Lake Tahoe has something in common with Hollywood stars, as it’s a glamorous place on the nation’s stage that we’re curious about, especially if we haven’t visited yet.
Much like we’d enjoy peeking behind the scenes to see what a day in the life of a favorite movie actress or rock star entails, finding out what fills a day in Tahoe is great fun for prospective groups.
Following are some wonderful ideas, broken down from sunup to sundown, to assist planners who’d like to execute the best possible day for attendees meeting in this mountain magnet.
7 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Any time of day in Lake Tahoe inspires attendees to get work done.
“Some of our meeting attendees’ best brainstorming comes while they are experiencing our destination firsthand,” says Jason Neary, director of conference sales at the North Lake Tahoe CVB.
The early morning is no exception, he adds, when strategy sessions with either Lake Tahoe or the Sierra Nevada as the backdrop filling the windows of a boardroom make for the beginning of a productive day.
Mike Frye, sales and events manager at the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority (LTVA), which represents South Lake Tahoe, adds that meeting properties also have terrific options for breakfast.
“But a ‘sneak-out’ option is the Driftwood Cafe in Heavenly Village,” he says. “It’s locally owned with mountain decor and good food.”
The earlier part of the day, after a hearty breakfast or meeting over coffee, is a good time to hike or bike on one of the many area trails, adds Christopher Oliphant, director of sales at RMC Destination Management’s Lake Tahoe office.
“Spectacular views of Lake Tahoe are seen from many of the higher vistas,” he says, adding a warning: “Although the modest elevation does not prove to be bothersome for most people, be sure to drink lots of water both prior to and during your visit to Lake Tahoe, especially when being active.”
Neary adds that the Tahoe Rim Trail, a 165-mile loop that completely circles Lake Tahoe, has terrain that accommodates every age and ability. And Frye recommends biking the new South Shore Trail by Nevada Beach.PageBreak
10 a.m. to noon
Depending on the season, this time slot is well-suited for outdoor pursuits.
During winter, skiing during these hours “is pretty darn irresistible,” Frye says. “Meetings can ‘break out’ into groups of four and conduct in-depth conversations while riding Heavenly’s chairs.”
Ice skating at Heavenly Village and snowmobiling outings at Zephyr Cove are also popular with groups meeting in South Tahoe.
Neary echoes Frye’s sentiment and points to skiing opportunities in the North Shore at Squaw Valley and Northstar California.
In the summer, those who’d like to experience the lake firsthand can try stand-up paddleboarding, the region’s most popular up-and-coming sport. The Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Neary says, has paddleboarding opportunities right outside its conference rooms.
Noon to 3 p.m.
The midday meal, more meetings and a dash of activity generally fill these three hours.
“During spring, summer and fall, groups can ride the Heavenly gondola to gaze on the most unobstructed views of Lake Tahoe,” Frye says, adding that Tamarack Lodge at the top of the gondola is “a terrific site for a beverage or dining.”
Other options in South Tahoe include snowmobiling along the ridge line of the Kit Carson Range via Zephyr Cove Resort or wine tasting at Apres Wine Company or Pichetti’s Winery.
In North Lake Tahoe, which is becoming better-known for its culinary scene featuring chefs who create unique dishes that are made from organic and sustainable ingredients, Neary recommends a leisurely and scenic lunch.
“Meeting attendees have their pick from lakeside dining,” he says, citing Jake’s on the Lake in Tahoe City and Lone Eagle Grille in Incline Village.
Lunches alfresco in a mountain setting at the esteemed Manzanita, a Tracy Des Jardins restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, and Six Peaks Grille at the Resort at Squaw Creek, are also wonderful options for groups meeting up north.PageBreak
3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
During the hours leading up to dinner and nightlife, groups should feel recharged for either heading back to the drawing board for another round of business or hitting the greens at one of the area’s more than 50 golf courses, according to the North Lake Tahoe CVB’s Neary.
Among the options are the Incline Village Championship Course and Old Greenwood in Truckee.
“Another option is indulging in Tahoe’s signature spa treatments at area day and destination spas,” Neary adds.
The LTVA’s Frye agrees, and recommends a massage or other treatment at MontBleu Resort’s Onsen Spa, or Reflections inside Harrah’s.
Speaking of Harrah’s, planners might inquire at casino properties such as Harrah’s and Lakeside Inn and Casino if there are gaming lessons groups might take during the day before being set free to play at night.
“If gaming isn’t your thing, enjoy an afternoon cruise on the MS Dixie or Tahoe Queen,” says RMC’s Oliphant. “There is no better way to see Lake Tahoe than spending a few hours on its waters.”
6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
At the end of the day, groups can break bread and simply enjoy themselves after a productive and fun day.
“If you want to do a little wine tasting before dinner, UnCorked has locations in Tahoe City, Squaw Valley, Truckee and Petra in the Village at Northstar,” Oliphant says.
Also in North Tahoe, according to Neary, the dining theme continues for dinner with both lake and mountain options, including the West Shore Cafe in Homewood, Big Water Grille in Incline Village, Graham’s at Squaw Valley and the intimate log cabin setting of Soule Domain in Crystal Bay.
Afterward, North Lake Tahoe’s historic casinos welcome meeting attendees who’d like to try their luck at blackjack, craps and roulette.
Two dining options in South Tahoe that accommodate groups are Edgewood Restaurant and Riva Grill, Frye adds.
“Edgewood is directly on Lake Tahoe with stunning views of Mt. Tallac and the lake,” he says. “Get there before sunset and watch the show of light on the horizon.”
Karaoke at Rojo’s Bar and comedy shows at the Improv at Harveys Cabaret are two team-bonding after-dinner options in South Tahoe.
Contributing writer Carolyn Blackburn plans on snowshoeing in the fresh alpine air the next time she visits Lake Tahoe.
