Think your town is crazy? Visit Lake Tahoe and you might notice that we are at a whole other level. Our Locals might be a little attached to the area and, as a result, behave protectively when it comes to the basin lake and forest.

Is your hope while visiting Tahoe to see a bear? Don't tell the locals that. Our hope is that you don't ever see one. If you do, it should be a brief and fleeting encounter. We're crazy about keeping humans away from the wildlife. 

You'll notice that there are special trash cans in public places and at rental houses. Our dumpsters have locks on them. Cans are put out the morning of trash day. No one who lives in Tahoe leaves food in their car. We don't compost in our yards and we carry out what we brought in. We definitely don't share our food with the birds on the beach. We're crazy about keeping human stuff out of bear territory and their territory is Lake Tahoe. 

Be more like the crazy locals by storing your trash indoors until trash day. Seal bags tightly. Carry garbage from your activities with you until you find a proper place to dispose of it.  Clean up after yourself wherever you spend time; carry out food containers, pick up dropped food, remove packaging and leave the area you were in looking as though you were never there. Teach your children to be Tahoe Stewards by educating them about being responsible for their belongings including the waste they create.

Since the 1960's water clarity has been effortfuly improved, but it's still being negatively impacted by humans. In fact, a recent study found that Lake Tahoe, known for its purity and high level of legal protection has the third highest concentration of plastic of 38 lakes tested around the world. Everything from our clothing to single use plastics could be causing this contamination.

Tahoe locals are so crazy about reducing polutants that they've voted out styrofoam, plastic straws and plastic bags. Single use plastic water bottles are on the chopping block, too. Each of these items has been found floating in the lake. The organization, Clean Up the Lake, boats, paddles and dives to gather the waste that has been tossed into Tahoe since humans began spending time here. 

Want to be crazy like the locals and help to increase lake clarity? You can begin by using reuseable cloth bags, stop using straws, carry your own refillable water bottle and pick up trash wherever you find it. 

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Fires are not a new thing in the Sierra Nevada. Our forests need to burn to reproduce. We chose to live in a forest and that comes with risks, including fires. While we can't control nature, we can be better at how we behave when we are out in the woods. Acting responsibly and remaining aware of the effect we may have on the forest floor, plants and trees can reduce the risk of damages and fires.

You might have noticed the signage around the basin and at the entries to many of the parks in the area that indicate the fire risk. Our friend Smokey the Bear helps to indicate the level of risk. Pay attention to these signs as well as the information listed at the trail heads. Details for how to properly prepare and behave while you're hiking or camping could save your life and people's homes.

After the Caldor fire, most Tahoe locals are crazy about fires. We don't want to talk about them, we don't want to see them and, if we see smoke, we are going to call it in. Yes, prescribed burns still take place in the basin and, if you're in a designated campground where fires are permitterd, you can toast your marshmallows with the flames.

There are so many things that can cause a fire that we don't consider. The Gondola Fire at Heavenly was caused by a cigarette thrown from one of the cars. The Angora Fire was from an illegal campfire. The King Fire was arson. The Caldor Fire was from discharged firearms. Even a pair of glasses angled just right with the sun could ignite a fire.  

Want to be crazy like the locals and prevent fires from starting from human causes? Read the signage, heed the warnings and consider the items you are carrying or traveling with while in the forest. 

Sometimes we get a lot of snow. While it covers the ground, you might think you can just walk anywhere. For the most part, you can without doing much damage, but consider the impact your footprints have on the beauty of the forest.   When that snow begins to melt your tracks could cause damage to the environment. Following trail markers and staying on the designated path will keep you crazy like the locals.

You might decide to wander around the forest behind your rental house. The paths that spiderweb their way through the forest there are likely user-made. This means that they have been established as a result of years of use. Even though these aren't designated trails, they should still be honored. Stay on the main route, even if you notice an offshoot or side path. By remaining on the main trail you are reducing your impact upon the beauty and living things around you.

If the trail is blocked, restricted or damaged, stay off it. This means you may have to turn around and walk further than you had planned, or not be able to reach your destination. It's better to make this choice, then to create a new trail or path. Get crazy by reducing the human impact so that Lake Tahoe's forests stay beautiful and healthy.

When you're on vacation sometimes you forget to follow the basic rules of society. You're in a new place and you might not know the common practices and expectations. We crazy locals have some unspoken rules that you should know before you visit:

1) Carry out what you carry in at every beach. Even if you're at a beach that has concessions be prepared to clean up after yourself. This has always been true, but is more so now because many of these location have fewer staff than ever before. When you collect trash on the beach and dispose of it in a can, dumpster or at home you reduce the burden on others. This includes cigarette butts!

2) Be prepared for wind. Zephyr Cove isn't called so because it's a calm place. Most afternoons in South Tahoe are windy. A breeze as light as 8 mph can lift your umbrella and send it dancing across the sand. The wrapping from your new inflatable or your kid's inner tube could be sent from the North to the South in seconds. Tether your belongings and stash away trash immediately.

