Alayna Alariana, DMCP
Director of Sales
Destination Lake Tahoe, a division of Tahoe/Reno Experience
What are three of the best off-site venues spotlighting the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe?
Director of Sales
Destination Lake Tahoe, a division of Tahoe/Reno Experience
What are three of the best off-site venues spotlighting the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe?
- The George Whittell Estate–Thunderbird Lodge: The Thunderbird Lodge, built in 1934, is steeped in history and Lake Tahoe legend. Groups can experience the same ultimate experience in extravagance that George Whittell provided for his rich and famous friends, from heads of state to Hollywood movie stars. During an event, guests are given a tour in small groups with their own docent, who shares the incredible history of this Gatsby-era estate. This can include the underground tunnels leading to the boathouse, the “poker room” house, the unfinished poolroom, as well as the incredible views of Lake Tahoe from the gazebo, shoreline and other points of interest.
- Zephyr Cove Beach Special Event Center: Zephyr Cove is a part of Tahoe’s history. Since 1862, this small bay in the southeast corner of Lake Tahoe has been a place to relax and enjoy the beauty and recreation afforded by its surroundings. A large tent with a lawn settled in a grove of Sierra pines and aspens makes this a perfect place to hold an elegant shoreline dinner or a casual but stylish beach clambake. For less formal occasions, there is one other site with lakefront access accommodating events of all sizes. This site is great for relaxing day events or themed dinner barbecues.
- Tallac Historic Site: Imagine South Lake Tahoe in the early 1900s—the favorite getaway for Northern California’s successful and wealthy entrepreneurs. The Tallac Historic Site, often referred to as “Valhalla,” includes 74 acres of secluded woods and over a quarter-mile of shoreline. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Far from the crowds and gambling, the Tallac Historic Site is home to the archaeological remnants of the Tallac Resort and three large summer estates built by wealthy San Franciscans in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The Tallac Resort includes three estates: Pope, Heller and Baldwin. The Pope Estate, built in 1894, had a private trout pond and a picturesque waterfall, the highlight of an arboretum featuring the greatest collection of botanical specimens at the lake. The Heller Estate, named Valhalla from the great hall of the Viking afterlife, is a grand hall with beautiful wood floors, an open wood-beam ceiling, a balcony of lodge pole construction, and a 20-foot-high stone fireplace. It was built in 1923 and has been converted into a special event center. The Baldwin estate is part of the original “Lucky” Baldwin Hotel. The U-shaped main house was completed in 1922 and features a wishing well in its interior courtyard and a massive stone fireplace in the living room.