Last year I had the best sub sandwich you could possibly imagine at the Yellow Submarine in South Lake Tahoe. So tasty, in fact, that a whole year later my husband and I decided it was time to return with our toddler. Yes, we drove from Reno to South Lake Tahoe to enjoy mouthwatering subs, but we also made a fun family trip out of it.

Our “plan” for the daily was light – eating our subs was the number one priority, and depending on how the toddler did we could rent bikes, walk or head to the beach. The toddler meltdown changed those plans to a drive around the lake. While she slept I fell in love with the scenery -- snowy mountains behind beautiful pine trees. It was perfect.

Our drive took us to El Dorado Beach where we let our now-rested toddler play in the sand while I watched people stand-up paddleboard on Lake Tahoe. It completely relaxed this mommy who is constantly on the go.

Our trip ended with a visit to the Marcus Ashley Art Gallery inside the shopping center next to Heavenly Ski Resort. What I really like about the gallery is that it carries Dr. Seuss’ secret art collection. It’s unforgettable.

There are so many things to do at the lake that are perfect for families. Without a real “plan” in place we had a great lunch, a relaxing day at the beach and even took in the local art scene.

As Dr. Seuss would say, just look around, “It's opener, out there, in the wide, open air.”

Haydee Acebo is from Ecuador and has traveled and lived in different countries. Haydee lives in Reno and enjoys traveling, swimming, dancing, biking, snowboarding, and meeting people from different cultures.

Lake Tahoe is centered amongst some of the best fly fishing areas in the Sierra Nevada.  We call it the Golden Circle of trout fishing!  

1. To the north we have the Truckee River System known for its Trophy Trout and catch and release sections. 
2. The Little Truckee River, a tributary to the main Truckee, is one of my favorites during the spring months.  It is a Tailwater fishery with controlled flows and always seems to fish well during the run-off months when the Freestone Rivers are high and muddy from snow melt. 
3. Just to the south of Lake Tahoe is the Carson River Watershed originating from the mountains throughout Alpine County and flowing eastward into the Nevada desert where it disappears into a natural sink.  The East Fork of the Carson River is the main fishery and has approximately seven miles of catch and release only waters and miles of regular trout regulation waters. 

A little further south and along the Eastern Sierra lays the East and West Walker Rivers which flow out of the Sawtooth Range. The East Walker River below Bridgeport Reservoir stays open year-round and makes for some great winter fly fishing. 

There are numerous other lakes in the Tahoe area that have wonderful fly fishing.

1. Heenan Lake is one of my favorites and is located on Monitor Pass just outside the town of Markleeville, CA.  Heenan is a catch and release only lake and is also home to the Lahontan Cutthroat Trout.  Float tubing is the best way to catch these magnificent fish up to 40 inches. 
2. Caples Lake in Alpine County is another favorite.
3. Spooner Lake at the junction of Hwy 28 and 50 in Nevada is fantastic, of course
4. Lake Tahoe is the ultimate fishing destination.  

For information on guided fishing trips and equipment, check out Tahoe Fly Fishing Outfitters in South Lake Tahoe.

Victor owns Tahoe Fly Fishing Outfitters. He purchased his first fly rod at age 7 but unfortunately never had a mentor to teach him how to use it!  Living in South Lake Tahoe has been an adventure for Victor and central to many a good fishin’ hole. After spending the past fifteen years behind the counter of a fly shop and a few years prior to that behind a bar, he has heard most all the lies he can imagine and a few secrets about fly fishing as well!

Whether it's an intimate forest gathering by tea lights or a dramatic gala on the beach — spring and summer wedding celebrations in Tahoe South guarantee a stunning, picture-perfect backdrop for one of the most important days in your life. 

Tying the knot? Check out these options:

1. Edgewood Tahoe
   Talk about memorable! Overlooking the lake from 20 yards, Edgewood Tahoe’s sweeping outdoor deck overlooks the calm Tahoe water and is a favorite location for the ceremony. The clubhouse has two banquet facilities and can accommodate groups from 100-250. Edgewood’s wedding specialists can recommend local vendors for music, cake, florist, photographer and officiate.
2. Valhalla at Lake Tahoe
   The rustic chic wedding spot at Valhalla’s Grand Hall combines majestic Old Tahoe charm with incredible lake views that provide for picturesque weddings. Known for its magnificent indoor fireplace, the Grand Hall offers a unique South Shore location for ceremonies, receptions and other wedding-related group functions.
3. Zephyr Cove Resort
   Imagine a wedding setting with breathtaking views of crystal blue Lake Tahoe in an environment that embraces recreation and togetherness. Vows are exchanged either on the beach or on board a paddlewheeler boat, with a sunset option. Zephyr Cove Resort and Lake Tahoe Cruises is a place that invites newlyweds and families to celebrate the occasion and beauty of Tahoe's natural surroundings.
4. Regan Beach
   Tucked in a quaint park in the heart of South Shore is Regan Beach, a beautiful grassy knoll with giant old-growth Jeffrey Pines and on a beach overlooking the lake. The ceremony-only location holds about 80 guests and provides one of the most romantic settings Lake Tahoe has to offer.
5. Emerald Bay
   The most iconic spot at Lake Tahoe is also one of the most popular places to get married. With 600 acres of state park and Emerald Bay as the backdrop, the ceremony-only venue captures the essence of Lake Tahoe's pristine natural beauty. Whether it’s cliff side or from two scenic lookout points, this venue is spectacular any time for casual and small-group weddings.

