South Lake Tahoe for the whole fam!!!

Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is the most populous city in El Dorado County, California which is located in the Sierra Nevadas. The population in South Lake Tahoe was 21,403 in 2010. The California-Nevada state line which is on the east end of the city, is geared towards tourism, with shops, restaurants, hotels, and Heavenly Mountain Resort. The Nevada casinos are located just across the state line in Stateline, Nevada. Lake Tahoe Boulevard runs about 5 miles west-southwest along U.S. Route 50. The western end of town is mainly residential. As its name suggests, South Lake Tahoe is located on the southern shore, right next to the Nevada border and the town of Stateline, Nevada. Tahoe is a great place to visit year round!!

Harvey’s

Climate: South Lake Tahoe has a beautiful, snowy highland climate with winters that are quite cold, especially at night, and summers that feature warm to hot days and cool to cold nights with very low humidity. Summertime is the dry season with July averaging only 0.31 inches of rain. In December’s the average is 3.81 inches. Tahoe averages two days per year that reach 90 °F  or higher, most commonly occurring in July and August. Every month of the year Tahoe has at least two days with a low temperatures of 32 °F or lower.The climate is either classified as a Warm Summer Mediterranean climate or a Continental Mediterranean climate. The all-time record high is 99 °F which was set on July 22, 1988, and the all-time record low is −29 °F set on December 9, 1972, and on February 7, 1989.

Don’t forget to stop by Harvey’s Hotel and Casino. “Elevate Your Adventure at Harveys Lake Tahoe, the very first casino hotel built on the South Shore. Opening in 1944, Harveys has a rich tradition of hospitality that you’ll discover around every corner with chic, modern décor in our 740 Lake Tahoe hotel rooms and suites, and in the service provided by our dedicated team. Walking distance to Heavenly, Harveys gives you easy access to all the four-season  thrills that Lake Tahoe has to offer.” Harvey’s website

Near Heavenly Ski Resort

We decided to take a family trip to South Lake Tahoe for Thanksgiving. In November, you never know if you will be trapped in snow or have

Willow Chalet 

gorgeous sunny days for hiking. We had the best of both worlds since it had snowed prior to arriving. There was snow on the ground but we weren’t driving in snow and experienced some great sunny, hiking days. Lake Tahoe is easily accessible from several airports. We drove from the Bay Area in California but you can fly into Sacramento International Airport or Reno-Tahoe International Airport. Lake Tahoe is located off of Hwy 50 and about a 2 hour drive from the Sacramento area, about 1 hour from Reno or about 4 hours from the Bay Area. There are several hotels and timeshare properties in the Lake Tahoe area. Coming from Kauai, we really wanted the foresty feel. We opted to stay in a cabin with family for the holidays. We chose to stay at the Willow Chalet which was the perfect spot!!!! Willow Chalet is located just a block from Heavenly Ski Resort and about a 5 minute drive from several casinos. It is located in South lake Tahoe, right near the state line. There is a Safeway grocery store conveniently located up the street. If you are a skier than you will love Willow Chalet because you can indulge in the hot tub or lay around while the wood burning stove is going after a long day of skiing. In addition, the Heavenly Ski Resort shuttle stops right in front of Willow Chalet. We always stay in hotels so Willow Chalet was a great alternative offering a cozy, cabin feel. To find out more information about Willow Chalet go to https://www.buckinghamtahoerentals.com/vrp/unit/Willow_Chalet-HV34-0636

Hot Tub Time at Willow Chalet

Heavenly Mountain Resort is a ski resort located on the California-Nevada border in South Lake Tahoe. It has 97 runs and 30 lifts that are spread between California and Nevada and four base facilities. The resort has 4,800 acres within its permit area, with approximately 33% currently developed for skiing, boasting the highest elevation of the Lake Tahoe area resorts with a peak elevation of 10,067 ft and a peak lift-service elevation of 10,040 ft.

Heavenly has an average of 360 inches of snow annually, and one of America’s largest snow making systems.  Heavenly’s ski season usually runs from mid November to mid April.

Hiking Powerline Trail

There are many hiking trails near Sugarpine Lodge.

