Insider tips for things to see and do in South Lake Tahoe

Are you visiting South Lake Tahoe for the first time? Below is a list of “Insider Tips” for things to see and do in “Tahoe South.”

When I have a visitor from out of town, the first place they want to see is Emerald Bay, but I also take them a short hike above Emerald Bay to Eagle Falls, or even further into Desolation Wilderness for those more adventurous. There are so many little lakes within miles of each other and you feel like you are on top of the world!

When I want to escape the tourists, my favorite place to visit is the East Shore of Lake Tahoe. Again, there are so many trails that lead to lakes and beautiful views.

Sample the Sierra takes place Labor Day Weekend in South Lake Tahoe

Where the locals eat in Lake Tahoe

If you are looking for typical Tahoe cuisine, there are a few restaurants I would recommend.  Freshies has the best fish tacos I have ever tried! Their salads are incredible and they have quite an array of different meals including fresh fish, organic chicken, Hawaiian Style ribs and more.  If you come between Memorial Day and Labor Day, be sure to sit outside on the deck for stunning views of the lake.   Another local’s spot is the Getaway Café in Meyers.  Their burgers are “quite possibly the best on the planet!”  For breakfast, a must try is the Deluxe Benedict – sautéed spinach, onions and tomatoes with Canadian bacon and home fries.  Be sure to save room for dessert too!

Sugar Pine Bakery has a wide variety of pastries and muffins fresh-baked daily. They have a cinnamon croissant that is to die for.

For cheap food, be sure to check out Steamers. Sat-Mon they have $3 parmesan crusted tacos with chicken, beef, or veggies. This place is packed with locals on the weekends.  Another great hidden favorite of the locals is Taqueria Jalisco, who just opened a second location called Jalisco Grill.  You can get a super burrito with the works for under $6 and it can feed two!  The same family has owned it for at least 20 years now.  They also have a California Burrito with French fries inside for those who don’t like authentic flavors.

The best spot for late night dining is Lakeside Inn. There are two restaurants to choose from, Latin Soul & the Timber House.

For an expensive, yet quality meal, the Chart House can’t be beat. About a mile up Kingsbury Grade, the views of the lake are incredible.

There's more to gambling and skiing in South Lake Tahoe

There’s more to gambling and skiing in South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe has long been known best for gaming and skiing.  More recently, people have begun ice climbing, bouldering & rock climbing, mountain biking, paddle boarding, hiking, camping and fishing.  It is the perfect place to experience the great outdoors.  Be sure to get your picture taken on the lake. Any beach you are on will offer a panorama of mountains, trees and the tri-color blue water.  The gondola at Heavenly Observation Deck offers a great vantage point of Lake Tahoe, or for the more adventurous, take the 4.5 mile hike to the top of Mount Tallac for 365 degree views of wildflowers, the lake, mountains and desolation wilderness.

The newly created Lakeview Commons is the best place to watch the Annual Labor Day Weekend Fireworks display. Thousands of locals and tourists fill the beach to watch this spectacular show.  Before the fireworks, be sure to visit Tahoe’s only Farm-to-Fork Festival, Sample the Sierra, Labor Day Weekend in South Lake Tahoe.  Featuring fresh local produce prepared by the best restaurants in town, paired with El Dorado County wine or brew, this festival is a food, wine and art lovers dream.

Corral loop is one of the first single track mountain biking trails to open after snowmelt in Lake Tahoe.

Night life in Lake Tahoe

TahoeSouth has no shortage of entertainment for the night owls.  There are dance clubs in almost every casino and live music for everyone’s tastes.  Cabo Wabo, inside Harvey’s was recently renovated and offers live music 7 nights a week.  Opal Ultra Lounge at MontBleu has become the new local spot, offering free drinks for ladies on Friday Nights.  The Outdoor Summer Concert Series has become one of the main draws for tourism.  From Toby Keith to Journey, Maroon 5 to Sugarland, the summer concert series is generally held 2 nights a week during the summer.  Here is the lineup for 2012

Be sure to pick up a copy of the Action or the Tahoe Daily Tribune to keep posted on what’s happening in TahoeSouth.

