Wednesday, November 29, 2006

South Lake Tahoe Vacation Rentals

By Jennifer Weiss

South Lake Tahoe is a year-round vacation paradise that is perfect for any outdoor adventurer who loves breathtaking scenery. With the sparkling blue lake, the towering pines, and snow-covered mountain peaks, anyone with the urge to enjoy fresh mountain air and an abundance of activities can fulfill their wishes at this scenic playground. Make you way to South Lake Tahoe for your next summer or winter excursion and enjoy all this amazing city has to offer from the comforts of a vacation rental.

There are vacation rentals located throughout this gorgeous city so you can soak in the surroundings that mean the most to you while enjoying all the amenities of home. Many of the home rentals in South Lake Tahoe come complete with fully-stocked kitchens, numerous TVs and DVD players, and plenty of space so everyone in your family can spread out without feeling overcrowded. Throw in extras such as hot tubs and easy access to the lake, and you can truly begin to experience the relaxing nature of South Lake Tahoe.

If you love the towering pine trees that head outwards from the alpine lake, then a cozy and inviting cabin tucked away among pines, firs, and cedars would be a great lodging option for you. Imagine stepping out of your home away from home and relaxing on the deck, listening to the birds singing above as you sip a cold beverage. And when the urge to explore the woods become too much to ignore, head out along the trails and catch sight of the gorgeous mountains and the stunning lake, which is only one mile away.

Summer visitors who simply cannot get enough of Lake Tahoe and its numerous opportunities for recreation can stay in a home rental that rests along the shores of this expansive body of water. With a private dock you can pull your boat rental right up to your house so heading out for a day on the water is a quick and simple task, or you can take in the warm sunshine from the comforts of the private beach before waterskiing, tubing, or cruising around the lake with the family. Whatever water activity you can imagine, a waterfront home rental makes it easy to experience the fun and excitement of the clear blue water.

Staying directly on the lake is also great for visitors who need to unwind and escape from the stresses they have left behind. Waking up to the sun rising over the mountains and reflecting on the glassy surface of the lake is the perfect alarm clock, while watching the bright orange glow of the sun setting is the ideal serene sight for melting stress. All of your cares will slip away after you soak in the fresh air and the natural beauty of South Lake Tahoe that surrounds your vacation home rental.

Winter visitors head to South Lake Tahoe for the exceptional skiing at Heavenly Ski Resort so staying in a home or condo in the Heavenly area would be the ideal lodging choice. You can find homes that are located at the base of Heavenly and homes that are conveniently situated next to Heavenly’s Boulder Lodge, meaning all you need to do is grab your skis and you are ready for a day of thrills and adrenaline. And when you are ready to retire into the warmth of your accommodations, you can curl up on your sofa near the fire as you thaw your fingers and toes after a long day on the slopes.

South Lake vacation rentals are conveniently located on and around the stunning Lake Tahoe so you can experience the most relaxing and convenient vacation possible. Whether you are visiting in the summer for the numerous lake activities or venturing here in the winter for the amazing ski and snowboarding conditions, you can find a home or condo that makes it easy to take advantage of everything South Lake Tahoe offers to its visitors.

HomeAway.com has the most comprehensive selection of vacation rental homes on the Internet. For an alternative lodging option, consider South Lake vacation rentals for your next trip to the Lake Tahoe area.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Weiss

Sunday, November 26, 2006

Vacation in South Lake Tahoe

By Jennifer Weiss

South Lake Tahoe is part of the South Shore community that rests along the largest alpine lake in the continent. As a popular tourist destination, it is overflowing with year-round vacation activities that will keep you occupied no matter what your interests. Whether you are venturing to South Lake Tahoe for a winter ski excursion or a summer lake adventure, you can access all this spectacular lake has to offer from this amazing city.

When most people think of South Lake Tahoe, they probably imagine the sparkling white slopes that are ripe for an afternoon of downhill skiing. Heavenly Ski Resort is the place to head for the most fulfilling snow expedition with its 4,800 acres of skiable terrain at an elevation of 10,100 feet. Home to a heart-pounding 3600 foot drop and the longest ski run at 5.5 miles, this is a mountain retreat that will test your skills in a breathtakingly beautiful natural setting. Throw in the cross country trails, the snow tubing area, the terrain park, and the diverse selection of runs that can accommodate any skill level, and you have the makings of a memorable winter vacation.

One of the downsides of the Heavenly Ski Resort is that when ski season strikes, this is where most individuals head for their skiing or snowboarding adventure. There are numerous other ski resorts to consider, however, including the Sierra at Tahoe Ski Resort, Sugar Bowl Ski Resort, and Squaw Valley. Squaw Valley is a great option with its 4,000 acres of terrain and 450 inches of annual snowfall, so don’t be afraid to explore outside the Heavenly realm since you may just find something a little less crowded and just as appealing.

