The 2nd annual Art, Wine and Music Festival in Squaw Valley is one of the most popular events in Lake Tahoe and a joy for your senses. A blend of natural beauty and vibrant culture, the festival showcases exquisite art, stellar wines and classical and world guitar music.  Join talented artists, craftspeople, musicians and guitarists at the Village of Squaw Valley for a creative explosion and pristine alpine scenery.

Enjoy wine tasting under the peaks of Squaw Valley and sample delicious wines from 18 California wineries, including Lola Kay Wines, Domun Estate, Twisted Rivers, Praxis Cellars and Zaca Mesa Winery. Walk through the charming village and admire beautiful art and crafts, including paintings, sculpture, photography and jewelry from over 30 artists. The festival also features free outdoor concerts by the world’s most acclaimed classical and world guitarists.

A breathtaking summer destination, the Village at Squaw Valley is a family playground with fun adventures like swimming, hiking, roller skating, paintball, miniature golf and ziplining. Bring the kiddos and enjoy pottery making, the sky jump bungee trampoline, hiking at High Camp and dining with mesmerizing views of the mountains. Ride Squaw Valley’s Aerial Tram with panoramic scenes from 8,200 feet above.

The Art, Wine and Music Festival is a free event, but the wine tasting is $25 each day with a commemorative wine glass. For details, visit www.squaw.com/things-to-do/events-calendar/art-wine-music-festival.

Enjoy live music at beautiful El Dorado Beach/ Lakeview Commons in South Lake Tahoe every Thursday night throughout the summer. Kicking off on June 20^th, the Live at Lakeview: Free Summer Concert Series will feature amazing concerts by local and nationally recognized bands and musicians. Every week, you can hear bands playing a diversity of musical genres, from Rock & Roll to Reggae, Latin to Jazz, Country to Bluegrass, while enjoying stunning views of Lake Tahoe.

Over the summer, 10 bands will play on a stage right on the sands of El Dorado Beach with the azure waters of Lake Tahoe as the ultimate backdrop to this wonderful music series. Hear exciting bands such as Fruition, Keyser Soze, Huckle, Polyrhythmics, and the New World Jazz Project as the sun sets over the lake. The Live at Lakeview: Free Summer Concert Series also features a beer garden, local food and drink vendors, local artists and free bike valet.

You grab a free seat on the tiered-terraced area or up at the top where there are picnic tables where you can enjoy drinks, dinner and an intimate setting. Music starts every Thursday evening at 4:30 and goes until 9:30 pm. Experience wonderful summer of wonderful live music, great food, art and fun in the spectacular setting of South Lake Tahoe – all just minutes from the Squaw Valley Lodge.

Photo Credit Alena Grace Photography

There are some years when we see snow in June, but with temperatures rising into the upper 70′s and low 80′s this week, summer has truly arrived at Lake Tahoe. Squaw Valley summer operations open June 14th, and we thought what better way to gear up for the summer season than a little Lake Tahoe eye candy? Since photographs speak a thousand words, we’ll just let the beauty of this region and season speak for itself. 

Alena Grace Photography has kindly shared some of her favorite summer shots, but if you’re itching for more, connect on Facebook, or check out her website! We sat down with landscape photographer, Alena Saporsky, for a local’s take on summer at Lake Tahoe:

1. What is your favorite thing about shooting in the summertime?

I love shooting ALL seasons at Tahoe. Summer provides more daylight for all shooting days, and warmth so you can be out in the early morning or late evening. The beaches’ 99% pure water is magical in summer. I soon plan to purchase an underwater camera and shoot at lake level/underwater images while I am actually in the lake!

2. What locations in the Tahoe region tend to photograph the best, or do your clients like the best?

I have found it funny over the years my favorite images and clients’ favorite images vary greatly. I am not sure why this is–simply preference? My best sellers have been reflection images (where the mountains/trees/etc. reflect in the lake on a glassy lake day), photos of piers, and wildflowers have been great sellers as both prints and greeting cards. Most of my revenue from summertime in Tahoe has been weddings. I photographed a small beach wedding on the South Shore in 2010 and the images turned out lovely–Nevada Beach at sunset did not disappoint!

3. Any tips for visitors who want to capture the beauty of Tahoe, or local spots people must see?

If you are visiting the Tahoe basin this summer and are not familiar with the area, I recommend taking a photo tour with a company such as Tahoe Photographic Tours (tahoephotographictours.com). The locations I recommend would be the top of the fire road above Crystal Bay, Nevada, Sand Harbor or Hidden Beach on the East Shore, Eagle Falls and Emerald Bay, and Shirley Canyon at Olympic Valley. If you’re willing to hike, take the trail at the top of Mount Rose Highway and go half way to the summit. There you will find a gorgeous valley with mountain lupine and a gorgeous waterfall. And if you’re willing to take a drive, Hope Valley, south of South Lake Tahoe, is the rugged side of  the Tahoe basin. Complete with sweeping meadows, the Carson River, and granite peaks; this area does not disappoint!

