Experience a multi-day kayak adventure along the Lake Tahoe Water Trail in style September 23-26 or by special arrangement.

This fall, Tahoe Adventure Company is featuring a multi-day kayak and stay package along the West, North and East shores of Lake Tahoe. Guests enjoy the glassy, clear waters with early morning guided paddles spotting local wildlife and learning about the unique natural and human history of this special region. 

By afternoon, they arrive at their lakefront hotel for a hot shower, warm meal, and pure relaxation. The best hotels have been chosen for their comfort and include Sunnyside Lodge, Mourelatos Lakeshore Resort and the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe. After checking in, guests can choose to benefit from a massage, a walk along the beach, skipping stones or simply relaxing by the pool or on the water’s edge.

The four-day kayak adventure is a luxurious way to spend a long weekend, special occasion, or simply a reason to celebrate autumn on one of the most magnificent lakes in the world.  Fall in Lake Tahoe treats us to warm sunny days as well as calm water and is void of crowds.In addition to thorough instruction, guides will inform you about natural and human history topics such as wildlife, geology, ecology, and native peoples. Kayaking is at a leisurely pace, allowing time to see the sites and enjoy the crystal clear water. Each day’s paddle starts after an excellent breakfast, finishes in the afternoon and is suitable for beginners. Evenings are enjoyed with delicious meals at terrific local restaurants with great company.

For more details and the day-to-day itinerary, call Tahoe Adventure Company at 530.913.9212 or  TahoeAdventureCompany.com. Space is limited.

-Written by Pettit Gilwee, special to VisitRenoTahoe

On April 3, 2010, 300,000 people in the U.S. were introduced to one of Northern Nevada’s hidden gems – and that number is still growing.

The photo “Pyramid Lake (at Night)” by Richard Misrach of Berkeley is the default background screen on Apple’s iPad.

The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribal Council was unaware of the photo, but hopes that its exposure will increase visitors to the region.

“We appreciate them recognizing the lake, or at least the landscape here,” Mervin Wright, Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribal Council chairman, told the Reno Gazette Journal.

The photographer also was surprised.

According to a Jan. 28 blog post by Andrew M. Goldstein on Artinfo.com, Misrach didn’t know his photo would be featured on the iPad until it was revealed that same day by Apple CEO Steve Jobs.

Pyramid Lake is the largest remaining remnant of a lake system known as Lake Lahontan that covered much of the Great Basin at the end of the last ice age. The saltwater lake is a component of the National Scenic Byways Program and is the only byway in the nation entirely within a tribal reservation. This route takes the visitor 37 miles along the shore of one of the largest lakes in the world and provides a unique opportunity to learn more about the Pyramid Lake Paiute tribe.

A recreational paradise awaits you at Pyramid Lake where you’ll find boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking – not to mention sublime vistas – all only 30 minutes from Reno.

If you live in Reno or have been lucky enough to visit, you know it’s a no-brainer. It’s a great getaway, let alone a fantastic place to reside. There’s never a dull moment in the Biggest Little City, from year-round entertainment, recreational options galore and all at an affordable cost. Men’s Journal Magazine recognizes Reno’s AAA Aces ballpark, the Riverwalk District, Artown and the city’s proximity to abundant outdoor recreations as several reasons why Reno had to be among the top 25 cities for “Best Places to Live 2010”, according to the April issue of Men’s Journal magazine.

The top 25 cities were included in various categories and determined by three variables including median home price, cost of living compared to the rest of the United States and number of sunny days per year.  Reno is featured as tops for “Ski and Climb Without the Crowds” listing Reno’s median home price as $274,670, its cost of living as 13 percent higher than the rest of the nation, and boasting 252 sunny days per year.

“Having Reno named one of the best places to live is a huge honor for our city and residents,” said Reno Mayor Bob Cashell.  “We all know why we love this place, but the national recognition helps build credibility for our city as a top place to live, work and raise a family.  It also gets the word out about what makes our city so special including our downtown baseball park, Artown and burgeoning downtown.”

“Reno making a top places to live list helps increase awareness nationwide that Reno Tahoe is a happening place where locals and visitors alike can enjoy all this area offers, from downtown fun to high altitude adventure.” said Ellen Oppenheim, Reno Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority (RSCVA) President and CEO.  “The recent investment in area hotel-casino properties, spas and restaurants are additional outstanding amenities locals and visitors can take advantage of.”

The April issue of Men’s Journal featuring the “Best Places to Live 2010” is on newsstands now or visit www.mensjournal.com.

Men’s Journal has previously ranked Reno’s historic Old Southwest as one of ‘The Best Neighborhoods in America’ in their June 2009 issue.

We’ve been tooting our own horn for a while. It’s nice to get some validation, though, dontcha think?

A new kayak tour is bringing Tahoe’s rich history and boundless recreational opportunities together on the North Shore.

