Lakefront Dining, Drinks, and Music at its Finest!

June 15th, 2011
Lakefront Dining Lake Tahoe | South Lake Tahoe Vacation Rentals

The Beacon Bar and Grill has spectacular food, drinks, and views!

It’s no secret that The Beacon Bar and Grill located in Historic Camp Richardson holds home to the best lakefront dining experience available in South Lake Tahoe. Offering relaxed indoor and outdoor seating, this restaurant offers a wide selection of food and drinks guaranteed to satisfy even the most refined palates. Two of our most beautiful South Lake Tahoe vacation rentals are within steps to the restaurant, contributing to your perfect family vacation. The beacon offers live music almost every day outside on their deck from 2-6pm accompanied by an unmatched happy hour voted consistently the best by locals. Their famous ‘Rum Runner’ is the drink of choice (my personal favorite!), bringing tourists and residents together to enjoy this tropical delight. The bar has a great variety of beer on tap that constantly changes for guests to enjoy. Grab some of their delicious fried calamari or a juicy Kobe beef burger to fulfill your hunger and be sure to bring your camera because the sunsets here are the best on the Lake!  The Beacon Bar and Grill (530)541-0630

Farmers Markets Sprouting Up in Tahoe

June 13th, 2011

Lake Tahoe Farmers Markets | Lake Tahoe Rentals

A large reason many of our guests stay in Lake Tahoe rentals is to be able to cook their own meals, whether it is to save on vacation costs or to bring everyone together by having some fun in the kitchen.  We do have a variety of grocery stores in the area to pick up all of the goods for your culinary adventures, but for a truly, scrumptious experience, I highly recommend checking out the fresh produce at our weekly farmers markets.  Being so close to the San Joaquin Valley (California’s leading agricultural producing bioregion) and other local farms, we are fortunate to have 2 weekly farmers markets here in South Lake Tahoe which offer some incredible produce, goods and crafts.  The markets take place during the warmer months, which are typically June, July, August and most of September.  The larger of the two markets takes place every Tuesday from 8:00am to 1:00pm and can be found at the American Legion building at 2748 Young Street in the city of South Lake Tahoe — it can be well-seen from Highway 50 (also known as Lake Tahoe Boulevard) across from the Red Hut Waffle Shop.  The other market takes place every Friday from 9:00am to 2:00pm on Ski Run Boulevard in between Highway 50 and Pioneer Trail, right next to the Blue Angel Cafe, a great place to stop in for some lunch after you have finished your shopping!

Some of the items that can be found at the farmers markets are (but definitely not limited to) giant heirloom tomatoes, corn (my personal favorite!), berries, lettuces, root vegetables and herbs.  You can also find vendors selling products other than produce: breads, pastries, flavored honey, jams, soaps, crafts, meats and cheeses.

Don’t forget to bring cash for the vendors and your reusable shopping bag!

Family-Friendly Fun, Tahoe Style

June 10th, 2011
Kids Activities Lake Tahoe | South Lake Tahoe Vacation Rentals

Lake Tahoe beaches have great sand for building sand castles!

South Lake Tahoe is a top vacation destination for all styles of travelers looking for an array of exciting activities. Many of the guests who come to the area have children who require continual entertainment. The colossal presence of several top Casinos and the party atmosphere they often generate overshadows Lake Tahoe’s more traditional family-friendly activities.

Boating on Lake Tahoe is a one of the most popular activities to do when the sun is shining. There are various boat rental companies situated along the beaches that offer a wide range of water sport options including watercrafts, jet skis, stand-up paddle boards, water bikes, parasailing and plenty more. Jet skis are the most popular choice for guests considering experiencing the thrill of exploring the lake on their own personal watercraft. Many of our South Lake Tahoe vacation rentals are equipped with a dock or buoy for the convenience of personal boat access. In addition, kids 5 years old and up can ride on the rear of the craft making this a family friendly activity for children that are eligible. Buckingham Properties extends a 15% off boat rentals to our guests at a local marina.

