Lake Tahoe....

Planning to drive from Las Vegas and stay at Lake Tahoe for a few days during my September Vegas excursion. Plan to drive up US Hwy 395 thru the Mammoth Lakes area to Tahoe. Any suggestions/short side trips that I should do or see en route and what shouldn't I miss experiencing while I am up in the Lake Tahoe area?

Glasses can affect your vision; especially when they have been emptied several times......

Spring Break 2000 !!!

Just got back. Pretty cold for a Houstonian, used to heat and humidity. Lodged one night at Squaw Creek Resort, great views, plenty of hiking, great Gondola ride, and even a small golf course. Pool area accommodating as well. Might want to explore the Truckee area. Coyote Moon is great golf course.

In Stateline, the area has become really touristy. Chart House was a great venue for dinner. Edgewood golf is pricey, but still worth the price of admission.

For your drive, can't comment, but the views should be majestic.

BCFAHREN

Take the Ms Dixie II (or whichever paddleboat it is) tour of Lake Tahoe. Fun cruise, narration of Lake Tahoe and surrounding shores history, about an hour and a half or two. Boat is like 3 stories, you can roam around up and down while listening to the narration. Food and drink for purchase, not bad.

Lakeside Casino is reputed to be best liked by the locals. We didn't get there, but you'll have a car. Supposedly looser slots.

Harrah's and Harvey's slots/VP are Tight...with the capital T.

Agree the gondola ride is fun and great viewing.

Stop at the famous bakery in Bishop, and be sure to check out Mono Lake. Try to have lunch at Camp Richardson's restaurant located not too far from Stateline. If The Tahoe Star (Harrahs) is still running, take a cruise to Emerald Bay.

While driving north on US395, you might want to make a stop at Bodie State Historical Park. It's just north of Lee Vining, exit right onto State Rt 270. You just might find the place interesting.

Bodie: COOL spot but not exactly right off the road.

Bishop: That would be Schat's.

Lake: Kayak excursion. BEST way to experience the lake.

Golf: Sierra Star is a sleeper (Mammoth). Edgewood Tahoe is muy solid, scores immensely for the aesthetic. Two best plays near the lake, that still are publicly accessible, are Schaffer's Mill and Old Greenwood.

Mammoth: I love Mammoth. I'd rather be there than Tahoe but I don't need the crappy casinos of Stateline to make vacay rock. And I'm not disparaging Tahoe or its setting; just totally different animals and experiences. Mammoth just has everything in a relatively tight bundle. Food, golf, awesome mountain biking, fishing, hiking, cool geology, high alpine accessibility, good vibe, smaller crowds. Actually a Mammoth/Tahoe double is a good way to go.

I've been doing a fair bit of writing on the Sierra/Mammoth/Tahoe for my clients the past few years so drop me an email -- [email protected] -- if you want to swap ideas/thoughts.

I'd suggest staying overnight in Bishop, otherwise it's going to be one heck of a long drive. We always enjoyed the Best Western Creekside Inn, clean rooms and breakfast is included.

With Best Western, if anyone has an Auto Club (AAA) Card, you can get up to 20% off of their rates, so check that out.

RecVPPlayer