The Rock

We decided to hike just up the road on Powerline Trail which lead to a giant rock formation where we could take pictures at sunset. Powerline Trail is rated “easy” for the level of difficulty. It’s an easy hike with wonderful views. You can go as far as you like and then turn around and come back. Keep in mind that Powerline Trail is shared with bikes.

It was a great, free activity for all ages!! The kids had fun picking up sticks and rocks along the way, while the adults were admiring the beautiful luxury cabins along the cliff. We did happen to spot bear tracks on our hike, so be aware of bears. Fortunately, we did not actually see any bears during our stay in Tahoe.

Next stop, Emerald Bay!!! In 1969, Emerald Bay was designated a National Natural Landmark for its brilliant panorama of mountain-building processes and glacier carved granite. The natural beauty, geology and history of this unique island make it one of the highlights of any visit to the Lake Tahoe area.

Emerald Bay Lookout

Emerald Bay

Emerald Bay State Park includes 2 campgrounds: Boat-In Camp and Eagle Point Campground (closed until 2015).

Emerald Bay

The scenic Rubicon foot trail wraps around Emerald Bay, with trailheads at Eagle Point campground, Vikingsholm, and DL Bliss State Park.

Emerald Bay lookout offers great photo ops and there is railing throughout which is great for kids. Parking is free but a little challenging as it is a very popular lookout spot. We ended up parking on the side of the street. The restrooms are quite nauseating I must warn you. Bring your own toilet paper!!!

Off to sled

Since it didn’t snow while we were in Tahoe, we brought sleds (thank you grandma & grandpa) to Emerald Bay and found some great hills.

Sledding

Warning, there are trees at the bottom of the hills. Bring snow/ski clothes, hats and gloves for the kids to avoid a huge raspberry from hard ice which our son encountered. It is a great way to have fun in the snow and it’s free!! The kids were quite happy that we were able to locate snow. They each took turns flying down the hills on sleds.

Off to Eagle Falls Trail, Lake Tahoe!!! Eagle Falls Trail Lake Tahoe is located off Highway 89 and is surrounded by some of the most beautiful landscapes in California. Eagle Falls is a popular hike due to its beautiful cascading waterfalls, lush green scenery, trees and it is short. Eagle Falls is a great option for those who may not want to spend hours on a long or strenuous hike, but still want to see Tahoe’s magnificent terrain. The trail is approximately two miles round trip and can be completed in about 30 minutes depending on the hiker. Dogs are permitted on the trail so visitors can bring their dog on their outdoor hike. We even passed one couple who had fishing poles in their backpacks. Not sure exactly where they were going to fish, but there must be fishing.

Eagle Falls Trail

Alongside one of the most blue pristine lakes in California, hikers on Eagle Falls will see the delightful sights of cascading waterfalls, lush green mountain scenery and tall pine trees. Eagle Falls Trail is open year round and offers hikers an unforgettable outdoor experience filled with breathtaking views.

Eagle Falls

Looking down the falls was a little bit scary as there isn’t a railing or a path. You hike right down to the ledge of the falls. I would not recommend this overlook for kids and be sure to have on good boots that won’t slip. It was icy when we walked down, making it even more unsafe. If you decide to walk to the falls, be sure to take pics!!!

Now for the place that will take all of your money and the kids will never want to leave…..Heavenly Village!!!!

Heavenly Village

Ice Skating

Heavenly Village is a great place to spend some time at, although very expensive.

Bungee Trampoline

The Village includes shopping, ice skating, 8-plex movie theater, mini golf in the summer, a gondola ride, and a bungee trampoline all surrounded by the Marriott’s Timber Lodge. The Village is picturesque including an ice fountain and holiday music throughout. Stop off at the Starbucks and grab a hot chocolate or apple cider while shopping around. The boys rode the gondola and loved it! Warning, the parking is in 15 minute increments and it adds up quickly! You cannot park in the grocery store parking lot across from the Village unless you are willing to be towed. There are signs posted everywhere about parking for customers only. They will mark your tires if you park in the grocery store parking lot to gauge what time you parked there. During the holidays Heavenly Village has events called Heavenly Holidays. Be sure to check out their website for a calendar of events. Heavenly Village has it all! You can go wine tasting, take old-fashioned pictures, attend ski school or stop off for a day at the spa. Ice skating is $15 for kids ages 12 and under and $20 for over age 12. Once you purchase a wristband, you can come and go all day until 8 p.m. The bungee trampoline is $12 for a 6 minute session. Thebungee has an attendant working at each jump to assist with jumping, flips, and adjusting the harness. Our son was not a fan of the harness but the other kids enjoyed it.

