles, cable channels, video-game consoles, and pay movies. Rooms also include hair dryers and irons/ironing boards.

2 Resort at Squaw Creek The beautiful Resort at Squaw Creek is located in Squaw Valley, close to the area's

beautiful ski runs, restaurants, hiking trails and the Village at Squaw. The resort has been named one of the best 20 resorts in North America by Conde Nast Traveler magazine. The elegant accommodations offer ski-in/ski-out access in the winter, championship golf in the summer, and luxurious spa services and award-winning dining all year long. The hotel features Deep Powder" pillow-top beds, dual shower heads, LCD flat screen TVs, all room amenities and high-speed Internet. Suites include gas fireplaces and full kitchens. The resort also offers several restaurants like the Six Peaks Grille as well as in-room dining. The resort's spa and fitness center offer massages and other body treatments after a day on the slopes.

1 The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe hotel is located mid-mountain at the Northstar resort stunning views of the Sierra Range. The Ritz-Carlton is about 15 minutes from the lake and about 45 minutes from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport. The Ritz features luxurious hotel rooms with in-room fireplaces, views of the mountain, private balconies and goose down bedding. Each room also features wired and wireless Internet connection, concierge service and iPod docking stations. The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe has several restaurants on-site including the award-winning Manzanita and the Living Room bar. The fitness center offers cardiovascular and weight-training equipment, a fully integrated wellness program and a heated co-ed lap pool overlooking the mountains. The Spa features 16 treatment rooms, a sauna and steam room.

AMGEN TOUR HITS LAKE TAHOE ON MAY 8 April 18, 2015

BY JEFFREY WEIDEL Lake Tahoe will once again be hosting a portion of the Amgen Tour of California. This Tour de France-style cycling road race challenges the world’s top professional cycling teams to compete along a demanding course that traverses hundreds of miles of California’s iconic roadways.

The Amgen Tour will start and finish at Heavenly Resort on May 8.

Riders in the Amgen Tour of California will make their way around Lake Tahoe on Friday, May 8. Starting and finishing at Heavenly Resort, partial road closures and delays will affect drivers from approximately 11 a.m. through noon. Fourteen of the top women’s cycling teams from around the world will take part in the Amgen Tour of California Women’s Race Title, which takes place in three stages. The Lake Tahoe Road Race is the first stage. Stage 2 will take place in and around Heavenly, and the third in Sacramento. Cyclists will travel clockwise around Lake Tahoe May 8, entering Tahoma at approximately 12:01 p.m. They are expected to reach Tahoe City at 12:23; Kings Beach at 12:45; crossing through Stateline in Crystal Bay at 12:50; Hwy 28 at 1:04; and Hwy 50 at 1:29 p.m.

Local law enforcement, and race and tourism officials have created routes to minimize impact on residents and visitors. Travelers should expect 20-minute delays along the course.

Fourteen of the top women’s cycling teams from around the world will take part in the Amgen Tour of California Women’s Race Title, which takes place in three stages. The Lake Tahoe Road Race is the first stage.

“North Lake Tahoe is recognized as a premier human-powered sports destination and we’re proud to have been selected as a destination for this prestigious event,” JT Thompson, tourism director for North Lake Tahoe Resort Association, said. “The NLTRA will also host the USA Cycling Amateur Road National Championships this coming June with over 1,000 cyclists that are expected to enter the competition.” Lake Tahoe will be one of 14 host cities for elite cyclists from around the world. The race is sanctioned by Union Cycliste International, denoting the highest level for a non-World Cup event. For further information about the Amgen Tour of California and to experience the race like never before with VIP Access, please visitwww.amgentourofcalifornia.com. For more information visit http://www.gotahoenorth.com/events. The Amgen Tour of California is a Tour de France-style cycling road race created and presented by AEG that challenges the world’s top professional cycling teams to compete along a demanding course that traverses hundreds of miles of California’s iconic highways, byways and coastlines each spring. The teams chosen to participate have included Olympic medalists, Tour de France contenders and World Champions. Amgen Tour of California is listed on the international professional cycling calendar (2 HC, meaning “beyond category”), awarding important, world-ranking points to the top finishers. More information is available atwww.amgentourofcalifornia.com. This year, the men’s course will traverse more than 700 miles and wind through 13 host cities, including Sacramento, Nevada City, Lodi, San Jose, Pismo Beach, Avila Beach,

Santa Barbara, Santa Clarita, Big Bear Lake, Ontario, Mt. Baldy, L.A. LIVE (Downtown Los Angeles) and Pasadena. The womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s three-day stage race will travel more than 150 miles through South Lake Tahoe and Sacramento, followed by a 15-mile Invitational Time Trial in Big Bear Lake. Jeffrey Weidel can be reached at skiweidel@gmail.com. Thanks for visiting his website at www.tahoeskiworld.com

5 Ski Town Hikes To Help You Survive Mud Season April 14, 2015

Shoulder season, mud seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;whatever you call it, it can be a drag living in a resort town after the lifts stop running. It's a waiting game for the snow to melt so you can get back into the mountains again. Lucky for you we found 5 great hikes near popular resorts that are usually good to go early in the spring. When looking for hikes, your best bet is lower elevations and a south facing aspect for maximum sun saturation.