3) Don't leave food for the wildlife, especially the birds. While you're enjoying  your barbeque or picnic, no critters are going to bug you. After you've finished and decided to take a rest on your towel or float in the lake, that's when they strike. Before you allow that food coma to set in clean up your space. Put away the snacks, pack away your containers and dispose of your trash. Even a sealed garbage bag left unattended will be busted open and littered across the sand if left unattended even for a moment. Years of obeving human behavior have allowed our birds and critters to become used to waiting and taking advantage of our laziness.

4) Dogs belong on the dog beach. Did you know that there are designated dog beaches in the South Tahoe area? For those of us that want to share the sand and water with our pups, these spots offer us the chance to mingle and our furry friends to play. When you don't want to risk sand being tossed on your towel, your belongings being peed on or potentially stepping in dog waste, it's nice to know there are non-doggy locations to enjoy. If you're traveling with a pet be sure to do the work to find out where dogs are welcome. Doing so will make your travels more fun and the people you engage with more friendly. And pick up your dog's poop no matter where you are.

Be more like the crazy locals by following these unspoken rules and share them with others. The more you do so, the less Tahoe will begin to feel like Tahome for you.

The roads in Tahoe were not meant to handle the traffic that uses them. If you look at the photos in the book The Saga of Lake Tahoe, you can see that the roads were built for those traveling to Tahoe in the Summer. They wind and weave following the former Carson Trail. As much work has been done to improve them, they are still in need of repairs and updates.

Today, thousands of travelers arrive in Tahoe via the passes and highways that wrap around the lake. Vehicles have to share the road with cyclists, scooters and pedestrians. If you're not paying attention, a small mistake could turn into a big problem.

We're crazy about improving our roads to be useful for all. A bike lane is lacking in many areas and there are some places where you may get frustrated as you drive because bicycles or pedestrians are in the road. The highways from the Carson Valley has sped up traffic entering the basin to unsafe speeds. We have to improve our signage so it's easier for visitors to find their way and we have to find a way to slow everyone down.

If you want to be like a crazy local you can begin by remembering that you're not the only one on the road. In some areas, like the Casino Corridor, there is no shoulder for bicycles to ride in, so they will use the right lane. Move to the left so you can pass safely. Where there is a shoulder, be sure to give cyclists at least 3 feet of space from your mirror. This is especially important if you're towing something. Don't move over until you are well past them.

Be crazy, like the locals, by driving slowly and honoring the speed limit. Just because we have crosswalks doesn't mean that people walk to them to cross. We are a dog and kid friendly town which means that sometimes one or both get loose. And let's not forget about the party animals who imbibe a bit too much and might not be fully aware of their surroundings. If you're traveling slowly, you are more likely to be able to slow down, stop, or provide help in gathering them.

If you're riding, walking or scooting around town remain aware of everything around you. Stop at lights and always look for pedestrians. Stay to the right so others can pass. Like the crazy locals, get out of the way if you're not sure where you're going or need to stop for any reason. Just keep thinking, "Tahoe locals are crazy about traveling responsibly ," and try to be the same.

Small businesses are the pulse of the community. Lake Tahoe has hundreds of small, locally owned businesses that are run by residents. When you support them you are supporting the entire community. Remember, 15 million people visit Lake Tahoe each year and only around 25,000 live, full time, on Tahoe's South Shore.

You'll know you're in a crazy local spot because everyone will know eachother, the menu/product/services, and they'll recommmend other local spots and tell you what to order/buy/request. When you visit a small business it's likely that the owner is there and maybe their kids, or friends. In this small community don't be surprised if your hostess has her baby on her chest, your bartender's son is serving your food and your server this afternoon was your cocktail waitress last night.

Those who have chosen to run a small business that is surviving may make it look easy. However, resiliency is one of the job requirements. We have to always be prepared for whatever may come including smoke, evacuations, pandemics, blizzards, extreme heat, over-tourism, you name it. We can pivot, shift, adjust and change as necessary in response to whatever comes our way. 

Go crazy supporting local businesses. Buy gifts for everyone while you're visiting. Eat at all the local spots. Ask the crazy locals for recommendations to their favorite spots for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, cocktails, dancing, karaoke and live music. Eat, drink and party responsibly, though, keeping in mind that Tahoe Locals are also crazy about getting enough sleep so we can be our best at our businesses. 

Come get crazy with us Tahoe locals and do your part to be a Tahoe steward and keep Tahoe blue and beautiful! You can learn more by visiting Take Care Tahoe and The League to Save Lake Tahoe, Tahoe Wildlife Care, as well as Visit Lake Tahoe.

If you want to engage in experiences that help you to connect with nature and your self join us for a scheduled class, workshop or event, or request an on-demand retreat at blisstahoe.com.

Yea, this blog is not about how to prepare for your trip to Lake Tahoe. It's about how to prepare Lake Tahoe for your trip. Why? Because, since 2020, we have had to deal with  a significant disaster each year.  From smoke to evacuation and blizzards to flooding, Tahoe's residents have been in a pretty constant state of distress.  Levels of stress, anxiety, agitation and exhaustion are at an all time high. We've all been doing everything we can to keep our homes standing, our property safe, our roads open and businesses running. If you want to visit us, there are some actions you can take to improve your experience and respect those of us that serve you while you do.

