The Sierra Nevada has already received its first dustings of snow, which means it’s time to lay plans for a winter visit to Big Blue. You’ll beat the crowds (and higher holiday prices) by planning a Tahoe visit before Dec. 15 or after the New Year’s holiday. November is also a great time to check out new digs, and we have some suggestions for dog-friendly cozy cabins in Lake Tahoe.
On the South Shore, Spruce Grove Tahoe Cabins is a cluster of seven vacation rentals on Ski Run Boulevard at the base of Heavenly Mountain Resort. Each is decorated in a vintage theme, and all share a hot tub and fenced lawn. Nearby Holly’s Place is favored by DogTrekkers not just for the reasonably priced cabin accommodations, but because the two-acre property is securely fenced and it’s OK for well-behaved canines to accompany their people off-leash.
On the splurge end of the spectrum, Fireside Lodge B&B pampers with river-rock fireplaces, knotty pine woodwork, luxury furnishings and owners happy to help you plan activities to enjoy with your pet. For location, value and convenience, it’s hard to beat Zephyr Cove Resort, a cluster of cabins in a scenic lakeshore setting on the Nevada side of the lake, just minutes from the South Lake Tahoe entertainment district. Most of the nicely updated cabins have kitchens, which make the what-to-do-at-mealtime question a lot more manageable during snow season.
On the North Shore, you and your pup can hide away at Rustic Cottages Resort, a 19-cabin, former logging camp in Tahoe Vista that was converted to vacation cottages in 1925. All units have private baths, many have fireplaces and kitchens, and continental breakfast is part of the very reasonable nightly rates. Cedar Glen Lodge, just down the road, features a cluster of elegantly renovated, 1950s-era cottages with kitchens or kitchenettes. Dogs as well as people are welcome at the outdoor fire pit and in the grassy picnic areas, and the lakeshore is just across the street.
Traveling south on Highway 89 along Tahoe’s west shore, you’ll leave the hustle-bustle and encounter a quieter, more serene atmosphere. Just south of Homewood, Tahoma Lodge welcomes DogTrekkers in affordable, updated cabins with lakeshore and bike-trail access, while nearby Tahoma Meadows B&B Cottages is a well-known haven for outdoorsy types and their four-legged friends. Even if you don’t stay here, do check out their website’s “pet info” pages for suggestions on adventures to enjoy with your pup while visiting Northern California’s most popular vacation destination.