↑ Cheakamus Lake hike at Whistler, B.C., Canada Cheakamus Lake is a popular early season hike among Whistler locals. Located in Garibaldi Provincial Park, this low angle (read: virtually no elevation gain) hike is both accessible and easy enough for almost every level of hiker. The hike takes around 2–4 hours round trip with the route varying from 8–14 kilometers depending on how far you choose to travel once arriving at the lake. The lush trail embarks above the Cheakamus river and wanders through old growth trees before arriving at the turquoise lake. Since it is in a national park dogs are not allowed.

↑ Sherwin Lakes hike at Mammoth Lakes, California The Sherwin Lakes trailhead is found off of Sherwin Creek Road to the east of the town of Mammoth Lakes. While lower in elevation than the peaks overhead, you can still expect to feel the 8,269-foot altitude on the way up. The trail climbs steeply for about three miles to Sherwin Lakes through a series of switchbacks to two small, sub-alpine lakes set beneath the Sherwin Range. Along the way

on this well-marked dirt trail are great views of the Long Valley Caldera and the town of Mammoth Lakes looking back toward Mammoth Mountain.

â&#x2020;&#x2018; Smuggler Mountain Trail At Aspen, Colorado Smuggler Mountain trail is actually a wide dirt road and is one of the most popular recreation areas in Aspen. The 1.5-mile trail is accessible right from downtown Aspen, and offers a great short workout with manageable elevation gain (1,050 feet) and amazing views over the valley. It's possible to continue past the observation point at the top and link up with trails heading out toward Warren Lakes for a more ambitious hike.

â&#x2020;&#x2018; Tunnel Creek at Incline Village, Nevada The Tunnel Creek trail on the quieter east shore of Lake Tahoe offers unparalleled views of Crystal Bay and the coastline. The trailhead is just south of Incline Village on Highway 28 at Tunnel Creek Station. The picturesque trail ascends for 2.5 miles with 1,500-feet of elevation gain, eventually intersecting with the (optional) turnaround at the Flume trailhead. Tahoe locals actually prefer early spring hiking for the seclusion offered before the upper mountain bike trails open with the later thaw.

â&#x2020;&#x2018; Smith Rock State Park at Bend, Oregon The high desert of Bend, Oregon is blessed with abundant hiking and mountain biking trails surrounding and throughout the town, but Smith Rock State Park, just 30 minutes north of town offers world class scenery that's worth a visit. The dramatic setting of red volcanic rocks and cliff faces in a winding river canyon makes even a short 2.5 mile stroll to Monkey Face exciting. More ambitious hikers can opt for the new 8-mile Summit loop trail established in 2013 which consists of a new 2 mile connector trail that links the River Wolf Tree and Burma Road trails .

10 Things You Didn't Know About Skiing and Riding in Tahoe April 13, 2015

The Lake Tahoe area ranks among highest concentrations of major ski areas in the country. Here are ten points to know about skiing and snowboarding around Big Blue. 1. First chore is to pick a shore. "North or South?" is one of the first questions when visiting Tahoe. The lake's south shore features the nightlife of glitzy high-rise casinos. The north shore tends to be more laid-back and natural. Of course, traveling between them is certainly possible. The route along the lake's west side is more scenic. The eastside road is more direct and likely to be open during storms. The entire loop around the lake measures 72 miles.

2. Tahoe ranks among deepest lakes. Lake Tahoe goes deep, really deep, so it never freezes. The country's second-deepest lake (next to Oregon's Crater Lake) reaches a depth of 1,644 feet. To put it in ski-resort terms, the lake has about the same vertical drop as Homewood. 3. 'Ski Nevada' really makes sense. Nevada first brings to mind casinos, instead of ski slopes. However, both Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe and Diamond Peak are found on the Nevada side of the lake. A third Tahoe resort, Heavenly, straddles the Nevada-California state line. 4. Affordable lodging is safe bet. Speaking of casinos, the Reno casino-hotels might be the ski world's best-kept secret for inexpensive lodging. The downtown casino-hotels make their money at the tables, rather than on rooms. As a result, skiers can score rooms for less than $50 a night. Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe is just 25 minutes from downtown Reno. The drive to Northstar California takes only 45 minutes. 5. Put on the Ritz in Tahoe. On the other end of the lodging price spectrum, the Ritz-Carlton brought serious hotel-brand cred to Tahoe in 2009. Located on the slopes of Northstar California, the hotel offers all the refined amenities one would expect for upwards of $500 a night.

