Although Fall comes every year, it always seems to take me by surprise. It also manages to give what tourists that are left a bit of a jolt as well.

If you are visiting  South Lake Tahoe this Fall season, be prepared to pack a diverse amount of clothing.

Correction, you will need to bring your entire wardrobe! During the day you will be in shorts, and in the evenings you will bundled in a down coat. I’m not kidding. J

 

As old man winter is creeping up on us, the time is growing near to book your ski vacation to

You see, when the lifts aren’t turning and the snow isn’t flying, there is no income. There is however a heck of a lot of expense going on in the preseason with marketing efforts, advertising, hiring, and preparing for the upcoming Winter. All this equates to they want your vacation dollars now.

There are savings galore to be had the earlier you purchase your vacation. If Heavenly Ski Resort is your planned destination; Heavenly Tahoe Vacations is an awesome resource for early season deals. You are actually dealing with local folks who know what works best for you and your family. The big name travel websites are great, but very impersonal in my opinion. Heavenly Tahoe Vacations definetly take it to the next level.

Okay.. have you booked your trip yet?

Vacation rentals offer all the conveniences of home, with a twist. Nowadays, most Lake Tahoe vacation properties offer most of the amenities you would find at a hotel or motel. It’s not like it used to be where you would just swing by an office, pick up a key and be on your way. Arrangements can be made to have your fridge stocked with all of your favorite foods, skis delivered to your home, baby items delivered such as cribs, walkers, backpacks, heck even an in home massage.

For families with children, renting a vacation home in Lake Tahoe also offers a sense of security. Would you rather wake up to a beautiful fresh blanket of snow on the ground and rush out to build a snowman with your kids in a parking lot, or would you rather do so in the privacy of your “own home”? Would you rather have your kids listening through the walls to the newlywed couple in the room next door, or would you rather be sitting with them on the back deck stargazing with the sound of coyotes howling in the distance.

There are typically Lake Tahoe vacation rentals for every budget. There are quaint condos just steps from the ski lifts at Heavenly, cozy cabins in the woods, as well as sprawling lakefront estates.

Why not try something a little different this time?  

As the summer is coming near it’s end, and we look forward to welcoming the fall days here in Lake Tahoe, I’ve been looking back on all the enjoyable things we did this summer. I realized how lucky we are to have had so many awesome things to do this year with the kids! My family has quit a few young children in it, and most of my close friends are also parents to kids of all ages. So when it comes right down to it, we pretty much know this little town like the back of our hands when it comes to finding new and exciting things to do as a family.

I find that a lot of tourist come to Lake Tahoe, and one of the first questions out of most parents mouths is “Is there anything to do with the kids?” and my answer is “YES YES YES!” there is PLENTY TO DO!!! There is in fact so much to do around here, that I’ve decided to share some of my favorites as a local. I hope that some of these things will go above and beyond the idea that all there is around here for the little ones is some casino arcades, and the hotel pool…So,here we go!

*keep in mind some activities are weather permitting (like most things in Tahoe) so be sure to check first to make sure these things are going on before planning them*

The first thing I think is fun for the whole family when the weather is a bit on the warmer side, the Tahoe Queen Family Fun Cruise With Tahoe Tessie! The paddle wheeler cruise usually leaves around 11am from the Ski Run Marina, and last for about 2 hours and 15 minutes. Rich and I took our infant son and our 4 year old niece on the cruise and let me tell you, IT WAS A BLAST! You’re greeted on the marina dock by Lake Tahoe’s famous green Lake Monster, Tahoe Tessie. Be sure to bring your camera’s too cause this friendly monster loves having her pictures taken with the kids ;)! On the boat the kids can go to one of 3 levels to enjoy the cruise, and a great big open top deck, and a glass bottom viewing tank to see the Lake at it’s finest. You can order lunch off of a great menu with a large selection of food and drinks, including a yummy kids menu with something for everyone (and a full bar for the grown-ups)! Once the cruise takes off, the kids and parents are all welcome to travel down to the lower deck to hear Tahoe Tessie and friends read a story to the young passengers about some fun history on herself, and Lake Tahoe! My niece felt extra special because before the story begin we got her a stuffed Tessie Doll from the boats gift shop, and she loved holding it while the story went on. The best part is, if your kids enjoy the book, they sell that in the gift shop too…(yes, we got it LOL) After, the kids all join Tessie on the top deck of the boat for the “Tessa-rana” and Hokey poky dance! And just before the boat is due to dock, fresh baked cookies are served on the lower deck for everyone. The whole cruise was so much fun, and my niece still talks about it to this day. Even the baby had a great time watching the water from the tank, and being pushed around the boat in his stroller. The cruise usually runs from early May to mid September, so be sure to squeeze that in while you still can. Your kids will love it, and so will you! (children 2 and under are free too!)

