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First visit to Marriott Timber Lodge

vlapinta

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My husband and I will be visiting Marriott Timber Lodge the end of August for the first time. We are active and in our 60's. any suggestions on things to do, and any recommendations on restaurants? We would like to take some nice hikes and looking for a boat recommendation. We will have a car for the week
 

Janann

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Definitely get tickets for the gondola for the beautiful views, and maybe a roller coaster ride.

 

jpa2825

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Copied from another thread.

Enjoyed the stays at both locations. Slight preference for GR but that is probably because we don't have kids. We'd happily take whatever is available and are already putting reminders in the calendar to try to book a week in early AUG 2022. Additional thoughts:
  • E-bike rental from Vista Trail in Incline Village was good. Trail to Sand Harbor was easy to explore in the 4 hours we had.
  • We did 2 of the 3 Tahoe Tree Top locations (Tahoe City and Tahoe Vista) for ziplines / courses. The 3rd is at Squaw Valley which appears to be only accessible via gondola. We REALLY enjoyed both of them. Staff was professional and you could take on as much adventure as you were comfortable with.
  • Kayak rentals at Camp Richardson went fine. They were a little disorganized at the outset (we rented 1st thing at 0900 when they opened) but gave us full 2 hours from when we got started. Very cool area.
  • Vikingsholm boat cruise (LINK) was great. Left from Round Hill Pines Beach Resort. Since you have to pay $12 to park there, you should plan to go early and stay late. Folks said it gets pretty crowded on weekends, but was fine on a weekday for us. There is a beachside bar, ice cream store and restaurant (Beach Bums). We hung around to eat, drink and watch the sunset after our cruise. Pretty spectacular.
    • We plan to do the Thunderbird cruise with the same company when we come back.
  • DW hiked in Van Sickle Bi-State Park right behind both GR and TL and had a great experience. Got all the way up to the waterfall. Lots of elevation gain to get there.
  • We tried to eat at Brooks Bar and Deck at Edgewood Tahoe (the golf course where they play the American Century Celebrity Golf Tournament in JUL each year) but could never make the timing work. Looked fabulous and son had been there last year and wanted to go back.
  • If you have plenty of time and don't want to fight SUN traffic exiting SLT, consider routing to Hope Valley, CA and then over to Stockton if returning to the Bay Area. Very cool scenery including Caples Lake, Red Lake, Kirkwood Mountain, Bear River Reservoir and although we didn't stop, the line around the block for Lockeford Sausage LINK suggests it is very good.
  • DW was very bummed when our hot air balloon ride (takes off and lands from out in the lake) got cancelled due to high winds. We will try again on our next visit.
  • Pizza place in Heavenly was really good. We got several larges during the week and warmed them up periodically rather than ordering new for each meal.
  • Restaurant in Heavenly where they do the magic show was fine. We just had drinks and tapas at the bar but the bread was REALLY good and large portion. We also ate on the full loaf for the whole week.
 

mjm1

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We hiked to the Van Sickle Bi-state Park. The concierge at Timber Lodge can provide a flyer with directions. We hiked up to the very small waterfall (low flow in June), but really enjoyed the amazing view from the top of the switch backs on the trail. If you don’t want to take the tram to the top of the mountain (it’s a bit pricy), this h8ke will provide a great view of the lake.

The pizza place in the village is Basecamp Pizza. We agree that it is very good and worth a visit. It gets busy so plan accordingly.

Best regards.

Mike
 

DeniseM

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This is Hwy 88:
If you have plenty of time and don't want to fight SUN traffic exiting SLT, consider routing to Hope Valley, CA and then over to Stockton if returning to the Bay Area. Very cool scenery including Caples Lake, Red Lake, Kirkwood Mountain, Bear River Reservoir and although we didn't stop, the line around the block for Lockeford Sausage LINK suggests it is very good.

Unfortunately, August is the peak of fire season so if you are driving from the San Francisco area to Tahoe, be sure you check road closures and conditions before you go. I am at our home in NV right now, and there is a big fire just south of Lake Tahoe, and Hwy 88 is closed. If you are flying into Reno, instead of San Francisco, you are likely to avoid most problems. There are multiple routes to Lake Tahoe, so you are very likely to be able to drive, even if there is a fire, but you want to know the best route before you leave. The 3 main highways are 88, 50 and 80. 88 and 50 are good, but winding mountain roads and the most scenic. 80 is the fastest and more like freeway driving - it's the best route if you are not an experienced mountain driver.
 