Before you even consider traveling to Lake Tahoe hop on the whizbang machine and look up the local road updates. Visit Caltrans, NVDot, City of South Lake Tahoe, El Dorado County, Douglas County, Washoe County and Placer County. Look at the roads you want to travel and read reports about the conditions in the basin as well as on the surrounding roads.  A simple Google search can get you a whole lot of information.

If you've never driven in snow, a blizzard in Lake Tahoe is not the time to learn. If your car doesn't have Winter, and I mean WINTER, tires on it reduce your risk and the risk to others by waiting until the roads are clear. If the traffic is heavy and the drive is predicted to take 5 hours, assume that means 8. If the roads are icy, assume there will be an accident as a result. Beyond avalanche risk there is the potential for mud slides and rock fall during the Winter and Spring. In the Summer season, the increase in traffic slows everything down. Finally, any resident will tell you to stay off the local streets unless you're staying on them. Routing apps don't know what the snow, ice or pothole conditions are like.

My favorite line from the 2023 storm season was spoken by a visitor who called to check if we were open during a blizzard. They said, "The house rental company says that Tahoe is open and business is running as usual." I was unable to stifle my laugh as I explained that there is a blizzard happening and it is not safe to be out on the roads. Many rental company managers do not live in Tahoe and have no idea what conditions are like. They're focus is on their bottom line.

I have no idea what "business as usual" looks like in Lake Tahoe anymore. Many businesses are short staffed, have cut hours or changed their approach. We are all still trying to figure out how to work and live with the many changes resulting from the pandemic. Not only has it become more difficult to get products, mitigating the results of damages from the storms is an added responsibility we have to manage.  Prices are higher, time is shorter and patience is a commodity. 
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We want you to visit and we want you to have a good time when you do. If you would also like to enjoy your stay, then check in before you come. Visit your favorite spots on social media and their websites.  Check for the last update, images and posts to get a feel for how things are going.  Call the people who actually live and work here and confirm that you can make a reservation or if their shop is open. Ask what they recommend you do. Use your resources and, even if the things they are saying aren't what you want to hear, believe them. You'll have a much better experience if you visit when we're all relaxed rather than adding to the stress.

Whether you wish to adventure out into the forest, trek down to the beach, hit the slopes, go out to dinner or get a spa treatment, do some homework beforehand.  

Find out if the place you want to visit is accessible. When there's loads of snow many parking lots and snowpark areas are limited or completely restricted. You  may not be able to park safely. Use the local webcams and resources to find out if access is open.

Make a reservation. When you make a reservation you are not only preparing yourself, but also the people who are going to guide or serve you. At Bliss Experiences we prepare for your visit the day before and set up the space two hours prior to each session. We require that you register to attend, and while not everywhere does, your reservation can make a big difference to your experience. When a business or location knows to expect you they can prepare by making sure they have staffing and materials ready.

Learn the rules. Yes, there are rules for how to snowshoe, downhill skiing, back country hiking, snowmobiling, Jeeping, paddle boarding, boat driving, you name it. Don't be like the jerk in the photo above who decided to posthole beside the snowshoe path. Learn about the distance a power boat should be from a paddle board. Demonstrate respect to others by following the rules while out on the slopes. Before you play, learn the rules for the activity you want to do and you'll be respected and appreciated rather than harassed and disliked.

I bet, after all the work you've done, you've learned a thing or two about how to be a better visitor of Lake Tahoe. Don't keep it to yourself!  Share what you've learned with your friends, in a Google or Yelp or TripAdvisor review, so others can be better stewards of responsible tourism and, possibly, effect a change in the visitorship of Tahoe. We'd sure appreciate it. 

I am of the belief that if you have information that can help someone be better, and they are open to hearing it, share it. While loading the plane home from a trip, I overheard people talking about how excited they were to visit Tahoe for the first time. The opportunity to speak up became available and I told them to be sure to check their rental car for Winter tires and ask for chains even if they didn't think they'd need them. Luckily, a Reno resident behind me spoke up in agreement, reinforcing the need and encouraging the visitors to follow my guidance. 

There are Facebook groups you can join where you can search for and ask questions about your specific travel needs. The Tahoe Visitors Authority is a great resource for information about the South Tahoe area. Visit Tahoe.com to discover new businesses and experiences in the area. If you're seeking an authentic, "local" experience then ask your server, bellhop, ba tender or housekeeper for their recommendations. And don't forget to tip! 

Bliss Experiences curates and customizes classes, workshops and events in South Lake Tahoe that bring local small business owners and professionals together with residents and visitors seeking opportunities to connect with nature and themselves.  If you're planning a visit and want to include wellbeing experiences, reach out. We'll plan for you or refer you to our preferred providers so you can have your own Bliss Experience.

How often do you look around at your fellow humans and just observe them? I try my best to put away my phone and, instead, look around. It helps that most of the time I am in a place where what is to be seen around me is way more interesting that whatever is on my phone. The beauty of Lake Tahoe is enough to draw almost everyone's attention.

What are you doing? What are the people around you doing? Why are you and they doing that? I find myself asking this question more often lately. It seems, to me, that more people are just doing whatever they want to do regardless of the effect it is having on those around them. Is this because humans are becoming less compassionate, empathetic and generally oblivious?