Another exciting activity for all ages, is taking a Nifty Fifty Trolley Ride through the town down Highway 50. It’s a safe and enjoyable ride, stopping at all the popular spots! Go anywhere from Stateline Nevada to Camp Richardson Resort in California and back! The Trolley picks up at most of the major casinos, hotels, popular spots and resorts every hour and does round trips all day long. Some of the hotels even offer free tickets so be sure to ask the front desk or concierge when you check in. If your not staying in a hotel/resort, It’s only a couple of bucks for an all day pass (kids 3 under and usually free) :). We gathered up the whole family at Harvey’s Resort, with children ranging from 9 months to 7 years old, and all of us adults and got onto the old fashion cable car and had a really great time! The kids took turns ringing the Trolley’s bell, and waving to cars from their seats. We rode through the town and got off at beautiful Camp Richardson Resort and took a lunch break at the Beacon Bar and Grill’s outdoor patio. Camp Rich has all sorts of fun things you can do during the day as well from bike rentals, old time photos, to their old fashion ice cream parlor (the kids favorite). After spending a few hours our there, we hopped back on the Trolley and rode back to Harvey’s just taking in the scenery and enjoying the rest of the afternoon on the relaxing, yet exciting ride.  Every year the kids get excited when they see that the Trolley is up and running (weather permitting) and it never seems to become old or boring to them year after year. It’s a family favorite that I’ve been enjoying since I was a teenager myself when the Trolley was first built!

Year round fun can be found at Harrah’s Family Fun Center. OK, so I know I said there was more than just arcades…BUT…this one is way different then the rest of the “pop your coin in a machine” video arcades. Located downstairs in the Harrah’s Casino, It’s virtually fun for EVERY age. I’s way more kid and family friendly then some of the other ones that are usually crowded with teenagers and young adults. It features what Rich refers to as the “Giant hamster maze” LOL a structured soft-play facility with slides, mazes, climbing etc (think Chuck’E'Cheese, McDonalds play area type but MUCH Bigger and CLEAN!!!!!) There is even a smaller one just for younger children and toddlers. It’s a fun, and clean environment filled with all sorts of games, mini rides, fun house mirrors and much more! Connected to it is the arcade that has all the latest video games for the older kids, and carnival style games that reward you with tickets that can be redeemed for prizes before you go! When your done, head over to the American River Cafe’, located right next to the fun center, and grab a bite to eat, your kids will love watching the live fish swim down the river flowing through the entire restaurant while they dine, and the menu is fantastic! This is an excellent place to take the family during the evenings or cooler days on your visit!

My personal favorite is the Tallac Historical site. It’s located just past Camp Richardson in the California side of Tahoe. It’s what some people consider to be the most beautiful part of the lake. It’s home to the Valhalla Arts and Music Festival, the Baldwin Museum, Valhalla boat house theater, and the famous Pope Estate! It’s SO MUCH FUN! The kids enjoy walking around the different paths and seeing the charming cabins and houses that once held 3 of the bay area’s most rich and elite families on their vacations. It was a retreat for the wealthy and famous, and considered to be the finest facilities in Lake Tahoe over a century ago. They can pear inside everything from the old nanny’s quarters to the old fashion bath houses, and the best part is, everything is decorated just as it was back in it’s day. You can take a walk down to the shore of the beach, and even explore some of the cabins that hold today’s local artist at work.Not a year goes by that we don’t take a day trip out there, it really takes you back to a wonderful time. There’s even tours available!

Another fun one is The Stream Profile Chamber at Taylor Creek. I’ve been enjoying this one since I was in grade school! It gives visitors an idea of what it would be like to go below the water into the deep and quit interesting creek. A little path leads you down a small little cave like tunnel that has HUGE viewing windows showing off all of the creeks life form. The windows fade into a large mural wrapped around the tunnel walls that show pictures of all the fish etc in the tank, and it’s fun for adults and children to try to point out certain things through the glass. Kids enjoy being under ground with the fish, and often times there is a stand set up outside the viewing area with coloring books for the kids at no cost It’s a nice walk on the path to the creek and beyond.

Those are just a few of my favorites for the summer and early fall months in Tahoe, I hope these ideas will be just as enjoyable for you and your family! Keep an eye out for some of the Heff’s favorite Winter fun ideas too!!!

