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It’s officially Fall! It definitely doesn’t fe It’s officially Fall! It definitely doesn’t feel like it in Miami, it really never does but that just gives us a reason to explore other states. West Virginia is one of them, fun fact I actually lived here between undergrad and grad school! Here are Things to do in West Virginia (SAVE + SHARE): 

1. Enjoy New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, or visit any of the states 35 state parks as West Virginia has 1.5 million acres of parks and public land. We personally walked the Shavers Lake Trail and canoed on the lake. 

2. Enjoy some serious adventures! We’re always trying something new and West Virginia offers a lot of options from whitewater rafting, to 1,000+ miles of off-road ATV trails, to rock climbing, caving and mountain biking . 

3. Take a train ride on the Cass Scenic Railroad which stops at the Whittaker Camp where those who worked in the lumber and coal industry lived during the work season. 

4. Explore Cranberry Glades Botanical Area where you might just get to see some black bears! 

5. Walk the Falls of Hills Creak trail to get up close to some gorgeous waterfalls! 

This week I’ll be sharing various cities and states you can experience a beautiful Fall getaway. What are some of your favorite places to enjoy autumn?

Tap the link in my bio for my West Virginia blog post and a blog post of the best places to experience Fall in the US!
Still not over our day exploring the waters of For Still not over our day exploring the waters of Fort Pierce. We danced, snorkeled, fished and went tubing. Definitely want more days like this and still pinch myself that this is what a day of work looks like for me sometimes. Thank you @seadoo for the opportunity.
If you know my husband you know water activities a If you know my husband you know water activities are his favorite! Fishing, jet skiing, just being on a boat on the ocean relaxing, name it, he’s there. So we couldn’t be more excited than to not only get the chance to test out the new @seadoo Switch but be the stars of a whole commercial for it. We had entirely too much fun filming this. Of course now he wants to buy one!

Do you like getting out on the water? Favorite activity?
Our 3 Day London Itinerary (SAVE + SHARE): 

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Day 1: Walked across the Tower Bridge (you can take a tour of London of Tower as well), walked along the River Thames and took a make a fascination hat class with @create_your_own_hat! 

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Day 2: Harry Potter walking tour, checked out Borough Market and went on a night ghost bus tour. 

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Day 3: Morning Tea at Peggy Porschen, Buckingham Palace for Changing of the Guards, and explore Westminster for the infamous red telephone booths, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey.

If you have more time on previous visits to London we have taken a day trip to check out Stonehenge, Bath and Windsor Castle, rode the London Eye, took a ferry ride down the Thames River, checked out Warner Brother Studios, and did a graffiti/street art tour.

Is London on your list? If you’ve been what did you do that you think is a must for visitors?

Things to do in London, London with kids, family travel
Then vs Now (swipe left)!🥹🥰 My babies are no Then vs Now (swipe left)!🥹🥰 My babies are not babies anymore. Where has the time gone? Excuse me while I go cry in the corner 😭😭😭😭. 

Too in my feelings to provide an informational post, I’ll be back tomorrow.
Why is this man always trying to stop my fun? List Why is this man always trying to stop my fun? Listen replace husband with whoever you need to but why these ppl keep acting like we can take our money when we’re gone?!? Y’all feel me or nah? 😅😬😩
Morning Tea in London! Afternoon or High Tea is us Morning Tea in London! Afternoon or High Tea is usually on everyone’s things to do in London list but since the girls and I don’t eat beef or pork the menus for most places didn’t make sense for us as they are filled with ham sandwiches and other things we don’t eat. I ended up finding Morning Tea at Peggy Porschen instead which offers a tea menu with breakfast items, while not traditional it worked best for us! It cost £35 pp.