What are your favorite things to see and do in South Lake Tahoe?

What are your favorite things to do in Lake Tahoe?

For additional insider tips follow Luxury Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown on Twitter and follow Tahoe Chamber  on Twitter  and like them on  Facebook.

Thanks to Jessica at the Tahoe Chamber of Commerce for assistance with this post. Top photo courtesy of Nancy D. Brown. Sample Sierra photo courtesy Tahoe Chamber. Skiing photo courtesy of Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe. Mountain bike photo courtesy of Ben Fish. South Lake Tahoe photo pulled from Lake Tahoe South Facebook page.

South Lake Tahoe

For an authentic San Antonio, Texas experience visit the historic San Fernando Cathedral

Are you visiting San Antonio for the first time? Below is a list of “Insider Tips” for things to see and do in the Alamo City.

When I have a visitor from out of town, I take them to The Alamo. Originally named Mission San Antonio de Valero, The Alamo was established in 1718 as the city’s first mission.

For an authentic experience reserved for the locals, visit the historic San Fernando Cathedral. I was fortunate to attend the early morning Fiesta Mariachi Mass in April. The English speaking mass honors Fiesta royalty and includes a Spanish choir and lively mariachi music.

Kids in San Antonio, Texas

Save time for a trip to SeaWorld San Antonio, the world’s largest marine life adventure park or Six Flags if you have kids traveling with you. If you happen to be in San Antonio during Fiesta, the Fiesta Arts Fair at the Southwest School of Art brings together artists from across the U.S. and San Antonio. This family-friendly event also features a Children’s Art Garden where kids have a chance to work with professional artists while they create their own masterpieces.

For a Prickly Pear Margarita, go to Boudros on the Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas

Tex-Mex Food of San Antonio

Are you wondering where to eat in San Antonio, Texas?  This is the place for excellent Tex-Mex cuisine.

The best items on the menu at La Gloria restaurant are the mokajetes. La Gloria specializes in street foods of Mexico. The margaritas are “life changing” according to my friend. Personally, I liked the sangria and just about everything Chef Johnny Hernandez brought out to our table. Viva Fiesta!

For a tasty Prickly Pear Margarita, go to Boudros on the Riverwalk. The best breakfast in town can be found at Guenther Bakery in the King William District. If this place could mail order their cinnamon rolls I’d be in BIG trouble!

One of the “must do” tourist experiences is the Rio San Antonio dinner cruise, then stop and have a drink at The Esquire after dinner.

For the foodies in the group, take a cooking class at The Culinary Institute of America, San Antonio or dine at NAO, pronounced “now” – a restaurant of new world flavors.

Nikki Swift, 2012 Princess of the Order of the Alamo and Sallie Lewis, Queen of the Order of the Alamo, San Antonio, Texas

Cowboy boots and hat standard San Antonio attire

Are you seeing a lot of  cowboy boots and hats around town? San Antonio is best known for Western Wear. The highlight of my visit was the Charreada at Charro Ranch. A Charreada is the national sport of Mexico, an equestrian competition featuring horse reining, bull riding and roping skills. Check out the Texas Folklife Festival if you are visiting San Antonio in June.

There’s more to San Antonio than River Walk

Everyone will know you are visiting San Antonio if you get your picture taken in front of the Alamo or on the River Walk (RW.)If you have time,  walk to the top of the Tower of the Americas on the Observation Deck.  It’s also nice to explore street level too, especially the Southtown area which is less “polished” and a little funkier. Lots of art galleries, shops, and neighborhood businesses. The King William neighborhood is a real find for lovers of Victoriana – the homes are gorgeous and if you come during a home tour that’s a treat to see them on the inside!

That said, if you’re on the RW,  it’s a must to take the River barge all the way to the Pearl District from there; especially on Saturday mornings for the year-round, rain or shine Farmers Market.

