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Tahoe in Summer- The Best of the West Shore and Beyond

August 15, 2026 By kimwheeler 43 Comments

On this post- Summer in Tahoe- my favorite spots on the West Shore and beyond! I’ll share the things we always do- and what not to miss. I also have a great dress for you to pack, some cool sunglasses, and good skincare to share.

Tahoe in Summer

I adore Tahoe in Summer. One of the best part of my California childhood summers was the week my mom and dad would rent a cabin in Tahoe. They started doing this when we were in high school and we could bring a friend. We always stayed in the West Shore, which still has an old school vibe and neighborhoods of small log cabins and A-frames. You can still take the bike path to get an ice cream or spend a day at the lake. Tahoe is all about letting the days unfold surrounded by incredible nature and the stunning lake. It was unpretentious then and I still think the West Shore remains so.

I always wanted my boys to have more time in Tahoe and summers like I had growing up. Max and I saw a great deal and bought a teeny old kit cabin built in the 1950’s, during the pandemic. It is small, but fun and we love it. It’s a squeeze to get us all in the 600 sf, but we make it work. We have one bath, two bedrooms, but a set of bunk beds and a great layout.

I hadn’t been all winter this year and was anxious to get back up there. Our youngest son Griffin was here for the weekend so we made a special effort to get up and show his boyfriend Keon all the things we love about Tahoe in summer.

Getting up there

We always try and get to Tahoe early in the day. If we leave home by 6:30 here in the South Bay, we can get up there around 11 or before. On the way we often stop to grab lunch. This time we stopped at Ikedas California Country Market in Auburn, right off I-80. It’s a wonderful market with some of the best California orchard fresh fruits and produce, plus baked good and groceries. They are famous for their fresh baked pies and have over 20 varieties! They also have a window to order takeout to get a bite.

We grabbed peaches cookies, and a pie for Tahoe. (So many kinds of peaches!) I also met two ladies who said they read the blog and recognized me, which was sweet. So glad you said hi and I feel badly I already forgot both their names. I blame it on the 100 degree heat! I hope you both see this and I was so glad to meet you.

The boys loved this stop and got a big roast beef sandwich. This is a must stop on the way up to Tahoe. A great place to get yogurts, fruits and provisions for a cabin stay.

West Shore

This is our neighborhood, so we stick pretty close to the cabin. We love to frequent our small businesses along this shore. If we come in about lunch time, we stop at Tahoe House just south of Tahoe City on 89, for deli sandwiches and to grab the best fresh baked loaves of bread to toast. (You must get the incredible fluffy rye.) They also have pot pies, pastas, dips, crackers, cheeses and more to take home. In the morning the great lattes, bagels, scones, and banana nut muffins are what we grab for the drive home. They are a Swiss family and have been operating here since the 70’s! The lake shaped cookies are great for the kids! They also have fabulous brownies, almond cookies, cakes and more.

Just a bit farther down from there is the wonderful West Shore Market. Here we grab groceries to pull together a dinner, or things like milk. They sell cute kitchen wares, and sometimes local pottery (when not sold out). They have the makings for a picnic lunch, sandwiches, and breakfast burritos and bagels. We often get fresh cookies in the winter or gelato here on summer afternoons. Friday and Saturday nights only they make delicious flatbread pizzas. On Saturday we got them and sat outside on the picnic tables. You can also take it to a small public beach just steps away. (Photo via WSM link.)

Since we came in later in the day, we had a bit of time to refresh the cabin, put on fresh sheets, de-cobweb etc, and make sure things were in place. I always hate the webs that come with the warm weather when you have a log cabin! On the bright side, the daisies were in bloom in our yard.

Friday night we opted for dinner at Shadyside, next to West Shore Market. It’s a Mexican restaurant/cocktail bar with wonderful cozy decor and a fun backyard patio. The Mexican fare is excellent and my family loves the tacos and nachos. The vibe is festive and Tahoe casual. You will see people in both dresses and swim coverups here, so anything goes, as it’s near the beach.

Just a walk away is another WS classic- Sunnyside Lodge and restaurant (below), with a big deck over the water. It is often busy, but it’s a good place to grab a cocktail and fried zucchini! The fish tacos are our thing here, and the hula pie dessert with mac nut ice cream is a must! The deck closes in the winter, but the views are still lovely and you can have a cozy drink by the stone fireplace on a snowy day. The restaurant is changing hands after this summer, so check the website. At the marina there you can rent boats to take out on the lake for the day or a few hours

After dinner at Shadyside we headed into Tahoe City to have dessert at the Little Truckee Ice Creamery. They have a truck right at the bridge at Highway 89 here, so you can stroll over to the new dam and watch the fish or see the sunset on the lake. I chose Mountain Mint Chip and the boys had Truckee Trails, and Dark Cherry. They have a ton of great flavors and vegan options. You can find the trucks in Truckee and in Donner Lake too.