Ice Fountain at Heavenly Village

Base Camp Pizza

Check out Base Camp Pizza for casual, family-style dining, serving gourmet pizza, salads, and pasts. Choose from the traditional or unique combinations created by the Chef with incredibly fresh ingredients.

If you are looking for a timeshare, the Marriott’s Timber Lodge is located in the heart of the South Shore within Heavenly Village.

Marriott’s Timber Lodge

It is situated at the base of the world-renowned Heavenly gondola and considered one of the top resorts in South Lake Tahoe. This luxury resort offers spacious one, two, or three-bedroom villas with fully equipped kitchens, TVs with DVD players, washer/dryers and private balconies. The guest rooms include mini-refrigerators, microwaves, king-size beds and sleeper sofas.

Heavenly Village

5wheelsto5star was featured in the March 2014 issue of Destinations Travel Magazine

It’s Vegas Time!!!!!

Bartolotta at The Wynn

VEGAS – THE WYNN – THE VENETIAN – CELINE – LE REVE – PHANTOM OF THE OPERA- MARIO BATALI – CAESARS PALACE – FASHION SHOW MALL – BELLAGIO – SLOTS – GONDOLAS – CAPTAINS AND PINEAPPLE –

Living room in Venetian suite

Vegas, Vegas, Vegas where to begin…first thing first – book your hotel!! I personally love

Venetian Pool

the Venetian Hotel and you can get pretty good rates by signing up in advance for their Club Grazie (it’s free!). Sign up to be a Grazie member at http://www.venetian.com/Grazie-Loyalty-Program/ They will send promotions and specials about room packages throughout the year. I have stayed at the Venetian three times and love it more each time. It can be expensive if you don’t book the room on a special – it would not be a great hotel to book last minute. Most of the

Venetian Suite

Venetian’s Piazza San Marco

hotels in Las Vegas have a club or membership to sign up for, mainly for gambling purposes but also for room specials. By booking in advance the rooms can be as cheap as $159.00 per night which is really cheap considering all rooms are suites!! If you split that cost with a friend than you are only paying $80 per night!! The suites have large sunken living rooms with huge windows and a bar area. The bathroom has double doors with a separate toilet room, bath, and a vanity separate from the double sink area. The rooms are over the top

Venetian

amazing and not expensive! In comparison to the Wynn or Bellagio where the average cost of rooms is

Otto Enoteca Pizzeria

about $300 per night for a smaller room – not a suite.  It is not easy to choose a hotel room when you consider Las Vegas has 152,275 rooms in 355 hotels. While Las Vegas is not the city with the most hotels in the U.S. it is the city with the most rooms in the U.S. Las Vegas hotels are massive!! Phoenix has the most hotels with Orlando in second place among U.S. cities.

We were celebrating a birthday while at the Venetian and the rooms are spacious enough to really hang out and have a small celebration. The living room really adds to the space and makes the room so open.

Venetian Suite

Gondolas at the Venetian

Gondolas:

“No trip to Venice — or The Venetian — would be complete without a graceful and romantic glide

Gondolas

down the Grand Canal in an authentic Venetian gondola. Float beneath bridges, beside cafes, under balconies and through the vibrant Venetian streetscape as your singing gondolier sweeps you down the Grand Canal for a ride like no other.” For more information visit http://www.venetian.com/Las-Vegas-Activities/Gondola-Rides/

All reservations must be made in person. Ticket sales open daily at 9:30 a.m. for the indoor ride and 10:00 a.m. for the outdoor ride.

