Lake Tahoe

The Shore House at Lake Tahoe...falling under the spell

by Anne Raymond
Special to America's Seniors/TodaysSeniorsNetwork.com

This scoop departs from my usual “bargain stories” but I’ve discovered such a special destination, I just had to share it with readers who may be heading to or near renowned Lake Tahoe one day. If you do, I urge you to splurge and entrust yourselves to master innkeepers, Barb and Marty Cohen. You too will fall under their spell. My husband and I had already heard glowing reports about The Shore House when we finally checked into the bed & breakfast inn on a sunny afternoon in late February.

Located at 7170 North Lake Blvd in Tahoe Vista, California, The Shore House is the ultimate romantic getaway on spectacular Lake Tahoe. Each floor is surrounded by decks offering fabulous views of the pristine alpine lake and the snow-capped Sierras. Fine restaurants, art-galleries and top-name entertainment at Nevada casinos are close by.

Upon arrival, we are greeted by the hosts who give us a tour of the property. Barb and Marty have lived at Lake Tahoe for over 28 years and know every nook and cranny of the north and west shores. Their bed and breakfast inn consists of nine guest rooms including one cottage, each with its own special features and charm. The Forest Room becomes our home for the next few days.

Our stay begins with The Shore House tradition of complimentary wine and appetizers. A walk along the private beach whets our appetite for a delicious meal in one of the nearby restaurants. Back in our cozy Forest Room, the pampering continues. We find freshly-baked treats left by our hosts, another of their daily rituals. A soothing massage in the double whirlpool tub combined with the relaxing background music from the in-room CD player bring back the romance in our lives. An evening to remember.

Breakfast here is a celebration of the new day. Nothing could have prepared us for the exceptional pleasures enjoyed by guests at Barb and Marty’s dining room. Breakfast includes fresh fruit and award-winning gourmet entrées. Many of their original dishes are featured in their recipe book, Cooking is an Adventure, Too.

With ten major ski areas within driving distance, a few only 20 minutes away, we capitalize on our location to do some serious schussing. Other popular winter pastimes include snowshoeing, ice-skating and snowmobiling. Summer activities consist of hiking to the mountain lakes, bicycling, tennis, golf, rafting, horseback riding, parasailing, kayaking and boating.

Much too quickly, our stay is over. With bags packed, we take time to jot down a few words in the guest book. Peeking at comments from former Forest Room visitors, we learn that the room works its same magic for others as well as for us. We come away from our visit with lasting memories of an ideal place to unwind, to get in touch with nature and to rediscover the joy of connecting with one’s partner.

The details …
Barb and Marty are members of the Professional Association of Innkeepers, the California Bed & Breakfast Association and the Lake Tahoe Bed & Breakfast Association. In addition, The Shore House is a member of the prestigious Select Registry. This guide lists 400 of the finest country inns, B & B’s and unique small hotels throughout North America. In order to qualify, accommodations must be very special. A rigorous review and inspection is made by some of North America’s leading hospitality professionals. The member innkeepers are all independent, professional and hard-working individuals who go the proverbial extra mile for their guests. The one and only entry for California’s Lake Tahoe Region is The Shore House at Lake Tahoe (page 69). For information, see www.SelectRegistry.com, tel: 1 800 344 5244.
Rates at Shore House start at US$160 per night. Minimum 2-night stay on weekends and 3-night minimum on holidays. Smoking is not permitted in guestrooms, dining room or hot tub area. For reservations call 1 800 207 5160, e-mail: shorehouse@tahoeinn.com , www.tahoeinn.com