We Recommend

Sawmill Pond

(Children 14 years and younger)

One of my favorite places to take my children fishing in Lake Tahoe has always been Sawmill Pond. Everytime I have been there, I have seen no more than three families and have always caught something.

It's a great place for kids with water, fish, frogs and tadpoles. What more could a parent ask for when it comes to entertaining the children? It's a babysitter with a view. Speaking of the view, all you parents will love the location. It's off the beaten path but still not miles away.

Sawmill Pond is located 1 mile south of South Lake Tahoe along Lake Tahoe Boulevard. At the west end of South Lake Tahoe is a junction known to locals as the "Y". This is where U.S. Highway 50, U.S. Highway 89, and Lake Tahoe Blvd. intersect. To reach the "Y" from the casinos, proceed west on Lake Tahoe Blvd / U.S. Highway 50.

Lake Tahoe Blvd. continues west beyond the "Y" and leads to Sawmill Pond. From the "Y", head west out Lake Tahoe Boulevard (past the car dealerships). Continue straight at the blinking stop light and then look for a small pond on your left. Parking is off Sawmill Rd. located on your left - just past the pond.

RECOMMENDED BY: Gordon Ritter

Lakeside Beach Grill at Lakeside Beach

A legitimate gripe about South Shore is the lack of convenient public beach access. Wouldn’t it be nice to enjoy “full service” fun-in-the-sun right here at Stateline? Well, the closest thing to such an amenity does exist and at its core is Lakeside Beach Grill. (While this is not a public beach, the homeowners allow the public at $5 for adults, $3 for kids or $20 per family. This is a deal considering what it has to offer.)

Located where Stateline Avenue hits the Lake, Lakeside Beach Grill offers beachfront outdoor café dinning. A rarity at South Lake. The cuisine is everything from basics to gourmet. Drinks include a decent wine selection and micro brews. Prices are reasonable. The staff is accommodating. Open June 4, 2004 with hours 11am to last seating of 7:30pm, this is a place worth experiencing. www.lakesidebeachgrill.com

The beach is clean, deep and has a full time lifeguard. The shore is protected from choppy waters caused by summer afternoon winds. The marina supports jet ski, paddle boat and kayak rentals. A real plus is a water shuttle, Bay Pride, which commutes to Camp Richardson. Bring along a bike on the shuttle so you can explore restored homes at Valhalla, then ride the bike path back to Stateline Beach.

I am so impressed with the Stateline Beach experience that we have made arrangements with the homeowners to provide Lakeside Inn hotel guests free passes to Lakeside Beach during their stay at Lakeside Inn. The beach is located one mile from Lakeside Inn. A scenic walk around Edgewood Golf Course will get you there. The Trolley offers fun transportation. Otherwise, limited parking is available.

RECOMMENDED BY: Lon Rusk

Calstar -Air Ambulance

Calstar is a non profit Air Ambulance that transports the sick and injured to hospitals. You can get information on Calstar at http://www.calstar.org/. They are located in South Shore of Lake Tahoe at the airport. You can purchase a membership for your family at a small fee that will cover any costs that your insurance does not. You can get a application from their website.

RECOMMENDED BY: Lon Rusk

Hearts of Light - J.T. Ravizé Photography

Located on-line at http://www.aframeofmind.com. or call 775.588.8081

J.T. Ravizé is a outstanding photographer in the Lake Tahoe area. His work can be seen on the walls of Lakeside Inn and Casino. You can also view his work on-line at http://www.aframeofmind.com. He has an ability to make a very beautiful place even more special. He captures the lights over Lake Tahoe and transform them in to memorable life lasting images.

MOUNTAIN AND ROAD CYCLING - SIERRA CYCLE WORKS

Located across from the Timber Cove Lodge on Highway 50. For appointments call 530-541-7505.