6. Take in the view. Views of Lake Tahoe are understandably an attraction for skiing in the region. Surprisingly, quite a few of those scenic stock photos are taken from ski areas that visitors may not recognize. Homewood and Diamond Peak may not be Tahoe's biggest areas, but they both have bigtime views. 7. Sierra-at-Tahoe offers free shuttle. Sierra-at-Tahoe is located less than 30 minutes south of the lake. For visitors staying in South Lake Tahoe, a free South Shore Shuttle runs to and from the resort daily during the winter. The shuttle makes a bunch of stops in town and at the major casino-hotels on the Nevada side. 8. Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows connection could be on horizon. Discussion about linking nearby Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows goes back decades. Both resorts are now under the same ownership, so the dream could be closer to reality. However, nothing is definite at this point.

9. Squaw Valley cherishes Olympic history. Everyone knows about the 1980 "Miracle on Ice" U.S. hockey team in Lake Placid, N.Y. Not nearly as many realize that the 1960 team also won Olympic gold in Squaw Valley. The resort's Olympic heritage lives on today through local, Julia Mancuso. The skier has four Olympic medals to her credit (a gold, two silvers and a bronze). 10. Your ski buddies aren't on the menu. A grim part of Tahoe's history goes back the 19th century. Interstate 80 now brings loads of visitors three hours from the Bay Area. Back in the day, travel wasn't so easy. The winter of 1846-47 claimed the lives of 36 members of the Donner Party. Early snowstorms trapped 81 pioneers northwest of Lake Tahoe in what's now known as Donner Pass. Fending off starvation, some survivors reportedly ate parts of their fallen fellow travelers.

North Lake Tahoe locals, businesses honored at 61st chamber awards April 13, 2015

NORTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; The North Lake Tahoe Chamber of Commerce honored local leaders and businesses March 26 at the 61st Annual Community Awards Dinner at the Resort at Squaw Creek. The ceremony recognizes businesses and employees who provided outstanding service to visitors, customers, clients and the community throughout 2014. Large Business of the Year was awarded to Tahoe Restaurant Collection of Garwoods, Caliente and Bar of America, owned by Tom Turner. The collection is consistently promoting North Lake Tahoe events such as tequila tastings, SnowFest! opening ceremonies, Kings Beach parade celebrations and Labor Day Fireworks shows. Other winners are as follows: Non-Profit Organization of the Year: North Lake Tahoe-Truckee Leadership Program, for providing an opportunity for emerging leaders to build leadership skills and become trained, informed, engaged and active community members. Together, Program Manager Karen Wilcuts, and Shannon Beets, Interim President of Sierra Nevada College, have increased the class size to 27 across the region. Best Place to Work: Tahoe Donner Association, for showing an extraordinary commitment to its employees including an employee service incentive program where they chose two Employees of the Month as well as providing exceptional employees wooden nickels. Hospitality Business Award: Sunnyside Restaurant & Lodge, for efforts to make North Lake Tahoe a welcoming place extend through its willingness to partner with non-profit organizations for fundraisers as well as the staffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s openness to mingle and greet patrons making sure each guest has a great experience from arrival to departure.

Hospitality Super Star Award: JJ Beaty, Fire Sign Café. Beaty has worked at Fire Sign on the West Shore for three years, bringing his strong work ethic with him. Beaty goes above and beyond during every shift providing support to the whole Fire Sign team. Small Business of the Year: Andrew Laughlin, Tahoe City Kayak, for enriching North Lake Tahoe with great service, friendliness, helpfulness and a sense of community. Laughlin consistently provides support to the community while treating all of his staff with the upmost respect and he volunteers for various committees and community events. Regional Marketing Award: North Tahoe Business Association & Chamber Collaborative, for promoting the message that Lake Tahoe is a beautiful community that is bigger than a single event or business. The Business Association & Chamber Collaborative created and grew effective social campaigns designed to promote visitation among all areas of North Lake Tahoe. Public Servant Award: David Boesch, CEO of Placer County. Over the past year, Boesch and the Placer County CEO’s office funded a study to determine the economic initiatives that would have to take place in order to encourage private investment in the region. His leadership has led to county investment and stewardship of projects in the area that have the potential to renew economic vitality in the region. Tourism Professional of the Year: Rachael Woods, Marketing Manager, Vail Resorts/Northstar, for achieving an extraordinary height of marketing awareness. At Northstar California, Woods played an integral part in marketing the snow that was available throughout the season. Efforts included posting video/photography daily for media as well as fun ideas for people to do off the mountain. Citizen of the Year: Stacy Caldwell, Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation. Caldwell exemplifies leadership, qualities to assemble resources, and has acted as a catalyst for positive change in the community. Under Caldwell’s leadership, the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation completed the Community House in Kings Beach, introduced the T50 Giving Club, and created the Give Back Tahoe Giving Guide with the Sierra Sun. Caldwell also worked with Moonshine Ink and SBS Media House to develop a film about Food Innovations at 6,000 feet. Distinguished Community Service: Wally Auerbach, Auerbach Engineering, who has made significant contributions over a period of many years. Auberbach has served as a North Lake Tahoe Chamber, CVB & Resort Association board member, chair, treasurer, and Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation board member. This year, more 250 local business owners, community leaders and members were in attendance. In addition to celebrating winners, attendees participated in a silent auction with more than $20,000 in prizes.

