Tahoe Shopping: Souvenirs

Bluestone Jewelry is no ordinary store. With a selection of more than 80 Tahoe- and mountain-themed pieces, you can always have a bit of Lake Tahoe with you. Or let the designers come up with a unique design just for you. For those wanting to turn an old gem into something new, that, too, is an option. Making the downtown Truckee store even more special is a wine bar with an impressive selection, including a stellar array from the nearby Sierra Foothills region. This area is known for its hearty Zinfandels and exceptional red blends. If you like wine, jewelry and wall artwork, Bluestone Jewelry & Wine is your kind of place. The friendly team members of this family-owned and -operated store will make you feel at ease and at home.

It is evident the moment one steps into Steve Schmier's Jewelry store that owner Michael Grant and his employees truly love the trade of fine jewelry. In this small, intimate shop, the representatives specialize in creating or finding that perfect piece of jewelry for each person. Because of the intimate atmosphere, visitors get one-on-one service, helping them find jewelry that surpasses expectations. A specialty of the shop is custom-made jewelry encompassing diamonds and precious gems. For that beloved piece that has lost its luster, Steve Schmier's Jewelry offers services that can take your old jewelry and redesign it into a treasured piece, allowing you enjoyment for years to come. 

It’s near impossible to spend any amount of time in the Lake Tahoe region without encountering the photography of Chris Talbot. His images of the lake and its surrounding natural beauty may be found on the walls of hotels (including a large exhibit at the Hyatt Lake Tahoe), restaurants, offices, homes and in gift shops throughout the basin as well as esteemed businesses like Raley's and Nu Leaf. Besides Tahoe, he’s also spent much of his life traveling the world and has wonderful images from throughout northern Europe and Central America as well as rural Nevada and other stateside locales. His photography of Asia is breathtaking and focuses on Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia and Singapore. Chris excels at real estate, architecture, resort, golf and food photography and has been published in numerous golf, travel and real estate publications. Talbot Photography also shoots portraits and special events around Lake Tahoe and has photographed nearly 1,300 weddings. Chris understands every aspect of photo composition and passes this knowledge on through custom photography tours around Lake Tahoe that are offered year round. He will take you to the most scenic spots and train you in the technical and practical aspects of taking the best photo you can. Whether you’re looking for a wedding photographer, some schooling on your camera skills (and a guide around the lake) or just something beautiful to hang on your wall, check out Talbot Photography.

Sure, you can buy a bottle of wine from a grocery store chain or at expensive and pretentious wine bars. Better is discovering that little out-of-the-way place with character, a broad selection and staff happy to help wine novices and connoisseurs alike. The Pour House in Truckee is that place. The Pour House curates an extensive wine selection from across the globe and also sells beer and nonalcoholic beverages. There's a small, intimate bar at the back of the shop and another space that includes a cheese case and wine cooler along with bar seating, plenty of standing room and a small porch that seats four or more. Stop by for a glass of wine or beer or for one of their tasting events. The Pour House offers a 10% discount on all cases of wine and offers personalized gift baskets.

For specialty hobby gear and toys, Toy Maniacs in the Hill Center is the first place to check on the South Shore. A family-owned business with more than 40 years of experience in the toy industry, they have a nice range of products you are not likely to find anyplace else in the Tahoe basin. Toys, games, puzzles, stuffed animals, science, models, radio-controlled planes and vehicles – they have it all. More than that, they really know their stuff and can answer any questions you have about the RC world, whether you're a novice to the hobby or a seasoned veteran.