For a traditional Afternoon or High Tea Try:

🫖Palm Court at The Ritz
🫖The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason
🫖Theatre Royal Drury Lane
🫖The Grill Room Hotel Cafe Royal (has vegetarian an vegan options)
🫖Coronation Afternoon Tea at Cellarium, Westminster Abbey
🫖The Rosebery Coronation Afternoon Tea at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
🫖The Goring Hotel

Afternoon Teas Geared Towards Families:

☕️Peter Pan Afternoon Tea at Aqua at The Shard
☕️Jurassic Afternoon Tea at the Ampersand Hotel
☕️Jungle Book Afternoon Tea at Brown’s Hotel
☕️Secret Garden Afternoon Tea at Taj 51
☕️The Buzzy Bees Afternoon Tea at St. Ermin’s Hotel
☕️Grover’s Children’s Tea at Grosvenor House Hotel
☕️The Peppa Pig Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
☕️Sherlock Holmes Inspired Afternoon Tea at the Mind Palace
☕️Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Tea at One Aldwych
☕️Mad Hatter Afternoon Tea at The Sanderson
☕️Wizard of Oz Afternoon Tea at The Soho Hotel

Have you done a proper Afternoon or High Tea in London before? Was the one you did on this list, if so what did you think of it? If you have additional recommendations please do leave a comment!

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NORTH LAKE TAHOE IN THE WINTER: THINGS TO DO & WHERE TO STAY

February 9, 2019      California, Destinations, North America

This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more information. All opinions are my own.

After experiencing Lake Tahoe in the summer years ago I finally got to experience Lake Tahoe in the winter.

While summer in Lake Tahoe was amazing my recent experience of Lake Tahoe in the winter leads me to believe it’s the best time to visit Lake Tahoe. Here’s everything you need to know about experiencing Lake Tahoe in the winter.

woman stands on the edge of Lake Tahoe in the Winter Tahoe North

You May Be Interested in Reading: Tips for Taking Vacation Photos

North Lake Tahoe or South Lake Tahoe For Winter?

Before you can start planning your winter getaway you have an important decision to make – North or South?

The section of Lake Tahoe that is located in California is divided up into two regions, North and South. Both are great, don’t get me wrong but I have to say I am a Northerner in this case. 

And I should mention that the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe is more adult-oriented with a knock-off vegas vibe. The California side gives off a more calm, tranquil vibe that outdoor lovers tend to prefer. If you want to gamble then the Nevada side will be right up your alley.

So keep in mind when reading this post we are focusing on the CA side. Alright, back to North and South Tahoe! They are only an hours drive apart so you can visit both if you decide to rent a car (and the roads are drivable). Really, there isn’t much difference between the two in regards to amenities… it’s all about what resort you prefer the most. 

Northstar has been my favorite resort in North Tahoe so far and all the activities and restaurants I talk about in this post are located on the Northside of the lake. 

That’s not to say that South Tahoe doesn’t have some great resorts to visit during the winter, it’s just like anything else in life when you choose a solid side to lean into.

The Best Airport to Fly into When Visiting Lake Tahoe in the Winter

When looking for flights to Lake Tahoe most people fly into Reno/Tahoe Airport, Sacramento, Oakland, or SFO. When flying to Reno or Sacramento you will most likely have a layover. Mine was in St. Louis and I was so happy I have a Priority Pass membership that came with my credit card so I was able to eat in the airport for free.

While in the summer you can’t go wrong with either choice when visiting Lake Tahoe in the winter you’ll want to be more careful with your choice. This is because flights to Lake Tahoe in the winter are more likely to be delayed or canceled due to weather. SFO and Oakland are pretty much out of the snow zone but the road to get to them from Lake Tahoe are not. If there is fresh snow, which is very likely in the winter these roads may be closed due to weather conditions. There was a winter storm the day I left Lake Tahoe and my driver said departing out of Reno/Tahoe is always the best choice. This is because the road to Reno is least likely to be shut down due to weather as the city is more prepared to salt roads and have them cleared of snow for drivers.

You May Be Interested in Reading: The Best Websites for Flight Deals 

The Best Cars to Rent When Visiting Lake Tahoe in the Winter

When visiting Lake Tahoe in the winter you’ll need to worry about the Tahoe snow. Whether a storm rolls in or the streets haven’t been plowed you need to be prepared. To be prepared you will need to rent a 4wd. Be aware that if you are flying into Reno/Tahoe Airport there are limited 4wd vehicles as it’s not a large airport. Make sure you make your car rental reservation early.