Saturday

We enjoyed the morning and watching small bunnies from the front window. We had breakfast with our Ikeda’s provisions.

After we ventured out to our wonderful Ward Creek Trail (flat and 1.2 miles if you do the loop), to take a hike and play some pickle ball. The hike is always peaceful and pretty with its boardwalk and we wanted Keon to see it. There are pickle ball courts at Kilner Park a short walk or drive away.

Thimbleberries were all over our neighborhood!

Carnelian Bay

For lunch we decided to leave the west shore and head to Carnelian Bay at the top of the lake. We wanted to take the boys to lunch at Garwoods, which has the best views of the whole lake and is a fun spot to people watch. Boats come in here all day and there are paragliders, seaplanes, kayaks and all kinds of activities happening. Garwoods has two floors of dining and a huge patio and recently also started seating people on the beach, and on their pier, which looks like fun.

Garwoods is famous for their frozen drinks and we love the home made potato chips with French onion dip. It can get crazy here so I try and make a reservation when I can, usually the same day in the morning.

Many people also come for drinks at sunset. Note the drinks are strong here! Grif and Keon split a Wet Woody, the signature drink. Everyone seems to drink a lot in Tahoe, but I cannot as I usually feel weird from the elevation for a day or so. I usually stick with Arnold Palmers. Very exciting.

Truckee

Griffin and Keon had close friends staying nearby in Truckee for the weekend. so we took highway 267 and popped over to this charming old west town to meet them at the Coffee Bar behind the main street. It’s a shady and charming spot to grab an ice coffee (or something warm in winter.) We also stopped at the California 89 Shop as they wanted some authentic Tahoe/ Truckee souvenir shirts and they have the best.

Other musts in Truckee are Sweets Homemade Candy (try the turtles & fudge), Word After Word Bookshop, (in love with this shop), Bespoke Truckee (locally designed and made goods and yarns), and the Kalifornia Jean Bar, always the best jeans, sweaters, and cute things you want to wear up here. Keon and Grif later had dinner with friends at Cottonwood, with views over the town. Truckee is a higher elevation with mountain views and is always hotter or cooler, but loaded with great independent restaurants and shops all on one street.

The Lake

That afternoon it was quite hot, so we went back to the cabin to grab beach chairs and towels and enjoy some lake time on our nearby beach- Hurricane Bay. I love this beach because it is rarely crowded and thanks to trees, there are always shady spots. The men folk swam a bit and then warmed up. I kept at my book for a while and enjoyed the boats and friendly duck drive bys.

Sand Harbor and the Truckee River rafting

The next day we headed home, but the guys rented a boat with their friends and headed to Sand Harbor on the Nevada side. This is one of the most stunning beaches on the planet with big stones in the water and the clearest blue water. In summer it can be overcrowded and you now have to have reservations to park. A boat is a good idea to access it. They swam, but you can also paddle board and kayak here. I love coming here off season in fall or late spring, and walking the paths. The views are breathtaking all year long! Griffin stone hopping, below.

They returned the boat to Sunnyside, had lunch on the deck, and not willing to waste a minute of Tahoe time, headed to the Truckee River to raft late in the afternoon. This is a quintessential summer in Tahoe thing. I grew up doing this with my family and having lunch where the river turns on the big deck at River Ranch, a great lodge and restaurant. You can see the river and deck on the live cam at the link.

There is rafting on the Truckee when there is enough water. It is an easy Class 1 float that takes 2-3 hours. People stop to take picnics on the way. You can rent a raft and get a ride back to the to the start in Tahoe City from the Truckee River Raft Co. Grif and pals brought rafts they owned and parked at the Tahoe City Transit Center, walked the short distance to the river, and took the free Tart bus back from the end point. Tahoe has great free transit all over the lake and even has small TART buses that will pick you up on request. There is also something called Transit to Trails that takes you popular hiking and biking spots, as well as shuttles for summer events, and to busy spots like Sand Harbor, Emerald Bay, and other popular spots where parking is an issue. Most all TART buses are free!

Other Tahoe favorites are the walk to Vikingsholm at Emerald Bay, and Sugar Pine Point State Park and the Ehrman Mansion.

Frank & Eileen dress

Frank & Eileen kindly gifted me this long navy Lily polo dress in a cotton jersey. It arrived the day before I left and it was just perfect for Tahoe! It is pretty versatile and I can even see it thrown over a swimsuit as it’s a super soft cotton. I added a boatneck striped t-shirt (similar here), my Birk slides that I wore everywhere here, and my LL.Bean boat tote (from Juliet) of course to the mix.

This was a small and it seemed just right for my 5’4 height. I took a quick snap in Griffin’s room and (took one) Friday night before dinner out. This will be a perfect dress to transition to fall with sweaters over the shoulder or a blazers and cute sneakers or mules. It also comes with a sleeve version here.

