Donner Lake can be seen driving east from Donner Summit on the 80 freeway (on one's right hand side). Donner Summit is just over 7,200 feet. Donner Lake is three miles west of Truckee, three miles long and 3/4 of a mile wide. This lake is known as the "Gem of the Sierras" and is 600 feet in its deepest section. A public boat launching ramp is located at the west end of the lake next to a large parking lot. Fishing is excellent. The railroad … [Read more...]
Lake Tahoe, CA – Hiking, Biking
The following are hiking or biking trails we have explored in the Tahoe Area. As time permits, we will visit additional local trails and provide more information here. Angora Lakes These set of two lakes are located about 10 miles from Emerald Bay. You can either take a car or bike here. Take the Fallen Leaf Road off of Highway 89 on the south side of the road. This is a narrow paved road that skirts Fallen Leaf Lake (about 1/2 mile in … [Read more...]
Lake Tahoe, CA – Gambling
We always enjoy going to South Lake Tahoe for some late night gambling. We have had good luck playing the slots at Planet Hollywood. The restaurant there tends to be quite crowded but once you are seated you are surrounded by movie memorabilia. Check out Cindy Crawford's high school yearbook photo. Whenever we are in Tahoe we always frequent Harrah's Hotel and Casino but Montbleu, nearby, is of similar caliber. We have a soft spot for Harrah's as … [Read more...]
Lake Tahoe, CA – Accomodation
The following list of hotels/motels/inns is only a partial one but it provides a wide range of places to stay in the Lake Tahoe area. Cities located near Lake Tahoe are listed with their respective accommodations. The prices below range from the lowest (off season single person) to the highest (holidays and weekends/dbl. person). The room rates will be higher during the winter months because of the ski season. Dave will be sure to provide … [Read more...]
Lake Tahoe, CA – Restaurants
The following restaurants are located in the Lake Tahoe area. This list is only a small portion of the total restaurants in the Lake Tahoe basin so if you find your "favorite" restaurant is not listed here, please email Dave with your recommendation. Major casinos usually have multiple restaurants. Dave has chosen to profile restaurants that he has either heard good things about or has personally at. He categorizes the restaurants according … [Read more...]
Santa Barbara, CA – State Street
If there is one street that Santa Barbara revolves around, it is State Street. State Street is the heart and soul of Santa Barbara. It is a mix of galleries, museums, theatres, and other quaint shops. Some advice regarding parking; park your car in one of the parking lots next to State Street or curbside on one of it's perpendicular adjoining streets. Then simply walk to State Street. Parking is tough to find directly on State Street and can … [Read more...]
Santa Barbara, CA – Beaches
Santa Barbara and surrounding vicinity features a diverse set of beaches ranging from the state park beaches north of town, to the wide flat sand beaches in the vicinity of lower State Street. Beach side bars and restaurants can be found - and are part of the enjoyment of visiting some of the area beaches. State Park beaches charge an entry/parking fee - a receipt is given to you with a piece of tape that you tape to your windshield. Once you … [Read more...]
Santa Barbara, CA – Montecito & San Ysidro Ranch
Montecito is located just south of Santa Barbara off of the 101 freeway. Take the San Ysidro Road exit off of 101 and follow the road to Montecito, continuing straight past East Valley Road. Montecito (Spanish for "little mountain") is an exclusive residential area. Montecito has been compared to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. Many expansive estates, mansions, and lush exotic gardens dot the area's hilly landscape. The town of Montecito is … [Read more...]
Santa Barbara, CA – Golf Courses
The following is a list of golf courses in Santa Barbara and vicinity: General Glen Annie Golf Club is a championship golf club located just west of Santa Barbara in the hills above Goleta (overlooking the ocean in the distance. Offers a challenging 18 holes. The Frog Bar & Grill is located in the club house - weddings and other special events can also be booked here. For more information visit: www.glenanniegolf.com Hidden Oaks … [Read more...]
Santa Barbara, CA – Nearby Santa Barbara
We have visited the following attractions or small towns - all of which are within a fairly short drive of Santa Barbara, all in Santa Barbara County. Buellton is strategically located on the cross section of where the 101 freeway passes under Highway 46 - about 45 minutes from Santa Barbara via the 101. One can also take the 154 to Buellton from Santa Barbara for a change of pace, but this drive is usually about 10 minutes slower. Buellton … [Read more...]