Biking around South Lake Tahoe can be one of the best ways to see the town. Bikes are available through the numerous rental shops in the area. Some of the more challenging rides such as ‘The Corral Loop’ and ‘Mr. Toads Wild Ride’ are easily accessible off Pioneer Trail just south of town. Paved bike paths are found prominently around the lake with a 12 mile stretch running from Stateline to Cascade Falls offering a friendly environment for all skill levels.

Horseback riding in South Lake Tahoe is another great activity for families to enjoy and is abundant throughout the area. The rides range from basic beginner courses to more advanced trail rides suitable for all age and skill levels. This is a great way to get off the beaten path and enjoy the serenity that Lake Tahoe has to offer. Camp Richardson and Zephyr Cove Resort offer the best horseback riding the South Shore has to offer. If your pace is a bit slower, hay wagon rides are available at the Stateline area.

The hiking found in the Lake Tahoe Basin offers tranquility and marvels that are unmatched elsewhere. The variety of hiking trails suggests the sincerity of the locals, who maintain these commonly frequented trails for all to enjoy. More treacherous routes can be found just outside of town on peaks such as ‘Mt. Tallac’ and ‘Pyramid Peak’. The trails in town, such as the ‘Upper Truckee marsh’,’ Bijou Park’ and Kahle Park offer an easier pace of those looking for a more relaxing stroll. Varieties of wildlife are abundant throughout the area, so don’t forget a camera to capture these amazing instants as you’ll be sure to encounter Tahoe’s summer bloom at its finest.

There is a trout fishing farm for visitors to enjoy located in the middle of town, right on Trout Creek. This activity is fun and exciting for all ages as it requires little to no skill.  Heavenly Ski Resort will be running their gondola 7 days a week through September 5th. This service allows visitors to view Lake Tahoe from 9,000 feet above sea level providing extraordinary sights. There are also various activities including snow tubing, rock climbing, hiking and dining that will add anyone’s vacation. Whatever you choose to do here in South Lake Tahoe, make sure that your decisions involve smiles, laughs, and fun for everyone, as your experience here is guarantee to bring you back for more!

Share Your Tahoe Vacation Tale With Us!

May 12th, 2011

With so many wonderful things to do in Tahoe, there are many different ways to experience and enjoy Lake Tahoe while visiting!  We would love to know what you have enjoyed doing on your getaway so others may get some ideas for their own Tahoe vacation.  Tell us about your overall experience, memorable or funny moments.  We’d also love to hear all about your favorite activity, beach, pet friendly place or just your favorite thing about Lake Tahoe!

Tahoe Vacation | Lake Tahoe Rentals

Here are Buckingham’s top five favorite things about Tahoe:
1. Skiing at Heavenly
2. Local restaurants
3. Boating on the lake
4. Emerald Bay
5. The brilliant blue colors of the lake

So please leave a comment below, we would love to hear all about your Tahoe adventure!

Big Events for the Big Race

April 29th, 2011

Lake Tahoe Amgen Events | Lake Tahoe Rentals

South Lake Tahoe is gearing up to be the overall tour start for the upcoming Amgen Tour of California on May 15th.  With all forms of cycling being a large part of the Tahoe lifestyle, South Lake Tahoe thrilled and honored to be the first host city of this year’s race.  The south shore has lined up a 10-day countdown full of fun and exciting events leading up to the start of the race and on the day of the race; here are some of the highlights:

May 5
Amgen Tour of California Kick-off Party at the Hard Rock Cafe
Live Music at Cabo Wabo Cantina Lounge

May 6
Sammy Hagar and the Wabos at Harrah’s
“Joe Kid on a Stingray” – The History of BMX film screening Stateline Brewery

May 7
Sammy Hagar and the Wabos at Harrah’s
“King of the King” Kingsbury Hill Climb Time Trial

