California/Nevada: Lake Tahoe and Reno, Family Vacation Ideas – Fishing, Sailing, and the Comstock Silver Lode. 
Reno, Carson City as well as both North and South Lake Tahoe provide families on vacation with days packed with summer recreation, and nights featuring cowboy stories and awesome Shakespeare under the starts. With miles of trails to ride and hike plus kayaking, canoeing, sailing, fishing, and golf at more than 50 spots in the area – it’s all about fun outside.
Camp with Mr. Shakespeare. 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. 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". For other times with the Bard just bring a beach chair and a picnic dinner and dine under the stars. 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. (Lake Tahoe Shakespeare 948 Incline Way, Incline Village, NV 89451 toll-free 1-800-74 SHOWS or
www.laketahoeshakespeare.com)
Sail with your kids to Emerald Bay. It’s been said that the narrow inlet of Emerald Bay is the most picturesque spot on Lake Tahoe. In 1969, the location was officially designated a National Natural Landmark – merited by its brilliant panorama of mountains and glacier-carved granite. The amazing natural beauty of the spot makes it a highlight of any visit to the Lake Tahoe area.
Bonus points: One of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in the western hemisphere, Vikingsholm, can be found within the park. Also worth visiting is the “Tea House”, built in 1929, stands on the only island in all of Lake Tahoe. (The park is located 22 miles south of Tahoe City or
www.parks.ca.gov)
Step into history of the Old West. Perhaps one of Nevada’s best kept secrets is Virginia City - one of the oldest established cities in the American West. Made famous by the discovery of silver in 1859, the Comstock Lode silver strike caused the city to virtually appear overnight. For a period in Nevada’s history, Virginia City was the most important settlement between Denver and San Francisco, home to grubby prospectors who became (somewhat) polished millionaires, and even financed the Civil War.
Discovery: Not to be missed attractions include the Virginia and Truckee (V&T) Railroad, the Comstock Gold Mill (home to one of the world’s two working gold stamp mills) and the Chollar Mine tour. (Virginia City Convention and Tourism Authority, North-West corner of C and Taylor Streets, Virginia City 89440. 1-800-718-SLVR or
www.virginiacity-nv.org)
Learn forest-speak. Just about three miles north of South Lake Tahoe on Highway 89, The U.S. Forest Service Visitor Center conducts a variety of activities, many perfect for children. Self-guided trails weave throughout the area and a stream profile chamber may be found near the center. Bonus points: "Woodsy Rangers", a program created for children, is presented each day. The Visitors Center is open from 8:30 am to 8:30 pm during the summer months. (Tahoe National Forest 631 Coyote Street, Nevada City, CA 95959. 1(530) 265- 4531 or <
www.fs.fed.us/r5/tahoe)
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)
Set a line, hook a fish. Tahoe Sport Fishing offers anglers of all ages the chance to create their own fish stories. Lake charters feature video fish finders, electric down-riggers and state-of-the-art rods and reels: fish for kokanee salmon, mackinaw, browns, or rainbow trout. The flexibility of both morning and afternoon departure times makes the planning with kids a little easier. They’ll clean and sack your catch. Need to know: Mackinaw season is open all year. Reservations strongly recommended.
Bonus points: Tahoe Trout Farm is another option which guarantees success for young anglers. Admission is free and bait and tackle is provided. Participants are charged between $3 and $10 per fish. (Tahoe Sport Fishing 900 Ski Run Blvd., Ski Run Marina. (530)541-5448, toll-free 1-800-696-7797 or
www.tahoesportfishing.com)
Cruise Lake Tahoe with your family. Two paddle-wheelers, The M.S. Dixie II and Tahoe Queen, cruise the lake offering passengers awesome views, food and live entertainment. For the discovery-inclined there are tours in glass bottoms boats, and for those looking for a leisurely sunset ceremony the sunset cruises are just the ticket. (M.S. Dixie II and Tahoe Queen 900 Ski Run Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, 1-800-238-2463 or
www.zephyrcove.com)
Planning Details
Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority. Go to
www.bluelaketahoe.com or toll-free 1-800-AT-TAHOE (228-2463).
Reno-Tahoe - America’s Adventure Place. Go to
www.visitrenotahoe.com or toll-free 1-800-FOR-RENO (367-7366).
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