The following are hiking or biking trails we have explored in the Tahoe Area. As time permits, we will visit additional local trails and provide more information here. Angora Lakes These set of two lakes are located about 10 miles from Emerald Bay. You can either take a car or bike here. Take the Fallen Leaf Road off of Highway 89 on the south side of the road. This is a narrow paved road that skirts Fallen Leaf Lake (about 1/2 mile in … [Read more...]
Lake Tahoe, CA – Gambling
We always enjoy going to South Lake Tahoe for some late night gambling. We have had good luck playing the slots at Planet Hollywood. The restaurant there tends to be quite crowded but once you are seated you are surrounded by movie memorabilia. Check out Cindy Crawford's high school yearbook photo. Whenever we are in Tahoe we always frequent Harrah's Hotel and Casino but Montbleu, nearby, is of similar caliber. We have a soft spot for Harrah's as … [Read more...]
Lake Tahoe, CA – Ski Resorts
Alpine Meadows is located on the North Shore, on Alpine Meadows Road just off of Highway 89. This is one of the top 6 ski resorts in the Tahoe area. This resort is located 6 miles northwest of Tahoe City. Alpine Meadows is known for its long season and its diverse terrain. They have over 100 runs and 12 lifts. Their summit elevation is 8,637 feet with a vertical drop of 1,800 feet. Up until recently they had banned snow boarding but now snow … [Read more...]
Lake Tahoe, CA – Tahoe Cedars Lodge
OLD! Historical Memento Photos of Tahoe Cedars (23 photos) Tahoe Cedars was for sale in 2009 for a cool 15 million: www.cblaketahoe.com/realestate/listing/2900249 Tahoe Cedars Property Owners' Association: www.tcpoa.org Update August 2019 - after all the cabins were destroyed, a modern home was constructed on the lower reaches of the property - possibly still under construction. A few old stone buildings (the boat houses) … [Read more...]
Santa Barbara, CA
Santa Barbara is like a bright tapestry, woven from time, and enriched with the colors of history and culture. Some cities grow old and then slowly die. Santa Barbara never grows old, just more elegant and appreciative of its past. Words cannot begin to describe the intimacy and sophisticated flavor of this city, only experience and a stay here, can do that. In 1925 a devastating earthquake left the downtown in ruins. Santa Barbara … [Read more...]
Santa Barbara, CA – Mission Santa Barbara
Mission Santa Barbara called the "Queen of the Missions" was founded on Dec 4, 1786, on the Feast of St. Barbara. This mission is the tenth of the California missions and is the only one with two bell towers. It's construction was completed in 1820, and today is still one of the best preserved missions. However, between the founding of the mission and today it has been severely damaged by several earthquakes, one in 1812 and one in 1925. Both … [Read more...]
Santa Barbara, CA – State Street
If there is one street that Santa Barbara revolves around, it is State Street. State Street is the heart and soul of Santa Barbara. It is a mix of galleries, museums, theatres, and other quaint shops. Some advice regarding parking; park your car in one of the parking lots next to State Street or curbside on one of it's perpendicular adjoining streets. Then simply walk to State Street. Parking is tough to find directly on State Street and can … [Read more...]
Santa Barbara, CA – Museums
For the relatively small population of Santa Barbara, the amount of and quality of museums will surprise you. Here are a select few that we have personally visited; they are listed in alphabetical order: Carpinteria Valley Museum of History is located at 956 Maple Ave, just south of Carpinteria Ave. Descendants of Carpinteria's pioneer families donated household furnishings and clothing to this museum. A turn of the century schoolroom and … [Read more...]
Santa Barbara, CA – Beaches
Santa Barbara and surrounding vicinity features a diverse set of beaches ranging from the state park beaches north of town, to the wide flat sand beaches in the vicinity of lower State Street. Beach side bars and restaurants can be found - and are part of the enjoyment of visiting some of the area beaches. State Park beaches charge an entry/parking fee - a receipt is given to you with a piece of tape that you tape to your windshield. Once you … [Read more...]
Santa Barbara, CA – Shopping
We always love to mix a little bit of shopping into our travels, especially in Santa Barbara. The city features numerous boutique shops, historical shopping centers, and galleries. Paseo Nuevo is one of our favorites; it is located between State and Chapala Streets in downtown Santa Barbara. Look for the orange trees planted along the walkways near the entrance to Paseo Nuevo along State Street. Usually there are oranges on the trees and … [Read more...]