This is my favorite time of the year, when the water in Lake Tahoe is the warmest, the air temperature starts to drop, kids go back to school, and “locals’ summer” begins. This is also the time when season passes go on sale and local ski resorts start reminding skiers and snowboarders about what sets them apart from the rest. So, here are some local happenings going on in this September:
September 2: 4th Annual Craft Beer and Food Truck Festival at Homewood Mountain Resort
If you decided to opt out of Burning Man this year and stay in town, then head over to Homewood on the West Shore for food, brews, and fun! This free-for-all festival will be featuring craft beers, craft vendors, and live music with The Coffis Brothers- a rock-n-roll band from Santa Cruz- to groove to while enjoying a frosty cold local adult beverage.
While the event is free, attendees do have the opportunity to buy a ticket into the Beer Garden which comes with a souvenir glass and two free drinks. Tickets range from $10-$20 depending if you buy in advance and if you’re a Homewood season passholder or not; for more info check out https://www.facebook.com/events/404653877065754/.
September 6-20: Summer Last Tracks Hikes at Diamond Peak
Diamond Peak’s wintertime Last Tracks event is so popular that they’ve brought it to the summertime as well! For three Saturdays in September from around 4-8pm, hike up to Diamond Peak’s Snowflake Lodge and enjoy the incredible views of Lake Tahoe while sipping on wine and pairing it with delectable appetizers before meandering back down the mountain at sunset. The cost is $70, space is limited, you must be 21 or older, and be able to hike 1.5 miles up a moderately graded trail. The best way to sign up is to go to this website and click on “Special Events”: https://register.yourtahoeplace.com/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/splash.html
September 8: Diamond Peak Summer BBQ & Community Fair
Along with the September Last Tracks hikes, Diamond Peak is also hosting a summer BBQ on the base lodge deck on September 8. From 11am-2pm, people can grab a bite to eat at Wild Bill’s BBQ; get a behind-the-scenes look at winter operations, snowmaking, and lift operations; and check out the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office RAVEN helicopter, SWAT team, K-9 unit; and fire trucks. You can also see what jobs are open for the winter season.
September 20-22: Autumn Food & Wine Festival
Over at Northstar California, people can cruise the village and check out the newest dining trends in the Sierra Nevada. Drop in on cooking demonstrations, taste wine, and see what’s fresh and exciting in the foodie scene. For more information about how to elevate your palate this September, visit https://www.northstarcalifornia.com/explore-the-resort/activities-and-events/summer-experiences/autumn-food-and-wine-festival.aspx.
September 28-29: Spartan World Championships at Squaw Valley
Hopping back over to the other side of North Shore, the Spartan World Championships will be held at Squaw Valley September 28-29. The race is open to trail runners of all ages and abilities and there are three different races to choose from. However, the main one includes a 4,000-ft. ascent up towards High Camp where the mountain air gets a little thinner and the views of the vistas become more spectacular. For the schedule of events, visit https://www.spartan.com/en/championships/world-championships/tahoe.
New Thania’s Juice Bar in Incline Village Gets Five-Star Reviews
A new fresh, organic food and drink alternative has come into town and it’s already become a new favorite dining option for many locals. Along with organic juices and smoothies, Thania’s serves yogurt parfaits, wheat grass shots, and aguas frescas. Acai and papaya bowls are perfect on a hot autumn day and the smoked salmon and capers on avocado toast is divine. Go visit them in the Christmas Tree Village on 868 Tahoe Boulevard; it opens at 7am Monday-Saturday. https://www.facebook.com/thaniasjuicebar/
— Kayla Anderson