My husband and I enjoy traveling to places where we can connect with the local community as well as having space to explore on our own. One of our favorite locations is the Bahamas. During our first trip there we met the local fishermen who cooked us food and shared their homes with us. During our most recent trip we were famous before we arrived because our friends who were sailing around the island had let everyone know we were coming. I love traveling to the Bahaman islands because we are allowed to disconnect from technology and reconnect with our fellow humans.

No matter where you choose to travel, try doing so without the use of technology. Are you willing to take a walk or run around the area to get your bearings? Do you read the local newspaper and talk to the staff and owners of the local shops? If Lake Tahoe is a place you wish to visit or head to often, try this approach rather than using Google. You're likely to feel a stronger connection to the area.

What you're doing impacts others. Your car, your body, your trash, your words all effect others. When you're driving in a new place and are trying to wayfind, get out of the way. Tahoe residents, in particular, will appreciate the consideration. Remember that every town has residents and workers that are trying to get to and from their homes, errands and work. They know the way and if you can get out of their's everyone will have a more pleasant experience.

It's fine to be a tourist. Stop, look, wonder, explore, enjoy and soak it all in. Before you do so, look around and consider if the place where your stopping will block or inhibit someone else from enjoying their experience. Be considerate of they way in which others are using the space you share. Consider not only the space you take up, but also the volume of your voice and the impact your presence is having on the space. Can you enter wihtout impact and leave no trace departing with only photos?

Spending time with friends and having fun is THE BEST! There is, however, a time and a place for everything. For example, we all know that the casino scene is almost always a party scene. Loud music, boisterous crowds, crazy behavior and wild parties are acceptable in that zone. The hike to the top of a high peak or well popular viewpoint is not the place for a speaker and shots. The majority of the people exploring the outdoors are seeking peace, tranquility and the opportunity to enjoy the sounds of nature. 

Whether you're out on the resort skiing, wandering a well known trail, walking your dog or shopping for keepsakes consider the decorum expected in the area. These are the times to keep to yourself and be considerate of others. Look around you, listen to the sounds of the area and people, consider the impact you want to have on others. Quiet your music, silence your phone and be present.

P.S. Dog poop doesn't melt, so pick it up because the snow will.

To be "woke" is to be knowledgeable about whatever is going on. Before traveling to the Bahamas we researched the best way to get there, what we needed to pack, the value of renting a car, how to rent a car, proper driving etiquette, where the local market is located, which spots are the most recommended, expected behaviors and more. We do the same regardless of where we are traveling. We like to be woke before we arrive so we can be respectful while we're there.

There are times when you can't help not knowing. Those are the times when asking questions is invaluable. Do your best, before you travel, to lean as much as you can about the expectations and practices of the community. Just as travel to France is much easier if you speak French, so is visiting Lake Tahoe if you know that we have a turning lane so you can move out of the way rather than hold up traffic and that there is a certain etiquette for hiking, skiing, snowshoeing and biking. If you don't know, ask someone, so that you can make better choices. A great example is understanding the impact of snow or rain upon travel conditions or how wind effects the lake will help you to be more aware and make better choices while visiting.

Don't just go on an oblivious fool. Be here, now. Be present. Have fun. Participate. If we're all in this together, we'll all get to enjoy it. Before and during your travels consider the impact you wish to have on the place you're visiting. Can you depart with memories and photos while leaving what's there just as it was before you arrived? Can you be the type of visitor that chooses to be forgotten?

Tahoe is full of boss babes.  When you're out on the town seeking the best things to see, places to go and spots to hit up keep these fabulous female businesses in mind.

Wildwood is not only woman owned, but also supports local and independent makers as well as artists.  Lisa, the owner, keeps Wildwood's Instagram feed up to date with the latest arrivals and fabulous finds she's discovered.  You'll find coloring books, greeting cards, jewelry, stickers and more creatively displayed throughout the store.

Tahoe residents and visitors will find unique gifts for friends and family (and maybe yourself).  You'll discover local artists like Ellen Nunes, Lisa Michele Studios, Bella Drops and Mountain Love Pottery.  I've never failed to find the perfect gift and, often, something for myself when I've visited.   

Since Tahoe sits on the line between Nevada and California there are a variety of dispensaries to choose from in the area.  Only one is woman owned.  Christy Wilson owns Embarc Tahoe and has committed to ensuring the cannabis ecosystem remains open and diverse. They prioritize shelf space for BIPOC, female, social equity, LGBTQIA+ and small and locally farmed brands, leveraging their platform to amplify their voices with consumers. 

​Embarc donates 1% of all sales in perpetuity to a local Community Investment Fund. This fund is directed by a Community Advisory Board – a group of local residents and community leaders that ensure they're focused on meeting the community’s needs​​.

Whether seeking a recreational experience or treatment for discomforts or ailments, visit Embarc and meet their incredible team who live right here in Lake Tahoe.

Did you know that plants in your home can help you to breathe better and feel healthier?  They look pretty, too.  Knowing how to care for indoor plants is important for their health and yours. 

