Whether you live in Lake Tahoe, love the area, or are visiting and want to represent the local vibes at home, we have a few recommendations of brands you can buy that are locally owned and support our community.

Rise Designs brings imagery and the Tahoe lifestyle together through creative graphics and comfortable gear. If you're familiar with their designs you'll see them all over the area.

Mike and Marley have been creating unique, Tahoe inspired gear since 2007. They used to screen print in their garage and we would pick up our orders in their kitchen. They've successfully grown their business and expanded into a larger location where they still screen print and, now, embroider their creations and more onto clothing locals love to wear.

The team at Rise mountain bikes, hikes and gets outside to play in Tahoe. They are supporters of the Tahoe Area Mountain Bike Association and the Sierra Avalanche Center. They've also create logo wear for local businesses including Lake Tahoe Yoga, Coldwater Brewery and Tahoe Bagel Company.

You can visit their website, or check around town at stores like Sports LTD to pick up their most recent creations. Some of their older designs are coveted by locals who knew them when. . .

Lovin' Lake Tahoe brought the shape of the lake as viewed from the sky onto our cars, clothing and water bottles. This simple sticker design can be found throughout the basin and represents our love for the lake. 
 
The brand not only symbolizes a love for the lake, sales of their products benefit support, engage and protect the Tahoe Basin. When you show your love through the purchase of apparel, decor and stickers from Lovin' Lake Tahoe, you're spreading the word.

Visit local shops to pick up a few stickers and grab some gear or go to their website to order from anywhere in the world. Our favorite products are their wine glasses and patches.

We are a women owned business and we love supporting other women owned businesses. Marcela from Fallen Leaf Designs approached us to carry her line of custom designed hats. She's created a brand that represents her and her love for the Lake Tahoe area. The images printed and embroidered on her hats include yoga positions, plants, representations of cycling and, of course, the lake. 

If you're feeling inspired by Tahoe and want to represent a women owned company during your travels, we recommended donning a Fallen Leaf Designs hat. They come in a variety of styles to fit everyone's noggin. You can pick up embroidered hats at local retailers, or purchase printed hats on her website.

While Big Truck may not immediately make you think of Tahoe, this company has been producing high quality, comfortable hats since 2010. You've probably noticed them around town with their signature Big Truck logo.  Beyond ball and trucker caps, they also make beanies, which we all know the value of here in the Tahoe basin area.

Local non-profits and companies in the Tahoe area, as well as Reno have partnered with Big Truck to fundraise and create custom brandwear. They've made their mark by partnering with GoPro, Giro and even the US Ski team.  You can visit their site to check out the variety of styles and images they offer. Check the shops in the Heavenly Village as well as Blue Zone Sports to get your hands on one.

Lake Tahoe General Store has quietly begun selling their merch at local markets and on their Etsy site. Their images are all locally designed and can be ordered on-demand.  Jenna has gone all-in on her love of the area and picks up on the ski and outdoor vibes. The most recognizeable item they carry features the Mountain Chickadee chirping about a cheeseburger. 

Be ready for a conversation when your wearing or carrying their graphics. You may have to answer some questions about the throwback logo or cheeky comment about wildlife.

Our non-profit companies have their own approach to logo-wear. You can show your support for your favorite Tahoe organization by purchasing hats and gear from their sites or by participating in events. 

Organizations including The League to Save Lake Tahoe, Tahoe Rim Trail, Tahoe Wildlife Care and Sierra State Parks Foundation allow you to purchase right on their website. If you want to get a hold of a Tahoe Area Mountain Bike Association hat you'll have to become a member and participate in an event. However, when you sign up, you do get a pair of socks.

Do you have love for a local company that not only makes good gear, but also supports the commjnity? Let us know! We want to know who we can support and how we can share the Tahoe love.

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.

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. 
​
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."

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.  

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.

There are so many things to love about Tahoe, and a few that are not so loveable.  Learn more about the things that bring us Bliss when we enjoy Tahoe and the stuff that we all could do without.

One of my favorite views is that of the sky in Tahoe.  The color changes daily.  I love it on a crisp Winter day when the tree branches are tufted in white.  During the Spring the flowering trees can make the blue seem even deeper.  In the Summertime the sky sometimes appears turquoise.  Daily, hourly, even by the minute, the color of the sky can change.

A noticeable effect of the Covid-19 pandemic was a reduction in pollutants due to decreased travel.  In Tahoe, it wasn't the air pollution that we noticed had decreased, but rather, how few vehicles were on the road and how quiet our town had become.

As the pandemic continued to limit activities in other places our town became more and more inundated with visitors in need of a mountain escape.  The traffic increased and, soon, the roads were as packed as they become on Independence Day Weekends.  Before you travel to enjoy Tahoe and a view of our beautiful blue skies take a moment to learn about how to travel safely to and around the basin.

Check out these resouces:
Tahoe Road Trip
Parking In Tahoe
​Winter Driving In Tahoe
​The Dangers of Parking for Snow Play

A fresh snowfall leaves everything blanketed in white.  It is one of the most quiet times to be outdoors.  Walks in the woods, cross country skiing, backcountry tours, and resort adventures are "in."  The forest colors and smells are a little different.  The beaches have a different feel to them.  It can seem like there is endless space for play.  It's just magical.