This article was submitted to the Sun on behalf of North Lake Tahoe Chamber of Commerce. Visitgotahoenorth.com/events to learn more.

100 fun things to do this spring April 9, 2015 Whether you spend the next few months checking items off this list or committing to a few favorites, let Lake Tahoe’s and Truckee’s magnificent surroundings, people and businesses inspire you. For families

Rock art | Nicole Cheslock · Create. Build cairns. Design nature art. Get inspiration from the scores of cairns at the beach at the Coon Street boat launch in Kings Beach or Commons Beach in Tahoe City.

Hike | Nicole Cheslock · Take a hike. The 1.2-mile Tahoe Meadows Interpretive Loop off Mount Rose Highway is great for children and families. Swing through the forest and connect at a higher level at the Treetop Adventure Park at Granlibakken. Learn about Lake Tahoe through the interactive exhibits and docent-led tours at the Tahoe Science Center located on the Sierra Nevada College campus in Incline Village. Head to story time at the Tahoe City Library. Activities include songs and games designed for ages 5 and younger on Thursdays from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Cycle along the Truckee River. Take a fly-fishing lesson. Picnic on Commons Beach in Tahoe City. Visit the Gatekeeper’s Museum. Build sand castles. Check out Moon Dunes or North Tahoe Beach. Enjoy the playground at Kings Beach State Recreation Area.

Go bowling. Bowl Incline awaits (look for the coupon in this issue). Roller skate at Northstar. Spend a day playing at Sand Harbor. Explore the KidZone Museum in Truckee with exhibits and activities designed for infants to age 7. Build a diorama depicting a favorite book using Peeps during the Kings Beach Libraryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Literary Peeps Show through April 24. Enjoy a free Family Movie Night every Friday at Northwoods Clubhouse at 6:30 p.m. in Tahoe Donner. Tahoe Truckee Earth Day includes activities, crafts and vendors in Olympic Valley on April 18. Keep the North Shore beautiful by volunteering for Clean Up Day on June 6 in Tahoe City or in Kings Beach. Older children and teens can join their parents for this community-wide effort that wraps up with socializing in the afternoon. Challenge one another or cheer each other on at Magic Carpet Golf in Carnelian Bay. Make your own stuffed bear, design a fragrant candle and get crafty in The Village at Northstar. Play in the pool at High Camp. Take a trip to Reno: The Discovery Museum, Auto Museum, Nevada Museum of Art and Reno Aces Ballpark will delight the young and young at heart.

For culturistas & shoppers Sip ‘n’ Shop at local businesses from 3 to 7 p.m. during every Tahoe City First Fridays on May 1 and June 5 and in downtown Truckee from 5 to 8 p.m. during First Fridays held every month. Head to Sierra College, Tahoe-Truckee for Sierra College Insights, a fascinating monthly series featuring outstanding professors. Dr. Katherine Fusco will present “Strange Faces: Lon Chaney and the Ethic of Horror” on April 10 and Dr. Phil Boardman will speak on “Arthurian Legends and the Holy Grail” on May 8. Hear Third Coast Percussion perform at the Community Arts Center in Truckee on April 24 for Arts for the Schools. Hear insights from Dr. Russell Quaglia, a pioneer in education, at Squaw Valley Institute’s talk on April 30.

Made in Tahoe | Erskine Photography · Save the dates, May 23 to 25, for the Made in Tahoe Festival in the Village at Squaw Valley. Enjoy the works of poetry with Gailmarie Pahmeier and David Lee on April 17 with Sierra Nevada College’s Writers in Woods readings. Check out Salvaged, an artisan-based cooperative studio and boutique in Tahoe City, that offers classes for both adults and children. Catch a show. Tahoe Art Haus & Cinema in The Cobblestone Center features independent films, live music, dance performance and major motion pictures, as well as the inaugural Reno Tahoe International Film Festival (June 5-7).

