Moving on From Reno to Lake Tahoe

Wake up and take a stroll through downtown towards the Truckee River, which runs through the center of Reno. You'll get your coffee fix at Cafe Capello, a family-owned business that takes the sourcing of its beans seriously and does its own roasting in house. Stay inside and admire the local artwork on display or hang out on the patio to enjoy the fresh riverside air. The cafe serves homemade pastries if you need a bite to tide you over until breakfast.

With coffee in hand, head down to the Truckee River Walk, a paved trail along the water in the heart of Reno. There are a few parks and homes to admire as well. The rushing water of the Truckee twists and turns through the city, often shifting in elevation. It's a nice backdrop for photos and is an easy carefree stroll.

Head back to the Whitney Peak Hotel and check out before hitting the road for Truckee.

Squeeze In is a Reno staple with four locations in northern Nevada. However, the original is in Truckee, a charming mountain town just across the state line in California. The Squeeze In mixes a quirky environment (with random pop culture memorabilia and crayon scribbles decorating the walls) with a fantastic breakfast and lunch menu.
You can't go wrong with the restaurant's famous omelettes, especially the signature Racy Tracy, gently folded over mushrooms, cheese and avocado. Ask for a side of chocolate covered bacon and a mimosa served in a goblet.
Burn off those calories afterwards with a stroll down Donner Pass Road, effectively Truckee's main street with shops and businesses to explore.

You've taken the "long way" from Reno to Lake Tahoe, but your reward is a scenic drive along the Crystal Bay waterfront. Park at the Hyatt Regency, the nicest hotel in Incline Village, and rent a bicycle from Big Blue Rentals, which operates on site. It's time to continue the road trip on two wheels.

Enjoy a leisurely bike ride along the Tahoe East Shore Trail from Incline Village to Sand Harbor, a quiet beach that operates inside a state park. The paved pathway is up to 10 feet wide with 16 vista points and 11 entryways to the beach.
The combination of white sand, clear blue water and miles of pine trees is hard to beat. Hang out for a while and take a dip in the lake. The cove-like layout adds a certain sense of privacy, even on busy weekends. The beach also has launch ramps, picnic tables, and barbecue pits. Just sit back, relax, and watch the activity unfold around you.

Head back to the Hyatt to drop off your bike, pick up your car, and continue the road trip to south Lake Tahoe. If you have some extra time to kill, bike a mile or so west of the hotel on a stretch of Lakeshore Boulevard known as "Billionaire's Row" in honor of the expensive homes and prime real estate on the water.

Check in to Forest Suites, a solid mid-level hotel in a great location with a few fun perks. It's near Heavenly Village, a beautiful shopping plaza with cobblestone sidewalks and gondola rides that travel up the mountain to the Heavenly ski resort. A nice breakfast buffet is included with each stay along with a wine-and-cheese social hour in the afternoon. Some rooms have apartment-style features (like kitchens and fireplaces, which are perfect for families traveling with kids). Ask for a view of the lake. It will cost a little more, but is totally worth it.

Check in 30 minutes prior to departure at Zephyr Cove Marina for a sunset dinner cruise on board the M.S. Dixie II paddlewheeler. The tour runs two hours across the south end of Lake Tahoe to beautiful tree-lined Emerald Bay and back.
Along the way, guests will learn about the surrounding scenery, enjoy live entertainment and feast on a three-course meal with a choice of steak, salmon, chicken or mushroom ragout as the main entree. Wine and cocktails are available to purchase for an additional free.
The sunset tour usually launches at 6pm during the busier summer months. Check online to confirm the latest schedule and book tickets in advance.

Return to your hotel room at Forest Suites and get some well-deserved sleep. A busy day and return trip to Vegas lies ahead the next morning.