Pics and recommendations from the Lake Tahoe area
With ski season just around the corner, it’s never too early to book a hotel. Fortunately, the H-O-F operator has just returned from a scouting trip to Lake Tahoe, and I’ve found a great place to stay.
The River Ranch Lodge kisses a curve of the Truckee river. It’s an idyllic spot at a reasonable price. The lodge has 19 rooms and a unique bar and dining area that extends over the river.
In the summer, rafters nosh burgers and swig beer on the patio following a 5-mile float. In the winter, skiers enjoy the cozy fireplace after returning from nearby Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows.
The closest major airport is in Reno. If you’re spending the night there, the Peppermill casino has the best gut-stuffing buffet in town. The casino recently opened a Tuscan-themed wing that is a welcome contrast to the blinding neon in the older section.
For health-conscious people, Pho 777 Vietnamese Restaurant is another good dining spot in Reno. Hot tea is 20 cents and the spring rolls are as big as your wrist.
If you have a few extra days, beautiful Yosemite National Park is five hours away from either Reno or Lake Tahoe. Be warned, though. In winter, roads might be treacherous or closed.
Feel free to ask me any travel questions below, and don’t forget to submit your travel photos to our online gallery.
Vernal Falls at Yosemite National Park
Peppermill
Half Dome at Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park
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Did you stay at Yosemite? What were the accommodations like?
When our son lived in San Francisco we visited Tahoe several times. It is one of my all time favorite places.
Our son was married in Yosemite National Park about 11 years ago. I’m sure much as changed, but we stayed in cottages on the South side of the park. These were privately owned cottages, fully furnished, like a condo. There was also a large hotel near by. The wedding was about 1/2 hour away on Bridal Peak(?). We had the view that is captured in the Ansel Adams picture of “The Moon & Half Dome”. The reception was another 1/2 hour away in the valley at the Ahawanee Hotel. Rustic looking, but very upscale. It is at the base of El Capitan. There were also more rustic cabins in the valley and I also believe there were areas for camping.
Since that time there have been floods, fires and the side of a mountain crashed onto the road. I’m sure much has changed. I don’t believe they allow automobiles in the summer.
It was an awsome time and I would love to go back and spend a more relaxed vacation there.
The fires did little to damage the beauty in Yosemite. It’s best to stay somewhere on the valley floor because there is great access to the hiking. If you stay outside the park, the drive is too far. We stayed at Curry Village. You can drive into Yosemite during the summer. After you park, there are free buses that shuttle visitors around so there is no need to drive anywhere.