Weekend Getaway: Lake Tahoe — The Sassy Nation

I love a good opportunity to glamp, and Lake Tahoe is one of my all-time favorite places in the US. This place brings back so many memories of sleep-away camp from my childhood summers. However, my idea of adult idea of glamping is more like posting up at a sweet hotel, where I can go to the spa, bask by the pool breathe the mountain fresh air.

Where to Stay

This summer, I had the chance to stay at the Resort at Squaw Creek for a long weekend staycation this summer. We pulled up on a great last minute deal at this super-popular ski resort, primarily because it was the off season. Most people I know who frequent Tahoe only do so in the winter, but believe me... if you have the chance to go in the summer, you will won't regret it.

Where to Eat & Drink

For some reason I was too busy gobbling down all my food and not taking pics of it. I guess that's a good thing, meaning it was probably delish. You'll just have to trust me on it... here's a list of places we frequented:

The Oasis Grill, Resort at Squaw Creek has a decent lunch, but is a little over priced, in my opinion. I had the buffalo shrimp on a bed of salad and at least 1 alcoholic beverage, and I'm positive I paid at least 20 dollars or more for both. Paying a premium on food is expected on property. You know, the whole convenience thing.

Six Peaks Grille, Resort at Squaw Creek is the perfect place to post up fireside at the end of the night for a glass of wine and dessert. They stay open later in the summer... and the fire is always blazin'. Very cute for cupcaking with a special someone.

Firesign Cafe, Tahoe City was so good that we went twice, back to back for brunch. The service is fast, and the portions substantial. Also, there's a cute cafe behind the building for you to grab a coffee while you wait, because this place does tend to get busy.

Fireside Pizza, Olympic Valley Village is known for their pizza, but their pasta was the real MVP in my opinion. No shade to pizza. I love pizza, but the pasta and salad did not disappoint.

What to do for fun

Bike the Truckee River

Talk about the easiest bike ride EVER! We rented two motorized bikes for our two hour ride up and down the Truckee river, and it was the best idea ever. Instead of walking to the nearest rental company near our hotel, we drove into town, and found Dam EBikes, which was very close to our new favorite cafe, Firesign. And what a gem. After your ride a motorized bike uphill, it'll have you rethinking all future bike rides involving hills. You can do as much or as little hardcore peddling as you want. Working the controls was super-easy, and made the 2-hour ride super pleasant.

Swim or Tube the Truckee

Although, we couldn't bike and tube in the same day because of our time restraints, I can't lie, tubing looked fun as sh*t. Just floating down the river without a care in the world. Yes, I'll have some of that, please. Of course there was no way I was going to pass up the opportunity to baptize myself in Lake Minnetonka (I mean, Truckee). It seems to be a favorite local past time to just pull over to the side of the road with a couple of tubes, or lawn chairs and a cooler and just chill lakeside. I mean, that's totally what I would do on a summer Sunday afternoon with my bottle of Rose. The water was chilly, but invigorating.

Horseback Riding at Alpine Meadows

Our concierge was a big help in recommending this family-owned stable to us. You basically call ahead, we phoned the day before to let them know we wanted a morning ride. When you arrive at the stable, you pay (cash only-- about 35 bucks) for an hour long ride, then saddle up. I was a little embarrassed that I was not dressed to ride. I wore a short dress over my swimsuit and some flip flops. They had me stash my flips and ride barefoot. Something about it being easier to do the foot horse signals without them. I didn't mind. I actually felt like a real nature girl, barefoot and in the wild, lol.

Our guide, Matthew was more than accommodating. He talked to us about life in Lake Tahoe, and the best restaurants and beaches to try the next time we come visit. If you visit Alpine Meadows, ask for him and tell him the black girl with the long braids with beads and a nose ring sent you. ;)

Hiking

Unfortunately we ran out of time and did not get the chance to go on a hike. But there are so many trails to explore in the area, you won't have a hard time ticking this item off your list. Plus, it's free. We just asked our concierge where the nearest trails were and she handed us a map and basically said throw a rock, lol. We were literally surrounded by them. The closest, easiest one in Squaw Valley happened to be right behind the property, which you can access easily from the resort. If you go in the summer, it's advisable to go in the morning. Because although it gets very cool in the mountains at night, it heats up VERY fast in late morning and early afternoon. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Sunset Booze Cruise

There were literally sooo many choices for booze cruising, I spent several hours in my hotel room the night before narrowing it down. It came down between the Rum Runner Emerald Bay cruise we actually went on, and a sunset wine cruise on the Safari Rose, which was sold out. I think we made a good choice, the views were refreshing and the waters were smooth. The next time I'll plan in advance to try the wine cruise. Typically, I'm not usually one for boat cruises of any kind because of my motion sickness issue. However, in the past year I've found ways to cope and make my recent forays on the water much more pleasant. Taking liquid ginger helps.

Chill by the camp fire, or in the jacuzzi or at the pool...

...Depending on your resort or cabin set up. And Lake Tahoe has some ILL cabins, so the next time I go, hopefully this winter, that's where I'll be reporting back to you. Our resort was so nice, we spent the entire first day soaking up the amenities, which include a full gym, a golf course, and a full spa.