Tahoe Adventure Company introduced a kayak tour that has groups launching at Sand Harbor State Park (in Incline Village), with a stop at Thunderbird Lodge, to enjoy a walking tour of the 1930s estate and learn the story of George Whittell, the eccentric man who built it, followed by a fantastic deli spread lunch on the shores of Lake Tahoe.

If you’d rather hoof it, try the Tahoe City guided walking tour put on by the North Lake Tahoe Historical Society. Participants start at the Gatekeeper’s Museum and make their way to Watson Cabin, which turns 100 this year.

History is king on the West Shore as well. Head down the 1-mile, steep trail to visit Lake Tahoe’s only castle. Vikingsholm offers a sandy beach perfect for a picnic and a quick dip in the region’s clear blue waters. Tours are available. Also on the West Shore is the 1903 Ehrman Mansion, the opulent summer home of a San Francisco businessman.

For event details, along with deals on lodging, activities and entertainment, click to www.GoTahoeNorth.com.

Amateur and professional kayakers filed into Reno-Tahoe this week for the 2009 Reno River Festival. We caught up with them at the Truckee River Whitewater Park practicing and socializing in advance of the weekend activities. Check out these photos from Thursday:

It’s a right of spring in the Sierra Nevada: The snow starts melting and the kayakers come out to play at the Truckee River Whitewater Park. The park, a manmade playground featuring rapids and pools, sits right at the entrance to downtown Reno, Nev., and it’s the host site of the annual Reno River Festival, taking place this weekend (May 8-10). One of the premier kayaking competitions in the country, the festival  offers a great time for visitors to Reno-Tahoe with live music, vendors and events all weekend long.

From humble beginnings

What began as a way to showcase and attract attention to the park for whitewater enthusiasts has grown with a multitude of events – some connected, some not so connected to kayaking. Last year 40,000 athletes and spectators made their way to the river’s edge for great weather and a great time under the spring sunshine.

The festival has followed the trajectory of the popularity of whitewater kayaking. In the U.S., there are few parks designed specifically for whitewater kayakers and only Reno’s is central to a metropolitan core.

Something old, something new

In addition to professional and amateur freestyle and boatercross kayaking events, the Reno River Festival features the Run Amuck fun run, where the goal may be the best costume, not necessarily the best finishing time. For a more spiritual experience, try yoga in the park or take in a fly-fishing casting demonstration. Each day’s party atmosphere is highlighted by live music in the park, craft beers and retail vendors. Dress code? Shorts and sandals.

More on the way

The wave of popularity in whitewater kayaking continues to grow and the Truckee River may become its epicenter in the West. Downriver, at Rock Park in Reno’s sister city of Sparks, a second iteration is under construction and ready to open this summer. The park’s kayaking features complement those of the Reno park, with improved riverbank landscaping, shade structures, and play structures, parking and better access for people with disabilities.

Reno River Festival

• What: Kayaking, live music, food and drink
• When: May 8-10
• Where: Downtown Reno at the Truckee River
• More: RenoRiverFestival.com

Most people still don’t understand why I choose to spend SO much time in Reno, NV. Until they come to visit all I can do is tell them about the awesome outdoor community and the easy access to outdoor amenities.

This week just downstream of the current whitewater park (the Truckee River Whitewater Park in downtown Reno) another was completed (the Truckee River Whitewater Park at Rock Park in Sparks). Though it is still not officially open I had the chance to test out the new features – and yes I got to be the first (there has to be some perks to being the world champ). This is the kind of park you want to bring your kids to: a picnic on the grass, swimming in the deep eddies.

I know I’ll be spending heaps of time here in the near future as they’ve managed to build a nice little wave for me to train on – thank you Jim and Mike!

- Re-post courtesy of world champion kayaker Ruth Gordon

Check out this video of Ruth on the wave of  “Double D,” one of the park features:

Following on the success of the Truckee River Whitewater Park in downtown Reno, the City of Sparks has broken ground – or river – on its own kayak park, adding another attraction for whitewater athletes and recreation seekers in the Reno-Sparks area.

The site – located at Rock Park at 1515 Rock Boulevard – will be closed to the public until early 2009, with the whitewater attraction planned for a summer 2009 opening.

“The whitewater feature at Rock Park will raise the bar for recreation in the Truckee Meadows and bring visitors to Sparks from near and far,” said Sparks Mayor Geno Martini.  It will include five drops similar in appearance to the Truckee River Whitewater Park. “The project will be a wonderful use of the Truckee River, and something our citizens can enjoy for years to come.”

Along with pools for kayaking, tubing and rafting for all skill levels, the improvements include improved riverbank landscaping, shade structures, and play structures, parking and better access for people with disabilities. The river trail system will also be rerouted and improved. The nearly $900,000 contract is being fulfilled by Reno Tahoe Construction, Inc.

In addition to serving as the focal point for redevelopment in downtown Reno, the Truckee River Whitewater Park is also home to the annual Reno River Festival, one of the country’s premier kayaking competitions.