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Your significant other has been bugging you for a casino gaming vacation.
They can't wait to hit it big at the black jack tables. But all that Vegas bling is
frankly...well too artificial for you. Ok, you're a self confessed tree hugger. You prefer to
spend your time off enjoying the great outdoors. And then there's the kids. Gotta keep them
happy too. Great news! The north shore of Lake Tahoe, Nevada has everybody covered.

Shimmering like liquid turquoise, this alpine lake, with snow capped mountain vistas and white sand beaches is a year round vacation dream destination. Lake Tahoe has 71 miles of shoreline, 29 of them in Nevada and the rest in California. Whatever the season there will be plenty to do.

It's winter and you can't wait to kick up some powder on the slopes in your new down parka. Waiting for you are twelve ski resorts on the north side of Lake Tahoe. Purchase an interchangeable lift ticket and you can show off that parka at seven of them like Squaw Valley and Diamond Peak. (Call 888-434-1262 for information.) The resorts also offer ski instruction for beginners and there are plenty of rental shops for gear.
In addition to down hill skiing, there is cross country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, skating, sledding and snowmobiling.

In the summer you can soak up the sun at one of the lake's beaches. Most of the beaches on the north shore are private and you may want to take a ride over the border where there is more public access. Some beaches charge small fees, others are free. In Incline village on the north side there is Sand Harbor which has a fee. There's an amphitheater here where concerts, plays and the Shakespeare Festival take place. If you are one of those people who just can't keep it on...Hidden Beach, north of Sand Harbor is clothing optional! On the California side the Kings Beach recreational area and Crystal Beach offer good swimming. There are courts for basketball and volley ball and burger joints within walking distance when you get hungry.
What else to do in the summertime sun? Plenty! There is hiking in the mountains, biking, canoing and golfing. Fishing is not just for the lake here...there are plenty of streams and smaller lakes around. Be sure you have a fishing license for the state you'll be fishing in.
It's probably a good idea to talk to the guys at the tackle shop about where to go and what the fish are biting, then get ready to catch some brown trout with marshmallows...wait...marshmal lows? What ever happened to good old worms?

For the shop-a-holic there's plenty of upscale shopping right here in Tahoe, but if you're craving a big mall you can hop on of the shuttles into Reno. Riding the shuttle is encouraged here and some are free of charge. At today's gas prices this is a big bonus. For schedules and destination points visit laketahoetransit.com.

After a hard day of outdoor play get ready to rub elbows with mafia ghosts at the Cal-Neva Casino, once owned by "ole Blue Eyes" Frank Sinatra. You can play any amount from nickle slots on up to the big tables. Afterward spend your winnings on a delicious dinner. If you don't win, there is always that trout to cook up at your rental condo.

Your Lake Tahoe vacation will definitely be one to remember.

Learn more about this author, Michele Carroll.
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