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California/Nevada: Reno-Tahoe, Family Vacation Ideas with Teens – Summer Lake Kayaking, Mountain Hikes, and Cool Shakespeare. 144CATahoeShakesKidsEven in the summer months snow drapes the craggy Sierra Nevada Mountains framing the magical blue of Lake Tahoe.  Spanning two states, California and Nevada, the lake and surrounding area provide sun-kissed days, awesome sunsets, starry nights and Nevada-style nightlife. From hiking and backpacking to mountain biking, kayaking and sailing, the choices are endless. Try horseback riding or go fly fishing; arrange a boat tour or ascend in a hot-air balloon; escape by jeep or relax at a spa, summer in the mountains at the lake is the best.

See Shakespeare on the sand. Bring a beach chair and a picnic dinner and dine under the stars while watching classic theatre. On the East Shore of Sand Harbor is one of the most unique theatrical settings available and the award-winning Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival would make the Bard proud. The plays change with each season. 2008 summer includes an original musical Cambio – the re-telling of The Hunchback of Notre Dame; A Midsummer Night’s Dream – complete with fairies and magic and young lovers, and Richard III - violent, and hilarious. Bonus points: Each summer the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival offers free matinee performances throughout the Reno-Tahoe-Truckee region. News: In August of 2008 the theatre company will conduct two week-long summer theatre programs - A Midsummer's Camp. The camp created specifically for children and young adults will offer the chance to "get into Shakespeare for the fun of it". (Lake Tahoe Shakespeare 948 Incline Way, Incline Village, NV 89451 toll-free 1-800-74 SHOWS or www.laketahoeshakespeare.com)
 
Meet history on the lake shore. Seventy-four acres of wooded forests and beachfront property comprise the Tallac Historic Site, which is registered on the National Registry of Historic Places. With three rustic, turn-of-the-century estates, and the converted Valhalla Boathouse theatre history comes alive on Lake Tahoe. Bonus points: Every summer the Tallac Historic site hosts the Valhalla Summer Arts Music Festival – the festival includes a variety of events for the whole family from late June until September. Special events include the Valhalla Renaissance Festival, the Rhythm & Brews Beer Tasting Festival and Reggae Sunday in August. (3 miles north of South Lake Tahoe on Highway 89, 1(530) 541-4975 or www.virtualtahoe.com)144CATahoeKayaksBeach
 
Slide the flume. In the Tahoe region there are few bike trails more historically popular than the Great Tahoe Flume Trail ride overlooking the east shore of Lake Tahoe. With several variations, the trail allows bikers of all levels to enjoy the ride. The area that the trail winds through is only accessible by mountain bike, and offers bikers drop-dead gorgeous views of Lake Tahoe’s Sand Harbor and beyond. (www.tahoecam.com)

Sail or parasail? Sailing the emerald waters of Lake Tahoe has been a pastime for over a century. Boat rentals of all sizes are available for the novice or advanced sailor. Be aware that Tahoe’s winds are often unstable and can come up quite quickly in late afternoon. If you prefer parasailing, hook in and hold on as you ascend high over the lake’s shores. Float over the shoreline, check out Tahoe’s lakefront estates and glide in for a landing. (3411 Lake Tahoe Blvd. South Lake Tahoe, 1(530) 544-JETS or www.action-watersports.com)

Hike the rim or climb the stairway to heaven. The best views of Lake Tahoe can be found by hiking the Tahoe Rim Trail. With stunning views and over 135 of completed trails, this hike’s not to be missed. One of the best parts of the trail is an 8-mile stretch between Kingsbury Grade and Star Lake, where the trail arches above the desert and Lake Tahoe. Summer weekends beginning each year in mid June, volunteers build the trail and each September they hold a Hike-A-Thon for the nonprofit Tahoe Rim Trail. (Tahoe Rim Trail access points (775) 588-0686). For a challenging hike try the six-mile hike up the backside of Mt. Tallac. It’s not easy but the reward is breathtaking scenery. During early summer the back slope is resplendent with wildflowers, and Gilmore Lake is a great place to picnic.144CATahoeTrail Need to know: A wilderness permit is required. Day hikers can pick up permits at the self serve area at the trailhead. Overnight hikers will need an overnight permit for Desolation Wilderness (www.fs.fed.us). Some 2,000 feet above Lake Tahoe is the Tahoe Vista Trail offering intrepid hikers spectacular views - either grab a printed trail guild or join a guided tour to get the full experience. Need to know: To access the trail just jump on the Heavenly Tram. (1(775) 586-7000 or www.trails.com)
 
Bowl the North Shore. For a complete family recreation experience try Bowl Incline. With 16-lanes, bumper bowling for kids, automatic scoring, video poker, six billiard tables, a full-swing golf simulator, cocktails and more Bowl Incline is definitely a place for the entire gang. (Bowl Incline 920 Southwood Blvd. 1(775) 831-1900)
  
Planning Details
Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority. Go to www.bluelaketahoe.com or toll-free 1-800-AT-TAHOE (1-800-228-2463).
Reno-Tahoe - America’s Adventure Place. Go to www.visitrenotahoe.com or toll-free 1800-FOR-RENO (1-800-367-7366).

Content based on site visit; images by FTF staff and Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival. Copyright 2008.


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