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Combining
the best of California and Nevada, Tahoe
offers plenty
By
Lesley Nickus
Online Forty-Niner
Assistant City Editor
Nestled between California and Nevada, east
of San Francisco, lies a well known treasure
where recreational enthusiasts and nightlife
lovers both can enjoy a good time with friends
or family. Although it’s quite a drive
from Long Beach, a road trip is worth the
effort once you reach the mountains of this
fun and entertaining place known as Lake
Tahoe.
Lake Tahoe is located on the state line
of California and Nevada and attracts a
number of vacationers throughout the year.
It provides entertainment for all age groups
no matter what the season. Because it is
very large, it is generally divided into
areas—Tahoe City, Squaw Valley, Alpine
Meadows, Tahoe Vista, Kings Beach, Northstar,
Truckee and Crystal Bay, the West Shore,
South Lake Tahoe and Stateline.
For the recreational enthusiast, Tahoe has
a number of activities during the summer
and winter that can satisfy an active appetite.
During winter, visitors can enjoy skiing,
snowboarding, sledding, snowshoeing and
snowmobiling. Those who enjoy fishing can
also try ice fishing. During summer, visitors
can enjoy water skiing, kayaking, rock climbing,
hiking wand surfing, rafting and bungee
jumping.
For those who love the nightlife, any time
is a good time for Tahoe’s numerous
casinos. The casinos are located in South
Lake Tahoe at the state line. Harvey’s
Tahoe, owned by Harrah’s, features
the famous Cabo Wabo Cantina, modeled after
rocker Sammy Hagar’s signature brand
of Tequila. Here you can enjoy tasty margaritas,
live music and good food.
They even have souvenir yards filled with
your choice of flavored margaritas. After
10 p.m. “X,” Harvey’s
Cabaret opens, where eight exotic dancers
entertain guests. Former Playboy Playmates
are occasionally featured. Another well
known casino is Caesars Tahoe. Yes, like
the one in Vegas. Visitors have three entertainment
options here.
There is the nightclub Nero, Circus Maximus
and Cleo’s Lounge. Although it doesn’t
compare to the enormous Caesar’s Las
Vegas, its nightlife is sure to please the
discriminating club goer.
Tahoe has a local population of around 14,900
and attracts millions of dollars in revenue
from tourists. According to tahoefun.org,
the average tourist spends $143 per day
while visiting.
A word of advice: be prepared to put chains
on your tires during the winter. This past
winter saw record amounts of snow and the
mountain pass was closed for a few days
in January. So plan well if you don’t
want to be stuck in many feet of snow with
no way to leave the beautiful mountain.
During the summer though, pack up your things
and enjoy the ride. Little can stop you
from getting there when the weather is great.
Fact
• The Olympics were held in Squaw
Valley in 1960.
Food • Echo Restaurant
and Lounge in the Embassy Suites Lake Tahoe
Hot Spot • Harvey’s
Casino
Activity • Downhill
Skiing and snowboarding
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