How to Have a Luxury Family Vacation in North Lake Tahoe
Photo Credit: Flickr- Brian Shamblen
If you’ve been looking for a watering hole in the sky, whose waters are swirling with unpretentious grandeur, family friendly thrills and mega-yummy food, pack up your swim suits (or snow suits) and hoof it to North Lake Tahoe.
To minimize the stress pangs birthed from figuring out the logistics of a vacation (especially when humans under the age of 21 are involved!) I’ve collected my North Tahoe faves, and those of my nearest and dearest who called North Tahoe home for over ten years, so you can slide into this haven with nary a worry in sight (just a bunch of pine trees in sight.)
Where to Stay: Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe
Photo Credit: Bailey Gaddis
This Ritz has perfected the sometimes-tricky alchemy of family-friendly luxury. When the snow arrives this resort offers the convenience of skiing in and out, and a large fire pit where you can defrost and relish the art of Marshology (aka, making smores.)
Photo Credit: Bailey Gaddis
As the snow melts, the outdoor play land offers a large pool, volley ball court, ping pong table and other kid-approved activities that can be enjoyed with a mountain view and a cocktail in hand (for the parentals.)
Where to Get Active: Lake Tahoe Adventure Company
Photo Credit: Flickr M01229
It’s not enough to just look at the lake- you need to get all up in it. Allow the guides at Lake Tahoe Adventure Company to lead you across waters so clear and teeming with interesting life you forget you need to keep propelling your paddleboard or kayak forward. And if you get lucky, you’ll score an extra persuasive guide who can convince you to fully submerge yourself in the water in one fell swoop- or in my case, an awkward dive.
Where to Beach It: Sand Harbor
Photo Credit: Flickr- Don Graham
Have you ever wanted to step into one of those “too perfect to be real” landscape paintings, that are inevitably found in a quirky bed and breakfast? Well, now you can. Sand Harbor allows you to swim, play and be entertained (via a quirky Shakespeare festival in July and August) in this other-worldly habitat.
Where to Sip and Sail: Sierra Cloud Catamaran Cruise
Photo Credit: Bailey Gaddis
Boat Boozin’ + Cruisin’ = The Life. Swig on complimentary beverages and lay on the (surprisingly) comfortable netting of a massive catamaran as you mosey past the iconic Thunderbird Lodge on the lake’s edge- you can look forward to the captain regaling you with tales of the (bizarre) original owner’s house-trained lion that would roam the property.
Where to Eat (with the kids): Jason’s Beachside Grille
Nab a table on the lawn overlooking the lake, enjoy some quality American cuisine, and jam out to live music (check their schedule) as the kids roam free. There is a rare form of culinary magic found in the taste of a juicy burger after a day on the lake.
Where to Eat (with your honey): Manzanita
Photo Credit: Bailey Gaddis
Part of being a “good parent” is taking some sweet time to date your partner. If your kids are old enough to babysit themselves, or you have a babysitter, sneak away to this fine dining oasis at the Ritz. Pick something special from the never ending wine list, nibble on some grilled Shishito peppers as you wait for your main course, and for the love of neglected taste buds everywhere, don’t skip dessert.
So, what are you waiting for? Get yourself up the mountain and allow the elevation of Lake Tahoe to lift you above the mental chatter and stress that are common ingredients in our daily lives- fully open yourself to the power of the healing waters, poetic sights and calm vibes.