More than just an incredible alpine getaway, South Lake Tahoe is the perfect place for a relaxing summer vacation away from the stresses of daily life. The stunning blue lake is the most popular attraction for those who want to spread out on a sandy beach or get out on the water for a day of exciting activities. Spending the day traveling around the lake is easy with a boat or jet ski rental since you can take in all the beauty while enjoying the large, refreshing lake. Throw a rope behind the boat for those who want to hop on a tube or pop up on water skis and experience a more enjoyable and exciting day than you ever imagined.

If you find yourself craving a more active day than simply lying on the golden sands of South Lake Tahoe’s beautiful beaches, then head to Eldorado National Forest for a hiking excursion through the forest. The levels of difficulty range from family-friendly to extremely difficult so there is sure to be a path that allows you to enjoy the amazing views and the diverse vegetation. And after a long day on the trails, you can settle down at one of the picnic tables and soak in the energizing quality of the fresh mountain air.

Although outdoor activities are a mainstay in South Lake Tahoe, those who are feeling a bit lucky may want to head indoors at one of the casinos on the Nevada side of the border. Since gambling is legal in Nevada, make your way to Stateline and play at any of the popular casinos such as Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, MontBleu, and Horizon Lake Tahoe to test your skill and luck at the game of your choice. With over 7,000 slot machines and 400 gaming tables at the six casinos, you may just return home with a larger wallet than you arrived with.

No matter how you plan to spend your vacation, you can find a wide selection of South Lake vacation rentals that make it easy to enjoy all this great city has to offer. Whether you want to surround yourself with the beauty of the lake or escape to the quiet and solitude of the woods, there is a home or cabin rental that has everything you need to realize an amazing trip. Begin your search for the perfect house, chalet, or lodge today and experience the majestic beauty of Lake Tahoe from the comfort of your home away from home.

HomeAway.com has the most comprehensive selection of vacation rental homes on the Internet. For an alternative lodging option, consider South Lake vacation rentals for your next trip to the Lake Tahoe area.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Weiss

Lake Tahoe - Incline Village Real Estate - An Oasis of Strength in a Weak Market - 2006 Sales Stats

By Don Kanare

With three-quarters of the year behind us, let's take a look back at the sales and inventory statistics for the Incline Village Real Estate Market and see how things compare at the same time in 2006 vs. 2005. In a year when the media is talking doom & gloom, it's important to remember that like politics, all real estate is local. So, while other parts of the country might be experiencing a price decline, that is not the case for property values in Incline Village.

The median price of $1,050,000 for single family houses is identical to 2005 at this point in time last year. The median price for condos has actually jumped by over $100,000 from $460,000 to $580,000. So, even though the actual number of units sold in 2006 vs. 2005 has dropped, the median prices reflect the true underlying value of real estate in Incline Village and Crystal Bay.

Sales of houses in units for the first 9 months of 2006 are down 45% (94 sold in 2006 vs. 169 in 2005) and sales of condos in units are down 58% (82 sold in 2006 vs. 192 in 2005).

The amount of inventory is up for both categories. We have 220 houses on the market as of Oct. 1, 2006 vs. 166 in 2005. For condos, the inventory now is 150 units, last year it was only 76.

Inventory now is much closer to historical norms. The inventory in 2005 was so low, that whenever a well priced property came on the market it would likely sell in a relatively short period of time due to the laws of supply and demand and that one great intangible; the fear of missing out on a good deal.

To summarize the current market, inventory of houses and condos is up 35% vs. 2006, sales in units are down 52%, the median price of houses is the same as in 2005 and the median price for condos is up 21% over 2005. The weekly sales statistics for the Incline Village Real Estate market are updated every Monday at: http://www.InsideIncline.com

The statistics for the first nine months of 2006 point to a healthy real estate market that is in a plateau phase for houses, with upward pressure on condo prices, especially quality properties at low elevation. Investors see the intrinsic value of owning property in Incline Village. The long-term outlook for the overall supply / demand situation is very favorable, since there is virtually no raw land remaining for development.

There are a few pockets of softness in the condo market in those complexes where demand continues to outstrip supply. Contrary to the fears of some, my earlier predictions about the prices in McCloud have come true with only a tiny correction in the range of 6% vs. 2005. We have seen 4 condos in McCloud go into escrow in the past month, all in proximity to $570,000 - $600,000.