 Planning a Tahoe wedding? Share your thoughts and tips with other brides and grooms here.

Tiara works for Weidinger Public Relations and assists with PR efforts for Tahoe South. As an outdoor enthusiast, Tahoe is the perfect playground for Tiara to combine work with play. She contributes reviews to gear.com and blogs about Tahoe and DIY projects on her personal blog all while planning her picturesque Tahoe wedding, August 2012. Her work for Tahoe South includes assisting with promotions and special events for the destination.

In Tahoe South we have plenty of bike paths to explore, mountain-home-esque vacation rentals, tons of summer camping, state parks and yes, even sandy white beaches. What's not to love?

I love riding bikes. I do not discriminate from mountain bike, to road, to cruiser. I have no less than 7 bikes sitting in my yard right now, and I'm sure my neighbors hate me.

I don't care.

I don't care, because I love the freedom of transportation that a bike provides. I love that as a child, I wasn't allowed to watch TV but I was allowed to ride my bike wherever I pleased and that one singular rule gave me more independence and courage as an adult than any other tool or trait that my parents could have tried to force upon me.

As a child on vacation, my fondest memories included renting bright cruisers and being allowed to ride to our hearts content all over the Technicolor vacation sub-divisions in which we rented homes. A bike on vacation was far more exciting than your own neighborhood: there were new streets to explore, new kids to meet, souvenir shops to pre-shop, and, most importantly, ice cream stands.

Tahoe South is no different and summer families of every shape, size and age gather on two wheels for the same recreation all summer long. Whether you are a cycling connoisseur looking for a road bike, a mountain biker looking for that Tahoe Downhill Experience, or simply a family looking to cruise the bike path for an ice cream cone, we’ve got you covered:

• Anderson's Bike Rentals starts at the beginning of the Camp Richardson Bike Path. There are miles of safe, paved trails perfect for the family of all ages to peruse. The path is dotted with beaches. As you bike, you can enjoy a picnic in the sand at Pope or Baldwin Beach. Ride the bike path into Camp Richardson and stop at the restaurant with the best calamari and Rum Runners in town, The Beacon, or treat the kids to their daily vacation ice cream cone at the Camp Richardson Ice Cream Parlor. 
• For the road or mountain biking enthusiast, I recommend South Shore Bikes (530-544-RIDE). Hec and his staff at South Shore Bikes can set you up with road, mountain or downhill bikes by the hour or day. If you need multiple bikes for multiple family members, they also rent beach cruisers and stock a well rounded supply of road and mountain bike parts. 
• If you are in need of apparel while you're in town, head on across the street to my store, Pearl Izumi (530-541-9044) for all your road and mountain biking apparel needs.
• Brought your bike but need a tune? I recommend Wattabike (530-544-7700) in Meyers. If you are a road biker looking for cycling routes in the area, stop into Pearl Izumi and speak with my staff or check out our favorite loops on Alta Alpina Cycling Club's site. 
• If you are a mountain biker looking for the best trails in the area, head on over to TAMBA's trail page. 

In Tahoe South, our locals are friendly, our bike paths are safe, our beaches are beautiful, and you and your family will create some of the best vacation memories on just two wheels. 

If you've experienced South Lake Tahoe on two wheels, I'd love to see your pictures or include your recommendations on this list!

• $15 for the Lake Tahoe Celebrity-Amateur on Tuesday, the practice round on Wednesday and for the American Century Celebrity-Amateur on Thursday.
• $25 for each tournament round, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 
• A $50 (a $10 discount) Patron Badge Season Pass gets you into all six days of the event but is only on sale until May 31, after that the ticket price goes to $60. 
• Kids 10 and under are free with each paid adult.

Hope to see you out there!

Tiara works for Weidinger Public Relations and assists with PR efforts for Tahoe South. As an outdoor enthusiast, Tahoe is the perfect playground for Tiara to combine work with play. She contributes reviews to gear.com and blogs about Tahoe and DIY projects on her personal blog all while planning her picturesque Tahoe wedding, August 2012. Her work for Tahoe South includes assisting with promotions and special events for the destination.

• Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course
  It’s literally right along the shore of South Tahoe and as you might imagine, breathtaking.  Golf Digest Magazine named Edgewood one of “America's Top Golf Courses.” Challenging – yet fair – this course offers four sets of tees ranging in length from 5,567 to 7,555 yards, providing a suitable test for golfers of all skill levels. This George Fazio-designed course is home to the American Century Championship. 
  Location:100 Lake Parkway Stateline, NV 89449; 775-588-3566

• Lake Tahoe Golf Course
  Known for its mountain mead set against the Sierra Nevada as its backdrop, this course is a championship 18-hole golf course with water throughout, so accuracy is crucial. The mountain views and trees make for an authentic Tahoe experience. 
  Location: 2500 Emerald Bay Road South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150; 530-577-0788

• Tahoe Paradise Golf Course
  Tucked among towering pines, this scenic 18-hole executive course features tree-lined fairways that make accuracy off the tees essential. This course has spectacular vistas. 
  Location: 3021 U.S. Highway 50 South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150; 530-577-2121

• Bijou Golf Course
  This course belongs to the city of South Lake Tahoe and is a short, nine-hole golf course great spot for beginners, families and birdie seekers. 
  Location: 3464 Fairway Avenue South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150; 530-542-6097

All this talk about golf has me itching to get out and play.

Jenn works for Weidinger Public Relations and handles all PR efforts for Tahoe South. As a winter enthusiast (she loves other seasons too), Tahoe is the perfect playground for Jenn to combine work with play. Her work for Tahoe South includes working with regional and national media, assisting with promotions and special events for the destination and coordinating media invites and itineraries.

A long ride is always best when you're surrounded by the camaraderie of others! I find that it's quite a bit easier to take in the surrounding view when you’re part of an organized event – there’s food, support and SAG along the way.

Below is a roundup of some of my favorite cycling events in South Lake Tahoe this year.

The Alta Alpina Spring Century is a laid back club ride open to club members each year. It takes place on Sunday, May 27 and is a great reason to join the local cycling club. At $25 for a year membership, the ride is a great way to learn about some of the beautiful terrain the Tahoe Area has to offer. The route starts in the foothills, climbs over Monitor Pass, goes through Hope Valley, over Luther Pass, through Tahoe South via Pioneer Trail and descends Kingsbury to the finish.

Tahoe South's premier cycling event is America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride. It's always an inspiring event with 80% of the participants raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society through Team in Training. This year's annual event takes place on Saturday, June 3. There are 35 mile, 72 mile and century options. There is no better way to see Lake Tahoe than by circumnavigating the lake. 

If you would love to tour the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range and surrounding area in a supported event, the brand new Cycle the Sierra takes place June 23-27 and will feature prominent Tahoe South routes. Day 2 ends at Kirkwood Mountain Resort, Day 3 features Kirkwood to Tahoe South and Day 4 is Tahoe South to Sierraville.

For those looking for an extra special challenge, The Alta Alpina Challenge: Riding the Wild Sierra takes place on Sunday, June 30 and includes an amazing double century billed as the "World's Toughest Double Century." It also offers a number of other options on the most beautiful roads and mountain passes Tahoe South has to offer including a Family Fun Ride option, a metric, a century and a 5 Pass 134 mile challenge. The rest stops are run by volunteers from the local cycling club and offers homemade cookies!

The iconic and world famous Death Ride takes place this year on Saturday, July 14. It is unfortunately already sold out. Alta Alpina's 5 Pass Challenge during the Wild Sierra is a good option for those looking to tackle this route this summer. Otherwise, keep an eye out for registration to open up next winter. Spots always sell out quickly.

If you can't make June's America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride, the same company puts on a similar event every fall. The annual Tour de Tahoe will take place on Sunday, September 9. While there is no century option for this event, who wouldn't want to spend a lovely morning touring the lake?

If you are into racing, Alta Alpina Cycling Club puts on a weekly road race series over the summer with a handful of events falling in the Hope Valley Area including one on one of my personal favorite roads to ride: Blue Lakes Rd.

Lauren Lindley is a Texas Longhorn at heart and a transplant to South Lake Tahoe, which she has called home since 2006.  She is an adventurer and athlete, claiming the following to her sports resume: runner, swimmer, cyclist, snowboarder, and sometimes climber.  She is a music lover, prolific reader of literature, traveler and photographer.  The only bottle of wine she doesn't like has the word Merlot on it.

The roaring that you hear isn't bears waking up after their winter hibernation. Nope. It's the incredible waterfalls that grace our area. The water is cascading over shelves of ancient stone and granite at incredible velocity, due to the abundant spring runoff.