​Drea approaches plant care and design with intention; ensuring plants & people alike thrive.  From children’s Paint’n’Pot" parties to "Pot and Sip" events she creatively introduces people to plants and vice versa. You can visit the shop, book private consultations and catch them at the local farmer's markets.

From plant walls to succulent displays and living arrangements to business displays, HMG bring greenery to Tahoe in unique and beautiful ways.  Drea curates a conscious botanical bazaar, growing community and the interconnection of flora, fauna & fungi.

Everyone knows that Tahoe is for dogs.  There are few places you can go in the basin where you won't run into a four-legged friend.  Visit any resident's home and they might have a few, and a cat or two, as well.  If you plan on bringing your pet with you on some Tahoe adventures you're going to need supplies.

Julie Shaw, who owns Earthwise Pet Tahoe, has developed quite a following.  Earthwise is  a local neighborhood Pet Nutrition Center & Wellness Spa. They specialize in natural pet foods, raw foods, treats, toys, litter, leashes & collars.  They also offer both a pet wash and grooming for all the dogs including my friend Baxter, a labradoodle with a wild coat.

Next time you and your pup or feline are at the Crossing at the Y, stop in for a treat.  You're sure to find something that makes tails wag.  

You bet Tahoe has a brewery owned by a woman!  I can't say enough about how much Nicole Smith and South Lake Brewing rock.  Nicole is the co-founder and vice president of SLBC. She and her husband & fellow beer-lover, Chris Smith, have not only provided jobs for locals, but also support organizations in the area, and they host incredible events.  From fundraisers to food trucks and parties to live music there is always something happening at SLBC.

Nicole thought she was going to enter into a career in engineering, but always wanted to start her own business in Tahoe.  In 2017 South Lake Brewing opened and has continued to grow as a community meeting spot and provider of craft beers ever since.  If you're seeking some hoppy libations and a connection with the locals pop in for a pint and grab a seat on one of their picnic tables.

Check out the posturing of any athlete and you might be able to identify the activity they engage in the most.  Road cyclists have developed calves and glutes.  Tennis players have one arm that is more developed than the other.  Horseback riders have developed hips.

What about mountain bikers?  A forward chest, developed legs and arms.   When I see a mountain biker's body all I want to do is help them adjust so they can stand in an upright position.  Like so many activities we engage in on a daily basis mountain biking requires front body strength which can create muscular imbalances among our front and back bodies.

Yoga is a practice of, first, establishing awareness of our postural habits.  A well trained guide will help you to become aware of the muscles you tend to contract as well as those you lengthen more often than others.  Consistently practicing engaging in complimentary movements or "opposite process" will help you to become more physically harmonious so that you can keep riding for the rest of your life.

You might not realize it, but you may be ignoring some of the most powerful muscles in your body while you're riding.  I find mountain biking to be incredibly challenging.  This is mostly due to my lack of upper abdominal strength.  My lower abs are really strong, but my upper abdominal muscles aren't quiet as powerful.  When I get on my bike I can feel this weakness. 

I've seen plenty of mountain bikers who rely on their arms to do the work on the bike.  As they climb they are pumping up and down like they're doing a push-up on the handle bars.  When they descend, they muscle the bike around corners and over obstacles.  Building strength in your core through a variety of Yoga postures is key to feeling more in control of your body and bike while riding.  It can help you to reduce the work in your arms so that you don't get fatigued and can ride longer and more challenging terrain.

Bike geometry has certainly improved over time offering more balanced bikes, more travel, increased wheel sizes and more.  Whether you are developing new skills or adjusting to a new bike balance can be what keeps you on the bike or dumps you off.  Developing steadiness in your body and awareness of your breath can help you to remain calm and focused while riding even when on a new trail, in tricky terrain or while getting comfortable on a new bike.

Lake Tahoe Yoga guides practices in RajaHatha Yoga.  What does that mean?  Every movement is combined with a breath.  Learning to breathe to move when going through poses on the mat can help you to do so while on your bike.  If you can keep a calm and steady breath while balancing on one foot or moving through a flowing sequence of postures, you can likely do the same while climbing over rocks or riding a log.

At the end of every Yoga practice we rest on our mats in savasana (corpse posture).  The intention is to offer an opportunity to "soak it all in."  Your body has been moved, manipulated, adjusted, engaged, stretched and balanced.  As you lay on the earth you get an opportunity to relax physically, energetically and, maybe, mentally.  

Translating this sense of tranquility onto your bike can help you to feel more calm and at ease while riding.  If you take the time to stretch and prepare before and after you ride, include a moment to sit or lay down and consider your ride.  What do you hope to accomplish?  What are you proud of?  What are you going to work on next time?

Want to learn more about mountain biking in Lake Tahoe?  The Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association (TAMBA) brings the community together through rides, trail development and maintenance, mtb events and more.

Need guidance and gear for riding?  Tahoe Sports LTD is one of Tahoe's best shops staffed with local pros who know about mountain biking from tires to trails.

Are you a mountain biker who wants to try Yoga?  Lake Tahoe Yoga is a supporter of TAMBA and offers classes for you.

Do you travel to ride?  LocalFreshies.com features articles and videos about the best places to ride and how to "Be a local wherever you go."