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vlapinta

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This is Hwy 88:

Unfortunately, August is the peak of fire season so if you are driving from the San Francisco are to Tahoe, be sure you check road closures and conditions before you go. I am at our home in NV right now, and there is a big fire just south of Lake Tahoe, and Hwy 88 is closed. If you are flying into Reno, instead of San Francisco, you are likely to avoid most problems. There are multiple routes to Lake Tahoe, so you are very likely to be able to drive, even if there is a fire, but you want to know the best route before you leave. The 3 main highways are 88, 50 and 80. 88 and 50 are good, but winding mountain roads and the most scenic. 80 is the fastest and more like freeway driving - it's the best route if you are not an experienced mountain driver.
We are driving from Reno airport
 

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The drive from Reno will be short and easy.
 

BJRSanDiego

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My husband and I will be visiting Marriott Timber Lodge the end of August for the first time. We are active and in our 60's. any suggestions on things to do, and any recommendations on restaurants? We would like to take some nice hikes and looking for a boat recommendation. We will have a car for the week
For boat recommendations, you may want to consider taking the MS Dixie II (we took it and it was fun). But for our past two Tahoe cruises, we took the "Tahoe Tastings" wine boat tour. We got a five wine tasting plus also bought a charcuterie tray. It was very relaxing being on the lake and drinking some decent wines.
 

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This is Hwy 88:

Unfortunately, August is the peak of fire season so if you are driving from the San Francisco area to Tahoe, be sure you check road closures and conditions before you go. I am at our home in NV right now, and there is a big fire just south of Lake Tahoe, and Hwy 88 is closed. If you are flying into Reno, instead of San Francisco, you are likely to avoid most problems. There are multiple routes to Lake Tahoe, so you are very likely to be able to drive, even if there is a fire, but you want to know the best route before you leave. The 3 main highways are 88, 50 and 80. 88 and 50 are good, but winding mountain roads and the most scenic. 80 is the fastest and more like freeway driving - it's the best route if you are not an experienced mountain driver.
Yes, google maps directions are your friend.
 

Big Matt

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The lake is huge. Timber Lodge is in the busy part. You may want to drive up to the northern end and check things out up there. There are also some lakes higher up in altitude quite close by where you can rent a boat and tool around.
 

zentraveler

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The lake is huge. Timber Lodge is in the busy part. You may want to drive up to the northern end and check things out up there. There are also some lakes higher up in altitude quite close by where you can rent a boat and tool around.

The drive up north through Nevada up towards Incline Village is beautiful and neither dense nor touristy. I did it twice on our recent trip.

Not too far north is a peaceful shopping center on the east side of the road with a Safeway and some restaurants etc. The Mexican restaurant there (sorry forgot name) is quite good and he makes killer margaritas.
 
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vikingsholm

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Some more ideas, in addition to the many good ones that have been mentioned here:

- Definitely go to Edgewood as mentioned above to dine and/or walk along the beach there - I think it's the most spectacular property open to the public on the lake. Brooks bar outside is a fantastic setting (was there last night again). There is fancier dining in the beautiful setting in the main dining room at Edgewood, or another one both indoors and outdoors at the Edgewood bistro in their newer adjacent building.

- South Lake is becoming a craft brew haven, with lots of nice brewpubs with indoor and outdoor space. Two newer ones near Heavenly Villlage are Flatstick right across from the Timber Lodge, a huge space with indoor/outdoor dining/drinking and an indoor 10 hole miniature golf course; and Third Man down by Ski Run Blvd. with a really nice interior, good pub food (fresh warm pretzels with cheese dip, mmm) and good beer selection. Tahoe AleWorx at the Y is a great outdoor space flanked by the brew pub on one side, wine/cocktail bar on the other side, a new food stand outside to go with their indoor kitchen, and large outdoor space in the pines with fire pits and a live music stand. Some other breweries/brew pubs - South Lake brewing (my favorite of the beers), Sidelis, Cold Water, South of North, Stateline, the Hangar, the Brewery at Lake Tahoe, and a second AleWorx in the Casino row.

-Visit Sand Harbor on the east side, rent new glass bottom kayaks or hang out on the beach. Nevada beach and Round Hill Pines beach are also nice, and you can rent bikes and ride on miles of paved bike trails in that area around Stateline too.

-Visit Thunderbird estate, if it's reopened for tours by then. Down along the south side near Camp Richardson are a few other old preserved mansions for public tours too.

-Drive back to the end of Fallen Leaf lake - boat rentals, hiking, and outdoor patio for sandwiches and lunch there too.

