The Best of Tahoe: Hotels, Restaurants, Art Galleries, and more

Fall is finally upon us, and that means it’s time to begin planning winter vacations. So, what’s haute for the cold months? Tahoe. The snow-covered mountains of Lake Tahoe are a winter sport lover’s paradise, and the myriad of museums and historic sites give the culture-savvy plenty to do. A traditional wintertime favorite, a trip to Lake Tahoe means enjoying outdoor activities but also indulging in indoor luxury at the best hotels, spas and restaurants.

Best Hotel

The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe

13031 Ritz-Carlton Highlands CT

Truckee, CA 96161

(530) 562-3000

Here you’ll find the abundant and comfortable amenities that are to be expected of a Ritz-Carlton property, set against a beautiful backdrop of snow-capped mountain tops. Each guest room and suite features a  fireplace and high-speed Internet, an LCD flat screen television and an iPod docking station. Take advantage of the many winter recreation services offered, beginning with ski-in, ski-out access for all levels as well as programs for beginners. Indoors, warm up and choose from one of the multiple dining options. Try the Manzanita Restaurant, serving French-meets-Californian fare. At the helm of the eatery is James Beard Award-winning chef Traci Des Jardins. Other fine dining options are The Living Room, designed for lounging and light fare, and Mountain Blue, ideal for families.

Photo: The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe

[highlight_text] The only thing that rivals the fare at Wolfdale’s is the view. [/highlight_text]

Best Lakeside Dining

Wolfdale’s Cuisine Unique

640 North Lake Boulevard,

Tahoe City, CA 96145

(530) 583-5700

Wolfdale’s Restaurant has been serving deliciously fresh and decadent dishes to Tahoe’s North Shore patrons since 1978. Ingredients are always fresh and carefully combined to create unique plates that keep patrons loyal and coming back for more. Entrée options include classics like filet mignon, Maine lobster, mussels and short ribs. The only thing that rivals the fare at Wolfdale’s is the view. The eatery’s location allows diners to take in the alpine air while enjoying an incredible view of the grand mountains and the crystal-clear lake. Nosh on the various happy hour specials, like delectable small plates, specialty cocktails and wines, while taking it all in.

Photo: The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe

Best Art Gallery

Marcus Ashley Fine Art Gallery

4000 Lake Tahoe Boulevard #23

South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

(530) 544-4278

Marcus Ashley Gallery showcases the artwork of more than 30 artists, all in varying styles and genres. The variety at this gallery ranges from oil paintings and limited edition prints to sculptures and glass art. Artists showing at the gallery include Eric Christensen, Thomas Easley, Tuan, and Jack Storms, among others. Books, jewelry and gifts are all available for purchase. Gallery consultants are knowledgeable and ready to assist collectors and provide them with detailed information on each piece. For those simply wanting to browse, consultants will gladly share their knowledge to make your tour a thorough and well-informed one.

Photo: The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe

Best Museum

Tahoe Maritime Museum

5205 West Lake Boulevard

Homewood, CA 96141

(530) 525-9253

Tahoe Maritime Museum makes for a lovely daytime outing. Founded in 1987, TMM is a private non-profit museum. The boathouse-esque establishment showcases the area’s history and artifacts through exhibits and more; motorboats, sailing boats and aquaplanes are all on display. This museum is family friendly, and it strives to educate both children and adults on the maritime history of Lake Tahoe. TMM even provides programs, lectures and classes. Book a tour at the Truckee Annex to see the full collection.

Best Spa

Squaw Creek Spa

400 Squaw Creek Road

Olympic Valley, CA 96146

(530) 583-6300

Here you’ll find the abundant and comfortable amenities. The celebrated spa at Squaw Creek Resort was renovated to bring the outdoors in, complete with cascading water, birch-tree trunks and nature-inspired flooring. Comprised of ten treatment rooms, the spa also features outdoor whirlpools and a sanctuary for relaxing before and after treatments. Indulge in the variety of services offered, from a myriad of massages and wraps to facials. Visit the salon for a therapeutic Paradise Spa manicure and pedicure or for waxing services. Plus, Squaw Creek Spa’s boutique sells the products their therapists and aestheticians use, so you can take home a piece of your peace. This spa’s relaxing, peaceful ambiance makes it the ideal place to unwind and regroup after a long day on the slopes.

Photo: Resort at Squaw Creek

Best Boutique

Kalifornia Jean Bar

495 North Lake Blvd Ste 171

Tahoe City, CA 96145

(530) 583-5326

Kalifornia Jean Bar is your one-stop shop for high-end buys in Lake Tahoe. A stylish boutique, it caters to the area’s most discerning patrons, both men and women. Employees aim to give their customers personalized service when it comes to finding the right jeans, perhaps every shopper’s greatest challenge. The store even offers complimentary alterations, the final step in obtaining that perfect pair of blues. Aside from an abundance of jeans, which includes brands like Hudson, J Brand and AG, the boutique has a vast selection of apparel, shoes, handbags and jewelry. You’ll also see luxe labels like Elizabeth and James, Ella Moss, Rich & Skinny and Low Luv here. Keep an eye out for their vintage merchandise, too.