If you don’t rent a 4wd you’ll need to plan on renting snow chains. . This also means you’ll need to know how to put on snow chains. If you aren’t comfortable with that option or not comfortable with driving in the snow at all consider taking a shuttle to Lake Tahoe. This of course means you wouldn’t have a car in Tahoe and would need to rely on taxis. Depending on your decision on where to stay in Lake Tahoe and what your plans are you might not need a car anyway. When I stayed at Northstar Ski Resort I didn’t need a car at all.

You May Be Interested in Reading: The Ultimate Guide to Planning a California Road Trip

Where to Stay in Lake Tahoe

When deciding where to stay in Lake Tahoe in the Winter you’ll need to decide between hotels with views of Lake Tahoe or one of the ski resorts in. During my trip to I stayed at both the Sunnyside Inn and Northstar Ski Resort. Here is a breakdown of each place to help you choose where to stay in Lake Tahoe.

Sunnyside Tahoe: Best Hotel with Views of Lake Tahoe

If you want to experience Lake Tahoe in the winter but don’t plan on skiing or snowboarding everyday staying at Sunnyside Inn might be the best place for you. Sunnyside Tahoe has an epic view of Lake Tahoe as it sits right on the shore of the lake. The rooms are traditional hotel rooms with one or two beds but with a cozy cottage feel. Some rooms have fireplaces and most rooms in Sunnyside come with a view of the lake. You will love this so you can enjoy the beautiful sunrises right from your room.

where to stay in lake tahoe Sunnyside Tahoe room view of the lake

Northstar Ski Resort: Best Lake Tahoe Ski Resort

Northstar Ski Resort is one of the best family ski resorts. Sitting in North Lake Tahoe, Northstar Ski Resort is home to Burton Academy, the Northstar ski school. Kids are able to learn to ski at the Northstar ski school starting at 3 years old. Northstar Ski Resort literally has everything you could possibly need so if you don’t want to leave the resort you never have to. If you plan to ski or snowboard daily this is the place for you. Read my full review of Northstar Ski Resort here.

Northstar ski resort living area

North Lake Tahoe Restaurants

Looking for the best North Lake Tahoe Restaurants? I had the pleasure of dining at these restaurants and enjoyed the food and views.

Jake’s on the Lake

If you’d like an upscale option for dining with lake views Jake’s on the Lake is your best option. During the summer it’s always packed and reservations are required but during the winter you can have the whole restaurant nearly to yourself. They are known for their seafood so you can’t go wrong with any of those options.

Uncorked Tahoe

Looking for a little wine tasting? Stop by one of Uncorked Tahoe’s 5 locations and hang out at this wine bar or get a little more involved. Uncorked Tahoe offers wine classes teaching you the history of various wines and how to pair them with the perfect cheese plate.

Sunnyside Tahoe Restaurant and Lodge

I enjoyed a lake view lunch at Sunnyside Tahoe Restaurant and Lodge. Do yourself a favor and get the cajun fish tacos, they were so good! Sunnyside Tahoe Restaurant and Lodge has Taco Night every Wednesday starting at 4pm and boy does it get packed! I understand though, I’ll show up every time for $4 tacos. They also have Martini Nights so be sure to check their events calendar.

North Lake Tahoe Restaurants Sunnyside Tahoe Restaurant and Lodge fish tacos served with chips and salsa

The Pioneer Cocktail Club

If you’re looking for casual fare Lake Tahoe restaurants, The Pioneer Cocktail Club is a great option. With menu items such as Savren’s Pimp Hand and cocktails named I Make Bloody Moves you’re sure to find entertainment deciphering the meaning behind each name. They offer everything from pizza to brussels sprouts to popcorn.

Things to Do in Lake Tahoe in the Winter

Experiencing Lake Tahoe in the winter is truly magical and there are endless things to do in Lake Tahoe in the winter. It’s not sunny California anymore so make sure to be well prepared with the perfect ski trip packing list.

