Tahoe Truckee

Destination
Fletcher was (we were!) in need of a new adventure, so we planned a trip to Lake Tahoe at the last minute right after New Year's 2009. For all we knew, this was going to be his first snow given his Merced shelter background. We first investigated going to Yosemite, but from what we learned calling pet-friendly hotel Tenaya Lodge, our experience with Fletcher there would be limited in terms of accessibility to the Park.

Accommodation
Some quick research for pet-friendly accommodations in the Tahoe region led us to Cedar House Sport Hotel in Truckee. We were drawn to their eco-friendly architecture and the fact they clearly embraced doggies as their guests. Thankfully, they had one room left, a Designer Suite, which is the second nicest room they offer ($275/night + $50 one time dog fee).

The hotel is eco-modern-mountain (my term), with warm wood, exposed steel, and fun angles. The modern comes out in the room decor, which is very "euro" with modular furniture. The rooms could use a bit more lighting, but there was an elegant bath with a big shower, plenty of room for Fletcher's crate, and a flat-screen for winding down with a movie.

For Fletcher's comfort they provided stainless steel bowls, a comfy bed, some doggie-doo bags, and nicely wrapped treats.

Breakfast is included and is served at their new restaurant on site, Stella, which while we were there appropriately had a star ice sculpture outside. We could comfortably leave Fletcher in the room while we ate on the premises (since they ask you not leave your dog alone if you leave the hotel). The restaurant is one big room with an open kitchen, and while the menu is limited, overall the food is fresh and well prepared (although stay away from the gummy frittata in the morning). For dinner one night, my choose-your-own-toppings pizza was cooked in a wood burning oven and the hot chocolate came with sprinkles over whipped cream (which a kid of any age would love).

Recreation
For Fletcher to get his snow-legs we went just down the street to a baseball field so he could run around off leash. We were so relieved to see him embrace the snow!

We asked the helpful folks at the front desk at Ceder House where we could go snow-shoeing with him, and they told us about the Truckee Sports Exchange in old Truckee on West River Street, which was on the way to Donner Memorial State Park. They were helpful although a bit preoccupied, thus giving us one set of shoes with two left feet...

For two days we snow-shoed at Donner Lake, which is conveniently located close to town. There were groomed cross country trails, but the fresh powder off the path was great for snow shoes. The lake view was stunning, and despite being a weekend it was not busy. Often we could let Fletcher off leash and he had a ball romping around.


If you wanted to go skiiing or boarding, we ran into folks at the hotel who were taking their dog to doggy daycare in town while they went to Northstar or Squaw, both of which are close by. Northstar itself was dog friendly, and we walked around their new village one night looking in store windows, sipping hot chocolate, and watching the ice skaters while we kept warm under heaters.

We couldn't resist doing some saucer'ing. In Donner Lake Memorial Park, as well as off Donner Pass Road, there were some great hills for flying on plastic. Fletcher had an absolute ball chasing us up the hill then running after us as we laughed to the bottom.


Degustation
Scraps Dog Bakery in old Truckee was a great find. The treats were spectacular looking, and I assume great tasting given Fletcher's keen attention to every crumb. They also had toys, food, and a sunny window spot for the cats they help adopt out from the store. Doggie donut (r).

Aside from the hotel's Stella, we took a chance on Burger Me and Taco's Jalisco, both on Donner Pass Road. While I appreciate Burger Me's commitment to local sustainable meat sources, my veggie burger was forgettable, and some of the fries weren't cooked through. Taco's Jalisco's nachos were overly greasy (yes, I know they're nachos), and the tacos (fish and beef) were okay. I guess we're a tough crowd.


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