No need to step into ski or snowboard boots to enjoy Lake Tahoe in the wintertime.  Check out some of our favorite Winter Bliss activities during your visit to the basin.

It's okay to take some rest during your visit to Lake Tahoe. A mini-retreat that includes massage, healing, mindfulness practices, and self care can work wonders for your body, energy and mind.  Visit BioSpirit Day Spa for treatments that pamper your body.  If you're seeking a deep energy healing massage we recommend Tahoe Magic Healing. Heidi's healing treatments address your body with natural healing salves and balms.  You'll feel a full energetic reset after your treatment.

Bliss Experiences collaborates with BioSpirit and Tahoe Magic Healing to create min-retreats.  Reserve our space or request that we curate treatments for you with our providers for a personalized day of pampering.  Book a Yoga practice with Lake Tahoe Yoga, a mindfulness session, body treatment and energy healing for yourself or your group.

So, we're not just going to stick to cocktails here, but the alliteration was too cute not to use it as a title.  Tahoe definitely knows how to party.  From wine tasting to fresh brews there are a few local spots we recommend visiting if you're into imbibing spirits.

Our favorite place for freshly brewed beers is South Lake Brewing Company.  Every visit is a chance to try something new.  They are always experimenting with new flavors and styles of brewing.  There is usually a food truck or caterer serving up warm bites.  Check out their Events Calendar to discover new music, trivia knowledge and Bingo nights.

Improve your palette during a Food & Drink Experience or Wine Tasting at Bliss Experiences.  Master Distiller of Sipsong Gin, Tara Jasper is always excited to share her knowledge and specialty cocktails during our Ginication events.  If you want a private tasting we can arrange it.  Our monthly Bliss Food & Wine: Dare to Pair experiences are a great way to meet new people.  If you want to bond with your buds or get your family together for a special event we recommend requesting a private experience with Laura Uncorked, our house sommelier.

If you’re up for an on-the-snow adventure and a fitness-focused activity Tahoe Jacks offers both snowshoe and cross country ski tours.  You’ll get to enjoy the views from above or at lake level, experience the peace and serenity of Tahoe’s forests, and make tracks alongside those left by the forest critters. 

If you’re visiting Lake Tahoe to get away from the hustle of work, the city, or the daily grind we recommend reserving our guide, Felix, for a Forest Bathing Session.  Spend some quality time looking upward at the towering trees, gaze upon bluebird skies, breathe in the juniper and sage.  Felix will manage the time  and knows the way.  A walk in the woods can do you good. 

Lake Tahoe residents have a certain sense of pride about the basin.  If you’re paying attention, you’ll notice that the shape of the lake, Nevada, and California are used just about everywhere.  Visit Rise Designs for custom imagery created here in South Lake Tahoe.  At On Tahoe Time you can buy home décor imprinted with the shape of lake and candles scented to match the mountains. Jonelle, owner of Lovin’ Lake Tahoe, is always adding new items to the collection that features Lake Tahoe with a heart in the center.  If you stop in at Gailicious or Wildwood you can pick up jewelry, clothing and other locally made wares as gifts or keepsakes.  You never know what keepsake you’ll discover or fabulous gifts you’ll find to bring home. 

At Bliss Experiences we collaborate with Tahoe's best professionals and small businesses.  If you're seeking something specific reach out to us for suggestions of places to go, people to know, and experiences to be had.  We're ready to curate your custom experience while you are in Lake Tahoe.

Visiting Lake Tahoe during the Fall opens the door to places and experiences often too busy or inaccessible during the Summer and Winter.  Leaf your stress behind when you join Bliss Experiences this Autumn.

Why Yoga?

• Reduce Stress
• Maintain Mobility
• Improve Body Awareness
• Sleep Better
• Induce Relaxation
• Breathe Better
• Increase Focus

​There’s a perfect pairing for every meal, and Dare to Pair seminars will teach you how to find it, whether you’re craving a classic steak au poivre or spicy Thai takeout. In each interactive tasting event, learn the basic science behind food and drink pairings before experimenting with classic and innovative combinations. Discover the nuances of your palate, how childhood nostalgia affects even our most refined tastes, and learn how to create perfect pairings at home to suit any meal or event.

​Taking a walk in an unfamiliar forest, on new trails, with limited time
can be more stressful than relaxing.  
 
Join our guide; Felix.  He knows the way along the path and will manage time so you can wander the woods and truly enjoy our alpine forest.  Relinquish control over where and when you are.  Instead, bathe in the sounds, smells, and energy of the mountains.  Felix will share his knowledge of the outdoors while allowing you the time to reconnect with nature and your Self.

Reiki & Sound Healing is offered as a virtual experience you can tune into from anywhere.  With the provided link you can attend from the comfort of your home and don't need to worry about logging out.  If you drift away into a peaceful place you can remain there knowing you don't have to leave.  

Harpist Anne Roos, longtime resident of South Lake Tahoe, follows the Siddha Yoga meditation path and has improvised live music to accompany relaxing yoga classes. Each session includes mindfulness instructions followed by relaxing harp music, and then a closing reflection. 

