Our getaway week was an adventure from the very first moments. After checking in we found that our room seamed cavernous and a bit disorenting at first. The entry way was octagon shaped and had four evenly spaced doorways with full length mirrors in between.…Read More

Our getaway week was an adventure from the very first moments. After checking in we found that our room seamed cavernous and a bit disorenting at first. The entry way was octagon shaped and had four evenly spaced doorways with full length mirrors in between. We didn't know which of the eight rooms to check out first! On the way back to the vehicle the fun continued and we found ourselves in need of assistance for the first time. The staff joined in on our laughter when we found ourselves lost in the building and calling for directions from the elevator. We didn't realize that the ground floor we had entered the elevator from was actually the third floor on the other side of the building and we couldn't get back to our vehicle.

After settling in we found numerous on site activites to choose from and we spent one night at the Monday Night Football Party and another enjoying Spider Man in the resort theater. When we were not relaxing in our suite (which took up a quarter of one floor in the 11 story building), we were out exploring the greater Lake Tahoe area.

Since our vacation was in November, we had expected our week would be filled with plenty of snow activities, but Mother Nature dropped the white stuff the week before and after our trip. We ended up in Lake Tahoe between the crowds with the most spectacular weather you could hope for.

While our toboggan and other snow toys remained in the back of the truck we decided the first thing to do was to spend a few hours driving, so we circled the lake to inventory the possibilities. We spent some time shopping for Christmas presents and donating to the local casinos, yet found ourselves somewhat drawn to the outdoor and cultural activities.

One day we visited the annual "Valhalla Holiday Faire: A Dickens Experience" and listened to the delightful sounds of a local childrens group serenading the crowd with classic Christmas carols. Afterward we found a few more special presents for loved ones back home, finished the self-guided tour of historic Valhalla, and continued on to Emerald Bay.

The first day in the Emerald Bay vicinity we walked down to the lake and toured the Viking style complex know as "Viking Holm", which is another of several historical treasures we visited. We also took in the fresh air as we walked the lake shore of Emerald Bay stopping only to partake in our fine backpack cusine. Generaly we had a very relaxing afternoon, which as it turned out, we needed before we made the one mile uphill trek back to the parking lot.

On our second trip to the Emerald bay side of the lake we took a leasurly one mile hike, uphill first this time, and ended up along the shore of Eagle Lake, which was breathtaking (just the view that is) and well worth the trip. The view was something I will never forget.

Please take a look at the pictures of Eagle lake and the other vacation photos that I have posted for your enjoyment.

It's amazing that we live only two or three hours away and we spend so little time in a place as grand as Lake Tahoe. We have definitely decided to come this way more often and we hope you (not too many at once please) find your way to this wonderful part of the world as well.

After racing to our destination ahead of the forecasted snow storm, my wife Kathyann and I exchanged the usual "what do you want to do next" comments as we settled into our spacious accommodations. The Friday afternoon we arrived was spent taking stock of our…Read More

After racing to our destination ahead of the forecasted snow storm, my wife Kathyann and I exchanged the usual "what do you want to do next" comments as we settled into our spacious accommodations. The Friday afternoon we arrived was spent taking stock of our surroundings and getting stock to fill our refrigerator for the week. Next we turned our attention to the night lights at the casinos and we left our regular donation at the slot machines before returning to the fireplace in our room for some snuggle time.

The next morning was a treat as we woke to falling snow which we enjoyed from the resort's workout room before jumping into the outdoor Jacuzzi and indoor/outdoor pool. There is something special about hot bubbles and falling snow that I just can't put into words (you will just have to try it for yourself). Next Kathyann threw me a curve as she insisted that I take control and arrange the entire weeks itinerary. Not wanting to disappoint I dove right into the task and employed the talents of the Embassy Resort's wonderful concierge service. Being an off week in Tahoe some activities were not open but with some help from Becky the concierge (and Mother Nature) filling a week with fun turned out to be a breeze. Having done some prior research, with the assistance of RCI and Sunset magazine, I knew of some local activities we had never tried before so I scribbled out a draft itinerary for Becky to turn into reality. In no time at all Becky had not only scheduled activities, she also arranged discounts and gave us directions to the unadvertised, unregulated, natural setting, hot springs we inquired about. The rest of our weekend was spent at the casinos and buffets where we monitored the snow accumulation levels before our first snowmobiling trip.