Snowshoeing in Lake Tahoe

Snowshoeing is when you put on special “shoes” that make it easier to walk in snow. You can take tours during the day or experience snowshoeing at night for some epic stargazing in Tahoe. I took my tour with Tahoe Adventure Company and my guide was so informative!

Things to do in Lake Tahoe in the Winter Snowshoeing in Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe Snow Tubing

When visiting Lake Tahoe in the winter Lake Tahoe tubing is the perfect winter activity for those not into skiing and snowboarding or if you just get tired of it. Most if not all of the ski resorts in Lake Tahoe offer snow tubing. If you’re traveling with younger children Northstar Resort offers kiddie tubing for children 42″ and smaller.

Northstar Village Tubing at the Overlook things to do in lake tahoe during the winter

Snowmobile Tours

Another awesome thing to do in Lake Tahoe in the winter is snowmobiling. There are many snowmobiling companies to choose from and most offer the same tours. Snowmobiling can be fun for the whole family with kids as young as 4 or 5 being able to be passengers with an driver over 18.

Lake Tahoe Skiing and Lake Tahoe Snowboarding

Lake Tahoe is one of the best places to ski and snowboard. Your options are endless with 6 ski resorts in the area. If you are staying in South Lake Tahoe you can ski or snowboard at Heavenly, Kirkwood, or Sierra at Tahoe. If you are visiting North Lake Tahoe in the winter you can ski or snowboard at Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe, Northstar, or Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows.

Woman stands on a snowboard in North Lake Tahoe in the Winter Lake Tahoe Snowboarding

Ice Skating

If you live in a place where ice skating rinks aren’t the norm it’s definitely one activity you want to put on your to-do list while staying on Tahoe during the winter months. There are indoor ice skating rinks and outdoor options as well. In fact, if you stay at Northstar they have an outdoor rink right in the center of their village.

Pamper Yourself With A Spa Day

After spending a long day outside in the thick of winter what better way to warm up your muscles than with a relaxing full body massage? The Spas in North Lake Tahoe are some of the best!

December in Lake Tahoe Brings All The Feels

If you’re able to visit North Lake Tahoe during December get ready to feel like you’re a part of Santa’s Winter Wonderland!  

Is December a good time to visit Lake Tahoe?

Like with any wintery destination December is a big month for people looking to experience the magic of the holidays. You should expect a larger crowd compared to January and February. The holiday festivities tend to offset the influx of people and make the trip worth it!

Average Temperature in North Lake Tahoe in December

December is really the start of winter on Lake Tahoe. November does bring some snow and lower temperatures but it doesn’t really start to drop until December. Even so, the temperature is pretty mild compared to other ski destinations averaging lows in the ’20s and highs in the ’40s.

How much snow does Lake Tahoe get in December?

While snowfall varies from year to year North Lake Tahoe tends to get around 30in December. Snowfall can start as early as September and continue on until early May which means, if you aren’t able to visit in December don’t fret! There will still be plenty of snow waiting for you!

Christmas on the Lake 

One reason December is a popular month to visit Lake Tahoe is the Christmas festivities. The resorts hold nothing back when it comes to holiday cheer! You can expect giant Christmas trees, Sleigh Rides, Entertainment, Dining experiences, and more!

Experiencing Lake Tahoe in the winter was amazing and while summer in Tahoe is great I really think winter is the best time to visit Lake Tahoe. Since I now live in Miami I never get to see snow or partake in winter activities. I hope to return to Lake Tahoe in the winter with the whole family. I know the girls would love to take ski lessons at the Northstar Ski School. Until then I’ll show them pictures! Did you find this post helpful? Please share it!

I was invited to Lake Tahoe as a member of the 2019 Digital Influencer Advisory Board for Visit California. As always all opinions are my own and true!

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Hi! We’re The Hambricks

Hi! We’re The Hambricks

If kids live there, kids can visit! That's our motto and you'll often find us exploring destinations most don't find "kid friendly". We've traveled to 35 countries on 6 continents with our children since they were 10 weeks old and share tips to make it easier and affordable. But mom and dad are people too so we also write about solo travel, baecations and girlfriend getaways.

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