May 10
SOJA with Special Guest J BOOG at MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa

May 12
Slow Rollers Spirit Bike Parade
Pedaling to Peak Performance – Barton Health Lecture at Embassy Suites

May 13
Amgen Tour of California – 2011 Race Opening Gala and Official Team Introduction

May 14
Start at the Top: Lake Tahoe Legends Participation Ride
Lake Tahoe Expo/Festival, Outdoors at the Horizon Casino Resort
Soulcycler, Around the World Bike Tour with Rick Gunn
All Ages Bike Poker Ride

May 15
2011 Official Tour of California Race Start – Stage 1: Stateline CA/NV (estimated start time is 10:30am)
Lake Tahoe Expo/Festival, Outdoors at the Horizon Casino Resort
BMX Demo featuring 2008 Olympic BMX Racing Medalists Donny Robinson and Mike Day
Route Festival, Lake Tahoe Boulevard between Stateline and the “Y”
Pancake Breakfast, 9am-12pm at St. Theresa’s School

With mild temperatures, snow clinging to the mountain tops adding to the dramatic scenery and spring plants popping up, May is a beautiful time to visit Lake Tahoe!  There are also many deals during May for Lake Tahoe rentals and local restaurants and shops.  Join us in Lake Tahoe for a great week of events, racing and excitement!

Spring Activities in Lake Tahoe

April 6th, 2011

Many people visiting the Tahoe area tend to come only during the peak seasons (winter and summer) due to the belief that there aren’t as many activities to do during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) and the weather isn’t very cooperative.  Here are some examples of the advantages and spring activities in Lake Tahoe you can enjoy as we make our way out of the winter season.  A few advantages are lower nightly rates for Lake Tahoe rentals, milder temperatures and a lot less visitors in town.   Not only are rates reduced for South Lake Tahoe rentals, but many businesses throughout town (including restaurants, bars, shops and activities) offer great discounts like “2 for 1′s” and large percentages off their services to help generate business during the slower months.  These deals usually last until mid-June.  Bad weather is also a myth for the spring season here in Tahoe.  It’s true it can be a bit unpredictable, sometimes snowing for a day or two at a time, but for the most part the Tahoe spring weather is quiet enjoyable.  When we make our way out of April and into May, the average daily temperature can be in the 60′s to 70′s — May will usually get into the 80′s at times.  The weather in the summer is typically in the 80′s and 90′s, and with limited air conditioning throughout town, it can be quite uncomfortable indoors as well as out for some people.  So the spring weather can be quite enjoyable if you tend to be sensitive to much warmer temperatures.  As the opening sentence of this post states, our major influx of visitors is typically seen during the peak seasons.   This fact allows the spring visitors to enjoy less crowds in town; meaning, less waiting (and better tables) at restaurants, less of a chance of sold out shows/events and more of the “peace and quiet” many Tahoe visitors would like to experience while here.

Lake Tahoe Rentals | Spring Activities Lake Tahoe

M.S. Dixie II offers daily sightseeing cruises to Emerald Bay.

Some of the spring activities in Lake Tahoe you can enjoy are: cross-country skiing (in the higher elevations), bicycling (in the lower elevations), sightseeing cruises, strolling on the sandy beaches (there are a few that are dog friendly), and during this spring you can take part in the fun events planned for the 2011 Amgen Tour of California which is starting here in South Lake Tahoe.  The race events begin May 5th and continue through Stage 2 (day 2) of the race on May 16th.

Thinking of a Lake Tahoe Wedding?