The San Antonio River Walk is a five mile network of walkways.

San Antonio fitness break

In San Antonio, outdoor types will want to hike and bike their way through the city. Of course you’ll want to walk the River Walk.

Looking for a little exercise? Walk  or run along the Museum and Mission Reach portions of the River Walk, this eight mile, $245 million project will restore wetlands to the ecosystem while maintaining or improving flood control.

If you are a museum lover you might want to visit the San Antonio Missions National Park, the  McNay Art Museum or Museo Alameda, the first and only Smithsonian-affiliated museum dedicated to Latino culture. Afterall, there’s more to San Antonio than the Alamo.

Want to dance like a local? Azuca restaurant is the place to go for salsa dancing.

There’s more to San Antonio than art

The San Antonio Express-News will keep you posted on what’s happening in San Antonio, as well as the alternative weekly San Antonio Current.

In the spring you should attend Luminaria in March and Fiesta in late April. San Antonio seems to have a festival or celebration every month.

But there’s more to San Antonio than art.  Come to San Antonio in the winter for SPURS basketball season. You may watch the four-time World Champions at AT&T Center.

Mission Espada is part of the San Antonio Missions National Park

Insider Tip: Check out The King William Neighborhood; it’s a beautiful historic neighborhood located just south of downtown.

Just outside of  San Antonio you may explore Texas Hill Country. The kids will love the water park at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort. I loved Lantana Spa at the resort.

What are your favorite things to do in San Antonio?

For more up-to-date happenings, follow Visit San Antonio on Twitter and like their page on Facebook. For all things travel related, follow Travel Expert Nancy D. Brown on Twitter.

Thanks to San Antonio Writer Julie Catalano and San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau for assistance with this post.  Photos, YouTube video and article by  Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown.

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When you come to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, get your picture taken at the top of the Biloxi Lighthouse.

Are you visiting the Mississippi Gulf Coast for the first time? Below is a list of “Insider Tips” for things to see and do in Bay St. Louis, Biloxi, Gulfport, Long Beach & Ocean Springs, Mississippi.

When I have a visitor from out of town, I take them to the beach and to the Katrina Memorial at the Biloxi Town Green.  When the high water mark from Hurricane Katrina was pointed out to me, the magnitude of destruction became a little easier to comprehend.

Looking for a quiet place to escape and unwind? Check out one of the many casino resort spas. Most offer great deals if you book in advance.

Don’t miss Lynn Meadows Discovery Center if you have kids traveling with you. It was the state’s first children museum and makes its home inside an old school house.   There’s always a great coupon for a discount too: http://www.gulfcoast.org/coupons/

Southern Food:

If you are looking for typical Mississippi Gulf Coast cuisine, I recommend Mary Mahoney’s Old French House in Biloxi. It was established in 1964 and housed in a building that was constructed in the 1700′s. Delicious seafood. On June 21, 1984, the Presidential Platter was served by Mrs. Mary Mahoney on the White House Lawn for President Reagan and guests. The restaurant has been featured in the John Grisham novel “The Runaway Jury” and in the John Grisham novel “The Partner.”  The best item on the menu at Mary Mahoney’s Old French House is the Half Lobster Imperial.

I loved the beignets at McElroy's on the Bayou in Ocean Springs, Mississippi

I loved the beignets at McElroy’s on the Bayou in Ocean Springs and I thought I’d died and gone to heaven when I tried the apple walnut pancakes topped with brie cheese at Harbor View Restaurant in Long Beach. Dinner at Lookout Steakhouse in Gulfport Downtown District is also a treat. Save room for the chocolate bomb – sinfully delicious.

Looking for inexpensive yet amazing food on the Mississippi Gulf Coast? Visit The Shed BBQ and Blues Joint in Ocean Springs.Great live music on the weekends. Not only do you get to have fabulous BBQ, you get to have quite an experience!

Just inside of Bay St. Louis, with a great beach view, is 200 North Beach…”Comfortable, casual Southern dining at sensible prices!”