The Bitterbrush and Mountain Shadows complexes still exhibit some excess inventory and softening. But, I do not think anyone who bought 3 years ago in the high 200s to low 300s is complaining when prices now are nearly double what they paid. You cannot expect to earn 20%+ appreciation every year. So, after a quick, steady rise in the 2004 - 05 time frame, the market needs time to settle before prices start climbing again.

The only areas where I see softness for the single family homes in Incline Village are at opposite ends of the spectrum. High elevation, low price homes are not in demand (especially since a good percentage of these need a lot of work), and low elevation, high square footage homes are not selling. Not many people want to own 5000+ square feet as a secondary residence, so good values in that size range continue to sit on the market.

From a long term perspective, since there are only a few parcels of land left for development in Incline Village, the supply of housing stock is very limited. With the Baby Boomers retiring and demand for vacation homes at Lake Tahoe continuing to rise, long term trends appear favorable for the Incline Village Real Estate market. I anticipate the plateau phase for Incline Village real estate prices will continue through 2007 with the next uptick in the market beginning in the summer of 2008 or possibly later depending on economic and political events in the next 18 months.

Don Kanare is a Realtor in Incline Village, NV. A former business consultant from the Bay Area, he uses his entrepreneurial and problem solving skills to help his clients achieve their goals. Don received his Bachelor's Degree from Boston University in 1977 and relocated to the west coast shortly thereafter. He is an avid fan of the Tahoe lifestyle and enjoys skiing, hiking and outdoor adventures. Don is the creator and webmaster of http://www.InsideIncline.com a web site focusing on real estate for Incline Village and Crystal Bay, NV on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe.

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Splashing Fun Prom Party at Lake Tahoe, Nevada

By John Varicalli

Looking for a place to have a fun filled prom party? How about taking a ride in our Lake Tahoe Prom Party Limousine and head on down to one of the beautiful beaches in Lake Tahoe? Gather all your pals and put on your sun lotion and let's head down to the beach for some splashing fun time!

At Lake Tahoe, there are many beaches that you and your prom party pals can go for a swim or a game or two of beach volleyball. Another great choice will be to have a picnic at one of their gorgeous parks. Whatever it is that you and your pals choose to do, be it lazing around on the beach area or having a picnic at the park, our Lake Tahoe Prom Party Limousine driver is all ready to bring you to your desired destination. Whether it is the beach or the park, you and your prom party pals are sure to have a great time under the sun.

When you and your Lake Tahoe Prom party pals have had enough of the sun and the wind, the next best place to stop over will be the Four Season's located in The Horizon Casino Resort for a quick bite. The great thing about Four Season's is that it is open 24-hours a day and they feature a great menu with a variety of American entrees, regional and international items. On top of that, the Four Season's is also famous for their Prime Rib, Breakfast Specials and Specialty Sandwiches and Salads. They also offer popular daily specials.

After lunch, you and your prom party pals could walk over to the Wallace Theatres, also in The Horizon Casino Resort itself, and it is also South Lake Tahoe's only multiplex Movie Theatre! Here, you will be able to enjoy the latest first-run movies and Hollywood Blockbusters at one of their eight state-of-the-art theatres.

If you and prom party pals want to experience some high tech entertainment, you will be able to find it at GameWorld Arcade in The Horizon Casino Resort. Was it mentioned earlier that The Horizon Casino Resort is not just any other casino or resort? They have practically almost every type of entertainment under one roof for all ages! At GameWorld Arcade, you and your prom party pals lots of fun and exciting games such as catching a wave on a surfboard or racing across country on ATV's.

Once you and your Lake Tahoe Prom party pals have watched enough movies, played enough games, perhaps it is almost time for you to decide where to have dinner. If you and your prom party pals are not sick and tired of The Horizon Casino Resort, you may want to try out the food at Josh's. At Josh's, you will find that they have excellent service in a relaxing atmosphere and setting and their menu features Regional and American cuisines. The culinary team at Josh's is an excellent group of people, as they specialize in Fresh Seafood, Pasta and Steaks, and always work to prepare and present the most elegant dishes for your enjoyment.

After dinner, if you and your prom party pals want to wind down your activities, you could walk over to the Aspen Lounge, located in the heart of The Horizon Casino Resort for some drinks and music. They do offer live music too, but only on Thursday nights to Sunday nights. If you like, you could also dance to the songs that are played by their local favourite DJ. And when you and your prom party pals are tired from the day's activities, you can be sure that your Lake Tahoe Prom Party limousine driver is waiting for you to return to the limousine to return to your home sweet home.

Article source: http://www.uscoachwayslimousine.com - the leading limousine services provider. Call 1-800-359-5991 for more information or visit http://www.uscoachwayslimousine.com for more information.

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