We are jumping into spring around here, and Tahoe South has brought us Spring Loaded: Sun, Snow and Good Times.
The event started on March 14 and ends April 7, a highlight of all the fun to be had on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe and featured events that add to the greatness that is already here.
Of course, there is skiing during the day at some of the most fabulous resorts in the world like Heavenly Mountain Resort, Kirkwood Mountain Resort and Sierra at Tahoe, all of which have extended their closing dates into May and maybe beyond as the snow keeps on coming.
One of the featured events that Tahoe South put on was the Spring Loaded Brew Bus Tour that shed light on the many breweries and taprooms on the south shore. The trip I took was March 20, the first day of spring, so naturally it was cold and snowing, with the occasional rays of sunshine. This tour gave the lucky participants a taste of three great spots that are all relatively new and really unique and fun establishments.
Lake Tahoe AleWorx at the Y in South Lake Tahoe, where highway 50 intersects with highway 89, offers 30 different beers on tap and really good pizza made in their wood burning oven. AleWorx gives the patrons a rare opportunity to pour their own beer, but with the help of very knowledgeable and friendly staffers that give you informative tips when searching for the perfect ice-cold beer.
The Hangar Taproom and Bottleshop at 2401 Hwy. 50, South Lake Tahoe, CA is probably the newest place to grab a brew, and they offer craft beers from breweries all over California to enrich your palate. The Hangar is small in stature, with limited indoor seating but they sit on a four-acre parcel that will only grow and blossom as time passes. With fun outdoor seating in the heated biodomes, that have a great view of the upper Truckee River snaking through the Barton Meadow and a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, it’s almost like you’re in a beer commercial.
The tour’s final stop that day was at South Lake Tahoe Brewing Company at 1920 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe. The moment you walk through the door, you know it’s a brewery. The earthy aromas fill the air, and they are definitely brewing up something special — some great craft beer. A very spacious tasting room, as with every place on the tour, has a very friendly staff to offer insights into the beer drinking experience.
There is a definite uniqueness to springtime at Lake Tahoe, especially after a monster winter. Spring and winter meld into two seasons up here in the mountains, and we can celebrate spring while still enjoying the winter activities.
— Brendan Packer