Go to Triplett Day Drug Company for a great breakfast treat or coffee. They serve delicious, warm beignets in a unique diner style setting!

For an expensive, yet quality meal, go to thirty-two at IP Casino Resort Spa in Biloxi. Seafood, steaks, fabulous wine selection – and my favorite: Crab Bisque. Yum! Steak lovers will want to visit Mignon’s in the Palace Casino and if you want to experience authentic Southern food – think fried oysters, cheese grits, red royal shrimp (when in season) and fried green tomatoes – try the Half Shell Oyster House in Biloxi.

The 24/7 Grille at the Hard Rock Casino in Biloxi is the best place for late night dining. From omelets and bagels to burgers and seafood, 24/7 Grille has a classic, casual diner atmosphere.

Stroll the streets of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi

Seeing a lot of military members while on vacation? The Mississippi Gulf Coast is home to many military installations, including the 81^st Training Wing at Keesler Air Force Base, home to the Hurricane Hunters.

When you come to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, get your picture taken at the top of the Biloxi Lighthouse. The Lighthouse is open for tours Monday – Saturday at 9:00, 9:15, and 9:30 am.

The Ship Island Excursions offer great views of Ship Island, the Gulfport coastline, and the sunset.

Stop and admire the chainsaw sculptures such as this colorized piece of art by Marlin Miller

On the Mississippi Gulf Coast, nature lovers have the chance to bird watch, hike, or bike through many trails. In this sub-tropical climate, outdoor activities are a year-round option for the Gulf Coast vacationers. Whether you take an eco-tour to view the wildlife or rent a kayak and paddle on one of the rivers and bayous, you are certain to unwind while experiencing nature at its most pristine. You might even spy an alligator.

Looking for a little exercise? Walk along the 62 miles of coastline for a scenic view, complete with the Gulf breeze or head to DeSoto National Forest for twenty-one miles of trail for the horseback rider or hiker.

If you are a museum lover, Biloxi’s best museum is the Frank Gehry-designed Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art, located next to the Biloxi Yacht Club on Highway 90.

For a night of dancing, go to Coast Nightclub inside Beau Rivage Resort & Casino. The “Beau” as it is called by locals is typical Southern scene with its giant magnolia trees in the lobby.

In the spring you should come to the Mississippi Gulf Coast for Mardi Gras. Here are the Queen's Maids getting ready to ride on a float.

The Sun Herald newspaper will keep you posted on what’s happening on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

You can tell a lot about the Mississippi Gulf Coast from visiting in the spring and enjoying the Mississippi Coast Coliseum’s Crawfish Festival.

Family-friendly Mardi Gras in Biloxi, Mississippi

In the winter, horse lovers  should attend the Gulf Coast Winter Classics – professional equestrian competitions at the Harrison County Fairgrounds.

In the spring you should attend Mardi Gras on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Lots of parades, family friendly.  This was my first time to the Gulf Coast and I had the good fortune to ride on a float at the Gulf Coast Carnival Association Parade. What an experience! I have never thrown so many beads in my life!

In the summer you should attend the Mississippi Gulf Coast Music, Arts, Crafts, & Seafood Festival aka “Party at the Point” in Biloxi.

Did you know that the Mississippi Gulf Coast hosts the annual Cruisin’ the Coast car show? Visit in October to see all sorts of classic cars.

Insider Tip: See how many chainsaw sculptures you can spot on the Gulf Coast. Check out the often over-looked Biloxi Tour Train

Walk the streets of Bay St. Louis on the Mississippi Gulf Coast

The best way to see the Mississippi Gulf Coast is to walk on the beach during the sunset.

What are your favorite things to do on the Mississippi Gulf Coast?

Thanks to Mississippi Gulf Coast for assistance with this post. You may also follow Mississippi Gulf Coast  on Twitter or become a Facebook Fan . I was a guest of Mississippi Gulf Coast. Article, YouTube video and photos by Nancy D. Brown

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