​Confident Paddlers can enjoy the glassy waters of Tahoe all year long during our Stand Up Paddle Board Tours.  Private Tours are available as long as the winds and weather permit.  Experience Tahoe without boats and experience bliss on the water.

We Create Custom Curated Experiences for Renewal and Reconnection
 
Our mission is to connect you with the best small businesses and professionals we can find who are passionate about Lake Tahoe, nature, and self care.  Before you travel to the basin check out our curated experiences, customizable retreats, and connected providers.

We look forward to sharing Bliss Experiences with you.  

Tahoe is a region filled with small mountain towns. We have limited resources and limited space, but an unlimited love for the outdoors. Our goal at Bliss Experiences is to create connections between local experts and professionals with residents and visitors.  Every experience is intended to create Bliss for all. To help you find your Bliss we showcase the best part of Lake Tahoe... it's local hidden treasures that you can enjoy!

We create custom curated experiences for luxury wellness seekers.  Don't stay in a hotel, get cozy at Black Bear Lodge; a locally owned, bed and breakfast with whom we partner.  Sip wine by the fire, tuck into their comfy beds, watch the snow fall on the back yard, and enjoy the company of fellow travelers seeking peace of mind.

If you choose to stay at a rental home we can arrange for a personal chef to prepare your foods or one of our favorite caterers to drop off tasty treats.  Request our Food and Wine tasting experience: Dare to Pair and learn how to identify the flavor combinations your palette most enjoys.  Snacks and treats can be requested during outdoor or indoor experiences.  Our services even include taking care of reservations or delivery of food from our favorite local restaurants.  No need to read any Yelp reviews or search online.  We've tired it all and can recommend the best flavors to suit your taste.

Tea, smoothies, wine, beer, or spirits are all available by request. If the best part of Lake Tahoe mornings is a freshly brewed cup of coffee your request is ours to honor.  We'll arrange to have some to brew from our favorite local roaster, Refuge Coffee.  If tea is your thing, allow us to customize yours.  Blend Bee Tea is always happy to create custom blends.

An afternoon tasting or evening cocktail hour can make the day just perfect.  We'll make the reservation at South Lake Brewing or Idle Hour and you'll receive VIP treatment at our favorite local rooms.  If you'd rather stay in or enjoy the space at Bliss we'll set up a private tasting just for you.

Relax, reset, restore, play, explore, adventure, learn, and grow.  There is no limit to the experiences we can create for you.  We have some favorites that we know will make your stay amazing.  Share your desires with us so we can customize Bliss for you.

Every season opens a new door to adventure.  The Summer is our favorite time for being on the water for kayaking and paddling with South Tahoe Stand Up Paddle.   Winter paddle tours are for those with experience on the boards.  During the autumn we can hike and bike (we'll arrange for those).  Winter and Spring are seasons for cross country skiing, snowshoeing and creating.

When tasked with finding the best providers for wellbeing we were totally up for meeting the local providers.  Our recommendation is to allow us to book your restorative session.  Experience a Private Yoga Session with Lake Tahoe Yoga.  Restore with a massage by Tahoe Magic Healing and experience the magic of their locally sourced remedies.  We are happy to recommend providers for Reiki, Ayurveda, body treatments, mindfulness practices, and more.

You'll have plenty of stories and memories to carry with you when you depart.  A tangible reminder of your time might help your mind to revisit often.  We know the best local vendors who will create customized trinkets and unique items that you'll be able to enjoy as reminders of your stay.

Join our scheduled experiences or request one just for you or your group.  We're ready to share Bliss with you.

It's most likely that during your trip to Lake Tahoe you will be provided service by the people who work and live here.  Use these Lake Tahoe travel tips to help make your vacation the best one ever.

So much has changed in Lake Tahoe since the pandemic began.  Businesses had to close due to loss of income and staff.  Workers had to leave due to lack affordable housing.  Employees who used to travel from abroad were prevented from arriving.  We've had to learn how to provide the services and experiences we offer with fewer staff and supplies.

Be patient with us.  If you are attempting to reserve or book an experience allow us the time to get back to you.  It is likely that we are on another call or engaging with someone else when you call or email.  Assume that your food might take a bit longer to be prepared or delivered.  We're all doing our best to do all of the things that need to get done to make your vacation amazing.

The practice of six feet of distance and shifting to virtual engagement has put us all in a new mindset.  Lines appear longer and, with more people out and about, wait times have increased.  On-demand may have made some of us more demanding.  Many people are so happy to be freed from the restrictions of lockdown that they want to take advantage and make up for all that was missed.

Give us space to prepare your experience.  Whether you are dining or boating, attending a Yoga class or parasailing adventure, going for a bike ride or relaxing on the beach, we're gathering the materials and setting up the space for you to enjoy.

Make sure you read all the information given to you when you book or before you depart for your location.  Schedule additional time for travel and finding the business.  Arrive tend minutes early prepared to wait until they are ready for you.   Listen to all the instructions and directions.  Give us the space to create an incredible experience.

Many of the experiences offered in Lake Tahoe are offered by professionals.  Those that have survived over time are probably doing things right.  Although you might find someone offering something new and even cheaper be aware before booking.  