Now, I have only lived in Tahoe for a dozen or so years, but I have never seen what I have seen this Winter before.  The meadow near my home is a lovely place to enjoy a walk or snow play.  There is a small parking lot nearby that provides all you need including bathrooms and baggies for dog poop.  Instead of accessing these amenities visitors parked on highway shoulder to access the meadow and even created fires which could have easily gotten out of control and put our homes at risk.  Trash from broken sleds, packaging and food was picked up by the pounds.

It's important to look for signage before stopping to take photos, a walk, or play in the snow.  If there isn't a parking lot or sign that indicates you can park, don't do it.  If you don't see a fire pit you probably shouldn't have one.  If there aren't trash cans available be prepared to carry out that which you brought with you.  Look for and read the signs posted.  They are there to help you know how to respect and protect the area.

Living in Tahoe is not easy.  You have to earn the lifestyle.  We pick and choose our days off, where we play, what we do, and who we do it with.  Yes, we have secret stashes and hidden spots.  Sometimes we choose not to go to a place we love because it's better to allow those who can't always get to it to enjoy it.  Timing is everything.  We know exactly where to be, when, so we can experience Bliss.

Leave no trace is an important practice.  Like staying within the ropes at a ski resort or putting away your toys at home; leaving no trace is a way of demonstrating integrity.  Remember those big blue skies and fields of fluffy snow?  You can be the one who let's everyone else enjoy them when you leave no trace. 

It's simple:
-Carry out your stuff (and whatever else you find that doesn't belong)
-Leave stones, sticks, logs, etc. where they are (unless they are dangerous)
-Leave the snow as it was before you arrived
-Clean up after your pet

Bliss can be shared among all of us if we are all considerate of each other wherever we are.  Whether you are enjoying the views, playing in the snow, exploring a new spot, or spending time in your favorite place consider how your behavior could be effecting others.  Can you make the change to have a positive effect?

If you're seeking more information about planning a trip to Tahoe we're here to help.  From experiences to resources and classes to guides our intention is to shared Bliss with you.

​Tahoe is a wonderland.  Every season creates not only beautiful landscapes, but also new opportunities to get outside and play.  For those of us that enjoy playing in the outdoors there are some simple practices we can all engage in to spread cheer all year and everywhere.

In the show “The Crown” the queen educates Margaret Thatcher on proper behavior while stalking a stag.  She mentions the importance of dressing properly, speaking quietly, and avoiding wearing perfumes.  The same is true for spending time outside while visiting Tahoe.

Before heading outdoors consider your clothing; are you dressed practically for the temperature and weather?  Have you dressed up as though going out to dinner or spending time in snow, dirt, and potentially changing weather conditions?  Feel free to skip putting on scents that distract from those naturally occurring in the forest and you’ll be able to enjoy the smells of juniper, ponderosa, and sage.

There are so many magical sounds to hear while you are outside.  From unique birds to the whisper of the wind and the crunch of snow beneath your feet the opportunity to fully experience the outdoors includes listening.

Leave your personal speaker or stereo at home.  If you do choose to listen to music do so with one headphone only.  Not only will you be better able to hear the sounds of the next osprey or eagle that flies overhead, you will also be able to hear other people as they approach you.  

As you travel take notice of the naturally occurring flora and fauna around you.  Banana and orange trees do not grow in Tahoe.  Plastic bottles and wrappings do not grow on any of our plants.

Help to decrease litter in the basin by not only carrying out what you have brought with you, but also by grabbing any trash you find while outdoors.  In addition, leave the outdoors outside.  Building cairns, taking pinecones, or gathering other items from the forest impacts the basin.  Take only photos and leave nature in its place.  Leave the place you visited just as it was before you arrived.

Not all parking areas have parking spaces delineated.  When parking at a trailhead or in a backcountry access area take a moment to consider the shape, how other cars are parked and how your vehicle can fit while taking up the least amount of space.  

It helps to check out the license plates.  Look for a car with local plates and take note of how they parked.  They may know some unspoken rule and following their example is likely a good choice.  Remember to get out of your car cautiously when parking in outdoor access areas and be sure to keep your person, pets, and belongings out of the way of other vehicles.  Be considerate and aware of your surroundings at all times.  Oh, and it doesn’t hurt to turn off the “beep” sound that your car alarm makes when you lock it up.

You are unlikely to be the only person exploring Tahoe’s outdoors.  With every step you take, imagine that you are about to walk into a stranger’s home.  After all, you aren’t in yours anymore. 

​While adventuring into this new territory remember that all of the animals and plants call it home.  Not only are you likely the only animal in the area, you are probably not the only human.  Allow others to enjoy the sights, sounds, and scents.  

Show your respect for the wilderness and it will show you it’s magic

We're always happy to share Bliss with you!  Allow us to be your guides when you visit Tahoe.  Our inside knowledge and connections will make your trip blissful.