Did you know that it wasn't until 1988 that women could own businesses?
Nineteen Eighty Eight!
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​The surge of business applications in the United States since 2029.  From 2021–2023, entrepreneurs filed 5.2 million "likely employer" applications.  From 2019 to 2023, women-owned businesses’ growth rate outpaced the rate of mens. (https://newsroom.wf.com).  Tahoe is riding the same wave of change. Women are opening businesses that align with their passions and love for their mountain home.

There is no shortage of things to do, places to visit and views to take in at Lake Tahoe.  While you’re doing so, consider supporting the local “women-owned” economy.  Eat, drink, shop and experience Tahoe at our favorite spots that are owned, run and curated by Tahoe local females.

If your day begins with coffee we recommend visiting Cuppa Tahoe.  Sandra has curated a quaint bookstore with coffee, tea, small bites and many surprises.  Warm up with coffee, tea and tasty baked goods while you read a book or enjoy a conversation with current friends or meet new people.

Diane Guth seamlessly blends cuisines of traditional American dishes with Mexican and Italian breakfast and lunch options, offering an extensive variety of delicious plates, making Getaway Cafe’ an alpine-comfort food destination and the perfect spot to fulfill all your brunching goals.

For a warming Autumn lunch head over to Nikki’s Chaat Cafe. This woman owned business is rooted in history.  Palak Shah’s grandparents operated a restaurant in India. It was one-of-a-kind because of its distinct flavor and formula.  Enjoy healthy foods and a welcoming environment as you refuel for the day’s activities.

Grab a mid-day sip and a snack at The Cork and More. This well curated shop and deli boasts a wide variety of local and international wines, delicious cheeses, lovingly built sandwiches and delicious salads. Karla has the difficult task of running the shop and taste testing the wines and cheeses. We trust every selection she makes.

 For your final meal of the day hit up South Lake Brewery’s Libation Lodge or Maria’s Mexican Restaurant. Both have delicious foods, but you’ll have to make the decision between beer and burgers or authentic, fresh Mexican plates. The women who own these restaurants are passionate about Tahoe and offering high quality food experiences.

​Tahoe women are active, adventurous and resilient.  If you choose to join an adventure or experience with one of our women-owned companies you’ll feel welcomed, supported and challenged to try new things.

Awaken with a wander and mindful movement.  Forest Bathing and Flower Wanders are opportunities to engage with nature mindfully. While your guide leads and educates you about the plants, trees and environment that makes Tahoe unique, you’ll get to be up close and personal as you touch, smell and even taste the things that grow in our beautiful basin.  Bliss Experiences is a women-owned wellness company that collaborates with local providers who are passionate about sharing and educating everyone about our unique forests.

There is no bad time to be outside in Lake Tahoe. As the conditions shift we adjust our gear and choose different activities to continue to play outdoors. For experienced explorers, activities on the water never end.  Clearly Tahoe, owned by Kelsey Weist, is an adventure company that allows you a unique view of the water as you paddle clear kayaks.  If you’re more into being on solid ground, ride a bike to the beach or around town to explore other women-owned businesses.

Get cozy on a yoga mat with a few blankets, pillows and the gentle vibrations of crystal singing bowls. There are a variety of offerings of sound healing in the basin. Independent providers can be found offering their services at the yoga studios and wellness centers. We recommend booking a private session with Lake Tahoe Yoga that includes a guided relaxation session followed by a sound bath. They call it “Divine Rest.”

Cruise Lake Tahoe with women owned companies including Lake Tahoe Boat Rides, Tahoe Tastings and Lake Tahoe Bleu Wave cruises.  Sip and soak in the views, cruise the shoreline and snap photos while on a yacht with Lyndsay, Diondra and Laura’s boating companies. These women know how to create memories on the water.

Of course, you’ll have to bring home something to remember your adventures and maybe pick up some gifts for your friends and family. Our female founders have curated collections that match everyone’s taste and spotlight the natural magic of the basin.

At Gaialicious and Wildwood ask Kelly and Lisa about their favorite artisans and crafters. They carry locally sourced items that are made with care and intention by area creators.  You can bring home a new outfit from Savvy, Sidestreet Boutique, Sealed with a Kiss (SWAK) or Malena Boutique.  Each of these shops carries clothing and goods that are selected by Tahoe women who are passionate about helping you find your unique style.

Jana Spano owns On Tahoe Time, a shop that carries Tahoe-focused goods including candles, pictures and unique pieces you can bring home to add a little of the lake to your home decor.  Allow yourself time to wander and peruse, there’s so much to check out in this little shop.