Did you know that charter boat captains on Lake Tahoe should be licensed by the Coast Guard?  Concession permits are required on public lands.  Massage therapists are regulated and all businesses should be licensed.  Although many are, some services offered in Lake Tahoe are not following the rules.

Before booking any experience do your research.  Make sure that you are receiving a legitimate service from a licensed company.  Reach out and ask questions beforehand.  Call around and compare answers before reserving or booking.  By doing so you not only protect yourself, you protect the businesses that have done things right.  

If you're traveling to Tahoe for a celebration we are ready for you.  Experiences like Tahoe Tastings, Tahoe Club Crawl, Private Yoga, Lake Tahoe Boat Rides, and Dare to Pair are designed for groups.  We want to help you have fun during your visit.

Help us help you have the best time.  You know your group better than we do.  It's important that you consider your group's dynamics before you book as well as before you arrive.  Make sure there is someone in the group who will step up and manage things before the situation gets out of control.  Be prepared to tell your captain or guide that your group can't go on.  When you take responsibility for yourself and your group you help us to focus on our job of managing the experience.

Before you called, filled out that form, or emailed to request your reservation time, energy, planning, and money went into creating your experience.  This blog is a representation of the constant work and attention that Lake Tahoe businesses put in to the experience you receive.

Yes, everyone providing a service should be tipped.  If you are being guided by the owner of the Yoga studio, led by the developer of the bar crawl, photographed by the owner of the company, it is a demonstration of their dedication to the business as a whole and their presence in it.  They are just as deserving of recognition for the work they are doing as the teacher, chaperone, or server that they hire to support their business. 

Around 15 million people visit Lake Tahoe every year.  That means we provide services to thousands of people.  By the time you arrive in the basin we have probably said the same thing thousands of times.  We have waited for thousands of minutes.  We have answered the same question with the same response a thousand or more times.  These repetitions can wear us down.

It may be your first time Forest Bathing.   Maybe you're a beginner paddle boarder.  This could be your first wine tasting.  Remember that you're not the first first-timer we've guided.  If the experience is not rated for beginners, don't sign up.  If it's clearly stated that beginners are welcome trust that your guide knows what to do. 

Your guide may not be all sunshine and rainbows when you arrive.  Their job is not to be your friend, it is to create an experience.  This could be the thousandth time they are doing it.  They may be fatigued from working the previous day.  Perhaps they are just having a tough go of it at the moment.  Before you judge them or write a nasty review take a moment to remember that you aren't the only one they've served.  If your service provider truly fails at their job be sure to let the manager or owner know how they fell short.

To learn more about what we offer and our providers at Bliss Experiences visit our website.  Request a private event or reserve your space for a curated offering.

The way in which we celebrate events is changing.  Learn about the newest trends when you choose Tahoe Bliss. ​From a Lake Tahoe Bachelorette Party to a family reunion on the shores of Big Blue we got you covered.

Since 2011 Lake Tahoe Yoga has been offering Stand Up Paddle Yoga classes in collaboration with South Tahoe Stand Up Paddle.  As with any practice, we learn the most when we try things.  LTY has offered classes at every time of day and season.  They've even guided Full Moon Paddle Yoga and studio owner, Jenay, is often out on a board in the middle of a Winter.

What has been learned from years of experience?  The morning is the most blissful time to be out on the water.  If you like glassy waters, expansive views, peace and quiet, this is the experience for you.  There is no experience necessary, but you must be comfortable with water and have fairly steady balance. 

​Not interested in trying Yoga poses?  Book a Stand Up Paddle Tour instead.  Tours are offered year-round for confident paddlers.

In Tahoe you can see the sun rise from the West shore and set from the East.  Our favorite evening viewing spot is Nevada Beach.  It is the most expansive beach on the lake.  There is so much space that everyone can claim their own sandy seat.  Most of the beaches around Tahoe are open from sunrise to sunset.  We like to arrive early or after dinnertime to avoid the crowds. It's a great spot for a Lake Tahoe Bachelorette party to have a champagne toast.

Including a trip to the beach to walk, picnic, some relaxation or a Yoga session is a must.  No matter the time of year, the beaches in Tahoe are beautiful.  We recommend an afternoon picnic during the Springtime, catching a Summer sunrise, enjoying an Autumn sunset and a mid-day cross country ski during the Winter.

The casinos are always a good place to begin.  Twenty-four hour fun is available at every turn when you are in the corridor.  There is more to see than slot machines and clubs.  If you are looking for something different we would be happy to reserve seats for your party at some of our local drinking holes.

We know where to find the best cocktails, tater tots, wine and pizza to suit your pallets.  Whether you are looking for a scene to join, a private table, views of the lake or a speakeasy, your wish is our honor to provide.  We can even get the bride or birthday honoree comped for the Tahoe Club Crawl.

There is magic in those moments of peace, quiet and body treatments.  Caring for yourself is just as important as bonding with your buds.  When your body feels good you are able to have fun.  Celebrating with cocktails and dancing is great, but the recovery can be a bitch.  Be sure to plan a follow-up to your party-down.  We suggest including pedicures at our favorite local spot, partner facials with a local treatment goddess and a massage by the best therapist in town.