Articles on some of the world's most romantic destinations by
professional photographer Eleanor S. Morris

Heavenly Blue Lake Tahoe
By Eleanor S. Morris

The South Shore area of Lake Tahoe is located on the shores of one of the most beautiful blue lakes in the world. Set high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, visitors come to Tahoe to experience some of the best year-round recreation, such as world-class snow skiing, boating, golf, hiking, mountain biking, snowmobiling--and dynamic and sophisticated nightlife, as well as for a spectacular wedding and honeymoon.

TAKE A CRUISE

To begin with, take a cruise aboard the M.S. Dixie II or the Tahoe Queen, both paddlewheel liners, or the Tahoe Paradise, an 80-foot luxury yacht, for a close-up experience of the lake. The first two are equipped with a glass bottom; you can enjoy the clarity of the lake water while you cruise all the way to Emerald Bay.

At Emerald Bay, Zephyr Cove Resort & Marina, named for the gentle westerly afternoon breezes, offers everything from camping and lakeside cabins to boating, as well as the lake cruising.

TRY YOUR LUCK AT A CASINO

And of course, in between the beautiful great outdoors, you won't want to miss the Casinos, every bit as exciting as those nearby in Reno and Las Vegas. Caesar's legendary Casino, Harrah's Lake Tahoe, Harvey's Casino and the Horizon Casino Resort, are all lined up conveniently along Lake Tahoe Boulevard. They're on the Nevada side of the California/Nevada state line that runs across the boulevard. Caesar's legendary Casino offers a splendid array, so try your luck at Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Caribbean Stud Poker, Pai Gow Poker, Baccarat, mini Baccarat or Three card Poker. And if you're new to gaming, ask any of the friendly dealers, who are always willing to help.

Slot machines are there, too, popular ones like Mega Bucks, Wheel of Fortune, Dueces Wild Poker, Roman Rewards. Place a penny or try your luck at the $25 machines--either way, 'tis fun to try.

RIDE THE HEAVENLY GONDOLA

Step across the state line and you're in California. There, the Heavenly Gondola takes sightseers 2.4 miles up the mountains to heavenly views of lake Tahoe from shore to shore. The 17-minute scenic ride stops approximately two-tthirds of the way up to stop at a large Observation Deck complete with telescopes.

Cafe Blue will offer you the world's most scenic cup of cappuccino! (You can shop there, too, at the deck's Gondola Sports.) And at the top of the gondola, hiking trails meander through the forest.

SHOPPING AND DINING

Below, Heavenly Village offers all manner of shopping and dining amenities for all interests and tastes. Buy anything from western ware to Alpine clothing and leather to a large brightly-carved wooden Indian. There's even a salon and day spa, Body Essentials II.

A DREAM OF A WEDDING

Best of all, Wedding Dreams can come true at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe's Lakefront setting. A variety of packages range from an intimate ceremony on the resort's private beach to a sunset cruise on the Sierra Cloud catamaran. The resort offers a variety for weddings in more than 23,000 square feet of elegant indoor function space, and more than 25,000 square feet of scenic outdoor areas including a private beach, multiple courtyards, lush gardens, lavish terraces, an open-air pavilion and lakefront lawn area. The on-site wedding coordinator will assist in every detail.

"Getting married is one of the most significant days in a person's life," says the social events manager for the resort. And, once the wedding events are over, the couples can enjoy their honeymoon in one of the resort's 424 guestrooms, including 24 lakeside cottages. (For information or to plan, online: www.laketahoehyatt.com or call the resort at 775-832-1234.)

Or, imagine having your wedding a few thousand feet high above Lake Tahoe. As the Heavenly Resort at Lake Tahoe says, "One thing's for certain, it will be day everyone will remember." (Call 530-542-5153 to make arrangements.)