Lake Tahoe and Tallac Historic Site offers glimpse into fabulous summer retreats of very rich!

 

Period kitchen at Tallac homesite

Lake Tahoe, CA visitors will often cherish memories of Camp Richardson, just 3 miles north on Hwy 89 of South Lake Tahoe – but far fewer will have visited the adjoining Tallac Historic Site.

Until recently, I assumed it was an archeological site, and had never toured off of the highway to find out! Take the time to tour three perfectly preserved grand estates right off Hwy 89, the former lake-front grand homes of the Baldwin Estate, the Pope Estate and Valhalla.

Once regarded as the “Grand Resort of Tahoe”, these beautiful old homes were the entertainment capital of the Tahoe area, with well-heeled guests staying over for grand parties, with fine food, bands, dancing and the like. The Tahoe Heritage Foundation along with the US Forest Service (www.tahoeheritage.org/events-and-programs-2/tallac-historic-site) operate programs and events at both the Baldwin and Pope Estates. The Valhalla property, used regularly as the site for many Tahoe organizations’ events, is run by the Tahoe Tallac Association (www.valhallatahoe.com).

The Baldwin Museum is the place to start your tour. Here you’ll find docents, explanatory videos, the Baldwin Room, the Washoe Room and a recreated 1930’s kitchen. A gift shop sells books and merchandise specific to the history of the home, as well as tickets to events and programs. Tallac Historic Site is next to the shady Kiva picnic area and Taylor Creek Visitor Center.

The many paved walkways are handicapped-accessible, and also offer marvelous opportunities for easy, flat and scenic bicycling. The attractions all offer year-round access, though Tahoe snows may require cross-country skis or snowshoes in winter. Just a mile away is the Fallen Leaf Lake Campground, nearby the scenic lake of the same name.

And, the Tallac site borders Camp Richardson, with store, historic lodging in the old hotel, cabins for rent and a fine restaurant, the Beacon, on the shores of Lake Tahoe. Take the time to explore this hidden gem on the shores of Lake Tahoe; for more options in California, see LittlePlacesIKnow@blogspot.com.


Baldwin Museum is place to begin your Tallac tour



Lake Tahoe offers a number of lakeside dining options, like The Beacon
at Camp Richardson, or Beaches, in S. Lake Tahoe!

Kayakers enjoy Lake Tahoe, with rentals available at Camp Richardson