North Lake Tahoe, California Things to Do

Most schools are not out for the year yet, but Memorial Day generally signals the dog days of summer are finally here! The Lake Tahoe West Shore Association hosts Opening Day at the Lake, with a bevy of activities running from Friday, May 25th to Monday, May 28th.

West Shore restaurants unveil their patios and decks for a summer of sunshine dining: Sunnyside Restaurant & Lodge opens May 25th at 11:30am with live music and tasty food; West Shore Cafe and Swiss Lakewood follow suit with their Summer Openings on May 26th.

There’s something for everyone! On Friday at 11am check out Captain Kirby’s boat sale of 2012 Chris Crafts with refreshments and giveaways, and jet over to Chamber’s Landing for Chamber’s Punch Specials from 4pm-8pm. Start off Saturday with a tour of State Park mansions: Sugar Pine Point State Park – Ehrman Mansion, and Emerald Bay State Park – Vikingsholm.  Kick back on Sunday and relax. Monday’s festivities close with vintage and mordern seaplanes on display at Obexer’s Marina. Breakfast is available 8am-10am, followed by a BBQ at Obexer’s from 11am-3pm for the afternoon crowd.

Click on the event calendar for details! The weather forecast calls for some unsettled weather on Friday and Saturday, but Sunday and Monday will offer up more Tahoe sunshine and warmer temps. Pack a warm coat and your sunscreen!

You won't be short of ale options at this local brew fest!

In a beautiful Lake Tahoe park setting, kick off the summer with refreshing libations from over 20 breweries and cider distributors at the 7th Annual Truckee Optimist Brew Fest on June 9th from 1-5pm! Enjoy live music by “Drop Theory” while diving into brats and sausages fresh off  the barbecue. Place your bid for the silent auction and be sure to purchase a souvenir t-shirt on your way out!

The cost of your ticket, $25 pre-sale or $30 at the door, also includes a commemorative beer tasting glass. Must be 21 or older to attend. Click here for ticket locations, and to find out more!

If you’re wondering if your favorite microbrewery will be on site pouring a frothy one just for you, check out the list of past participating breweries:

Fifty Fifty Brewery, Great Basin Brewing, Lagunitas Brewing, Big Sky Brewing, Sierra Nevada Brewing, Anchor Brewing, Full Sail Brewing, Hoppy Brewing Co., Firestone Walker Brewing, Wyder’s Cider, Rubicon Brewing, Lake Tahoe Brewing, Sam Adams, Fox Barrel Cider, Buckbean Brewing, Mendocino Brewing, Anderson Valley Brewing, Mad River Brewing, New Belgium, and more.

What’s your ale of choice?

What is better than summer-time shopping, sipping and eating along the beautiful streets of Tahoe City? Sponsored by the Tahoe City Downtown Association, the Tahoe City Wine Walk kicks off the Tahoe City Solstice Festival on June 23, 2012 from 12pm-4pm, rain or shine!

“Discover Wines with a View” while you stroll along the lakefront boardwalk through Tahoe City, entertained by live music, sampling local and regional wines and delectable food from local Tahoe restaurants and caterers. Check out what the Tahoe City Downtown Association has put together for The Solstice Festival:

“The Solstice Festival celebrates the start of summer by showcasing Tahoe City through a variety of events designed to encourage visitation in our beautiful downtown. The Tahoe City Wine Walk features wines of the Sierra and food tastings at local merchants and restaurants throughout downtown. Other festival events include a Solstice Stroll Classic Car Show, PaddleFest on the shores of Lake Tahoe, and the opening of the summer series Concerts at Commons Beach. During the Wine Walk, outdoor live music will be at both ends of the lakefront boardwalk.”

The Lowdown on Tickets! 

Tickets $35 before June 23rd, $45 day of the event. Cash only.

Day-of-event tickets will be available at one of the 3 registration tables:

• Boatworks Mall (East end of town)
• Heritage Plaza (center of town);
• North Tahoe Arts Center (West end of town).

There will be a band, tables, balloons and lots of people at each registration location so they will be easy to spot. Remember, cash only! Click here for more information!

You may love the great outdoors of Lake Tahoe, the virtually untouched back-country of the Sierra Nevada, but that doesn’t mean you’re always prepared. If you’re wondering what the latest is on gear, and how you should prepare for hiking this summer, then look no further!

REI-Reno is pleased to partner with the Tahoe Rim Trail Association for the return of the April Speakers Series; every Wednesday this April. The presentations this year will give special attention to hikers and mountain bikers. The TRTA will also give insightful local tips on the best places to go, what the bring, and what to expect from the trails and conditions.

“The Properly Equipped Hiker,” Wednesday, April 18, 6:30 to 8pm.

This presentation is essential for both segment and thru-hikers. REI hiking experts will discuss gear, clothing and back country skills that will help you enjoy your time on the trail. They will also help you to distinguish between essential gear versus what gear is nice to have. Gear and clothing selections will also be reviewed for weight, cost, durability and ease of use considerations. This session will also serve as an unveiling of the newest in 2012 gear. Backcountry skills will focus on hydration techniques, navigational skills and Leave No Trace principles. Combine this class with the first class and you will be ready to hit the Tahoe Rim Trail this summer, dressed and outfitted for success.

Admission to each presentation in the series is FREE!

Location:

REI Reno

2225 Harvard Way

Reno, NV 89502

Click here for more information and to learn about the Tahoe Rim Trail Association!

Foothill Farmers' Market, Tahoe City

Although it felt like summer would never arrive, Mother Nature triumphed with tremendous sunshine, calm winds, cloudless skies and just the right temperature to enjoy Lake Tahoe to the fullest. We hear tourists and locals alike chat excitedly about Foothill Farmers’ Market, which runs from June through October. It is a bustling place to browse locally grown produce, a chance to peruse artisans and Lake Tahoe vendors.

As we enjoy the last moments of the summer season, why not head out to the Foothill Farmers’ Markets on the North Shore and pick up some fresh vegetables for dinner? It doesn’t take much to throw together a healthy and delicious meal for the whole family. If you need more micronutrients in your diet, why not put down that grilled cheese and whip up the following recipe?

2 Medium Heads of Red or Green Leaf Lettuce

2 Small/Medium Heirloom or Beefsteak  Tomatoes

3-4 Green Onion Stalks

1 Avocado

1/4 Pound Green Beans

1/2 Large Red Onion

1 Lemon

Olive Oil

1 Clove Fresh Garlic

Balsamic Vinegar

Salt & Pepper (to taste)

Heat medium saucepan with one tablespoon olive oil. Thinly slice the red onion. Rinse and chop green beans into one inch pieces. Saute the onions until brown, and add green beans. Stir occasionally and add several tablespoons of balsamic vinegar to caramelize onions and green beans. When green beans are steamed but still somewhat firm, set aside.

Chop the tomato and green onion. Place in a large salad bowl. Squeeze one lemon; add several tablespoons of olive oil, minced fresh garlic and salt and pepper to taste.  Set aside and allow to marinate. Wash and chop the lettuce, or tear into bite sized pieces. Slice the avocado. Toss the greens in salad bowl with dressing. Serve and top with avocado slices, and onion/green bean mixture. Serves approximately four.

Bon Appetite!