Did you know that it wasn't until 1988 that women could own businesses?
Nineteen Eighty Eight!
​
​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.

Go solo. My husband loves a dawn ski trip and I enjoy a morning paddle. As much as we like to do these things together, it’s also nice to spend time alone. My natural rhythm is to wake with the sun and birds, so I'm often up and out for a run, bike ride or paddle during the Summer months. In the Winter months, an alarm reminds us to wake and play. The best thing about being in Lake Tahoe is you can have a multi-sport day, any day of the year. Book the first tee time of the day, then go for a mountain bike ride and finish your day with a swim in the lake.  You can also ski in the morning, road cycle in the afternoon and end your day with a boat cruise and wine tasting.
​
Rising early sets you up for a full day at Lake Tahoe. Access adventure, peacefulness, nature and food. For those of you that are like me and wake with the sun and birds, go outside and play! For visitors, at least once during your stay, set your alarm for before dawn and experience a Tahoe morning.

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."

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.  

We have lived through an historical moment.  Has it changed you?  It has certainly changed me and reinforced my desire for Bliss.

The transition from "stay at home" to "normal" has an interesting vibration to it.  There is an energetic buzz and a sense of exploding excitement over the opportunity to return to doing all the things we did before the pandemic.

While following the directives to stay at home I learned a valuable lesson: I don't need very much.  I don't need fancy food or cocktail service.  I don't need live concerts (although they are fun) or pedicures.  I don't need to go shopping for new clothes, toys, or belongings.  I don't need to be doing things all of the time.  Less is more.

I grew up playing with whatever was available.  We would run around the fields, climb trees, build rock & tree forts, and build mud pies.  Our imaginations allowed us to create anything out of anything.  

The first time my sister visited me in Tahoe she said, "You live in a postcard."  When I guide tours and classes people ask, "do you ever get tired of this?"  My answer is, "Never."  I get to live the dream and value that I do it in Lake Tahoe and recognize how the choices I made in life helped me to get here.  At Bliss Experiences our intention is to help you develop similar values for your life.

Every day I get to look at a beautiful lake, run through the forest, walk on the beach, stand on top of a mountain, hike through the desert, bike, ski, paddle and play.  The pandemic has added stress to my life, but enjoying Tahoe has helped me to manage it. 

People fled the cities when the pandemic hit.  There was a general perception shift that the mountains are safer than the seaside.  Our tiny community became inundated with visitors and new residents.  The lack of infrastructure, staff, response teams, inability to educate, and enforcement became increasingly evident and the impact has been significant.

Tahoe runs on tourism.  We have gotten better, throughout the years, at supporting and sharing information with the influx of visitors that come to the basin every Winter and Summer.  This year was a new opportunity for us to learn and change our practices.

As a business owner I had to become more patient.  Messaging from my business had to change.  I had to constantly remind myself to try to understand the perspective others have; they are just trying to do something "normal"  The pandemic has helped me become more patient and empathetic with myself and others.

Small businesses are the soul of our country.  As businesses began to shutter it was obvious that the corporations and larger ones would survive.  Small, individually and family owned business needed our patronage.  

Bliss Experiences promotes and partners with the small businesses and professionals in our community.  The pandemic further reminded me to remain in touch and to continue to bolster them.  As we emerge from this historical moment we will continue to grow our list of providers so that you can continue to experience Bliss with them.

I believe that when spending time with someone it is important that your full attention be dedicated to that experience.  When teaching classes, guided lessons, or out on a tour I am fully focused upon making the experience special for those joining in.  

Now that we are using more virtual tools including live video streams it's easy to be doing many things at once: live feed while recording for later while doing an Instagram live and chatting over text.

I chose to continue to practice focusing upon the task at hand even while learning to use new formats for teaching.  I have noticed that, as I venture back out into the world, I would rather be with a small group and have dedicated conversations than in a place where there is a larger crowd and many distractions.  Being present and enjoying the moment makes for a far better experience. 

When Bliss Experiences opens we will continue to honor quality of experience over quantity of participants so that we can be dedicated to making yours the best.

Bliss Experience creates custom curated opportunities for connecting with nature and your Self.  Join one of our scheduled experiences or book a Private Session.