Strawberry Lodge

This 1930s-era lodge and its cabin-like rows of rooms dates to the 1930s, but buildings on this spot go back to the Gold Rush era, when Strawberry was a stagecoach stop on the Pony Express Trail.

Strawberry, about 30 minutes from South Lake Tahoe and 10 minutes from the Sierra-at-Tahoe ski area, is a well situated retreat for skiers and snowshoers in winter or hikers in summer. The trailhead for Lover's Leap, a prominent, granite-dome landmark, is nearby.

The atmosphere in the restaurant harkens to another era, and the rock-strewn American River, which runs behind the property, changes moods with the season.

Pets allowed in the property's 14 Annex rooms. A two-night minimum is required at some times of year.