Grab your shoes, pack a lunch, bring a camera and be prepared for some impressive falls. Here are some of my favorite spots:

1. Cascade Creek Falls
   A must see, Cascade Creek Falls Trail offers a moderate mile-long  path with lavish ferns and wildflowers along the way. The Trailhead is off of Highway 89 at Emerald Bay from the Bayview Campground across from Inspiration Point.
2. Eagle Falls
   This gorgeous waterfall is set against the backdrop of iconic Emerald Bay. There are the lower or upper falls – both equally beautiful. Lower Eagle Falls is about a mile walk down with drops in two large cascades of 60 and 90 feet. It’s an easy to moderate hike and takes about 20-30 minutes. Pack your water bottles and lunch for a quick bite at the picnic area. From the picnic area, continue a quarter of a mile up to see the Upper Eagle Falls.
3. Glen Alpine Falls
   With 65 feet of layered drops, the stair-step, snow-fed stream setting of Glen Alpine Falls above Fallen Leaf Lake is perfect for pictures. It’s easily accessible from Highway 89 north, approximately three miles from Highway 50. (Look for Fallen Leaf Lake Road.) Continue until you see the trailhead sign and turn left. Parking is across from Lily Lake. The best time to view is now through the end of May.
4. Horsetail Falls
   If you’ve ever taken Highway 50 to South Lake Tahoe, then chances are you’ve seen a magnificent crashing waterfall to the north just as you’re approaching Twin Bridges. This is Horsetail Falls, created by Pyramid Creek flowing down the steep glacier carved granite faces of Desolation Wilderness. Its 800-foot drop makes it the largest waterfall in the Tahoe area and a wonder to be witnessed. From Tahoe South take Highway 50 west about seven miles from Echo Summit and park in the well-developed parking area near Twin Bridges and the Pyramid Creek Trail.
5. Fontanillis Lake Falls
   It might be five miles to reach the waterfall with a 150-foot cascade that drops from Fontanillis Lake to Upper Velma Lake.  This is a must see in spring and early summer months. You will need to obtain a wilderness permit at the Eagle Falls trailhead for this day-long hike and you won’t want to forget a lunch, a camera and stamina.

If you do take your pooch on the hike, be safe! Water can flow fairly rapidly in early spring and summer in Tahoe. 

 *Tiara works for Weidinger Public Relations and assists with PR efforts for Tahoe South. As an outdoor enthusiast, Tahoe is the perfect playground for Tiara to combine work with play. She contributes reviews to gear.com and blogs about Tahoe and DIY projects on her personal blog all while planning her picturesque Tahoe wedding, August 2012. Her work for Tahoe South includes assisting with promotions and special events for the destination.

As the weather warms and the days get longer and warmer, the ski resorts stop turning their lifts and visitors start moving their activities from the slopes to the beaches and lakes. The cool water and the warm sand are a pleasant calling for many. Those who enjoy lounging on the beaches notice the beautiful snowcapped mountains surrounding the lake. But what about those skiers and boarders that aren’t quite ready to give up making turns and letting the adrenaline pump through their veins? Here is a simple solution: throw those sticks on a backpack and create your endless winter!

Fall snowboarding in Tahoe. 

At the end of last year as Heavenly stopped turning lifts, I wasn’t ready to stop. My body was used to snowboarding all day long and I had finally become good enough of a skier to handle the more fun terrain; I certainly wasn’t going to let that go to waste! When the lifts stopped I made a vow to myself. “I’m going to ski every month this year.”

South Lake Tahoe makes an excellent home base for an adventure like this. I never realized that this goal would lead me to places that I never knew existed. Hiking, four-wheeling, rock climbing and rappelling all were involved in this endeavor to keep winter going. Some of the very best snow late in the season was found along Highway 88 not to far from legendary Kirkwood.

So, how did I do it? When June rolled around, I turned to the webcams to spot patches of skiable snow.

Another easy option is to keep an eye out while driving around Lake Tahoe or while hiking and biking your favorite trails. Finding those north facing couloirs form the best odds for finding snow late in the season.

Finally, and oftentimes with the best results, ask around! There are plenty of people in South Lake Tahoe who try to get turns in during the “off season” and they certainly take note when they see snow.

As this season comes to a close I am proud to say that May will be my 19^th consecutive month of skiing in the Sierras, with plans to make it 24 consecutive months.

I challenge you… Nay… I dare you to ski or snowboard at least once this summer and tell us a little about your adventure! Be sure to also enjoy that summer weather and lounge around on the beach, too!

Anthony Frabbiele is a frequent couch surfer in South Lake Tahoe since 2008. He participates in a range of extreme sports including everything from white water rafting to high altitude mountaineering. He is a Mechanical Engineer by day and an adventure photographer by weekend with the ultimate goal of achieving the seven summits. Two down, Five left!