Truckee, California is a great escape only minutes north of Lake Tahoe, blending the great outdoors with a delightful downtown loaded with cool shops and restaurants. And from winter skiing options to hot fun in the summer, it truly serves as a four-season getaway. Here is how to explore and enjoy Truckee.
Consider making your lodgings at Northstar-at-Tahoe, just a few miles outside of town via Highway 267. More akin to a miniature and modern alpine village than a resort, the property includes several restaurants and activities that include a spa, swimming spool, scenic gondola rides and a game room.
Anyone seeking wonderful wine and fine foods on their vacations should plan a September trip around the Autumn Food & Wine Festival. Held at the Northstar resort, this electrifying event features everything from seminars on cheese tasting and sushi rolling to live, top-tier chef competitions.
Set a morning or afternoon aside with no itinerary beyond meandering through the pleasant downtown. An amiable Old West atmosphere permeates throughout the town, but shoppers will find an interesting mix of hip retail stores in addition to the old-style eateries and saloons.
Diners will probably be surprised by the variety and quality of restaurants in the town of just over 16,000 residents. Moody's Bistro-on Bridge Street-is a favorite of locals and visitors alike, with fresh local ingredients meticulously served in a casually elegant setting; just down adjoining Donner Pass Road you'll find plenty of other choices, including tasty Asian fusion at Dragonfly.
Just a few miles west of downtown on Donner Pass Road, you'll encounter Donner Memorial State Park, a haven of camping, hiking and other outdoor activities ranging from summer boating and swimming to winter cross-country skiing. An Emigrant Trail Museum, with a towering bronze statue nearby, pays homage to California pioneers-including the infamously tragic Donner Party.
Another outdoor offering with plenty of diversions can be found at the Boca Dam and Reservoir-just a short drive away, a mile north of I-80 on the Little Truckee River. While fishing for trout and salmon is the major lure here, visitors are also reeled in by mountain biking, picnicking and hiking fun.
The best bet for nightlife-seekers is probably the Pastime Club, downtown on Donner Pass Road, a funky and friendly bar with frequent live tunes, shuffleboard and pool. The nearby Bar of America and Tourist Club offer similar casual fun, or head to the aforementioned Moody's for a slightly more refined tavern atmosphere.