 

Gondolas

The Venetian is a great choice if you love food!!! Or shall I say if you love Italian and Mario Batali??? Vegas is all about the Food Network Stars!!! Mario has two restaurants at the Venetian and I have eaten at both! B&B Ristorante is a fine dining restaurant. When we ate there, compliments of the chef continued to come out. It was an absolute experience that we reveled in for hours sipping the night away.

B&B Ristorante

Otto Enoteca Pizzeria

Chef Mario Batali and his partner/ winemaker Joseph Bastianich are bringing their award-winning New York City based Italian restaurant expertise to the other city that never sleeps. B&B Ristorante will feature the duo’s acclaimed blend of exquisite Italian food and a casual elegance that “captures the soul of an Italian grandmother dancing the tango with pop rock hipsters”. http://www.venetian.com/Las-Vegas-Restaurants/Fine-Dining/B-B-Ristorante/

On the more casual side – try Mario’s Otto Enoteca Pizzeria located in Venetian’s Piazza San Marco. Otto has 100 bottles under $100. Customers can order a taste by the ounce from the Enomatic Wine Preservation System or buy a Enomatic Card and create their own personal wine tasting experience. The menu offers Sicilian eggplant caponata and caprese salad, mixed affetati plate with prosciutto di Parma, house cured salumi, and cheeses, pizza, pasta, and piatti. I could eat at this restaurant every day while in Vegas. The selection of cheeses alone is worth the visit. Highly, highly recommed Otto!!

Otto Enoteca Pizzeria

About the hotel: The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino is a luxury hotel and casino resort. It is located between Harrah’s and The Palazzo on the east side of the Las Vegas Strip. The hotel tower is 36 stories and rises 475 feet. The Venetian is owned and operated by the Las Vegas Sands Corporation. The Venetian also is the location of the corporate headquarters for its parent company. This hotel features a lifelike replica tower of St Mark’s Campanile in Venice, Italy.

Caesar’s Palace

The Las Vegas Strip is a 4.2-mile stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard. The Strip is actually not

Venetian Pool

located within the City of Las Vegas but it passes through the towns of Paradise and Winchester. Bet you didn’t know that! Most of the Strip has been designated as an All-American Road. The strip comes alive as a scenic route at night. Many of the largest hotel, casino, and resort properties in the world are located on the Las Vegas Strip. Fifteen of the world’s 25 largest hotels by room count are on the Strip, with a total of over 62,000 rooms.

Las Vegas’ cityscape is best known for its use of dramatic architecture. Vegas is one of the most popular destinations for tourists due to the hotels, casinos, restaurants, and residential high-rises on the Strip.

Fashion Show Mall

Fashion Show Mall is located across from the Wynn – there is a bridge which connects the mall to the

Fashion Show Mall

hotel. Fashion Show Mall is unlike any mall I have ever been to. It is one of the largest enclosed malls in the world. The mall has over 250 stores, 7 anchors, an elevated stage, a fashion runway and “The Cloud.”

We were walking along shopping when the stage suddenly popped up, the screen came down displaying a countdown until the runway show began, and the music started. Fashion shows take place in the mall every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The local models are free to watch. During the Winter months, the mall has scheduled snow storms inside. Santa Claus also makes special appearances, even giving a high-energy performance on the runway with his group of elf helpers.

IT’S SHOWTIME!!!!!!!

The number one reason I go to Vegas is for the shows!!!! The Venetian has a number of shows in the

Phantom of the Opera

hotel. Another wonderful reason to stay at Venetian. The theater at the Venetian was built

Phantom of the Opera

for Phantom of the Opera.

The theater costs 40 million dollars to build. Wow!!! The 1-ton chandelier is made of hand-strung crystal hurtles down amid pyrotechnics from above only to stop a mere 10 feet above the heads of some in the audience. When the chandelier fell, I screamed and felt my throat tighten up. It was intense! That’s just Vegas style.

Vegas doesn’t have to worry about space constraints such as Manhattan or London and they have the money to build from the casinos.  A single Vegas showroom can cost more than the combined budgets for all new Broadway productions for a given year. Phantom in Las Vegas was by far the best theater experience I’ve had.

Sadly the show left the Venetian in 2012.