On August 12^th I decided to rough it. I packed up the family and drove approximately 1.5 miles down HWY 50 to Zephyr Cove Campground. Some might say that going to a “campground” isn’t exactly “roughing it.” Well, when you have a 10 month old baby we decided to keep it as close to home as possible. How ironic is it that for a one night camping trip, less than two miles from home; we managed two SUV loads full of stuff.?

A little background for you. Zephyr Cove Resort is located approximately 3.5 miles from the casino area. It is situated perfectly across the beach and is accessible for both RV’s and tent campers. Zephyr Cove Campground actually has won awards from the U.S. Forest Service for it’s design and amenities. With plenty of modern restrooms and the relative closeness to civilization, Zephyr Cove tends to be a popular destination for families like us.

Our reservation was made a week in advance and we had requested a site that was a “walk-in site”; meaning that we parked our car in one area and trudged in. I figured this would give us the illusion of seclusion so to speak. Upon arrival we were informed that no campfires were allowed in this area currently. You can’t exactly camp with out a campfire can you? This actually turned from bummer to blessing.  I tend to think I’m a little more gung ho than I really am!

The campground manager gave us a lovely drive in site. Granted there were people right on top of us, it was still in a nice spot. I won’t bore you with the trials and tribulations of setting up camp and figuring out what poles go where. It’s not exactly something I enjoy reliving.  I will also not bore you with the details of would follow that evening…. Oh but I will give a teaser with a brief timeline of events.

7:00pm Baby Dylan falls asleep.. ahhh

8:00pm We are too loud and baby wakes up…

8:30pm My mom who happened to visiting us at the camp site says she locked her keys in her car.

9:00pm I finally break into her car only to find they aren’t there. Keys were sitting on the table J

9:15 From being over tired.. Dylan decided to puke all over me.. and my only warm clothing.

9:30 I am wearing my wifes spare outfit.. not a pretty site.

10:00pm We hear sirens. A pepper spray bomb goes off 5 sites away from us. We aren’t bothered by any smell.. we are too far away.

10:15pm  Nosey Neighbors in the site next to us tell us that we should get our baby indoors and that her kids are coughing terribly from the fumes… What fumes?

10:30pm Paramedics arrive at our site “looking for a very sick baby, throwing up and running fever with very young parents.”

10:35pm Paramedics recognize me and bid farewell knowing that my babys grandpa just retired from being the fire chief.. jokes on Nosey Neighbors!

12:00am Dylan still won’t fall asleep…..

12:15am Dylan is asleep in his own crib, Chandelle and I in our own bed J

7:00am We drive back and pack up camp.

They always have award for best boat cruise.. and it usually goes to one of the big paddlewheelers. These boats are very much not worthy of a “Best of Tahoe” title. Heck my good friend Captains one of them and he agrees… There are just about 10 ships that offer public cruises here on the south shore of Lake Tahoe. 10 being least desirable.. 1 being best. Enjoy

10. Tahoe Queen

9. Tahoe Thunder

8. Windsong

7. Woodwind I

6. The Tahoe

5. Tahoe Star

4. M.S. Dixie II

3. Woodwind II

2. Safari Rose

1. Bleu Wave

    Hey Everyone! My name is Chandelle. I’m what people around here consider to be Rich’s better half! Haha…and of course as the strong woman behind her strong hard working man, I just couldn’t keep my mouth shut for very long, and just had to get my hands on his newest Tahoe Travel Tips project!

    One of the greatest things I enjoy about living in Lake Tahoe, is that I feel it’s one of the BEST places to raise children! Along with it’s beauty, charm, laid back mountain style, and feeling of safety and community, it actually has a lot of hidden little secrets that the whole family (especially ones with children) can enjoy on a daily basis!

    Recently this year, my family (which includes my now 9 month old son) and I moved over to a new house in an incredible new neighborhood called Round Hill . I feel I’m not using the term “incredible” loosely because I was pretty much impressed with everything from the scenery to the convenient little everyday things it had to offer. Not only are we now walking distance to a large grocery store, post office, hair salon, video rentals, and the beach…but it also has some great little restaurants and pubs!

    Now, I’m big on doing some of the more domestic things on my own to save a buck or two on a weekly basis, but every now and then the family is in need of a NIGHT OUT (and sometimes a good beer or glass of wine ;)!

    Early this summer we were in the process of moving in one afternoon when we decided to put our son in the jog stroller and head down to the shopping center literally just seconds away from our house. We were barley unpacked and had yet to open up the boxes that held our dishes, pots and pans. So…never the less, us Heffs were HUNGRY and worn out!

