Carnelian Bay, Lake Tahoe CA
Our Favorite Cozy Airbnbs in Carnelian Bay, Lake Tahoe CA
One of the perks of moving from New York to California is my activity and hobby count has definitely increased. The past couple years I’ve learned to ski and I am totally bought in - steadily working on my Blues game right now. Fortunately we’re all really just in it for the Aprés right?
There are many options to stay in Tahoe, but we usually stay somewhere on the Northwest or West Shore to be in proximity to the Palisades ski resort. We like the neighborhoods of Carnelian Bay or Kings Beach which are about 20-30 minutes away.
The past two years we’ve started a tradition of going to Tahoe for Christmas, and we’ve actually stayed in the same condo in Kings Beach both years. The Sweetbriar Garden Suite is walking distance from the lake. Last year we got snowed in in Tahoe (not even the ski resorts were open) so we spent A LOT of time in the condo; cooking lasagna, binge watching TV and playing games.
In Carnelian Bay we’ve stayed at a little cabin affectionately named “Cubby” which was full of cute personalized details, like instead of a traditional guest book guests left their favorite recipes. It was the perfect place to come back to after a day on the slopes, sitting in front of the wood burning fire with hot toddy in hand.
Where We Eat & Drink
Homemade Hamburger Helper: From New York Times Cooking
Cooking at home
After a day on the slopes we usually plan for a decadent, guilt-free meal (read: carbs). This is one of our classics when we’re in the mood for comfort food from NYT Cooking. We affectionately call it Adult Hamburger Helper.
I usually make it without bacon (I am a monster that doesn’t go crazy for bacon), but if you left it in I’m sure it’s fantastic.
When we go for Christmas one of our days is dedicated to a full day lasagna project. We like Bon Appetit’s Best Lasagna. Forewarning if you make it all in one go it takes literally 8 hours. The past two years we have eaten at exactly 9 pm. Maybe next year we’ll batch some of the sauces ahead of time.
When we visit Tahoe we usually plan on cooking at home but if you feel like venturing out to restaurants here are a few to try:
Restaurants
Gar Woods: A staple that is good no matter the meal nor time of day. They always seem to be open and have super friendly service. We love to get the chips and sour cream dip, and don’t sleep on the soup! More than the food you have to try a Woody - a naughtily named slushie cocktail in many variations. Check out the menu for the latest concoctions.
West Shore Cafe and Inn: If you ski Homewood you can literally walk off the slopes and get a hot toddy and some snacks across the street after. Sit outside on the water for the best views!
Chambers Landing: This place is great all year round but in the summer be sure to stop by to try one of their famous punches and hang out on the pier awhile. (It looks like this place closed this year after 14 years, but leaving it listed here for posterity).