A four-season oasis of splendid scenery and eclectic excitement, Lake Tahoe has long been a locale where meeting groups gather to experience the good life together. Whether their attendees are active go-getters out to conquer a physical challenge, worn-out executives seeking rejuvenation, or adventure-seekers thirsting for scenic excursions, this alpine gem delivers endless options.
But what’s hot now when it comes to great group get-togethers? Plenty, according to the experts Meetings Focus inquired with to share insights on everything from tasty trends to made-over meeting spaces to active escapes.
Here’s a look at some of Tahoe’s trendiest tastes and temptations, starting at the top o’ the lake.
North Shore
“One trend we’re seeing is planners making decisions that go beyond the rate-based factors, and taking items like location and overall offerings into account,” says Jason Neary, director of sales for the North Lake Tahoe CVB. “With less and less vacation time for many workers, we’re also seeing attendees integrate family getaways into their meetings travel, which is a very positive trend for Tahoe.”
Neary adds that creative team building is also on the rise, such as CSR opportunities spearheaded by the CVB working with Mana, the local food bank, and groups like Build-a-Bike and the Adaptive Ski School.
Given its unspoiled nature, it’s also no surprise that the green wave of sustainability would catch on big in Tahoe, and some of its top lodgings are now highly honed in on sustainability. The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe was the region’s first LEED-certified property, and there are also in-depth green programs at lodgings like Northstar California Resort and the Resort at Squaw Creek, which has integrated more than 100 green initiatives over the past five years.
Andrea Daly, assistant director of catering and convention services at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe, nestled along the northeastern shores of the lake on the Nevada side, also reports a rise in team-building interest.
“We’re seeing more and more groups participating in outdoor team-building activities like scavenger hunts and geo-caching,” Daly says. “We’re also noticing groups participating in interactive group relay races, since they can really be tailored to accommodate different sizes of groups—from two to 20 or more—and can cater to the varying physical abilities within each group.” PageBreak
Daly adds that one of the coolest recent offerings at the property is glow-in-the-dark kayaking on the lake at night, when the resort worked with Destination Services, its in-house DMC, to host a recent relay with about 150 participants. The race was part of a “glow in the dark beach party” that also included volleyball and hula hoop competitions, using glow sticks and other glowing materials to really shine in the Tahoe night.
“A team from a major technology company arranged this activity for their attendees last summer, and it was a great hit,” she explains. “It was a fantastic way to break the ice and network while exploring Tahoe and leaving an inspiring and lasting impression.”
Riding a larger overall national trend, Granlibakken Conference Center and Lodge recently added California’s first aerial park, a tree-top canopy adventure with scenic bridge strolling and exhilarating ziplining.
“There are five different routes groups can traverse, and it’s absolutely incredible,” says the CVB’s Neary, adding that his group employed the park for their own bonding efforts and he was absolutely blown away by the experience.
The dining scene in the region is also hotter than ever, boosted by the trendy arrival of food trucks at the Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows resorts. Dubbed Mtn. Roots, the trucks offer light snacks and fuller meals, and feature ever-changing menus showcasing the wealth of locally available ingredients. One truck will be parked mainly on First Street at The Village at Squaw Valley and the other at the base of Alpine Meadows, and both trucks will roam for special events. PageBreak
South Shore
Down south, Marlena Boldt, director of resort sales for The Ridge Resorts, says an overall boom in meeting venues and offerings is at the heart of what’s hot—plus a renewed interest in an old Tahoe standby.
“A revitalization renaissance trend is continuing in South Lake Tahoe, with new properties coming onboard, additional meeting space, and attractions and restaurants to help get the creative juices flowing,” Boldt says. “At The Ridge Tahoe Resort we’ve seen significant growth in meeting groups from Northern California that are looking for ski-focused meetings. Groups can brainstorm, discuss business on the chairlift or in traditional meeting space.”
Liesl Kenney, public relations coordinator at Heavenly Mountain Resort, says activity that fits this trend includes the recent debut of the Basecamp Hotel, a hip boutique property with a craft brew bar, plus Base Camp Pizza, a new gourmet pizzeria in Heavenly Village that specializes in unique toppings such as pear and gorgonzola.
Other notable new additions, according to Kenney, include the Landing Resort & Spa, an upscale lakeside boutique property, and the Gunbarrel Tavern, a new Heavenly Village restaurant and nightspot already known for its colorful craft cocktails.
“The stand-up paddleboard trend continues to rage throughout Lake Tahoe,” she adds, “with popular tours available through outfitters like the Tahoe Adventure Company.”
Tahoe’s always trendy dining scene continues to sizzle. One of the hottest recent additions is Jimmy’s Restaurant (at the Landing Resort), where local ingredients are showcased via creative California cuisine as well as Greek-inspired fare. And oenophiles will be in wine heaven with more than 2,000 bottles on hand from more than 250 sources. Several private dining alcoves boost Jimmy’s group dining possibilities.
The Beacon, located at the Camp Richardson Resort, is another hot dining choice, as is the Hungry Bear, a casual dining spot at the Ridge Resort.
Trendy nightlife in South Lake Tahoe includes Opal Ultra Lounge at the Montbleu Casino Spa & Resort, where an often-packed dance floor is enhanced by “body art” dancers, and VIP tables are available for groups seeking that exclusive feeling. PEEK Nightclub at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe is another red-hot evening lure, offering 40 snazzy VIP areas.
Popular casino action includes the offbeat fun offered at the Montbleu Resort’s Party Pit, where a pair of Sigma Derby machines stand waiting for a small group to have a great time. There are few of these unique arcade machines left in existence, and the old-school fun offered by the mechanical horse racing/betting game is truly as enjoyable as any high-tech casino offering.