    We walked around and stumbled on a little bar and brill restaurant called “Sam’s Beach House” and let me tell you, we hit a gold mine on that one!

    First off, they have in-door and out-door seating, and that’s a must in Tahoe since we are kinda known for our unpredictable weather ;).

    The decor was a laid back beachy atmosphere with a lil’ Tahoe edge to it. Upon going inside, they have a huge area for kids of all ages to hang out and play (even a PlayStation 2 for the older ones and teens). They have a huge selection of books, toys, puppets, cars, video games, bean bags etc all for the kids enjoyment; nothing broken, dirty, or non-kid friendly. They even have some baby Einstein toys for the lil guys (a must for moms with babies and toddlers).

    It was so good to know that my child was welcome there, and wouldn’t be considered loud, obnoxious, or out of place if he was to be playing with toys, or giggling with other kids. My personal favorite is the cute little sandbox filled with shells, shovels and buckets, and the outdoor mini kids boat.

    The have tons of seating for parties as small as 2 (away from the children’s area and closer to the bar and windows) and HUGE tables suitable for large families, such as my own, shaped as giant wooden surf boards!     

    We occupied a large surf table, and lucked out with what I consider to be the best waitress in Lake Tahoe, named Serena (she’s going to laugh if I spelled it wrong haha). She treated my family like gold, and wheeled up a VERY freshly clean highchair, and not just a standard highchair, but a top of the line Peg-Perego high chair much like the one we use at our own house.

    The kids had a blast playing games, reading books, and putting on puppet shows for each other while they waited for their food.

    This gave us adults some time to enjoy a pitcher of Kona Longboard passion fruit beer (upon the waitresses good recommendation) and just enjoy the evening.

    These things alone were reason enough to sell me on going back (over and over and over again) but we were in for an even bigger treat when the food came. IT WAS EXCELLENT! They had a HUGE variety of things to chose from, from Burgers to delicious seafood and salads. My dad enjoys the Tacos, Rich loves the pulled pork, while I myself enjoyed the leaner option of “Sea of Cortes Chicken” but virtually everything we ever order there is delicious. The kids love to munch on the chicken fingers and fries and just about all the other yummy options they have on the kids menu as well!

    Needless to say we all left full, happy, and it didn’t leave a big dent on our wallets either! The prices were very reasonable, and well worth every cent.

    To this day when we go back we request the same waitress, and the kids know the drill right away. We are greeting by our first name, seated at a clean big roomy table, served our usual drinks, and they always squeeze in a hug for the baby before we leave. Talk about total family friendly dining! 
    So I say to other mothers, fathers, or just anyone looking to have a great meal, great drinks, with or without children, this could very well be your next Tahoe favorite! I know it’s ours!

Though there was complete devastation to homeowners and local residents in the fire zone,  the fire did not affect anything tourism related. I have friends that lost everything in the fire, but everything here in Tahoe is open for business.

It has been well over a month now and the economic impacts upon local business has been severe. As the Lake Tahoe Insider my finger is always on the pulse. Nearly everyone I talk to says that revenues have plummeted since the fire. The media is to blame, not the fire.

If you are thinking of visiting Lake Tahoe, stop thinking and join us. The Summer is nearly over yet there is still plenty of sun and fun up for grabs. Many of the hotels and motels are running specials which is unheard of for August.

When you arrive please respect those of us that were impacted by the fire. Daily people ask me how to get to “where we can go see the burned houses.” I simply reply; “There are no burned houses, they are burned homes with the ashes of people lives sitting on the curb.” I think they usually get the point.

I have been to most of (if not all) of the beaches here on the South Shore and I just keep coming back to Roundhill. It is absolutely the best beach if you are looking for just the right mix of sun and fun in a family atmosphere. Round Hill Pines is the only place I have found that you can hit up the on the sand “Rum Bar” with your buddies after taking out a Wave Runner then head up to the heated swimming pool with the wife and kids.

The beach is family owned and operated which is tops on my list. The Forvillys have been doing this for quite some time. Heck, the pool where my son is learning to swim is the same my wife learned in. You don’t get more local than that.

Cleanliness is also big on my list. My kid is nine months old and wants to eat sand. Not that I condone eating sand but kids are kids. If there is any sand I would let him eat it would be at Round Hill. I have yet to spot a Cig butt in the sand.

Did I mention the beach is 1/2 mile long?

I can only hope that the Forest Service continues to renue the lease that the Forvillys hold on this property. They have been doing an awesome job for years and hope they will for years to come.

Go local.. go to Round Hill and support the Locals.