Puerto Vallarta & Lake Tahoe–the Best of Both Worlds
April 29, 2009 by Lake Tahoe Vacation Tips
Filed under About Lake Tahoe
Upon retiring fourteen years ago, we spent a great deal of time traveling the world in search for the perfect retirement haven. Eleven years ago we selected Puerto Vallarta, Mexico as the location for our main retirement residence.
Vallarta, located on the Mexican Riviera and only two to four hours from most major cities in the US, offers all of the modern day conveniences, numerous activities for retirees, fine dining and social life, and perfect weather for almost eight months of the year, from October through May. During those months, the average daily temperature is 73*F with an average monthly rainfall of less than 0.4 inches of rain; in other words, more than 97% of the days are absolutely ideal for golfing, tennis, fishing, or what ever outdoor activity interests you.
The weather in Vallarta during the summer months of June through September is similar to that of Houston, Texas with high temperatures during the daytime and evening showers almost every other night. Due to the oppressive tropical summers, most of the retirees use this time period for travel or visiting their friends and families back in the States or Canada.
We have selected the Lake Tahoe area as our summer residence for those months where the average daily temperature is 68*F with an average monthly rainfall of less than 0.3 inches of rain; resulting in sunny days more than 93% of the summer time period and absolutely ideal for all outdoor activities.
By combining Vallarta with Tahoe, we are pretty much assured of perfect weather year round with a better than 95% probability of a sunny day tomorrow. In fact, the annual rainfall in our world averages about four inches which is comparable to a single thunder storm in most other regions of the world!
Aside from perfect weather for eight months in Vallarta and four months in Tahoe, there are a number of other similarities to be found between these two beautiful areas. Both have magnificent mountainside and water views. Tahoe is nestled along the southern shore of the 22 mile long Lake Tahoe, the second deepest lake in the US and eighth deepest in the world, measuring 1,645 feet at its deepest point. Vallarta is nestled on the south shore of the 25 mile diameter Banderas Bay, one of the deepest bays in the world, measuring 3,000 feet at its deepest point.
Pines are abundant in Tahoe whereas palms are abundant in Vallarta. Many of the colorful birds in Tahoe are blue jays and red cardinals whereas many of Vallarta’s are yellow and black orioles and green parrots. While brown bears roam the mountainsides around Lake Tahoe scavenging for scraps of food, crocodiles are doing the same around Vallarta’s ponds; beware of both!
The mountain views are simply majestic with 3,000 foot elevation changes in every direction, providing spectacular horseback riding and hiking trails around both areas. Golf, tennis, fishing, and boating are just a few of the many daytime activities available in both cities. The rolling hills and shorelines provide the perfect terrain for some of the most beautiful golf courses found anywhere. Very active nightlife in both cities can be enjoyed in the wonderful restaurants and nightclubs. Of course, South Lake Tahoe, Nevada is famous for its world class casinos but few know that Vallarta also has a new casino with slot machines; more are sure to come if and when gambling is fully legalized in the area.
Although both of these clean, safe, and visitor friendly areas host millions of tourists annually, Puerto Vallarta, with its 350,000 inhabitants is substantially more populated than the Greater Lake Tahoe Basin which has only 55,000 permanent residents. In order to serve the residents and tourists, each area has at least three modern hospitals, a number of schools and university branches, modern shopping centers, and all the services required to support the people in the area. Both areas have high speed internet service and satellite TV, however mail delivery in Vallarta is terribly slow and it’s virtually non-existent in many communities around Lake Tahoe.
Puerto Vallarta has a huge modern airport, whereas Lake Tahoe is accessed from the Reno Airport which is approximately 40 miles away. There are three huge modern marinas with moorage for 1,200 large yachts in the Puerto Vallarta area and there are a number of small marinas scattered around Lake Tahoe for docking smaller boats used on the lake. Vallarta has a huge modern Maritime Terminal serving the passenger cruise ships that arrive daily; obviously, there is no such Maritime Terminal in the Tahoe area! On the other hand, Tahoe has a number of beautiful ski lodges and again quite obviously, Vallarta has no such lodges!
In summarizing, for those of you fortunate baby boomers wondering what to do with the rest of your life and where to do it, we suggest that you seriously consider this combination of retirement areas; living in Puerto Vallarta during the winter months and Lake Tahoe during the summer months represents the very best of both worlds.
