The views and the vibe are refreshingly different toward the end of summer, when the days proceed at a much slower pace at this North Tahoe location, where the venerable Lake Tahoe’s waters are not far away – a mere seven-mile drive is all it takes.
Looking for a little vacation pampering heading into the fall months? If so, The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe can accommodate.
Located off Highway 267 near downtown Truckee and Kings Beach, The Ritz-Carlton is a luxury resort that will rest your mind and challenge your body – assuming that’s part of your vacation equation. The luxury hotel offers gorgeous views, thanks to its mid-mountain location at Northstar California Resort.
The guestrooms and suites have in-room fireplaces and floor-to-ceiling windows that serve as a personal observation post day and night. It’s difficult to ignore the tranquil mountain backdrop or the view of the slopeside outdoor pool area that seems to be beckoning guests to take a dip.
No worries about the water being too cold; the large pool and nearby lap and kids pool are heated and the two hot tubs are soothing and quite hot.
Just inside the pool area is a huge 24-hour access fitness center and spa treatment area for anyone seeking excessive pampering. If structured exercise is your thing, there are daily group classes in the fitness studios (ages 18-above). For relaxing down time, try the steam room, experience the rain shower, the cool dry sauna, or the whirlpool.
There’s really no need to leave The Ritz-Carlton. Besides the numerous activities, there’s some great dining options as well. One of those is the upscale Manzanita restaurant, where guests can sample an incredibly unique menu. New this year is a cozy outdoor dining area that provides a great atmosphere and is heated when the air gets a little chilly.
The Ritz prides itself with “sourcing organic, sustainable and locally grown meat and produce when possible.” An open kitchen and gorgeous mountain views enhance the dining experience.
For a less formal meal, try the Backyard Bar & BBQ, which offers a casual dining experience dining and poolside convenience during the summer and fall, plus ski-in/ski-out outdoor availability during the winter months while visiting Northstar. Café Blue is a great spot for morning coffee and a little breakfast.
The Ritz-Carlton continues its tradition of hosting autumn-inspired events and resort-based activities, giving area visitors even more to do when they plan a trip toNorth Lake Tahoe this fall.
“Autumn is one of the most spectacular times of year to experience Lake Tahoe, and an opportunity to offer resort guests and area visitors even more to do while they’re here,” said Joseph Mattioli, general manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe. “The culinary events, variety of on-property activities and convenient access to historic downtown Truckee and Lake Tahoe contribute to an experience that is truly unmatched.”
Below are some of the popular events taking place in September and October at The Ritz-Carlton. For more information about events call 530 562-3000.
Autumn Food & Wine Festival
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe will again participate in the annual Lake Tahoe Autumn Food & Wine Festival September 5-7, with special events (below) scheduled to take place at the hotel over the course of the weekend.
Art of the Cocktail
On Friday, September 5, guests ages 21-over are invited to join “Art of the Cocktail” from 4-5 p.m. in The Living Room. Participants will journey back to pre-prohibition days when cocktails were the highlight and beer, wine and other beverages were not in fashion. This entertaining, educational experience will feature three bourbon, whiskey and gin cocktails paired with appetizers. Advance purchase tickets are required and available for $40 per person.
Winemaker For A Day
In this seminar, participants ages 21-over will learn the intricacies of blending various wines as they create their own bottle of wine to take home and enjoy. Hosted by seasoned wine expert Phil McKenney, this session offers guests the opportunity to taste single-varietal wines before blending in a classroom-style format. Taking place from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, September 6, this seminar will be located at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe. Advance purchase of tickets is required and available for $80 per person.
Tahoe Long Table Harvest Dinner
Prepared by Executive Chef Stanley Miller, the Tahoe Long Table Harvest Dinner will feature a family-style dinner presentation of a special harvest menu that incorporates the freshest, locally-sourced, sustainable ingredients. This farm-to-table dinner on Saturday, September 6 will seat guests together at a long table on the Manzanita Terrace at 6:30 p.m. to enjoy six courses with wine pairings al fresco. Guests must be age 21-over to participate. Advance reservations are required. Cost is $85 per person.
The culinary weekend concludes Sunday, September 7 in The Village at Northstar with the Culinary Competition and Grand Tasting, which the culinary team from The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe will participate in. Tickets can be purchased and more information about the weekend’s events can be found online at www.NorthstarCalifornia.com.
Harvest Fest, Oct. 12
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe will celebrate the change of season with the return of its annual Harvest Fest event. Resort and local guests are invited to bring their families to enjoy fall-themed activities including a candy apple bar ($5 per apple), pumpkin patch in the woods (pumpkins available for purchase for $10 each), complimentary pumpkin decorating, s’mores roasting with the Marshmologist, hot cocoa and apple cider tasting and a children’s costume party in the Backyard of the resort from 1-5 p.m.
The resort will also host the second annual Harvest Beer Dinner the evening of Sunday, October 12 from 5:30 p.m. to close at Manzanita. Guests will enjoy a three-course dinner inspired by fall with select pairings of seasonal beers for $59 per person. Advance reservations are required and can be made by contacting Manzanita at 530 562-3000.
To confirm hotel reservations at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, visit www.ritzcarlton.com/laketahoe or call reservations toll-free at 800 241-3333.