While there are several good Bike Shops in South Tahoe, I prefer Sierra Cycle Works. Primary owner, Gary Bell, is a long time supporter of mountain biking in the Tahoe Basin. I remember Gary pioneering day trips into Desolation Wilderness on a custom version of what would later be a mountain bike in the early '70s. This was of course legal at the time. Gary went on to help form TAMBA, a local organization bent on responsible use of the many back trails and roads in the Tahoe Basin. There is strong competition for use of these areas between the hikers, bikers and equestrian fanciers. TAMBA strives for peaceful coexistence. While Gary's shop is small, his techs are very good, accessories are first class and rentals are more than adequate. First hand knowledge of great local rides at all levels of ability is always available. Sierra Cycle Works' website is not set up to respond to questions. Note: If you don't have time to get your bike tuned prior to arriving at Tahoe, they can often do so over night.

RECOMMENDED BY: Lon Rusk

RESTAURANTS - ZEPHYR COVE LODGE

Located 3 miles north of Lakeside Inn & Casino on Highway 50.

My first choice for breakfast is, of course Lakeside Inn. The oatmeal pancakes in the Taberna are to kill for. Given this, the restaurant at Zephyr Cove is also a great choice when visiting Lake Tahoe. The atmosphere is killer, right out of the 1940's when it was built. It has the charming "feel" of old Lake Tahoe. The restaurant is owned and operated by the same folks who run the M.S. Dixie, also a must-try experience. (The morning cruise up east shore is a sleeper.) While their whole menu is worth a look, save room for the giant biscuits and honey! If you are so inclined, their milkshakes are the best at the Lake. The staff are all nice people. I can recommend this as a good experience.

RECOMMENDED BY: Lon Rusk

GOLF COURSES - EAGLE VALLEY GOLF COURSE www.eaglevalleygolf.com

For tee times or more information call 775-887-2380.

There are many beautiful and challenging golf courses in the Tahoe area. However, because of the demand to play these courses along with the shortened season due to our elevation, the greens fees charged at these courses are prohibitive to many of our guests. The best value for golfers can be found at Eagle Valley Golf Course in Carson City. Eagle Valley Golf Course offers two 18-hole golf courses. The East Course is a wide-open layout measuring 6658 yds from the back tees with par at 72. This course is great for the beginning, intermediate, or high-handicap golfer and green fees range from $14 to walk at off-peak times to $32 with cart during peak times. The West Course is a championship course designed to challenge even the best of players. It is a links-style course with natural high-desert vegetation and water in play. Elevation changes and strategic bunkering put a premium on club selection and course management. The West Course plays to a par of 72 and is 6851 yds from the back tees. With green fees, including cart ranging from $24 (twilight) to $39 peak, you can see how the Eagle Valley Courses provide the best value in our area. The West Course is in excellent shape. Many improvements have been made to the course, but the biggest has been the overhaul of the irrigation system that has evened the water distribution to all parts of the course. Eagle Valley Golf Course is approximately 35 minutes from Lakeside Inn and Casino and is open year-round, except for a few weeks a year when there is snow on the ground in Carson City.

RECOMMENDED BY: Dave Doherty

Soaring http://www.highcountrysoaring.com

The Carson Valley is just east of the Lake Tahoe Basin. There is much of interest in this historic and scenic area. One of the impressive aspects of this geographic region is the "high desert". This area presents world class soaring. Soaring is the art of motorless flight. Lighter than air, hang gliding, para foils and gliders all navigate the skies of western Nevada and the Sierra Nevada mountains. At Lakeside Inn, pilots talk planes. We soar and know the sport. We recommend High Country Soaring to experience the joy of soaring. High Country Soaring is located at the Minden-Tahoe Airport.

RECOMMENDED BY: Mike Bradford

Coyote Grill

Located across Safeway in Round Hill on Highway 50. call 775-586-1822

As a local looking for a great quality meal in an informal atmosphere I recommend the Coyote Grill. The food is eclectic and fresh. The margaritas are fresh squeezed and delicious. The food is healthful and flavorful. The variety is wide and likely to satisfy everyone in a group. The location is next to Safeway in Round Hill Mall-less than a mile from Lakeside Inn (about two minutes). This experience is representative of "life in Tahoe". RECOMMENDED BY: Mike Bradford For a printer friendly version please go to We Recommend.

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