Welcome to The Weekender, Coveteur’s travel series where seasoned globetrotters share their insider guides to top destinations across the world. Read on for the best spots to eat, stay, and enjoy.
On the border of California and Nevada lies Lake Tahoe—a breathtaking freshwater lake surrounded by the Sierra Nevada mountains. The area is often classified by two main regions: North Lake Tahoe (the more remote area home to many locals) and South Lake Tahoe (the more commercialized area filled with ski resorts, casinos, and restaurants). As I learned during my recent three-night trip to South Lake Tahoe, there’s no wrong time of year to visit. The winter provides plenty of opportunities for skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and ice skating. Meanwhile, the summer is filled with water sports, hiking, fishing, and kayaking.
If you’re heading to Tahoe during the colder months, find my guide on where to stay, what to do, and where to eat, below. Even if your itinerary gets altered by a snowstorm like mine did, my trip is proof that all you need is a beautiful resort, a great travel partner, and a phone set on “do not disturb” to truly enjoy the area. Plus, it will give you an excuse to go back and experience the endless outdoor activities the area has to offer.
Where to Stay
Edgewood Tahoe Resort
One side of the upstairs bathroom. The other side features a large shower and private toilet.
Photos: Courtesy of Rachel Epstein
The living room, which features a cozy fireplace.
For a low-key-yet-elevated winter resort feel, book a stay at Edgewood Tahoe. Located on the shores of South Lake Tahoe (about an hour drive from the Reno airport), the 235-acre lakefront property is home to 154 guest rooms and suites, an 18-hole golf course, an ice skating rink, an 8,500-square-foot spa, and three on-site restaurants. In November 2022, the property debuted its brand-new Villa Suites, which is where I had the privilege of staying.
Upon walking into the beautiful two-bedroom suite, I couldn’t get over the full kitchen, indoor fireplaces, private outdoor jacuzzi and fire pit, incredible bathrooms, and spacious bedrooms. If you have the means to do so, I recommend booking one of the two-, three-, or five-bedroom luxury suites (they range from 1,875- to 2,938-square-feet), especially if you’re heading to the area with a group of friends or family. The suites are a short walk from the main lodge, where you’ll find The Bistro restaurant (more on this later), the spa, a cozy fireplace, extra s’mores kits, a coffee bar, and a retail store filled with winter gear in case you forgot to pack something. You never have to leave the property.
What to Do
Book a Massage
The lounge area, where you can relax before and after your spa treatment.
Photos: Courtesy of Rachel Epstein
The inside of the women’s locker room at Spa Edgewood.
Do yourself a favor and book a massage the day of or day after you arrive in Tahoe to get into complete relaxation mode. I did the latter at Spa Edgewood, where my partner and I received an amazing couples massage (he chose the warming CBD massage and I did a custom massage). After you receive your treatment, you can look forward to unwinding in the calming lounge area with snacks, taking a dip in the outdoor hot tub, and sweating out any toxins in the sauna before heading to your next activity.
Try Snowshoeing
The back of Edgewood Tahoe post-blizzard.
Photo: Courtesy of Rachel Epstein
Snowshoeing isn’t for the faint of heart–especially for a Florida native like myself who attempted to do it in three feet of post-blizzard snow. For those who aren’t familiar, snowshoeing is essentially a hike in the snow that you do while wearing special footwear. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to work up a sweat, snowshoeing is a good midday activity that’ll give you an excuse to relax for the remainder of the day. If you’re staying at Edgewood, the property will provide you with snowshoeing tour options and times.
Go Snow Tubing or Sledding
A winter wonderland post-blizzard.
Photo: Courtesy of Rachel Epstein
Take an hour or two out of the day to embrace your inner child and go snow tubing or sledding. While I didn’t personally get to do this on this trip thanks to the blizzard (I know, I know), a few nearby spots that were recommended to me were Adventure Mountain, Heavenly Mountain Resort, and Hansen’s Resort.
Enjoy Ice Skating
Edgewood on Ice is situated next to a fire pit with mountain views in the background.
Photo: Courtesy of Rachel Epstein
Edgewood on Ice, the property’s very own ice skating rink, is open daily from 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., so long as the weather permits. Utilize the rink for a romantic post-dinner ice skating date or a fun activity with friends.
Where to Eat & Drink
The Bistro
The avocado and red hummus spread was delicious.
Photos: Courtesy of Rachel Epstein
Don’t sleep on the apple pie and carrot cake.
The Bistro is by far my favorite restaurant on Edgewood’s property. The first time my partner and I ate dinner here, we started off with the delicious avocado and red pepper hummus spread, followed by the filet mignon I ordered for my main course. For dessert, don’t think twice about ordering the apple pie and carrot cake. The second time we ate dinner here, we shared the pepperoni and cheese flatbread along with the primavera, both of which were amazing.
Brooks’ Bar & Deck
The beef chili soup.
Photos: Courtesy of Rachel Epstein
The grilled chicken sandwich with waffle fries.
Overlooking the Edgewood golf course, Brooks’ Bar & Deck is a convenient lunch spot. I ordered the beef chili soup, which may or may not have been the best soup I’ve ever had, as well as a grilled chicken sandwich. My partner ordered the chicken wings, which he agreed were A-plus.
Edgewood Restaurant
The entrance to Edgewood Restaurant.
Photos: Courtesy of Rachel Epstein
The filet mignon with potato fondutta, piedmontese toma, speck roasted brussels, sweet drop peppers, and rosemary glace.
Located directly on the golf course with views of the lake, Edgewood Restaurant is a great spot for a Saturday night meal and the most winter lodge-feeling of the three on-property restaurants. I ordered the filet mignon (no surprise here), while my partner ordered the prime steak duo.