Thanks to Jim Scherrer for contributing this article to our Lake Tahoe blog:
Vallarta, located on the Mexican Riviera and only two to four hours from most major cities in the US, offers all of the modern day conveniences, numerous activities for retirees, fine dining and social life, and perfect weather for almost eight months of the year, from October through May. During those months, the average daily temperature is 73*F with an average monthly rainfall of less than 0.4 inches of rain; in other words, more than 97% of the days are absolutely ideal for golfing, tennis, fishing, or what ever outdoor activity interests you.
The weather in Vallarta during the summer months of June through September is similar to that of Houston, Texas with high temperatures during the daytime and evening showers almost every other night. Due to the oppressive tropical summers, most of the retirees use this time period for travel or visiting their friends and families back in the States or Canada.
We have selected the Lake Tahoe area as our summer residence for those months where the average daily temperature is 68*F with an average monthly rainfall of less than 0.3 inches of rain; resulting in sunny days more than 93% of the summer time period and absolutely ideal for all outdoor activities.
By combining Vallarta with Tahoe, we are pretty much assured of perfect weather year round with a better than 95% probability of a sunny day tomorrow. In fact, the annual rainfall in our world averages about four inches which is comparable to a single thunder storm in most other regions of the world!
Aside from perfect weather for eight months in Vallarta and four months in Tahoe, there are a number of other similarities to be found between these two beautiful areas. Both have magnificent mountainside and water views. Tahoe is nestled along the southern shore of the 22 mile long Lake Tahoe, the second deepest lake in the US and eighth deepest in the world, measuring 1,645 feet at its deepest point. Vallarta is nestled on the south shore of the 25 mile diameter Banderas Bay, one of the deepest bays in the world, measuring 3,000 feet at its deepest point.
Pines are abundant in Tahoe whereas palms are abundant in Vallarta. Many of the colorful birds in Tahoe are blue jays and red cardinals whereas many of Vallarta’s are yellow and black orioles and green parrots. While brown bears roam the mountainsides around Lake Tahoe scavenging for scraps of food, crocodiles are doing the same around Vallarta’s ponds; beware of both!
The mountain views are simply majestic with 3,000 foot elevation changes in every direction, providing spectacular horseback riding and hiking trails around both areas. Golf, tennis, fishing, and boating are just a few of the many daytime activities available in both cities. The rolling hills and shorelines provide the perfect terrain for some of the most beautiful golf courses found anywhere. Very active nightlife in both cities can be enjoyed in the wonderful restaurants and nightclubs. Of course, South Lake Tahoe, Nevada is famous for its world class casinos but few know that Vallarta also has a new casino with slot machines; more are sure to come if and when gambling is fully legalized in the area.
Although both of these clean, safe, and visitor friendly areas host millions of tourists annually, Puerto Vallarta, with its 350,000 inhabitants is substantially more populated than the Greater Lake Tahoe Basin which has only 55,000 permanent residents. In order to serve the residents and tourists, each area has at least three modern hospitals, a number of schools and university branches, modern shopping centers, and all the services required to support the people in the area. Both areas have high speed internet service and satellite TV, however mail delivery in Vallarta is terribly slow and it’s virtually non-existent in many communities around Lake Tahoe.
Puerto Vallarta has a huge modern airport, whereas Lake Tahoe is accessed from the Reno Airport which is approximately 40 miles away. There are three huge modern marinas with moorage for 1,200 large yachts in the Puerto Vallarta area and there are a number of small marinas scattered around Lake Tahoe for docking smaller boats used on the lake. Vallarta has a huge modern Maritime Terminal serving the passenger cruise ships that arrive daily; obviously, there is no such Maritime Terminal in the Tahoe area! On the other hand, Tahoe has a number of beautiful ski lodges and again quite obviously, Vallarta has no such lodges!
In summarizing, for those of you fortunate baby boomers wondering what to do with the rest of your life and where to do it, we suggest that you seriously consider this combination of retirement areas; living in Puerto Vallarta during the winter months and Lake Tahoe during the summer months represents the very best of both worlds.