Take your camera on a hike. Visit James Harold Galleries in the Boatworks Mall. Head to Gallery Keoki to see pictures from around Olympic Valley, Tahoe and the globe in the Village at Squaw Valley. Peruse local artisan goods and exhibits at North Tahoe Arts Center. Take a workshop at the newly opened Atelier in downtown Truckee with upcoming classes including block printing, papermaking, kids’ classes, artist exhibits and more. Check out the latest styles and pick up some new gear as you stroll through downtown Tahoe City, Truckee and Kings Beach. Attend the student piano and voice recital at Sierra Nevada College’s on May 5. Head to the Reno Jazz Festival from April 23 to 26. Practice speaking Spanish and help another practice English at the Language Cafe/Cafe Lingustico on Wednesdays at the Community House in Kings Beach. Treat yourself – and a foodie you love – to something sweet or savory from Market 28. Go wild at Lather and Fizz, in Tahoe City or the Village at Squaw Valley, to make your bath experience at home like a pampering treatment at a spa. Dance to live music at the Crystal Bay Club. Upcoming shows include performances by Leftover Salmon, Con Brio, Little River Band, Jeff Austin Band, Dustbowl Revival and many more. Boogie at the first concert of the season with Music on the Beach from June 19 to Aug. 7 every Friday night and with Concerts on Commons every Sunday from June 21 to Sept. 6. Pop into the Tahoe City Visitor Center for an inside scoop on special events and happenings. For cost-conscious foodies

West Shore Cafe | Nicole Cheslock · Have a delicious breakfast or lunch for less than $10 at Dam Café. The burritos are particularly good. Look no further than the Uncommon Kitchen located inside New Moon Natural Foods for a fulfilling, healthy and affordable lunch. Especially great for vegans and vegetarians. Satiate your hunger at The Burrito Window with burritos ranging from $6.25 to $7.25. Enjoy a burger, beer and incredible views every Tuesday night at Sunnyside ($10) or savor half-priced tacos during Fish Taco Wednesdays. Enjoy fast, fresh Mexican food at T’s Mesquite Rotisserie. Delight in the River Grill’s daily Happy Hour. Indulge in a decadent dessert at the Tahoe House Bakery or Brockway Bakery. Head to Dockside 700 for the 4 to 6 p.m. daily Happy Hour, which includes deals on a range of tasty bites from Artichoke and Spinach Dip to Lamb Lollipops. Enjoy burgers and fries overlooking the Truckee River at The Bridgetender Tavern and Grill. Head to Cottonwood for Acoustic Thursdays the free live music paired with drink and menu specials all night in the Bar and Fireplace rooms.

Indulge a hearty appetite with a meal on the lake at Moe’s Original Bar B Que.

Moe’s BBQ | Silent A photography · Enjoy margaritas and snacks from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday through Thursday during Blue Agave’s Happy Hour. Can’t beat the $5 beer and hand roll at Mamasake. Fish Taco Fridays at Caliente includes deals on beer-battered and grilled fish tacos. Toast to the good life over a cheese plate and wine tasting at Uncorked in Tahoe City, Truckee or Olympic Valley or at Petra at Northstar. You won’t want to miss the delicious $5 house margaritas at Margs World Taco Bistro during Happy Hour. And, you’ll want to try the tacos while you’re there, too. Zia Lina’s daily happy hour is sure to please with pizza and pasta selections. Check out the fare at Truckee Tavern and Grill overlooking downtown Truckee with Tavern Happy Hour Sunday to Thursday and Late Night at the Tavern offered nightly staring at 8:30 p.m. Try the Ahi Poke Rolls, a signature appetizer, and the delectable Hula Pie at Jake’s on the Lake. Splurge for the one who loves you most with a Mother’s Day feast on May 10. Wolfdale’s. Anything off the menu is sure to delight, and with teasers, soups, salads and small plates all less than $10, a visit during Happy Hour from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Sunday through Friday, will be a treat for your wallet and palate.

For couples

Kings Beach SUP | Nicole Cheslock · Enjoy a full moon hike or SUP with your sweetheart on May 3 and June 2. Picnic on the wide, sandy beach in Kings Beach. Treat yourselves to a massage. The Ritz-Carlton, Resort at Squaw Creek and Hyatt Regency offer pools, hot tubs and resources for a day of relaxation. Get pumping at the Billy Dutton Uphill race on April 12 at Squaw Valley. Like to golf? The Tahoe City, Old Brockway or Ponderosa golf courses are all open for play. Hit the Flume Trail with your love. Watch the sun set with a cocktail from the Sand Bar at Christy Hill. Take in the panoramic vista from Eagle Rock. Share a sundae at Gear & Grind in Tahoe City or Susie Scoops in Incline Village or stroll with a creamy ice cream cone in hand. Head to Caliente in Kings Beach for an educational Tequila Tasting at 5 p.m. on May 7 or June 4. Includes appetizers. Indulge your mind, body and spirit at The Ritz-Carlton’s annual Wellness Weekend from June 5 to 7.

