Time to Unwind: One of Two Tahoe City Spotlights

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Even with less than average snowpack and no snow in the short-term forecast, the mountains beckon. Right?

Simply leaving the frantic pace of everyday life behind as you head east on 80 cinches it – you’ll wind down amongst the panoramic views, breathe deeply in the Alpine forest and relax on the shore of Lake Tahoe.

It really is that simple.

In many ways, this month – “June-uary” – is the ideal time for families to connect in Tahoe. Spend the mornings hiking, find a patch of snow for sledding or ski and ride at any one of the resorts where many lifts and trails are open. One big bonus is that crowds have dramatically dissipated since the holidays (for the latest North Lake Tahoe conditions, tune into the SnowReport).

As for hiking, the Tahoe Rim Trail is a good option. I checked in with Shannon Skarritt, Director of Membership and Outreach who explained, “Come explore the trail on your cross-country skis or snowshoes and discover the trail from a new perspective. For those who are looking for a challenge and are experienced navigating in snow, skiing the rim may be your next winter adventure!” She adds, “Even with the mild winter, there’s plenty of snow on much of the Tahoe Rim Trail. You’ll find a large portion of the trail blanketed in snow including locals’ favorite winter destination: Tahoe Meadows on the north shore of Lake Tahoe.” The trail is not marked for winter use so a guided hike or snowshoe with the Tahoe Rim Trail Association might be the answer.

After a morning or day of adventure, enjoy life like a local: explore Tahoe City’s shops, sample the family friendly dining options and catch a show at The Tahoe Art Haus and Cinema. In other words, skip the villages and opt for authenticity.

More than a handful of restaurants offer family friendly venues as well as tasty take out options. My top picks for winter 2015 include the breakfast burritos, smoothies and espresso drinks at the Dam Café, delectable paninis and locally churned ice cream (a great addition to hot cocoa) at Gear and Grind, sharing a burger and fries at Bridgetender Tavern and Grill and Moe’s Original BBQ for high quality lakefront lunches and dinners at an incredible price. If you’re lucky enough to take off during the week, head to Sunnyside for Fish Taco Wednesdays or kick back at Jake’s on the Lake.

Need a place to stay? Whether you’re looking for a large home, cottage or cozy hotel/motel room (where you can ditch the car and take advantage of Tahoe City’s walk-ability), look no further than the Tahoe City Downtown Association’s lodging members. They’ve got you covered.

It’s worth the trip. Unwind in Tahoe.