Thanks to Jim Scherrer for contributing this article to our Lake Tahoe blog:
Jim Scherrer has owned property in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for 25 years and resided there for the past eleven years. The mission of his series of 41 articles pertaining to retirement in Puerto Vallarta is to reveal the recent changes that have occurred in Vallarta while dispelling the misconceptions about living conditions in Mexico. For the full series of articles regarding travel to and retirement in Vallarta as well as pertinent Puerto Vallarta links, please visit us at Puerto Vallarta Real Estate Buyers‘ Agents
North Lake Tahoe Ski Vacation
April 5, 2009 by Lake Tahoe Vacation Tips
Filed under About Lake Tahoe
When deciding on the perfect place for a winter ski retreat, look no further than North Lake Tahoe for its considerable concentration of ski resorts. With nine resorts waiting to challenge and thrill skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels, it is impossible to not have a memorable and exciting powder-filled adventure on the slopes.
As the largest and most well-known resort in the Lake Tahoe area, Squaw Valley is a must-see for any adventurer who feels up to the challenge of its 177 trails spread out across more than 4,000 acres. Rather than the typical ski trail atmosphere you find at most resorts, Squaw Valley offers acres of open bowl skiing so you can create your own experience in the areas that are suited to your abilities. Whether you have been skiing for countless years or you are just getting your footing, Squaw Valley has everything you need for an exciting day on the mountain.
For those who want to begin their North Lake Tahoe on the other end of the spectrum, the small and unimposing Soda Springs Winter Resort is a good place to start. With 16 trails rated 30 percent Beginner, 50 percent Intermediate, and 20 percent Advanced, everyone in your family can get into the skiing spirit before tackling the extensive, more demanding resorts.
Two of the larger, more impressive resorts in the North Lake Tahoe area include Sugar Bowl Ski Resort and Alpine Meadows Ski Resort. Alpine Meadows boasts more than 100 trails of pure exhilaration that are sure to leave even the most seasoned veterans breathless. Sugar Bowl is highly regarded for its 84 trails that mostly cater to more experienced riders, however, beginners have plenty of space devoted to their abilities so they can work their way up to the more challenging drops and bowls.
In addition to these resorts, visitors to the North Lake Tahoe area will find numerous other options, including Donner Ski Ranch (50 runs), Homewood Mountain Resort (56 runs), Tahoe Donner (14 runs), Northstar at Tahoe (70 runs), and Boreal Mountain Resort (41 runs). With all of these spectacular mountain peaks just a short drive away from any North Lake Tahoe accommodations, it is easy to experience the snow-filled ski retreat you have always imagined.
While the downhill skiing trails are always the most popular attraction, visitors will also find terrain parks and pipes at many of the resorts along with snow tubing, ice skating, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. However, serious cross-country skiing enthusiasts who want to view Lake Tahoe’s stunning terrain during a challenging excursion should consider the Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area for 65km of sheer beauty or the Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Resort for a journey in the Sierra Nevada mountains snow-clad wilderness.
Whether you want a Truckee home rental for its proximity to many of resorts or prefer a Squaw Valley condo rental to be near this massive and always entertaining resort, there is a vacation rental that can meet all your needs for a relaxing and exciting ski getaway. North Lake Tahoe vacation rentals are located throughout this stunning and picturesque region so you can be close to all of your favorite resorts without giving up any of the amenities and comforts of home. Begin your search for the perfect North Lake Tahoe condo rental today and experience a memorable winter retreat with a luxurious vacation rental as your home base.
Thanks to Jen W. for contributing this article to our Lake Tahoe blog:
As the largest and most well-known resort in the Lake Tahoe area, Squaw Valley is a must-see for any adventurer who feels up to the challenge of its 177 trails spread out across more than 4,000 acres. Rather than the typical ski trail atmosphere you find at most resorts, Squaw Valley offers acres of open bowl skiing so you can create your own experience in the areas that are suited to your abilities. Whether you have been skiing for countless years or you are just getting your footing, Squaw Valley has everything you need for an exciting day on the mountain.
For those who want to begin their North Lake Tahoe on the other end of the spectrum, the small and unimposing Soda Springs Winter Resort is a good place to start. With 16 trails rated 30 percent Beginner, 50 percent Intermediate, and 20 percent Advanced, everyone in your family can get into the skiing spirit before tackling the extensive, more demanding resorts.