Celine Dion

CELINE!!!!!!!!! When my girlfriend asked if I wanted to head to Vegas to see Celine Dion for her b-day- that was a no brainer! I had seen concerts before in The Colosseum at Caesar’s Palace and loved the concert hall. Celine was amazing in concert, her range is unbelievable and she will not disappoint!

Celine is the second residency show by the Canadian recording artist. Celine has 70 performances per year. The show ranked 26th in Pollstar’s “Top 50 Worldwide Tour”, earning over 20 million dollars.In 2011 over 200,00 people saw the show. Dion the “most profitable music act in Las Vegas” since Elvis Presley.

Dion has extended her residency contract to 2019.

“I’m coming back home to the Colosseum at Caesars Palace and I’m very excited about it. With the orchestra and the band we’re going to be able to perform our songs like never before. The repertoire is going to be extraordinary…a mix of timeless Hollywood classics, along with all the favorites that my fans like to hear me sing. It’s going to be a very beautiful show, and I think we’ll be raising the bar higher than we’ve ever done before. There’ll be some truly wonderful moments……I can’t wait” Celine Dion

The Colosseum is the main entertainment venue for Caesars Palace. Deemed the Home of the Greatest Entertainers in the World, the theatre hosts numerous residency shows by Cher, Celine Dion, Bette Midler, Elton John, Rod Stewart and Shania Twain. The venue seats 4,100 and is inspired by the architecture of ancient Rome. The cost of the theatre totaled $95 million,

Celine sign

becoming the most expensive entertainment venue in Las Vegas.

Bette Midler

Bette Midler- The Showgirl Must Go On…..I was fortunate enough to see Bette Midler in the short time that she was at Caesar’s Palace. Bette’s show was more of a variety show and less of a concert which was disappointing, as I love her voice. She still sounds amazing and sung most of her popular songs. The show catered to senior citizens and therefore; I really didn’t get the show. The jokes were about medications and there was even a number where Bette and her show girls came out in wheelchairs. Overall, I was disappointed in the show but grateful that I got to hear Bette sing live.

Bette Midler is also known by her informal stage name, The Divine Miss M. She is an American singer-songwriter, actress, comedian, film producer and entrepreneur. In the past 50 years, Bette Midler has been nominated for two Academy Awards, and won three Grammy Awards, four Golden Globes, three Emmy Awards, and a special Tony Award. She has sold over 30 million albums worldwide.

The Showgirl Must Go On was a show at The Colosseum at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas that starred pop diva Bette Midler from 2008-2010. Bette Midler signed for 300 shows from 2008 to 2010 at a pace of 100 performances a year. Shows were presented five nights a week with the house dark on Mondays and Thursdays.

The show included The Staggering Harlettes, 20 female dancers called The Caesar Salad Girls and a 13-piece band. The show played its final performance on January 31, 2010, and was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety, Music, or Comedy Special in 2011.

Le Rêve – The Dream

Le Rêve – The Dream

Le Rêve – The Dream: Le Reve shows at The Wynn Hotel Friday through Tuesday at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. and is performed in an aqua theater. The theater guarantees a great view no matter where you sit as it is tiered seating in a circular layout. Le Reve is more of an adult show, as it is both gothic and erotic. The music is very loud and gothic while displaying a romantic love story. The acrobats and diving are impressive and similar to Cirque de Solei. We purchased tickets the same day and got a great deal. Sometimes shows are cheaper in Vegas the day of.

Le Rêve – The Dream was voted “Best Show in Las Vegas” for three years running by the Southern Nevada Hotel Concierge Association. “Discover a new realm of stunning performers, provocative choreography, artistic athleticism and breathtaking aerial feats that will take you on a romantic journey into an aquatic world, where fantasies and dreams become reality.”  For more information about the show visit http://pages.wynnlasvegas.com/lereve/?WT.mc_id=ppc_google&WT.srch=1&utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid-search&utm_content=lereve&utm_term=brand&gclid=CMDd7azW87gCFS6CQgodZREAUw

Mesa Grill, Las Vegas

Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill: Before the Celine concert, we wanted to grab something quick

