In the fall, Lake Tahoe is a visitor’s dream—a stunning lake, enticing hiking trails, majestic views and culinary excitement—all without the crowds. This trip, we chose the North Shore near the historic town of Truckee. Here it’s all about relaxation, whether you’re enjoying a casual meal at one of the local restaurants or taking advantage of the luxe accommodations at the Ritz-Carlton.
Where to Stay
Just past Northstar Village, the eye-catching Ritz-Carlton comes into view. This LEED certified property sizzles during ski season, but is just as active the rest of the year. From the mountain bikers racing by outdoor weddings to guests by the stone hearth enjoying a crackling fire, this is a people watching paradise.
The ambience is warm, friendly and the décor is mountain chic with lots of wood and soaring ceilings in the lobby. Spread across the side of the mountain, guests get knock-out views of Martis Valley. The hotel also offers spacious rooms with fireplaces, private balconies and Asprey bath amenities.
Where to Shop & Play
Autumn at the Ritz offers fun options for guests including Marshmology where you can learn about marshmallows as you indulge in gooey s’mores or the Art of Mixology, where guests sip creative cocktails paired with hors d’oeuvres. At night, the Tahoe Star Tour, complete with comfortable chairs, snacks, heaters and blankets gives guests a stellar cellestial view. Lawn games are available on the hotel grounds; play bocce ball, badminton, ping-pong, lawn darts and more. The spa has an array of tantalizing treatments guaranteed to revive and rejuvenate.
The Ritz’s October Epicurean weekend offers an opportunity to show your creative side at a vintner-inspired painting class where you can sip wine and dab paint simultaneously. This event also offers the opportunity to carve your own wooden spoon using traditional Japanese tools while eating well at the hotel’s signature restaurant, Manzanita. Kids will love the Pumpkin Patch where they choose and paint their own pumpkin as well as make candy apples.
For the mountain enthusiast, find great hiking trails and biking for all skill levels. Nearby Lake Tahoe has kayaking, boating, stand-up paddle boarding and other water sports. From the Ritz, you can ride the complimentary gondola from the hotel to the multi-level Village at Northstar below. Always buzzing, the area is full of shops, cafés, art galleries and places to sit and take in the scene.
The historica Old West mountain town of Truckee is also a hotbed of activity. Explore boutiques, restaurants, artists’ enclaves, breweries and more. The weekend we visited, the Downtown Wine, Walk & Shop was in full swing. It’s a great way to taste local delicacies paired with wine and shop at the same time! The official “passport” is your ticket to the many venues spread throughout town.
Just outside of Truckee, the avid golfer can find a challenge at Old Greenwood, a course designed by Jack Nicklaus. The course winds through sugar pines and features dramatic bunkers and undulating greens. It plays at four different distances, from a short layout of 5,419 yards to 7,518 yards from the championship tees. Pick the right set of tees and strategize every hole for a golf adventure that matches your game. Whatever your preference, the course condition is usually excellent and the overall experience is first rate, from the treatment in the pro shop, to the attendants at the range, to the marshals on the course.
Also downtown, but on the banks of the Truckee River, find the 1882 Bar & Grill. Named after the year the building was constructed, it shares its location with the River Street Inn. Eat al fresco on the patio next to the river or enjoy the cowboy-inspired interior with a cozy bar and intimate seating. Specializing in all things barbeque—the Texas smoker is always going—we enjoyed the Cajun BBQ shrimp and baby back ribs done with a dry rub. Classic sides include coleslaw, onion rings and a chopped salad.
Where to Eat
Manzanita is the signature restaurant at the Ritz. It has commanding views of the mountains and blends indoor and outdoor seating, integrating lots of wood and stone throughout. To celebrate their rustic local cuisine during Epicurean Weekend, a guest chef worked side-by-side with the restaurant’s chef in the large open kitchen. Wonderful dishes came to the table that night: Yuzu kosho rubbed Japanese hamachi with radish, cucumber, Sriracha pearls and white soy foam; squab confit lollipop leg with roulade of foie gras and duck confit, and quail egg with a blackberry foie gras emulsion. For dessert, a golden beet cheesecake with berries, bacon and basil was presented. The first two courses were paired with Sonoma wines, while Prosecco was served with dessert.
Chef Marty Carlton has brought his years of experience in some of the nation’s best restaurants to his home cooking at Marty’s Café in downtown Truckee. Popular among locals and tourists alike, the food is popping with flavor and the service is friendly. At breakfast, we tried Israeli couscous in a unique combination of coconut milk, dried mango, raisins and almonds. The eggs are served with their house potatoes (made with scallions, sour cream, onion, two kinds of potatoes and more) and thick smoked bacon.
