In a recent blog article, Get Outta Town: Top Ten Memorial Day Destinations, Lake Tahoe was named one of the Top Ten Memorial Day Destinations, something that anyone familiar with the area already knows. Now a lot more people know! We were actually listed #4, right behind #3 Memphis, Tennessee, #2 Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, and #1 Washington, D.C. With the exception of a visit to Washington D.C. which embraces the true spirit of Memorial Day, remembering our past hero's who have fought for our country, I would vote for Lake Tahoe over either of the other two without hesitation. Why? A spectacular natural alpine environment is just for starters. There's also a huge diversity of activities, both indoor and outdoor, summer and winter, day-life and nightlife, adult and children, there's something for everyone.
I won't attempt to cover all the nightlife available in South Shore Lake Tahoe and Reno. I'd need a lot more space and there are plenty of other publications for that. I'll tell you instead about some of the more unique, traditional Memorial Day activities in Truckee and Lake Tahoe,
The Memorial Day weekend customarily kicks off the Summer season in the Sierras; hiking, biking and camping. Because of the mild Winter, a lot of these activities have been underway for a while now. In North Lake Tahoe, Memorial Day weekend also kicks off the beach and boating season on the Lake with the 6th Annual Opening Day at the Lake. This four-day special event, Friday, May 25 to Monday, May 28, includes celebrations and festivities along the West Shore and the North Tahoe region. These events include deck opening festivities at Sunnyside Resort (celebrating its 25th anniversary), West Shore Café & Inn, Chambers Landing Bar & Restaurant and Bridgetender (celebrating its 35th anniversary); Granlibakken Resort’s Contractors Home Improvement/Repair Fair; the opening of Meeks Bay Resort & Marina; openings and tours of historical Vikingsholm Castle, Sugar Pine Point Hellman-Ehrman Mansion, the Gatekeeper’s Museum and the Tahoe Maritime Museum with its new “Tahoe Twenties” exhibit; as well as the popular Mike Brown Seaplane Splash-In and BBQ at Obexer’s General Store. Lots to do!
Here's an idea to enjoy a unique experience on the Lake. Why not take a cruise on the Tahoe Queen (Ski Run Marina) or the M.S. Dixie II (Zephyr Cove Resort)? You can read about the details and cruise schedules on the respective pages, but a trip on one of these Lake Tahoe vessels makes for a great day. One suggestion is a trip to Emerald Bay, one of the Lakes most beautiful spots, on the M.S. Dixie II. For a taste of travel in the early 1900s, the Tahoe Queen is the Lake’s only authentic Mississippi paddle-wheeler which recently underwent major renovations. It departs from Ski Run Marina in the heart of South Lake Tahoe and features glass bottom viewing and stories of Tahoe Tessie, Tales of Tahoe by Mark Twain, a sunset buffet, and weekend dinner/dance cruise.
Thinking about building a Tahoe home or just want to explore Tahoe architecture or learn about green building? Want to see what's new in sports equipment? There's the Truckee Home Building Show and Sierra Recreation Expo Memorial Day Weekend, May 26th - 27th, 2012, 10am - 5pm. You can find everything you need to build or remodel your mountain home, explore the vast array of recreational opportunities available at Lake Tahoe, Truckee and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains, and learn all about green building and sustainable living, all in one place. It's located at Truckee High School, there's free parking and admission is $6. It benefits local schools and more.
For something really different there's the Donner Lake O'Neill Tahoe Cup - Saturday, May 26 at 9:00 AM on Donner Lake,15888 South Shore Drive,Truckee, CA. This Donner Lake TAHOE CUP Event is a part of the High Elevation Stand-up Paddleboard Race Series sponsored by O'Neil. The race circumnavigates Donner Lake. The start and finish is the West-End Beach, Donner Lake. This is a 5 mile SUP & Paddleboard race for men and women of all ability levels. Even if you don't participate, this is a fun sport to watch!
Saturdays weather should give the Stand-up Paddleboarders extra incentive to stay up! The weather for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend is starting out very cool but should rebound to about normal temperatures by Sunday and Memorial Day. You may want to plan to be on the water but not in it yet. Don't worry, Summer weather will be returning soon.
Keep up to date with all that's happening at Olympic Village Inn and Olympic Valley on our Facebook page. Have a great Memorial Day and a great week!
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