Enjoy shopping and tasting at the 10th annual Tahoe City Wine Walk on June 20. Take a hot air balloon ride with a FAA certified instructor over Lake Tahoe. Enjoy sunset paddles on Lake Tahoe. Need gear? Contact Tahoe City Kayak or Tahoe Adventure Company. Get together with friends for Battle of the Bands at the North Tahoe Event Center in Kings Beach on April 11. Revive and rejuvenate at the Spring into Summer Detox & Yoga Retreat from May 22 to 24 at Granlibakken. For Outdoor Lovers & Adrenaline Junkies Head to Waterman’s Landing or bring your own SUP and explore the Lake Tahoe Water Trail. Enroll in the Northstar Bike Academy or hit the jumps at Northstar’s Mountain Biking Park (opening in June). Climb rocks. Need help? Check out NASTC’s classes. Take a hike on the Pacific Crest Trail. Explore – by foot, bike, kayak or SUP. Hop on a mountain bike and after warming up, hit one of the challenging trails. The Olympic Bike Shop can outfit you, as well as recommend a challenging, but not death-defying, adventure based on your experience and skill. Hike. With hundreds of miles of trails, Tahoe offers a wide range of picturesque hikes for different fitness levels. Explore the region’s disc golf courses at Incline Park, North Tahoe Regional Park, Truckee River Regional Park and the Sierra College Campus. Don a wet suit for early season water skiing on Tahoe. Train for your next high altitude trip with an experienced guides from T3 Adventures, Tahoe Adventure Company or Le Grand Adventure Tours.

Try the new features at the Truckee Bike Park Project, and then lend a hand with some sweat equity to help maintain the park. Participate in the Reno River Festival at the Truckee River Whitewater Park from May 9 to 10. Bring a team together for Tough Mudder from June 13 to 14 at Northstar. Check out the amazing lineup of free activities during the Alpenglow Mountain Festival from June 20 to 28. Compete in one of the dozens of events including triathlons, mountain bike races, trail running, SUP races and more, scheduled for Adventure Sports Week from June 19 to 28. Circumnavigate Lake Tahoe by bike. Explore Reiki the last Thursday of every month from 6 to 8 p.m. at Reiki Share. Enjoy days on the lake, nights in a lodge and decadent meals on a Lodge-to-Lodge Paddle Trip.

North Shore honors community, business leaders April 8, 2015 North Lake Tahoe honored local leaders and businesses at the 61st annual Community Awards Dinner at the Resort at Squaw Creek last month. The winners are:

Large Business of the Year: Tahoe Restaurant Collection of Garwoods, Caliente and Bar of America. Nonprofit Organization of the Year: North Lake Tahoe-Truckee Leadership Program. Best Place to Work: Tahoe Donner Association. Hospitality Business Award: Sunnyside Restaurant & Lodge. Hospitality Super Star Award: JJ Beaty, Fire Sign CafĂŠ. Small Business of the Year: Andrew Laughlin, Tahoe City Kayak. Regional Marketing Award: North Tahoe Business Association & Chamber Collaborative. Public Servant Award: David Boesch, CEO of Placer County. Tourism Professional of the Year: Rachael Woods, marketing manager, Northstar. 2014 Citizen of the Year: Stacy Caldwell, Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation. Distinguished Community Service: Wally Auerbach, Auerbach Engineering.

SUGAR BOWL'S ROB KAUTZ TO RETIRE April 4, 2015 SAM Magazine—Donner Summit, Calif., April 4, 2015—Rob Kautz, president and CEO of Sugar Bowl Resort, is retiring after nearly four decades at Sugar Bowl Resort. Kautz will stay on as president and CEO until Sugar Bowl Resort finds and trains a replacement, and will continue to work at the resort through June 2016. He will also remain on Sugar Bowl Corporation’s board of directors. During his tenure, Kautz and his management team oversaw the renovation of the Village at Sugar Bowl. Real estate sales related to the project financed more than $60 million of on-mountain improvements, including new express lifts, lodges, and snowmaking. Kautz also led and executed the construction of the Mt. Judah Day Lodge and parking area, a new ski academy campus, and the Sporthaus, a new pool and fitness training center in the Sugar Bowl Village. In 2012, Sugar Bowl Resort purchased Royal Gorge, North America’s largest cross country ski resort. In 2013, Sugar Bowl honored Kautz with a new, steep run off of the Crow’s Peak chairlift named “Rob’s Run.” “Rob has been one of the unflappable pillars of the winter sports industry. His intelligence, resourcefulness and effective leadership have been fundamental to the popularity and success of Sugar Bowl," said Bob Roberts, president and CEO of the California Ski Industry Association. Kautz served as a board member and chair of the National Ski Areas Association and was a long-time board member and chair of the California Ski Industry Association.