Monday turned out to be a spectacular blue sky day at 10,000 feet where we hopped on our snowmobile and toured the beautiful frozen landscape of Hope Valley. We thought Mother Nature couldn't have provided a better day for us to enjoy but we hadn't experienced Tuesday yet!

Half past 4am came early as we prepared for our first hot air balloon ride but the excitement of floating free over the Carson Valley carried us all the way to the continental breakfast at the launch site. The cold feet I expected Kathyann to have quickly thawed as the Captain ignited the burners and prepared our woven chariot for take off. Liftoff was almost unnoticeable as we quickly rose to 9,800 feet above sea level. The view of the valley on this calm clear sky morning was breath taking as we alternated viewing positions in the basket and rolls of film in the cameras. It was fun to watch from a distance as people started their work week without us. The part I liked best was seeing Lake Tahoe over the mountain range and realizing that the elevation level of Carson Valley was the same as the bottom of Lake Tahoe. The lake looked like nature's bathtub in the clouds. Our descent was enlightening as the Captain sought a friendly landing site to keep us all out of jail. It turns out that some people don't like balloonist dropping in unexpectedly hence the fine print in the paperwork we signed. Fortunate for us our three point landing was on the property of Carsonites who welcomed our unique arrival. In no time the balloon chaser crew began to stow the craft as we sipped champagne and listened to the Captain tell of the origins of the sport. The Captain concluded the experience by reciting the ballooner's prayer for us and he gave us champagne glasses elegantly inscribed with the prayer and the ballooning company logo! What a great end to the beautiful morning we had but then came the bad news as he informed us that the champagne glasses would cost us nearly $200 each. In the end everything worked out because they gave us the balloon ride for free.

Since our trip into the wild blue yonder started and ended early in the day and the next storm system was bearing down on the Tahoe area we moved our lake cruise up a day. After a short post balloon nap we were off to Zephyr Cove for a trip to Emerald Bay on board the M.S. Dixie II paddle wheeler. The cruise was relaxing as we viewed the sites in the company of new friends we made during our snowmobiling and ballooning trips. Between chatting and picture taking we met yet another interesting couple and swapped a few more tales before we ended our two hour cruise.

The rest of the week we decided to get some of the rest and recuperation we came to the lake for in the first place. We spent some quality time shopping for necessities like the crystal champagne bucket from the Mikasa store and the bottle of bubbly which we had to rush back to the resort to test. Thursday brought snow to the valley again but we braved the weather once more for some specialty coffee and rental movies. With all ours needs met, we retired to the comfort of our fireplace lit living quarters were we capped off the adventures of the week with more snuggle time.

In all we had a great week. This was our second trip to the area in what locals call the "slow period" and we find it is a great time to visit with more to do than time and energy allows. If you haven't yet experienced the uncrowed, Lake Tahoe off week season, take it from us it is well worth checking it out for yourself. Oh by the way we never made it to the "clothing optional" hot springs for some reason...

For $40 dollars a person you can sail away while feasting on delecacies such as alfredo pasta,salmon or a cooked to order tender and juicy steak served with vegetables and potatoes. Savor the complimentary wine and take in the sunset. Later indulge by having a…Read More

For $40 dollars a person you can sail away while feasting on delecacies such as alfredo pasta,salmon or a cooked to order tender and juicy steak served with vegetables and potatoes. Savor the complimentary wine and take in the sunset. Later indulge by having a cheesecake or a lucious chocolate cake served with a cup of coffee. After dining head down to the dance floor and take your loved one out to the moonlit deck where you can escape the noise and learn about the history of Lake Tahoe. After a while order a drink at the bar and chat. From honeymooners to newlyweds to children this dinner cruise is not to be missed. You leave from Zeypher Cove and slowly drift to Emerald Bay. Return by 11 to gamble at the nearby casinos. Cruising by Christoper Cross will get you in the mood.Close

We're embarassed to admit that even with all the great restaurants in South Lake Tahoe, we ate at McDonald's and KFC more than we should have. In our defense, the McDonalds was right next to the Embassy Vacation Resort parking lot and had excellent…Read More

We're embarassed to admit that even with all the great restaurants in South Lake Tahoe, we ate at McDonald's and KFC more than we should have. In our defense, the McDonalds was right next to the Embassy Vacation Resort parking lot and had excellent blackberry shakes. The KFC was just across the street and had a 2-for-1 special on Crispy Chicken Caesar roll-ups which were pretty good!