Two of the larger, more impressive resorts in the North Lake Tahoe area include Sugar Bowl Ski Resort and Alpine Meadows Ski Resort. Alpine Meadows boasts more than 100 trails of pure exhilaration that are sure to leave even the most seasoned veterans breathless. Sugar Bowl is highly regarded for its 84 trails that mostly cater to more experienced riders, however, beginners have plenty of space devoted to their abilities so they can work their way up to the more challenging drops and bowls.
In addition to these resorts, visitors to the North Lake Tahoe area will find numerous other options, including Donner Ski Ranch (50 runs), Homewood Mountain Resort (56 runs), Tahoe Donner (14 runs), Northstar at Tahoe (70 runs), and Boreal Mountain Resort (41 runs). With all of these spectacular mountain peaks just a short drive away from any North Lake Tahoe accommodations, it is easy to experience the snow-filled ski retreat you have always imagined.
While the downhill skiing trails are always the most popular attraction, visitors will also find terrain parks and pipes at many of the resorts along with snow tubing, ice skating, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. However, serious cross-country skiing enthusiasts who want to view Lake Tahoe’s stunning terrain during a challenging excursion should consider the Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area for 65km of sheer beauty or the Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Resort for a journey in the Sierra Nevada mountains snow-clad wilderness.
Whether you want a Truckee home rental for its proximity to many of resorts or prefer a Squaw Valley condo rental to be near this massive and always entertaining resort, there is a vacation rental that can meet all your needs for a relaxing and exciting ski getaway. North Lake Tahoe vacation rentals are located throughout this stunning and picturesque region so you can be close to all of your favorite resorts without giving up any of the amenities and comforts of home. Begin your search for the perfect North Lake Tahoe condo rental today and experience a memorable winter retreat with a luxurious vacation rental as your home base.
Thanks to Jen W. for contributing this article to our Lake Tahoe blog:
Business Retreats in Lake Tahoe
March 14, 2009 by Lake Tahoe Vacation Tips
Filed under About Lake Tahoe
Majestic and spectacular natural setting of the Lake Tahoe area makes it a favorable resort and meeting location for the most part of Americans and travelers all over the globe.
California Retreat Centers are considered the best in the United States. Whether you are going to hold a business conference, a training seminar or some corporate event to help establish friendly and easy-going rapport among your employees and improve their communication skills, Lake Tahoe area in California is a perfect place for that. You will find outstanding accommodation, delicious food, impressive recreational facilities as well as well-equipped modern halls, auditoriums, lodges and other meeting spaces for conferences and business talks. The place is perfect for groups looking for a focused meeting without distractions. Surrounded by the majestic views of Lake Tahoe, inspired by this gorgeous nature, people are more likely to come to mutual understanding and are always ready to negotiate.
The major and the most popular retreat centers in the area are Stanford Sierra Conference Center and The North Tahoe Conference Center.
· Stanford Sierra Conference Center provides accommodation and meeting facilities for conferences, business retreats, weddings and other social events. The center is available for conference groups each spring and autumn. Great recreational activities are being offered during the summer months, including fishing, swimming, rowing, boating, sailing as well as horse riding and hiking. Moreover, Sierra Nevada Mountains are considered the best ski slopes in the world. Stanford Sierra Conference Center is also proud to offer you breath-taking mountain walks and grounds to play volleyball, basketball and tennis. The possibilities are infinite. Stanford Sierra Conference Center knows how to run only successful business gatherings.
· Lake Tahoe Conference Center is an ideal place for romantic weddings. It specializes in both private ceremonies as well as in stunning and luxurious posh events. The center is ready to offer you a variety of Lake Tahoe lodgings and accommodations to suit the romantic holidays, ski vacations, corporate retreats or group meetings.
As for the accommodation, you could easily choose among bedrooms, studios, suits, townhomes and public lodges. Practically all rooms face the magnificent surroundings of Lake Tahoe and neighboring Sierra Nevada peaks. What concerns meeting facilities, five meeting rooms in the main lodge and a number of small ones in Stanford Sierra Conference Center are at your disposal.
It is widely known that a key ingredient of a successful conference is the food. In all California Retreat Centers you will be favorably impressed by the delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner menus for all participants. Substantial meal is generously garnished by fresh-baked breads, pastries, desserts and freshly ground coffee.
