Welcome to My Little Mountain Town

Lake Tahoe....First, home to the Washoe tribe, then a supplier of timber during Nevada's Comstock era.  It was a prime vacation spot for San Francisco's wealthy families at the turn of the century. In 1944, Harvey's Wagon Wheel Saloon and Gambling Hall opened at the Stateline area, and in 1955 the Bijou Skyway Park was purchased and renamed Heavenly Valley.  The 1960 Winter Olympics at Squaw Valley showed Tahoe to the world, turning the whole basin into a major vacation destination. South Lake Tahoe was incorporated as a city in 1965 and the population has since grown to 21,403 (2010 Census). 

Enough history for now, let's get down to business. 

There has been a great debate over how a person becomes a "local" in Tahoe.  Some say it's all about the length of time living at the lake, while others have said, "Well, you're not REALLY a local unless you've been to .... (insert name of place or event here)."  

I am a 15 year local.  I've been to the historical spots, learned the lore, and danced at the Firefighter's Ball.  I am also one of the many in this town who work with the public.  I get to mingle with the locals, the tourists and the seasonals.  I rarely go a week without hearing questions like, "What is there to do here OTHER THAN ski and gamble?" or "Where can I go for a late night espresso?"  Sure, some of these things can be Yelped and Googled, but really, who knows better than a local?   And one local doesn't know, they most likely know someone who does.   

Hence, this blog. I am YOUR local.  I will provide information not only about the larger annual events in town, but also about the smaller more community-style events and lists of places to go for live music, local eats and a late night coffee.  Do you want to know where to find Kareoke on a weeknight?  How about the best non-fastfood chain burger?  If I don't have it listed, let me know in the comment area and I'll get a list up a quickly as possible.

Keep this in mind, while I am here to turn you on to the places the locals love, I will not be divulging the locals' secret hiding places, like beaches, ski runs and bike trails.  If you want to know those places, become friends with a local.  Trust me, it's worth it.