March 11th, 2011

Lake Tahoe Wedding

Lake Tahoe is fast-becoming a popular “destination wedding” location — which isn’t very hard to believe with the lake being such a dramatic and beautiful backdrop any time throughout the year.  Many couples choose to have their Lake Tahoe wedding at a lake front venue for a truly unforgettable view and experience (and photos!).  Some choose a setting higher up in the mountains for a palatial view of the lake and surrounding mountains as a backdrop.  While both venue settings are equally beautiful, booking a commercial venue can get quite costly; some require you to only use their caterer, DJ, etc. which can really limit ways to save money.  Another alternative is having your Lake Tahoe wedding at a vacation rental.  There is great freedom with renting a vacation property: you can choose your own caterers, music, rental equipment companies, florists, photographers, you name it.  Another upside is you can stay in the vacation rental overnight before and after the wedding which will help with getting ready, setting up, tearing down and traveling.  Lake Tahoe rentals also tend to be less expensive than some of the larger commercial venues and they can accommodate the same large groups as well.

Record Snow Conditions in Tahoe!

March 8th, 2011

During this 2010-2011 winter, we have seen some record snow conditions in Tahoe… and it just keeps coming!  Northstar-at-Tahoe has reported breaking a snowfall record that has been in place for 25 years.  Kirkwood has a total seasonal range of 497-517″.  Heavenly now offers the EpicMix where you can track your vertical feet and earn pins in all of this epic snow!  It’s a winter playground here in Tahoe with tons of great outdoor activities everyone in the whole family will enjoy:
- Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Sledding
- Snowmobiling
- Snowshoeing
- Cross-Country Skiing
- Sleigh Rides
- Tubing
- Sightseeing Cruises
- Ice Skating

There are numerous hotels on the South Shore as well as companies who offer Lake Tahoe rentals for accommodations.

Lake Tahoe Rentals | Tahoe Snow Conditions

Wonderful, record breaking snowfall does come with a minor setback: potentially hazardous driving conditions.  If you must drive in snowy conditions, make sure your car is prepared, and that you know how to handle road conditions.  Here is a great list of driving safety tips to help keep you and your family safe on the icy/snowy roads this winter:
1. Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
2. Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
3. Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.
4. Keep your lights and windshield clean.
5. Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.
6. Don’t use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.
7. Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.
8. Don’t pass snow plows and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, and you’re likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.
9. Don’t assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.
It’s helpful to practice winter driving techniques in a snowy, open parking lot, so you’re familiar with how your car handles. Consult your owner’s manual for tips specific to your vehicle.

So what are you waiting for?  Join us up here take advantage of these truly epic conditions!

Let’s Ride!

February 8th, 2011

Stunning Views of Lake Tahoe!

Zephyr Cove Snowmobile Center is now offering the “Let’s Ride” Tour!  These tours will have smaller group sizes and single riders only, allowing the group to see more of the trail system with less stops.  Now you can explore more, see more, and ride more!  Taking you up almost to 9,000 feet, the Zephyr Cove Resort has access to over 45 miles of groomed snowmobile trails.  You can expect to see spectacular views of Tahoe’s true beauty and have an unforgettable ride!

More information about Lake Tahoe rentals

Après Ski Cruise on the Tahoe Queen

January 24th, 2011

A relaxing evening on the Tahoe Queen for their Après Ski Cruise is the perfect way to end a long day on the slopes.  Every Wednesday from 6:00pm to 7:30pm, Lake Tahoe’s only authentic Mississippi paddlewheeler offers a scenic, sunset cruise out to Emerald Bay and back with live entertainment, free appetizers and a cocktail.  Tickets are $29 and passengers are welcome to stay on the ship until 8:00pm and $3 drink specials also available.

This elegant Lake Tahoe icon recently underwent major renovations to reflect the allure and luster of the early 1900’s when there was truly no finer way to travel. The Tahoe Queen also  offers daytime scenic cruises that feature a tour through Lake Tahoe history on the way to Emerald Bay and the Sierra Sunset Dinner Dance Cruise, which offers an unforgettable elegant evening cruise complete with famous Tahoe sunsets, breathtaking views, local cuisine and live music. All Tahoe Queen cruises depart from Ski Run Marina.

More information about Lake Tahoe rentals