While many people associate Olympic Valley with winter fun, The Village at Palisades Tahoe continues to buzz long after the snow has melted. The Village is a warm-weather mecca, perfect for strolling along cobblestone streets and taking in the breathtaking mountain scenery.
With an abundance of outdoor dining options, shops and activities, the Village is great for a day trip. And with close proximity to Lake Tahoe and Truckee, it's also an ideal home base with modern accommodations ranging from standard rooms to luxurious condominium-style suites.
For food and drinks, the Village has something for everyone. Every restaurant has outdoor seating providing spectacular views of the rugged mountains.
The only problem with such a variety of restaurants is deciding where to eat. Greet the day with choices like Coffeebar, Euro Snack and Little Bear Cafe. As the day goes on, try deciding among 22 Bistro, serving New American cuisine in an upscale atmosphere; Auld Dubliner Irish Pub with its award-winning Guinness chicken wings; the Rocker (the name comes from the ski design invented by the late Shane McConkey, who spent many a day on the slopes of Palisades Tahoe); Fireside Pizza Company; Tremigo Mexican Kitchen and Tequila Bar; Uncorked Wine Bar; and PlumpJack Cafe, one of Lake Tahoe’s top fine dining destinations.
Walking along the cobbled paths will transport you to the feel of a European village. In summer, shop doors are often open to welcome all who pass by. Naturally, for a mountain town, there are plenty of opportunities to buy gear and lifestyle apparel as well as logo wear, but you’ll find much more, including art, fine leather goods, bath and body products, toys and wine.
For outdoor activities, The Village at Palisades Tahoe is a favorite launching pad for both casual adventurers and outdoor adrenaline junk ies. After all, the 1960 Winter Olympic Games were held here. Be sure to get a picture of the Olympic flame and the iconic Olympic rings.
Plenty of hiking trails start right from the Village, with the challenging Shirley Canyon Trail a favorite of locals and visitors. The waterfalls and lake views along the way are definitely worth the ascent. At the top you’ll reach High Camp, Palisades Tahoe’s mountain-top playground. The ride back down on the Aerial Tram is free.
It’s also possible to reach High Camp by taking a quick 10-minute trip on the Aerial Tram. With windows on all sides, the vistas of the lake and mountains are stunning! Once at the top, take a hike in search of wildflowers, or maybe roller skating is more your speed – that’s also an option here at 8,200 feet. A nine-hole disc golf course and geocaching are other activities at High Camp. Food and beverages are available, along with the outstanding lake views.
Back in the Village, you can rent a bike and cycle along the paved path along the Truckee River. Stop along the way for a swim in the cool water.
Or try out Tahoe Via Ferrata, an assisted climbing activity and the answer to anyone who has ever looked at all the granite surrounding the village and wondered what it would be like to be a rock climber. No special skills or prior climbing experience are required to ascend an 800-foot vertical cliff, as the rocks have all the climbing gear, like ladder rungs, steel steps and suspension bridges, built in. Along each Via Ferrata route is a steel cable anchored into the rock. Climbers wear a harness that attaches to the cable so they are connected to the rock at all times. Anyone who can hike for a few hours will likely have the stamina for this adventure.
The Village at Palisades Tahoe is at the heart of summer fun. You’ll f ind great accommodations plus dining, shopping, activities and events – surrounded by mountains and just a short drive away from Truckee and Lake Tahoe.
Summer Events
Broken Arrow Sky Race June 19 - 22
Bluesdays Tuesdays, June 24 - August 26
First Street Yoga July 2 - August 20
New! Wild Lotus Yoga Festival July 12 & 13
The Great Bingo Revival July 17 - August 21
SunSets Live Music July 18 - August 22
Brews, Jazz & Funk August 16
Alpen Wine Fest August 31
Guitar Strings vs Chicken Wings September 5
Oktoberfest September 27
Made in Tahoe Fall Festival October 11 & 12
(800) 403-0206
https://www.palisadestahoe.com
1750 Village East Road
Olympic Valley, CA
About the Author Kathryn Reed
Kathryn Reed is an award-winning journalist who has been visiting or living at Lake Tahoe since she was a child. She loves the outdoors – whether it's hiking, biking, snowshoeing, skiing or playing tennis. She is the author of Sleeping with Strangers: An Airbnb Host's Life in Lake Tahoe and Mexico; The Dirt Around Lake Tahoe: Must-Do Scenic Hikes; Snowshoeing Around Lake Tahoe: Must-Do Scenic Treks; and Lake Tahoe Trails for All Seasons: Must-Do Hiking and Snowshoe Treks.
