From the first Lady of Tahoe Travel tips

    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!