North Lake Tahoe, California Things to Do

“If I can do this, I can do anything.”

The motto of Disabled Sports USA Far West says it all. The birth of this organization dates back to 1967 when Jim Winthers brought together a group of Vietnam Veterans to support each other as they learned to cope with their disabilities. Surprisingly enough, these Veterans taught themselves and others how to ski. As a World War II Veteran of the 10th Mountain Division and Director of the Soda Springs Ski School, Winthers launched Disabled Sports USA.

Lake Tahoe is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, and that means all shapes, sizes and abilities. Disabled Sports is dedicated to the rehabilitation of disabled athletes, and believes that sports are a vital part of the process in which disabled individuals gain self-confidence, mobility and greater independence. They promote education, socialization and employment to the disabled.

Come support Disabled Sports at the 22nd Annual Foam Fest on October 15th from 7pm-10:30pm. The event features over 40 microbreweries, the culinary style of Award-Winning Chef Sean Conry of Longboard’s Bar & Grill, and live music by Marble Party. There is an opportunity to purchase tickets for the gourmet dinner and tasting, or simply general admission to the microbrew tasting. Last year’s dinner sold out, so be sure to get your tickets soon!

Visit Disabled Sports USA Far West for event details and ticket information.

If you have never taken a ride in a wooden boat, you truly have not experienced Old World Tahoe. It is a taste of luxurious times when pleasure crafts were constructed of gorgeous mahogany and decadent leather interiors. No matter the power and gusto of the engine, they seemed to glide with ease across Lake Tahoe, and still do to this day.

Today when locals and tourists think of “woodies” we rarely envision the wooden boats of Garwoods, Chris Craft and Riva. We are familiar with Garwoods Restaurant and the famous “Wet Woody®”, Lake Tahoe’s rum version of the popular margarita. Nonetheless, both are valuable pieces of Lake Tahoe tradition and local culture.

Regardless if you’ve had the pleasure of riding on the Thunderbird, or not, the Lake Tahoe Concours d’Elegance is your chance to view over 80 classic boats on display and in running for top prize. The Concours d’Elegance had meager beginnings in 1972 when a group of members from the Tahoe Yacht Club got together to share their passion for wooden boats. Today the event has grown into a key part of Lake Tahoe maritime preservation and education.

In addition to boat viewing, your 1-day or 2-day ticket access offers the opportunity for live music, food and beverage purchase, full-color souvenir and vendor booths worth browsing.