BY JEFFREY WEIDEL
Family fun is standard during the summer months in Lake Tahoe. Great weather, a world-class lake, and many activities to enjoy are part of the annual lore.
This summer, The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe will introduce and welcome back a variety of activities for the whole family to enjoy.
With returning signature events including the resort’s Wellness Weekend and weekly outdoor family BBQ cookouts, oversized lawn and glow-in-the-dark games to be enjoyed well into the evening in The Backyard and much more, Lake Tahoe’s only AAA Five Diamond resort offers the ultimate summer respite.
“The summer season offers an incredible opportunity for relaxation and enjoyment of all that the mountains and the lake have to offer,” said Joseph Mattioli, general manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe. “We look forward to welcoming our guests to Lake Tahoe to enjoy this iconic destination and all of the activities and experiences available.”
The resort will host special events throughout the summer and fall season including a Wellness Weekend June 5-7, 2015, a special Father’s Day BBQ Buffet on June 21 with live music, beer specials and lawn games. The Ritz-Carlton is located mid-mountain at Northstar California ski resort.
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe will also have activities in celebration of the Independence Day holiday, including a “Backyard Party” featuring live music, shaved ice, popcorn machine, root beer floats, house-made dip and dots, face painting, cotton candy and more. In the fall, popular culinary events will return in celebration of the 30th annual Lake Tahoe Autumn Food & Wine Festival, along with the resort’s annual Epicurean Weekend and Harvest Fest, both in October.
Mountainside Stargazing with Tahoe Star Tours
Beginning June 19, Friday evenings throughout the summer season, guests will have the opportunity to learn about the night sky and to view the Cosmos through Tahoe Star Tours’ high-powered Celestron telescopes on the open meadow in The Backyard of the resort. Participants will enjoy access to the private viewing area, comfortable seating, blankets and cocktail service throughout the event.
Tahoe Star Tours events are $35 for adults, and $20 for children ages 12 and under. Tours begin at 8:15 p.m. and conclude at 10:30 p.m.
Event details and ticket information for all tours can be found online at www.NorthstarCalifornia.com. Advance reservations for all Tahoe Star Tours events are recommended, and all tours are offered weather and conditions permitting.
Monthly Hands-on Painting Sessions with The Painted Vine
The Painted Vine, a local business based in Truckee, Calif. will offer a special evening of wine tasting and painting at the resort monthly from June through December. Designed to offer a place to paint, sip wine and connect with others, the concept is to provide participants with a guided lesson that helps novice artists work toward creating a “masterpiece” they can be proud of.
Evenings with The Painted Vine will take place in The Living Room at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe this summer from 5-8 p.m. on June 27, July 18 and Aug. 8, and will include a painting class, cheese and dessert stations, wine and champagne.
The cost to participate is $100 per person, including tax and gratuity. Advance reservations are required. This event is limited to 20 people and can be reserved by contacting the hotel concierge at 530-562-3000. The minimum age for participants is 12 years old.
Interactive Culinary Experiences
New this summer, guests are invited to dine at the Manzanita Chef’s Tasting Counter on Friday and Saturday evenings for an interactive tapas tasting with the chef. With views directly into the exposition kitchen and personal interaction with the chef, the presentation will include communal seating for up to six people and tasting menus reflecting the innovative offerings of Manzanita.
Tasting menus start at $95 per person and include six-courses. Additional courses are also available for purchase. Reservations are required 48-hours in advance and can be made by contacting the Manzanita reservationist at 530-562-3121.
The resort’s Tahoe Long Table Dinner Series will return, with guests invited to experience an exquisite culinary adventure in the mountains that includes pairings with featured Northern California wineries on select dates throughout the summer season.
Winemaker dinners will take place in the private dining room at Manzanita and include a five-course pairing dinner for $125 per person. Price excludes tax and gratuity. Featured wineries will include Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars (July 2) and Antinori Family Estates (Aug. 20), among others. Advance reservations are required and limited.
A new Brew Master Dinner Series will be offered on the Manzanita Terrace on select dates throughout the summer featuring craft beers from Northern California and Northern Nevada breweries including Great Basin Brewing Company (June 16), Auburn Alehouse and Fifty-Fifty.
Guests will enjoy a three-course dinner paired with a selection of seasonal beers for $65 per person. Prices exclude tax and gratuity. Advance reservations are required and limited.
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe this summer, visit www.ritzcarlton.com/laketahoe.
To learn more or confirm hotel reservations, guests are invited to visit www.ritzcarlton.com/laketahoe, contact your travel professional or call Ritz-Carlton worldwide reservations at 800-241-3333.
Jeffrey Weidel can be reached at skiweidel@gmail.com. Thanks for visiting his website at www.tahoeskiworld.com
