Mark Twain argued that "tahoe" in translation from the American Indian is grasshopper soup. Of course, the second deepest lake in the United States has nothing to do with soup. In fact, the Indians who lived in these places called it "da hou aha", which translates as "lake land", it was the "pale-faced" who changed everything in their own way. Tahoe - this is the official name of the lake and its surroundings only since 1945. Before that, there was a lot of controversy over the correct name.
What attracts tourists here
In many ways, this reservoir is unique. The water in it, shimmering in different shades of blue and green, is very clean. In winter, it does not freeze, and in summer it does not warm up above 20 ° C. The temperature is not very comfortable for swimming, but the summer is full of happy vacationers.
Tahoe is a very popular destination for water sports enthusiasts. Diving brings great pleasure to lovers of fabulous views of the bottom, illuminated by the sun through the thickness of clear water. A large sports fishing fleet has also been created here. A huge number of boat stations and berths provide tourists with catamarans, scooters, boats. You can even ride an Indian pie. Pleasure boats are constantly plying along the lake, connecting the resort areas.
Americans love to spend their weekends and vacations in the Tahoe area. The tourist infrastructure is very well developed here. Many different resorts are built along the coast, there are even several cities that provide a decent rest after working days. Movies, concert halls, nightclubs, bars, restaurants and even gambling houses cater to every need of guests around the clock.
In winter, millions of winter sports enthusiasts come to these places. For them, this is just paradise. Major ski resorts provide various trails for both beginners and seasoned snowboarders and skiers, there are trails for night skiing under the stars. On average, during the winter period, up to eleven meters of snow falls in the mountains. But, if there is not enough of it, artificial snow production systems come to the safety net.
Precautions
The length of the Tahoe coastline is 116 km. A highway has been built along the coast. It is noteworthy that driving around clockwise is safer than counterclockwise. Drivers are less distracted by the incomparable views of the lake, and more closely monitor the road. It is very difficult here, basically, without any obstacles on the passes. And there really is something to be distracted. Therefore, observation platforms were made along the entire highway to stop and contemplate the extraordinary beauties.
A huge, 496 km in area, the reservoir stretches between the mountain ranges of the Sierra Nevada. Its length is 365 km, width 19. The mountains and gorges around are covered with mixed coniferous forests. Huge boulders adorn the shore. The landscapes around are striking in their grandeur and strength. The weather in these places almost always pleases with the sun. And the lake below it just shines, making everything around it glow. Fresh air with pine aromas makes your head dizzy.
Lady Laura J.M.'s tea and summer houses Knight
Emerald Bay is especially beautiful and the most photographed area. The color of the water, flanking its beaches with scattered stones and century-old pine trees. There is a lonely rocky island right in the middle. At its top, a small stone house in the form of a fortress is erected. This is Lady Laura J.M.'s teahouse. Knight. Not more than twice a year, she and her friends would get here by boat to enjoy the delightful landscape at the tea ceremony.
Her summer house is on the shore of the bay. In one season in 1928, with the help of 200 workers, Lady Knight's nephew, an architect by profession, built a house that includes elements of Scandinavian castles and churches. The stones and wood used in the construction were taken here on the lake. Now Vikingsholm, as the house is called, is visited by tourists as a tourist attraction. And it is not at all surprising, its architectural style is very unusual and the structure looks more than harmonious among the shaggy fir trees.
Entertainment
The surrounding area is popular for hiking, horse riding and cycling. Wonderful pictures open up for travelers in the forest. Trees, shrubs, growing in some places right on the rocks, amaze the imagination with their size. Many travelers who have visited these places, leaving, say that Tahoe is distinguished by the impressive size of everything that is located here: rocks, cliffs, trees, even pine cones are larger here than usual. 63 rivers flow into the lake, crossing many obstacles. The waterfalls they create also add to the charm of the local landscape.
In addition to fish, the area is home to many animals and birds. They are protected by the US Forestry, as nature reserves are organized here. You can only hunt with special licenses. Resorts and holiday homes even have special barriers to prevent large animals and predators from visiting. Garbage cans are specially designed in such a way that grizzly bears could not get into them.
Best time to visit
In the evening and at night, the Tahoe is spectacular in a new way. The sky dotted with stars turns into black mountains, and under them dozens of resort towns, recreation centers, hundreds of campgrounds shine with colorful lights. They are full of nightlife. All this splendor is reflected in the lake. An amazing view that only true connoisseurs of natural beauty can observe.
In summer and winter, the wonderful views of the Tahoe captivate tourists even on rare days of bad weather. The wind bends the trees, the waves roll over the rocks, breaking against the rocks, dark clouds cover the tops of the mountains. The noise of the forest and the surf does not let you forget about the omnipotence of natural forces. At such moments, unity with the environment is especially felt. The delight of what he saw does not leave anyone indifferent.
Americans are absolutely right when they come here on vacation and on weekends. The landscapes of Lake Tahoe are therapeutic. They give courage and confidence, make you collect your thoughts and throw out everything unnecessary from your head. Encourages you to love life in all its manifestations.
A few more articles on the topic of tourism in the United States: Yellowstone, Thor's Well and Lake Powell - read on our website.