And as we promised: phenomenal Lake Tahoe region eye candy courtesy of Alena Grace Photography.

Photo Credit Alena Grace Photography

Photo Credit Alena Grace Photography

Photo Credit Alena Grace Photography

Photo Credit Alena Grace Photography

Photo Credit Alena Grace Photography

Photo Credit Alena Grace Photography

Summer’s just about here: come and get it! If you haven’t booked your lodging yet, we can help, and save you 30% off your stay! 

After you’ve made your sweep (thank you for giving back to our community!) head over to the town-wide block party at 12pm, located at Truckee River Regional Park on Brockway Road. Eat up: you earned it!

Be sure to read the volunteer instructions here. For further information visit: http://www.truckeeday.org/

(Vegetarians, we apologize.)

Celebrating its 29th year, the Annual Community Pig Roast at CB’s Pizza & Grill in Carnelian Bay is back on Saturday, June 1 from 3pm-10pm! A $15 donation means you’ll enjoy a bevy of delicious food, live music and fun!

You don’t even have to leave the kiddos at home! A Kid’s Activity Zone will be set up for their enjoyment, and live music by The Drunken Neighbors will be performed. All proceeds from the event benefit the local Boys and Girls Club of North Tahoe. So be sure to come with an empty belly, and enjoy the gorgeous view of Lake Tahoe when you get your grub on!

For more information, visit: http://bit.ly/18au5T0

Contact our Front Desk for directions while staying with us.

Tahoe City: Commons Beach on Thursdays

Commons Beach Road and North Lake Blvd.

8am-1pm, May 23rd-June 20th & August 29th-September 26th

Tahoe City: Tahoe Lake Elementary School on Thursdays

375 Grove Street

8am-1pm, June 27th-Aug 22

If you want to check out other markets in the area, then head over to Truckee (15 minute drive from Squaw Valley Lodge) or Kings Beach (20 minute drive from Squaw Valley Lodge).

Truckee: Truckee River Regional Park on Tuesdays

10500 Brockway Road off Highway 267

8am-1pm, June 11th-Oct 8th.

Kings Beach: Kings Beach SRA on Tuesdays

Highway 28 at Bear Street

9am-1pm, June 25th-Aug 27th

Although some are celebrating Cinco de Mayo on Saturday evening (perhaps to avoid that margarita hangover on Monday morning) there’s always the historic Kentucky Derby Day on Saturday, May 4 that’s cause for celebration! You technically don’t have to choose between bourbon and tequila: mint julep or margarita? In fact, we have just the spot for you to celebrate both on this very warm, spring weekend in May: River Ranch Lodge in Tahoe City/Alpine Meadows!

Throw on your Derby hat and heels for Saturday’s festivities and trade them in for a sombrero on Sunday.

Kentucky Derby Day at River Ranch Lodge, May 4, 11:30am-4:00pm

Wear your best Derby Hat and win a prize! Bar opens at 11:30 a.m. for pre-race coverage. River Ranch Lodge will serve traditional Derby fare including Kentucky Hot Browns and Mint Juleps: the official drink of the race!

Cinco de Mayo Celebration at River Ranch Lodge, May 5, 4:30pm-8:30pm

It’s tequila time! Come celebrate a day of Mexican heritage and pride with Mexican beer and margarita specials. Complimentary mini-appetizers are served as well!

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After enjoying a day of sunshine at Squaw Valley, come spend an evening “Chasing Ice” in support of the Squaw Valley Institute. Learn more about the reality of climate change and gain insight on what’s happening with unusual climate shifts (hey–whatever happened to long, powder packed winters?!) from a panel of experts.

Get your tickets today at Alpenglow for only $5, or $10 at the door! Click here for further details.

Read more about McConkey in the words of Ingrid Backstrom: http://bit.ly/15CGhLl

Stay tuned for more details on the kick-off film tour at Squaw Valley this fall.

The popular play, written by American playwright and performer Eve Ensler, delves into both the serious and funny aspects of the female experience. Originally a series of monologues performed by Ensler herself, this internationally renowned and award-winning play now features three or more actresses performing the show. Each year, a new monologue about a current event is added, which makes it as fresh as it is relevant. At the showings on the 26th and 27th, local community members will do the readings, so come out and have some fun while supporting a great cause!