US TRIP: Lake Tahoe PART 1
After Trevor and I left San Francisco whilst passing through Napa Valley and Sacramento, we headed towards Lake Tahoe.
Lake Tahoe had been at the top of my bucket list for quite some time, and out of our entire week-long road trip, it was probably the one place I was most looking forward to.
As we reached the never-ending mountains before Tahoe, we passed through Alta and took a quick detour to an empty railway crossing where we then continued up a dirt road to find ourselves overlooking a valley.
When we reached the top, we jumped out of the car and couldn't believe the incredible vista before us. The region was rich with an abundance of plants, wildlife and towering evergreen trees and in the distance we spotted a huge waterfall, and a hiking track that made me wish I was wearing the appropriate attire.
Before we got back in the car and headed down the mountain towards Tahoe, I paused for a moment and began to reflect on how incredibly lucky we were to be in such a quiet, serene place together surrounded by nature. By this stage I realised that it was Friday, which meant we were sadly nearing the end of our road trip, but I knew this was really just the beginning of many more adventures to come.
As we descended back down the mountain, we took one last 'quick detour' where we came across another train track. We goofed around in the snow for a while before hitting the road once again.
It was now late afternoon and we were nearing our desired destination. I could not wait.
Being the largest alpine lake in North America, Lake Tahoe is considered the jewel of the High Sierra, and is known for the clarity of its water and the panorama of surrounding mountains on all sides.
Can you imagine how epic driving around the entire lake would be!? Next time I'll definitely get some cool video footage!
A quick call to Trevor's friend Chris @cfeulner, to say we were in town, and within seconds he recommended that we should stay at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, which is located within Incline Village, Nervada. Chris happens to be a local to Tahoe and knows all the good spots, so after we sorted ourselves out with the hotel, we decided to link up and catch the sunset together.
But before meeting up with Chris, we checked into the Hyatt Hotel where the lovely staff greeted us with 2 glasses of champagne. We then decided to upgrade our room to their executive king suite so we could sit back and enjoy the incredible, panoramic mountain views for 2 nights.
When we arrived into our room, I could not believe how amazing it was! The interior was perfect, and I felt right at home.
And the best part was, that we had this mesmerising view of the snow falling from the comfort of our own bed. Totally worth the upgrade!
And although I had every intention to relax and sleep in the next morning, an early wake-up call was warranted as I couldn't help but get up and watch the sunrise out the window, whilst the heater warmed up the room.
This was our first morning where we could actually relax and not have to rush and drive off somewhere, so we spent the entire morning chilling in the hotel room before bracing the cold outdoors. We then decided that we should probably eat, so the plan was to meet up and go exploring with @cfeulner again, after we got lunch from our new favourite restaurant, the Lone Eagle Grille.
We had eaten at Lone Eagle Grille the night prior and enjoyed it so much that we had to go back for more. (Thanks Chris for recommending yet another amazing place!) The incredible dining experience at the restaurant is set against the spectacular backdrop of Lake Tahoe, and is just a brisk 2 minute walk from the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Super convenient!
It features oversized panoramic windows, heavy wooden beams, a two-story stone fireplace, and custom-made wooden tables and seating reminiscent of a classic Tahoe lodge. The restaurant is the perfect special-occasion dining destination that offers a delicious Sierra-inspired cuisine, in an elegant yet contemporary environment.
Make sure you grab a table near the warm glow of the fireplace when it’s cold, and enjoy a spectacular meal complete with their stellar wine options.
Unfortunately I did not take any photos from the night prior as Trevor and I wanted to switch off, but we ordered the 'Ahi Tuna Poke', the 'Linguini Bolognaise' and the 'Mary's Organic Chicken Breast' for dinner, then the 'Roasted Organic King Salmon Salad' and the 'Durham Ranch Angus Burger' for lunch. Each dish was honestly the best food I had ever eaten and the quality was outstanding!
Who else is salivating at ^that burger right now... Take me back!
Lake Tahoe was beyond incredible and undoubtedly one of the best places I have ever visited. A couple of days was by no means long enough, and I have every intention of returning again soon. No matter which season you visit, you’re guaranteed to fall in love with this magical destination.
Stay tuned for Part 2 where Trevor, Chris and I explore the rest of Tahoe, Donner Lake and Truckee with the new @porschezine Macan GTS!