The 10 most incredible places to stand-up paddleboard April 4, 2015

THE MOST INCREDIBLE PLACES TO STAND-UP PADDLEBOARD There aren’t too many activities out there as versatile as stand-up paddleboarding, the sport can range from an easy session on flat water to a challenging outing surfing big waves—there’s even a major yoga component for some paddlers. All that diversity may help explain why it’s the fastest growing water sport around.We’ve highlighted 10 locations around the world so you can try it for yourself. These spots offer incredible conditions, wildlife and scenery, in addition to offering rentals and instruction. From Italy to South Africa, take a look at these stellar stand-up paddling trips. ...

LAKE TAHOE—CALIFORNIA AND NEVADA This pristine crater of outdoor paradise straddling the California/ Nevada border is predictably the perfect place to learn to SUP, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing for the advanced paddler. The calm lake makes a great classroom for first-time paddlers, but the 70+ miles of coastline leave plenty to be explored. Rental shops are located on all sides of the lake and many offer great instruction and if you’re looking to try something new, some of the outfitters in the area offer SUP yoga classes. …http://www.msn.com/en-ca/travel/article/the-10-most-incredible-places-to-stand-up-paddleboard/ss-AAawpZG#image=10

Lake Tahoe Cycling Opportunities: Amgen Tour and much more April 6, 2015 (LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev.) - Olympic skiers and snowboarders proudly call Lake Tahoe their home, reinforcing the caliber of diverse and challenging terrain available. This spring, Lake Tahoe spins beyond winter sports as Lake Tahoe will host the first two stages of the Amgen Tour of California Women's Race empowered with SRAM, May 8-9, 2015. www.tahoesouth.com. For the first time, top women's cycling teams from around the world will vie to be crowned the Amgen Tour of California Women's Race winner, a three-stage cycling competition with the first two in Lake Tahoe. The start and finish line for both stages will be at Heavenl y Mountain Resort's California Main Lodge. The debut is part of the 10th anniversary edition of the Amgen Tour of California, and the first three-day women's stage race of its kind in South Lake Tahoe. www.amgentourofcalifornia.com. Several women's teams are training and acclimating to the altitude, including the BMW presented by Happy Tooth Dental team that has been in the region for the past week. "The gorgeous sunny weather makes the road conditions ideal for training," said Carol Chaplin, executive director of the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority. "Seeing the athletes in our community builds the enthusiasm for hosting the event as well as the sport." The destination continues to attract major cycling competitions. North Lake Tahoe has been selected to host USA Cycling's Amateur and Para-Cycling Road National Championships in 2015 and 2016. The five-day event includes individual and tandem time trials, road races and a criterium. The event draws more than 1,000 participants, and thousands of spectators, family members and friends. North Lake Tahoe's selection for USA Cycling National Championships is a result of hosting the inaugural IRONMAN competition in September 2013, and reinforces the region' s appeal for national and international endurance events. The Ironman Lake Tahoe and Ironman Lake Tahoe

70.3 will continue to test athletes' strength and will power, Sept. 20, 2015. www.ironman.com "Hosting this prestigious national race at North Lake Tahoe will be a true win-win for everyone involved," said Andy Chapman, chief marketing officer for the Incline Village Convention & Visitors Bureau. "Renown for its spectacular mountain vistas and crystal clear lake, L ake Tahoe's setting is the perfect environment for athletes to both push themselves and to relax and rejuvenate post-race. We look forward to a great race this year as well as 2016." Tahoe's slew of summer events/competitions that appeal to the avid recr eational cyclist as well as the hard core athlete including: 



      

America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride puts pedal to the pavement during the 24th annual ride to fight leukemia and lymphomawww.bikethewest.com as avid recreational bicyclists circumnavigate 72 miles or a century ride (100 miles) around Lake Tahoe on June 7. Lake Tahoe Mountain Bike Race on June 20 consists of either a four or eight hour race as an individual or a team of up to 4 people. The course lap is approximately 12.6 miles and the most amount completed in the designated time wins. (Fast lap times are around 50 minutes) www.adventuresportsweektahoe.com USA Cycling National Amateur Championships, June 24-28www.usacycling.org Xterra Tahoe City is a triathlon that entails swimming, mountain biking and trail running, June 27 www.adventuresportsweektahoe.com Death Ride - Tour of California Alps is 15,000 ft. of climbing for 129 miles over five passes including Monitor (Hwy 89), Ebbetts (Hwy 4) and Carson Pass on July 11 Sierra Century Bike Ride, includes three routes - 30, 60 or 100 miles that all begin and end at Squaw Valley on Sept. 12http://www.tahoesierracentury.com/ Tour de Tahoe - Bike Big Blue, a Ride to Cure Diabetes, participants test their strength and physical endurance, Sept. 13. Cycling Climbing Camps are available throughout the summerwww.cyclingescapes.com Tahoe Bike Challenge - June 1-14 www.tahoebike.org

10 Best Beaches for Families in 2015 April 2, 2015 If you could create the ultimate beach for your family, what would it look like? Would it have calm, clean waters and powdery, soft sand? Would it be situated near other attractions, such as a playground and boardwalk? Would there be casual places to eat nearby, along with spacious, yet affordable places to stay? These beaches, listed in no particular order and located across the U.S., have all of those qualities and then some.