Mesa Grill, Las Vegas

but yummy. We decided to try Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill which opened in 2004. I highly recommend making a reservation for the popular restaurant. Bobby Flay has a passion for bold and innovative Southwestern food. Bobby developed his signature style of American cookery, marrying the flavors of southwest with his love of grilling at Mesa Grill.  On he menu you will find New Mexican Spice Rubbed Pork Tenderloin with Bourbon-Ancho Chile Sauce, Sweet Potato

Mesa Grill

Tamale, Crushed Pecan Butter, Chiptole Glazed Rib-Eye with Red and Green Chile Sauce.
“Las Vegas’ proximity to Mexico gives the restaurant access to some of that country’s highest-quality tequila and mezcal offerings, and the expansive wine list has a global reach yet maintains an emphasis on top American wines.
The combination of Mesa Grill’s magnificent decor, the exciting vibe of the casino atmosphere and Bobby Flay’s stunning range of textures, flavors and colors incorporated into his menu continue to electrify diners year after year.”

http://www.mesagrill.com/las-vegas-restaurant/about.php

There are three Mesa Grill locations: Las Vegas, New York and on Paradise Island in the Bahamas.

Bartolotta: This is the first restaurant I have eaten at where the fish is priced by the

Bartolotta

Bartolotta

ounce! AND I have experienced many five star and fine dining restaurants.

The fish menu is quite impressive with seafood options flown in daily from the Mediterranean. Fish, fish, fish……is the main thing there, mostly whole-roasted ones. Sea bass, purple snapper, big eye and turbot are the English names, and there are others. Occasionally the chef will make one in a salt crust — a technique to seal in the juices that doesn’t make the fish salty at all — or alla Palermitana (green olives, garlic and tomatoes.)

Paul Bartolotta has over 20 years of culinary experience, culinary expertise and strengths in new business development. Paul and his brother Joe, the co-owner of The Bartolotta Restaurant Group, combined fused vision to open their first restaurant, Ristorante Bartolotta, for a casual yet authentic Italian cucina in 1993.  Today, The Bartolotta Restaurant Group owns and operates 8 award-winning, fine-dining restaurants, and 2 fast-casual concepts. Reservations are recommended. I have listed some of the seafood options below.

PESCE ~ whole fish

15.00 per 100 grams (approximately 3 ounces.)

orata…

 gilthead sea bream

branzino…

 sea bass

san pietro…

 john dory

dentice imperiale…

 imperial snapper

rombo…

 turbot

sogliola…

 northern Adriatic sole

pagello…

 pink snapper

occhiona…

 big eye red sea bream

pagaro…

 snapper

CROSTACEI ~ crustaceans

astaco…

 Mediterranean blue rock lobster 22.00 per 100 grams

cicala imperiale

 … slipper lobster 22.00 per 100 grams

aragosta…

 spiny lobster 20.00 per 100 grams

$$ saving tips: There is so much to do in Vegas for free!! Walk around, people watch, search for the moving trees, grab samples of food and products (diamond cream). First thing, book your room way in advance. There are great deals for rooms in Vegas but don’t book around a huge event (like I did) such as the World Rodeo Championships!!! When all of the hotels are sold out for a large event- you will not get a deal even if booking far in advance. There are so many rooms to choose from. Don’t just pick based on price, look at the square footage of the room. The Venetian offers large suites for half the price and 30% more square footage then some of the other hotels. To find the square footage of the rooms, go to the hotel website and click on room information. Choose your shows before booking the room. Then, either book your room where the show is or close to the show so that you can walk. Otherwise you will be standing in long, hot lines and spending money on taxi cabs. In Vegas, taxi’s do not go anywhere fast. You will sit in traffic on the strip at night forever, while the meter is running and then be dropped off far away from your destination. Then you will look up and notice that your hotel was right across the street! Don’t always purchase show tickets in advance. For headline concerts such as Celine- purchase in advance to guarantee a ticket but for smaller hotels shows such as theater, save money and purchase the day of. That is when there are great deals because they are trying to fill the theater. Travel to Vegas outside of June-August. One reason is it will be cooler and less crowded but that is also when special room rates are offered.

This page is dedicated to my Vegas Girl!!!!