If you’re not into goods, you may want to capture a few Tahoe moments in photos. While selfies are great, a professional photographer will make sure the time, place and light is right for the most perfect snapshots.  There are many options to choose from and everyone has their own perspective and style. Our favorite women photographers are Lauren Lindley, Starscape Studios and Indigo Photography. These women know and love Tahoe which means they can show you secret spots and recommend the best time of day to capture your perfect pose.

​As you plan your Autumn and Winter adventures to Lake Tahoe be sure to consider which women owned businesses you’ll be supporting. Contact them early and book your experiences ahead of time. They’ll be ready and excited to share their passion for Tahoe and love of their business with you.

Seeking bliss while vesting the basin?  We recommend checking out these things to do in Lake Tahoe in Summer.  They include opportunities for exploration of our outdoor playground as well as peaceful moments for reflection and connection.

Become one with the lake when you join a tour with Clearly Tahoe.  Their kayaks are designed for exploration.  Take a slow tour around Sand Harbor, the south shore, or Bonsai Rock, as well as other locations.  Soak up the morning sun or watch the water change color as the sun sets over the West Shore.

Their specialty lies in protecting, transporting, and managing these unique boats that offer an experience that gives you the sense of feeling as though you are truly one with the lake.  Take advantage of this opportunity to view all of Tahoe from sky to lake bottom.  Gaze down into the depths of the lake and sit back to ponder the the height of the mountains.  Spend time listening to the surrounding sounds.  Allow yourself a few moments of peace as you float among giant boulders on peaceful water.

When asked what time of day is the best for visiting the beach we recommend two: early morning and late afternoon.  Summer days in Tahoe are long and we recommend taking advantage of the entirety of the day. 

Beach Yoga classes are offered during the more mild parts of the day; at 9am and 5:30pm.  Private Sessions can be requested for just about anytime, but Lake Tahoe Yoga recommends avoiding the heat of the day.  These classes include so much more than poses.  Your guide is trained in varying the practice using the surroundings as tools.  You'll be challenged to focus upon the practice instead of the happenings around.  The sand will move beneath you creating new experiences in balance and steadiness.  Listen carefully to the cueing and may find yourself attempting postures you never have before.  Considered the second best savasana in Tahoe, the final resting pose includes a special trick for creating comfort while you rest on the sand, soak up the sun, and relax on the beach.

Early birds definitely get the best experiences when it comes to things to do in Lake Tahoe in summer.  Lake Tahoe Balloons offers a truly unique way to experience the basin.  After traveling on their custom balloon boat to the perfect launching spot, you'll embark on a hot air tour high above the lake.

You'll receive refreshments and food to energize your body and mind for the flight.  Climb into the basket and launch up into the endless blue skies above Tahoe.  Your captains are highly trained professionals who keep the boat and balloon afloat while you gaze upon the beauty of the glassy waters below you.  With the exception of the sound of the burner and your fellow travelers, the silence of the morning draws your attention.  Soak in the scene from your bird's eye view.  

Did you know that Tahoe has trees that smell like vanilla or maple syrup?  Falcons, Eagles, and Mountain Chickadees reign the skies.  Tiny creatures hide in every crevice and crack waiting for the moment to spring into action gathering supplies for the Winter.  If you take your time to experience the space around you, your senses will become more refined and you'll notice so much more.

Take a walk with a guide who will show you how to truly appreciate the sounds, sights, smells, and even tangible aspects of the trip.  Forest Bathing is more than walking through the woods.  It is a mindful experience and connection with the natural world.  Felix Brosch of EarthKraft is our recommended guide for these blissful strolls through the woods.  In his words, "Forest Bathing is a chance to allow someone else to hold space and time for you so you can let go and be on Forest Time."  

In my opinion, there is no better variation on savasana than the one offered during Paddle Yoga with Lake Tahoe Yoga.  The studio has been guiding practices on the water since 2011.  Most likely the first to do so in the Tahoe basin, they are the most knowledgeable and offer the most robust experience.

Your Paddle Yoga session includes all of the tools necessary for accessing the water.  Beginners are welcome.  Everyone receives a mini-lesson that includes instruction in paddling as well as what to expect once out on the water.  You'll participate in a leisurely paddle well beyond shore to a peaceful spot with 365* views.  Every posture is an opportunity to take in a new perspective and soak up that Tahoe magic.  Your movements are complimented with floating restoration as you relax in the corpse posture being rocked by the water.  This experience wouldn't be complete without complimentary photos that you can download for use on all your social media apps.

As you can see if you're looking for bliss the list of things to do in Lake Tahoe in summer are almost infinite. For more ideas on what to look for check out Tahoe South's things to do homepage.