But we did go to real restaurants, too, and here's a rundown of our favorites:

The Naked Fish -- There are a lot of sushi restaurants in Tahoe and a lot of them feature "all-you-can-eat sushi", but the Naked Fish was the best by a mile. Fast, friendly, and fantastic fresh sushi. Our favorite visit was for "happy hour" -- special prices on Sake and sushi "cones". Four stars!

Scusa! -- This excellent Italian restaurant specializes in fresh pasta and it was indeed superb. Our personable young waiter described dishes in detail, recommended an excellent wine, and talked hockey with our 11-year-old son. Four stars!

Fresh Ketch -- Surprisingly, there really aren't that many restaurants right on the water, but Fresh Ketch is right on the edge of the Tahoe Keys Marina. Obviously, they specialize in fresh fish and my sea bass was excellent. My wife couldn't pass up the leg of lamb special and it was perfectly done. The service was a little inattentive but we were in no hurry since we'd dropped our son off at a kids program at the Embassy so that we could enjoy an adults only dinner. Three and a half stars!

Chevy's -- The problem with this place is that it was right across the street from the Embassy and very popular. We'd look out the window of our condo and if it didn't look busy, we'd rush over. Great casual Mexican food and drinks and a fun atmosphere. Service was fast and friendly. In fact, one evening our server was in a wheelchair! We marveled at her ability to serve food and drinks while zipping around the crowded dining area. Unfortunately, at one point in the evening one wheel of her chair ran over a child's dropped crayon causing her to lose the tray of drinks she was balancing. We felt awful for her but she recovered gracefully. We'll give an extra half star for a gutsy waitress and give Chevy's three and a half stars!

Sizzler -- There are times when you just want to stuff your face for not much money. Well, this is the place! It was pretty typical Sizzler, but other than the clam chowder (avoid!) everything else was good. The servers were all very fast and friendly and there are quite a number of historical photos of the Lake Tahoe area on the walls. Three stars because we were hungry and they filled us up! Look for discount coupons.

The restaurant at the Embassy Vacation Resort -- I've forgotten the name so I'll have to look it up. We ate lunch there the day we arrived in the afternoon while we waited for our room to be ready. The service was a little slow mostly because it was the end of the lunch shift. Our sandwiches were good but nothing special. We decided to try dinner there one night but didn't have high expectations. We were pleasantly surprised. The food was very good -- I tried the mako shark (!) special and it was well prepared and presented. Our server was from Poland and was quite an interesting conversationalist. We also enjoyed a nice sunset from our table by the window. Three stars!

This was the most amazing massage I have ever received! Marla is incredibly skilled and talented. I got an hour and a half, deep tissue and herbal facial massage, and it just sent me to heaven. There are three rooms, but I went there on my…Read More

This was the most amazing massage I have ever received! Marla is incredibly skilled and talented. I got an hour and a half, deep tissue and herbal facial massage, and it just sent me to heaven. There are three rooms, but I went there on my own. Next time, I want to bring my husband with me. Marla really took the time to talk with me before the massage, so she knew what I needed. I was so sore from skiing and didn't think that I could face another day on the slopes, but I felt so much better after the massage. She worked out all those tight muscles. If you go to Tahoe, be sure to get a massage from her; it will make all that skiing so much easier. I just wish that I could bring her home with me. Close

Tahoe Summit Village (#0933) is rustic rather than ritzy; the atmosphere is more family than commercial. It is a great place for a getaway. It is 3 blocks from Heavenly's Stagecoach lodge - but shuttles pick you up at the end of the driveway.…Read More

Tahoe Summit Village (#0933) is rustic rather than ritzy; the atmosphere is more family than commercial. It is a great place for a getaway. It is 3 blocks from Heavenly's Stagecoach lodge - but shuttles pick you up at the end of the driveway. Whiteboard in office noting snow conditions at all the various local ski resorts is updated daily. Family-oriented activities with kids actually playing basketball, as well as ping-pong and foosball. Many copies of favorite family games available in the office. The staff was sincerely friendly and helpful. There is no food onsite, but there are several major markets in town (10 minutes away). Warning - no elevators and largest units are all on third floor or higher. At the 7000-foot altitude, thin air is a reality, and when unloading the car this is a consideration.Close