Kings Beach - Lake Tahoe, Calif. Nevada or California? We like both sides of Lake Tahoe, but Kings Beach, Californiastands out with prime views of the calm, turquoise waters, sports rentals, a playground, inexpensive parking and free concerts on the beach each Friday. Families have the option to bring packed lunches or visit a nearby eatery -there are plenty of options, from sit-down restaurants to ice cream stands. There are just as many vacation rentals and hotels available, too. Insider Tip: Visit the Tahoe Central Market for picnic food to enjoy on the beach. The market features local, organic products, plus delicious smoothies and sandwiches. â&#x20AC;Ś http://www.familyvacationcritic.com/10-best-beaches-for-families-in-2015/art/

Nation's 10 Best Family Beaches Named April 2, 2015 â&#x20AC;Ś

Kings Beach, Lake Tahoe, California. Insider Tip: "Visit the Tahoe Central Market for picnic food to enjoy on the beach. The market features local, organic products, plus delicious smoothies and sandwiches." â&#x20AC;Ś http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/photos/nations-10-best-family-beaches-named-30034027/image-30034163

Andy Chapman: Crystal Bay Visitors Bureau April 1, 2015 President/CEO Incline Village http://www.gotahoenorth.com/about-tahoe/business-andcommunity/incline-village-crystal-bay-visitors-bureau

How did you first get into your profession? I have worked in the tourism industry in the Lake Tahoe basin for over 22 years for both public and private entities.

What do you want your legacy to be? I am a big fan of Lake Tahoe and I hope my legacy is to help drive the region as one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top vacation destinations.

What is your pet peeve? Slow drivers on curvy, two lane highways.

What is the best moment of your career? I think it would be our effort in North Lake Tahoe to bring world-class sporting events to the region. From the Amgen Tour of California bike race, to the Ironman Lake Tahoe and the USA Cycling National Amateur Championships, we are reinforcing North Lake Tahoeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s position as the human powered sports capital of the United States.

April 1, 2015

RENO/TAHOE Fewer than half of visitors to the Reno/Tahoe region come strictly for gaming, according to the RenoSparks Convention and Visitors Authority. New developments in this longtime gambling town -including a burgeoning restaurant scene -- give nongamers more reasons to visit. But gaming is still a draw -- the majority of visitors do hit the casinos while in town -- and many resorts have upgraded their gaming and group-friendly facilities. About 15,500 hotel rooms are available in this town, which has a population of less than a half-million. Casino continues to upgrade its meeting facilities. All of the function space has received new carpeting, sconces and ceiling tiles in the past 12 months, and the prefunction space likewise has fresh carpet, tile and furniture. The Tropicana Entertainmentowned MontBleu Resort is undergoing a $24 million renovation of its casino and 437 guest rooms, due to wrap up next month. Guest rooms at the Lake Tahoe property are getting upgrades to furniture, electronics, fixtures and bathrooms, while the casino and convention space will have new carpeting, lighting and dĂŠcor. Work should soon be under way on the MontBleu Theater Showroom, box office and building exterior, a project slated to finish by the end of this year. Across the street, the former Horizon got a $60 million overhaul before reopening in late January as the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. All 539 guest rooms and suites have been reworked to conform to the Hard Rock style, with music memorabilia and a rock 'n' roll theme. A 25,000-square-foot casino is onsite, along with more than 14,300 square feet of meeting space. New restaurants include the Oyster Bar and Fuel, while Vinyl offers an intimate performance space.

The historic Cal Neva Resort, Spa & Casino in North Lake Tahoe is under new ownership and is slated to reopen on Dec. 12, 2015 -- just in time to celebrate what would have been former owner Frank Sinatra's 100th birthday. The resort will offer 219 guest rooms, a spa, meeting space and restaurants. The new owners will reportedly spend $49 million to thoroughly refurbish the classic property. The 1,500-room JA Nugget opened Gilley's Dance Hall, BBQ and Saloon last summer. The Sparks hotel continues its $50 million renovation, upgrading guest rooms, public areas and more. Reno-Tahoe International Airport is welcoming new routes. Next month, JetBlue will begin offering daily nonstop flights between Reno and New York's JFK International Airport, the first direct service offered between Reno and the East Coast. The airport also recently launched direct service between Reno and Guadalajara, Mexico, and will add a London route by the end of the year. -- Michael J. Shapiro