-Drive to Incline Village - Try Alibi Ale public house, the restaurant Bite, the Eagle lounge of the Hyatt on the lake, or Big Water Grille.

- Stop at Logan Shores vista overlook north of Cave Rock tunnel, hike down to lakeshore trail if you don't mind short steep paths. There are several other good vista points on the east side that have nice views and trails down to lake access.

- Check in at forest service run Info center at Heavenly village to discuss possible hikes and other tours and get maps if desired. There are endless options around the lake, and various sources of info on websites, trail maps, and guidebooks. A couple other areas to check out on day trips are Spooner Lake on the east side and Tahoe Meadows near Mt. Rose on the north, with trails in both areas, and access to the Tahoe Rim trail for lake views after climbing a bit.

- Dine at Riva grill or Artemis at the end of Ski Run Blvd. overlooking the lake on outside patios.

- Check out various other beaches via this website: https://www.tahoepublicbeaches.org/

This is still just scratching the surface, there is way more to do on all sides of the lake. Driving around the whole lake in a day is worthwhile, and you can see some of the options for additional day trips by doing that. Make time for a stop in downtown Truckee and maybe Tahoe City too.
 

10spro

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We will be coming to Timber Lodge next week to celebrate our 40th anniversary. Fingers crossed about the smoke from ongoing wildfires. I have only been to this property once, and that was a long time ago, so wanted to ask a couple things:
(1) MVC website says there is only valet parking. Are there any other better options?
(2) What restaurants should I make reservations for? I missed Hell's Kitchen by at least 4 weeks, but maybe that's no big loss.
 

jlp879

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Not too far north is a peaceful shopping center on the east side of the road with a Safeway and some restaurants etc. The Mexican restaurant there (sorry forgot name) is quite good and he makes killer margaritas.
Do you mean Los Mexicanos in Zephyer Cove? That shopping plaza also has a sushi place in it.

Across the highway is a nice Italian place I keep returning to, Capisce? It's on the same road as the parking lot for Nevada Beach, which is a nice beach to walk along and explore. It's usually quieter than the beaches right in South Lake Tahoe.

There are no parking options at Timber Lodge. It's valet only.
 

zentraveler

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Do you mean Los Mexicanos in Zephyer Cove? That shopping plaza also has a sushi place in it.

There are no parking options at Timber Lodge. It's valet only.

Yes, that is it! It is in the Round Hill Shopping Center a bit south of Zephyr Cove. Very peaceful as shopping centers go; plenty of parking and the sushi place is there too. I went to the Los Mexicanos several times in the week we were there! As noted before, both the food and the margaritas were great and both available for take out. The Safeway was easier shopping than the more crowded areas of South Lake Tahoe and a short, pretty drive from Marriott Timber Lodge.

The valet parking was great at TL. I generally don't like valet and prefer to park my own car, but I appreciated theirs. Just call down a bit ahead and they retrieve - and park - cars swiftly. No tips expected; I assumed it was built into their pay but I never saw anyone leaving one and none of the staff seemed to expect them.

This thread is reminding me of our trip to Timber Lodge last fall and makes me want to go back!
 

Steve A

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I wish we had this info two years ago when we went. Except for the gondola and the lake tour we didn't find much to do. I think we’ll try it again.
 

tahoe

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If you are going to Timber Lodge via week ownership or DC points, at least 1 car is included for valet parking.
 

toppats

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We will be coming to Timber Lodge next week to celebrate our 40th anniversary. Fingers crossed about the smoke from ongoing wildfires. I have only been to this property once, and that was a long time ago, so wanted to ask a couple things:
(1) MVC website says there is only valet parking. Are there any other better options?
(2) What restaurants should I make reservations for? I missed Hell's Kitchen by at least 4 weeks, but maybe that's no big loss.
The valet parking at Timber Lodge is your only option, but it is a good one. They are quick and efficient.
Kalani's within walking distance of Timber Lodge is very good. No lake views, but the food and service are excellent.
Riva Grill has the lake views but their food is only so-so, and extremely expensive. Last time we were there burgers were $25 and our lunch tab without drinks was $100. It definitely has the atmosphere, though.
Driftwood Cafe, also within walking distance of Timber Lodge, is excellent for breakfast. Many times there is a wait but it's worth it.
The Beacon at Camp Richardson is a blast. It sits right on the shore, casual and lots of fun with great food. I think it opens at 11 for lunch so get there right before that or you will have a wait. Sometimes they have a live band outside. A favorite.
 
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