Winter Escape
January 2, 2011
Before the holidays, I made myself a promise that I would take some time off to be with my family after Christmas and I kept it! I wrote up a few posts, set them to publish over the course of last week, then off we went with some friends to escape to one of our most favorite destinations, gorgeous Lake Tahoe.
Have you ever been? It’s just about my favorite vacation spot in all of California (although it shares part of the geography with Nevada). I love being in the mountains. I love vast forests covered with snow as far as the eye can see. And I love a tranquil lake sitting in the middle of it all.
Whenever we caught a break in the weather, we went exploring. Snowy woods always remind me of this Robert Frost poem.
We found this guy along the path and named him “Wilson”, look familiar?
Our kids never complained when we told them to “Go outside and play!”
On our way to Lake Tahoe, we always stop in charming downtown Truckee to stretch our legs and grab a bite. If you’re ever passing through, we recommend either the Bar of America and Jax’s Diner (seen on the Food Network)
Downtown Truckee has the most charming row of shops, worth an afternoon stroll.
I love the classic Victorians with their gingerbread trim nestled next to the mountain style homes.
Speaking of rustic homes, have you seen the HGTV Dream Home in Vermont? Hop on over to Julia’s place for the full tour. My favorite feature are those interior barn doors!
Finally, in the true spirit of thankfulness and all around blog love, I’m extending the most heartfelt appreciation to these incredible and inspirational sites:
Top Referrers for 2010
And another gigantic THANK YOU to all of you who visited here this past year. Sending out a virtual hug and raising my glass to toast “To 2011 and all the good things it brings!”
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I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Tahoe!!! I did a semester in Reno, and absolutely fell in love with cute Truckee and Tahoe! Your pictures are incredible!
LOVE Tahoe!! It’s funny how you can ski out of one state and into another :)
Beautiful Pictures!!!
Oh. My. Those photos are stunning. Where I am, it’s humind and stormy so I’m super jealosy of that beautiful snow.
Kate, those pictures of Lake Tahoe look like a fantasy land! So glad you had a little down time with your family. Thanks for your wonderful, idea filled blog, I looked forward to reading it all year long.
Isn’t it the most beautiful place ever!!
My daughter and her boyfriend have lived in Truckee for about 3 years now. They love it! Thank you for featuring the town on your blog :o) Next time make sure you go to the Full Belly Deli…great sandwiches and breakfast!
Gorgeous photos, Kate. The snow is beautiful! Tahoe is one of our favorite getaways, too. It’s fun to hop into the car and be there within 4 hours. I grew up going on family vacations there. Tahoe holds a special place in my heart. I love the little shops in Truckee. I’m glad you were able to get away and have a wonderful relaxing time with your family.
wow, this place is fabulous – when can I go there!!!!
How bout those heritage homes, divine!
Amen, SISTA! HAPPY NEW YEAR, to YOU and your lovely, darling and dear family! I cannot WAIT to see what you do THIS YEAR! Yeeeeeeeee Haaaaaaaaaawwwwwwwwwww!
Gorgeous! Picture perfect! I’m sooo dreaming of snow now, and can’t believe I haven’t seen it yet :( Happy New Year!
Thanks so much for all the pictures – I grew up in Truckee so I really enjoyed seeing it today…
I live in Reno, was born and raised here, so Tahoe is my most special place on earth. It’s where I spent my first date with my now husband and where we spend our anniversaries. My boys learned to ski in the Sierra mountains and we go to a wine festival every year and then have brunch in Truckee. That lake and those mountains are to me what the ocean is to people born on the coast. It’s a little bit of heaven just a few minutes from my front door.
Beautiful shots of one of my favorite spots as well but noticed not shots on the ski lifts?! Looking forward to your fun posts this year.
Pictures are absolutely beautiful.
Great memories! i lived in rocklin CA for about 5 years and every winter we went to Tahoe and its absolutely absolutely beautiful !!! Thank you Kate!
Beautiful images! Lake Tahoe was one of the first places I visited in America but unfortunately when I was there it rained non stop so I never saw anything like this. Happy New Year!
Just getting to this post… we were in Tahoe too celebrating Christmas. Got some amazing skiing in. So glad you got a chance to go up and enjoy the snow.
xo,
cristin
What beautiful pics …. a winter wonderland!!!!
Beautiful pictures !! I can only imagine how much fun it was being surrounded by local charm and nature’s beauty !!
Found you via Pinterest – I’m completely smitten with your blog! Especially love your Tahoe shots – they’re Heavenly (sappy Tahoe humor, I couldn’t resist).
Hot Dang! I’m so excited to be on the list. Thank YOU for such a fabulous blog that helped inspire my blog! You truly are one of my very favorites. I’m sure my family members are quite sick of me starting out every other sentence with “Well, Centsational Girl does it like this…”
I LOVE Truckee!! My in-laws have a vacation home there and my husband and I get up there as much as we can. (We’re actually going in a couple weeks with some friends!) It’s such a wonderful little town and your pictures capture it so beautifully!
These are beautiful pictures. My grandma lives in Grass Valley CA and I just drove through Truckee a couple weeks ago. I had no idea it was so cute in Truckee, the name is not very glamorous. This makes we want to go back. Love your website!
Oh I love Lake Tahoe! This was our winter vacation spot when I was growing up in Santa Cruz, too. I’ve never stopped in Truckee, though after seeing these beautiful pictures I’m anxious to check it out next time we drive through.
g’day!
thanks for the thanks, what a good idea to spread the love!
wowza what amazing photos, I *wish I could visit….one day….here it is stiflingly hot ;-)
sarahx
I will definitely put Lake Tahoe high on the list for places to visit. These photos are beautiful!
Beautiful, beautiful pictures! I love Tahoe, it has been years since I’ve been there, thanks for sharing!