So, California Retreat Centers and Stanford Sierra Conference Center in particular are unquestionably a real paradise for business and pleasure.
Thanks to Jucick for contributing this article to our Lake Tahoe blog:
California Retreat Centers are considered the best in the United States. Whether you are going to hold a business conference, a training seminar or some corporate event to help establish friendly and easy-going rapport among your employees and improve their communication skills, Lake Tahoe area in California is a perfect place for that. You will find outstanding accommodation, delicious food, impressive recreational facilities as well as well-equipped modern halls, auditoriums, lodges and other meeting spaces for conferences and business talks. The place is perfect for groups looking for a focused meeting without distractions. Surrounded by the majestic views of Lake Tahoe, inspired by this gorgeous nature, people are more likely to come to mutual understanding and are always ready to negotiate.
The major and the most popular retreat centers in the area are Stanford Sierra Conference Center and The North Tahoe Conference Center.
· Stanford Sierra Conference Center provides accommodation and meeting facilities for conferences, business retreats, weddings and other social events. The center is available for conference groups each spring and autumn. Great recreational activities are being offered during the summer months, including fishing, swimming, rowing, boating, sailing as well as horse riding and hiking. Moreover, Sierra Nevada Mountains are considered the best ski slopes in the world. Stanford Sierra Conference Center is also proud to offer you breath-taking mountain walks and grounds to play volleyball, basketball and tennis. The possibilities are infinite. Stanford Sierra Conference Center knows how to run only successful business gatherings.
· Lake Tahoe Conference Center is an ideal place for romantic weddings. It specializes in both private ceremonies as well as in stunning and luxurious posh events. The center is ready to offer you a variety of Lake Tahoe lodgings and accommodations to suit the romantic holidays, ski vacations, corporate retreats or group meetings.
As for the accommodation, you could easily choose among bedrooms, studios, suits, townhomes and public lodges. Practically all rooms face the magnificent surroundings of Lake Tahoe and neighboring Sierra Nevada peaks. What concerns meeting facilities, five meeting rooms in the main lodge and a number of small ones in Stanford Sierra Conference Center are at your disposal.
It is widely known that a key ingredient of a successful conference is the food. In all California Retreat Centers you will be favorably impressed by the delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner menus for all participants. Substantial meal is generously garnished by fresh-baked breads, pastries, desserts and freshly ground coffee.
So, California Retreat Centers and Stanford Sierra Conference Center in particular are unquestionably a real paradise for business and pleasure.
Thanks to Jucick for contributing this article to our Lake Tahoe blog:
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Are there parks around Lake Tahoe that you can reserve for a BBQ?
March 12, 2009 by Lake Tahoe Vacation Tips
Filed under Summers In Lake Tahoe
Can you answer definitely_not_a_paperclip’s question about Lake Tahoe?:
I’m looking to host a BBQ in the Lake Tahoe area at some point this summer and need to know of parks that I can reserve (or just turn up at) where we’re allowed to BBQ. If there’s a view of the lake then that’s even better. I don’t mind if it’s the CA or NV side.
South Lake Tahoe Entertainment
I’m looking to host a BBQ in the Lake Tahoe area at some point this summer and need to know of parks that I can reserve (or just turn up at) where we’re allowed to BBQ. If there’s a view of the lake then that’s even better. I don’t mind if it’s the CA or NV side.
South Lake Tahoe Entertainment
NEED HELP FINDING A CABIN AROUND RENO/LAKE TAHOE AREA?
March 2, 2009 by Lake Tahoe Vacation Tips
Filed under Lake Tahoe Answers
Can you answer Beep Beep’s question about Lake Tahoe?:
My church is going on a winter retreat around the reno / lake tahoe area and we need help finding a cabin that can house ATLEAST 25 people. We’ve been searching around but we couldn’t find a place that’ll let us stay for only 2 nights and 3 days (dec. 26 – 28). Any of you guys know where we can possibly stay?
Ski Packages Lake Tahoe
My church is going on a winter retreat around the reno / lake tahoe area and we need help finding a cabin that can house ATLEAST 25 people. We’ve been searching around but we couldn’t find a place that’ll let us stay for only 2 nights and 3 days (dec. 26 – 28). Any of you guys know where we can possibly stay?
Ski Packages Lake Tahoe
