Lake Tahoe for Lovers

by Paris Permenter & John Bigley

The lake that Mark Twain called "the fairest sight the whole earth can provide" lies draped across the state lines of California and Nevada and nestled in crags of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Imagining a summer romantic getaway in the Sierra Nevada mountains brings a host of delicious images to mind. Maybe hiking or mountain biking along a rugged landscape which has changed little since its Wild West days. Or do you see evenings of fine dining in lavish restaurants followed by bustling nightclubs where you'll be entertained by big-name stars?

Fortunately you can have it all at Lake Tahoe, the breathtaking body of water that's perched at a higher elevation than any other alpine lake in the world.

The lake that Mark Twain called "the fairest sight the whole earth can provide" lies draped across the state lines of California and Nevada and nestled in crags of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Over 70 miles of shoreline hide hundreds of cozy hideaways for you and yours to share any time of year. Need more proof that Tahoe was made for lovers? Western explorers first sighted the lake on Valentine's Day, 1844.

Most visitors arrive at Lake Tahoe by means of Reno, 30 miles to the northeast. Buckle up; the drive from the city winds through hairpin turns on its way to the lake. Thick pine forests reveal beautiful vistas but none to top the sight that stands out above all the rest: your first view of the aquamarine waters of Lake Tahoe.

SUMMER LOVE

Summer sunshine means love is in the air along with the scent of alpine wildflowers, the caress of a cool mountain breeze, and the glimmer of sunshine off the sapphire blue lake waters. Outdoor lovers will find a full menu of warm weather activities: boating, sailing, scuba diving, mountain biking, sunbathing, and windsurfing are favorites.

If the two of you would like to hit the greens, you're in luck. With Lake Tahoe's 6,300-foot elevation, golfers find that they can hit the ball about 10 percent farther, so stand back! Numerous courses dot the lakeshore and in fact the region is home to two of Nevada's best: Edgewood Tahoe and Genoa Lakes.

Want to stop and smell the flowers? Lake Tahoe offers almost 300 miles of hiking trails where you can stand in the spray of a waterfall, admire the stunning mountain vistas, or share a quiet picnic alone. All grades, from gentle walking paths to challenging slopes, are available so pack your walking shoes.

SIGHTSEEING

The mesmerizing rhythm of an authentic paddlewheeler lulls many slow dancing couples aboard the Dixie and the Tahoe Queen. These two vessels offer daytime cruises year around and romantic dinner and dance cruises during warm weather months.

Daytime cruises tour Emerald Bay, the most photographed spot on the lake. At the base of this beautiful cove lies Vikingsholm Castle, built in 1928. This replica of a Viking castle, a striking feature on the landscape, is open for tours during the summer months.

On these daylight cruises you'll marvel to see just how clear Tahoe's waters are, an incredible 99.7 percent pure, to be exact. They say you can drop a dinner plate to a depth of 120 feet and have no problem spotting it from the surface. The lake is fed by melting snow, and the purity accounts for its breathtaking color. At its deepest point, the lake measures 1,645 feet--deep enough to stand the Washington Monument on top of the Empire State Building with room to spare.

Another romantic view of the lake is aboard the Woodwind II, a daily catamaran cruise during the summer months. Sail among the lake's quiet coves in this vessel that holds only 50 passengers. The operation has hosted many celebrities through the years including John Travolta, Neil Diamond, and Reba McEntire, who even married aboard the original Woodwind vessel. Sunset champagne cruises especially appeal to honeymooners.

GLITTERY NIGHTLIFE

The quiet tranquility of Emerald Bay is a far cry from the flashing lights and buzzing slot machines found in Stateline. Situated right on the state border, Stateline is literally divided in half with family motels on the California side and high-rise casinos in Nevada. Here you'll also find most of Tahoe's restaurants, over 100 eateries offering everything from microbrewery pub grub to Nevada's famous all-you-can-eat buffets to gourmet meals prepared by award-winning chefs.

While nighttime in much of Tahoe may mean the song of distant frogs or the sound of lapping waves on the shore, in Stateline it means the jingle of money. Six major casinos keep Stateline alive with flashing neon signs, ringing slot machines and top-name entertainers to pull any vacationer into the plush casinos. Each has its own unique atmosphere, from the Roman decor (complete with a costumed Cleopatra) at Caesar's to the mirror-covered elegance of Harvey's. Entertainment at South Shore ranges from top-name entertainers to fun-loving revues. Broadway shows, big name performers such as Bill Cosby, David Copperfield, and Clint Black, and frolicking revues provide a busy nightlife in the lavish theaters and cabarets.

For more on Lake Tahoe's romantic attractions, see www.renolaketahoe.com, the Reno Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority site with information on everything from accommodation to wedding chapels.

Copyright Paris Permenter and John Bigley