1 week in Stateline, Nevada

We drove to Yosemite and camped one night in the park. It is spectacular. The Carson Valley is wonderful. There is a nice new casion called the Carson Valley Inn. We went to Reno for a day to catch a University of Nevada football game. That was great and we gambled downtown. A dinner cruise on the lake is a must. We went on the MS Dixie II. The big cruise boats are basically the same, so just pick one to fit your schedule. We visited the capital in Carson City. The state museum there is fabulous. We saw the camel races in Virginia City. That was a blast too. They race ostriches! We also went to Sacrameno for a day to see the capitol which is great. Each California county has a diarama to describe what it has to offer. In Sacramento we ate at Biba's. If you like fabulous food, it is a must. Lake Tahoe has all that Vegas has, but on a smaller scale and the surroundings are SO much nicer. The forests and lake are really beautiful.

Quick Tips:

I was there in September so the crowds were minimal. I the winter, there is probably a lot of snow and cars need tire chains. In the summer, there are probably more family activities around the lake.

Best Way To Get Around:

Rent a car, try to get one with a V-6 or something with a little more power that a typical compact or economy car. The mountains are steep. The Mazda Protege we rented could do the climb, but it would have been better with a more powerful car.

Best Things Nearby:
Lake Tahoe, The Carson Valley, Genoa, skiing

Best Things About the Resort:
The gas fireplace warmed us each evening as we returned.

Resort Experience:
This is a smallish 2 bedroom condo with all the amenities. We used it for our free bonus week from Interval so it was off season - whicj is just fine with me. I don't ski and would not enjoy the crowded summer family vacationers. The gas fireplace was my favorite part. As soon as we walked in the door, I would get it going to make it nice and toasty. The unit had a had stackable washer/dryer in the master bedroom closet which took up nearly all the space. Luckily the second bedroom has a closet to hang things. There was a full kitchen with all the gadgets, stove, fridge and a dishwasher. I was disapointed at the cramped bedrooms and the one small bathroom. It could use a rehab / redecoration but was cozy. I liked that the phone was a direct dial to the unit and local calls were free. I hate it when time shares charge like hotels for 800 numbers or local calls! The managers are an on-site married couple that makes the experience really down-home. They have games and books you can borrow from the office. They host an orientation with give-aways and tell you all the local tips - like where to go for the best prime rib special and who is performing in town that week. My sister saw Jewel at Harrah's casino when she stayed at the timeshare.

• Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
• Activities: Fair
• Amenities: Fair
• Unit Satisfaction: Fair
• Family Friendliness: Very Good
• Service: Excellent

Carson Valley Inn is located on the low key other side on the mountain in Minden, Nevada. It has all the activities one would expect in a casino and some great food specials. We had lunch in the restaurant, but missed the great prime rib special we heard about. I liked the low key atmosphere and low stakes video poker - more my speed. We also spent some time in the game room playing pin ball!

This is a 3 1/2 hour dinner and dancing cruise on Lake Tahoe. We could choose from one of 4 entrees including New York steak, broiled Salmon, Honey Dijon Chicken or Tortellini Alfredo. They included wine throughout the meal. There was a live band for dancing. The cruise is offered year round. Because we were there is September, it got dark early and rendered sightseeing a little useless. If I go again at this time of year, it will be a daytime cruise for me. It was a bit chilly on deck, too, in September. We shared our evening with a small, cheesey wedding party that was on the boat as well so we had to sit through a bad toast by the father of the bride.

I thought the outing would be a a bit more romantic, but - it really was not.

The boat is a huge 570-passenger paddlewheeler. It was spacious and comfortable and despite it being cold on deck, there are lots of large picture windows for viewing from the warm interior.

Virginia City was once the wealthiest town in America serving as home to abundant gold and silver mines. It eventually became a ghost town until developers decided to make it a real tourist destination. Walking down the streets feels like it could have in the boom days of 100 years ago.

Apparently the Camel Races started as a hoax and now its a 44 year tradition in Virginia City. Jockeys ride camels in a series of races, but that is not all. There are also ostrich races, armadillos etc. It is just silly.

The races are usually the first week in September. Vendors sell drinks for the spectators.

For more informationcontact Infranca/Roadshows 800-200-4557.