On my radar- green things

Serena & Lily has new pillows and I can’t decide what color I like best. These are so nicely made. I’d love to get a blue for my bedroom or maybe a green for my entry bench. I also love this soft green pillow at Hunt & Bloom.

I was sent these sunglasses by Sardine and I love them! Who knew green could be so fun? I’m pretty picky about my glasses and these are beautiful quality made in Italy. I keep getting asked about them, so I guess that’s a good thing! Sardine is all about changing what sunglasses should be and having more fun with them! Why be boring?

I’ve just tried Biossance’s Squalene and Amino Acid Gentle Cleanser and Probiotic Gel Moisturizer. Both (on sale now) are made for sensitive skins and won Glamour’s Best Sustainable Beauty Products Award. Their products are all based on squalene grown from ethically grown sugar cane. So far my skin likes them very much. Squalene moisturizes your skin, fights cell damage, and keeps your skin barrier strong.

I finally ordered this book by Melissa Penfold that I bought for a gift a while back and meant to get one for myself. I love her books and this one is exclusively at Crate & Barrel and showcases beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces from around the world.

Katherine Ireland’s Provence Home

I have been a Katherine Ireland fan forever. I have all her books and devour everything she says. My favorite book of hers is Summers in France. This tour of her Provence home is pure joy. Thank you Homeworthy!

Other things…

If you missed it, on Thursday I joined five bloggers to share our favorite summer recipes. My recipe is a salad you must make before summer slips away! It got lost in the way back of my recipe binder and I luckily resurrected it. I think you’ll like it too.

Max and I just ordered these postcards and stamps to send to Nevada voters before the mid-terms. It is a state on the hairy edge and this campaign makes sure new voters in Nevada, a state with very high rates of new transplants, know their voting rights in this mail-voting state. We Californians are going to need to help with swing states before the mid-terms. Let’s get on it!

If you missed last week’s post, I shared a Santa Cruz hike with incredible views, summertime peach scones, and a bit of a deep dive into spongeware, plus a beautiful long island beach cottage.

Thanks for reading. If you have Tahoe favorites, or great memories, please share. I’d love to hear them!

Have a lovely weekend,

Kim

Please stop by Juliet and Elizabeth’s blogs for more good things. 

Make Mine a Spritzer

Pinecones and Acorns

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Filed Under: California Getaways, Weekend Meanderings

ON MY RADAR...

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Michael Hawkins says

    August 15, 2026 at 7:31 am

    Your California voting is bringing your California taxing to our beautiful Nevada
    Stay away! We do not want your Californication to ruin our beautiful state

    • kimwheeler says

      August 15, 2026 at 9:17 am

      HI Michael, I would bet there are a lot of Nevadans who would like to see the billionaires and the wealthiest pay more taxes- especially when some pay zero and yet the hard working class folks pay much more. I did a little research after your comment. I found this interesting from a non-partisan tax institute that studies wealth disparities:

      ‘Nevada’s poorest residents are taxed at effective rates more than four times higher than its wealthiest residents, according to a new report from the non-partisan Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy.
      That level of tax disparity is the 5th highest in the nation, ITEP found. Only Florida, Washington, Tennessee and Pennsylvania were worse for their poorest residents.’
      The disparity is more pronounced in Nevada, where the top 1% of earners pay 2.8% of their income on taxes while the poorest — those in the bottom 20% of earners — pay 11.9%.

      The report on The Nevada Current: https://nevadacurrent.com/2024/01/09/nevadas-tax-structure-is-the-nations-5th-most-regressive-report-finds/

      I’m sure the billionaire appreciate you going to bat for them to keep things as they are. Or maybe you can spend some time on this excellent website I linked to and then tell me you still feel the same about your tax system there?

      • PJ says

        August 15, 2026 at 11:45 am

        This is going to be to be a hard fight to rid our country of those that continue to help the MEGA wealthy not pay their fair share of taxes !
        Yes the Democratic party helps those in need by taxing but why can’t the billionaires pay their fair share share?
        Our country is screwed up when a nurse and firefighters pay more taxes then a millionaire/billionaire!!

        • kimwheeler says

          August 15, 2026 at 3:31 pm

          Amen to that. PJ seems like insanity that we are okay with this disparity in wealth and punishing those making the least!? Even if the billionaire paid a wealth tax, they would never even be affected. I think they said it would take Google CEO Sergei Brin 360 years to spend a million dollars a day or something.

          Trump and his party keep spending like there is literally no tomorrow, yet they want the richest to keep every penny they make, and those struggling to get even less help with healthcare and education. It could all be made up with these wealth taxes.
          We need re-education for those drinking the GOP kool-aid.
          Maybe they are waking up seeing Trump spend billions on himself and millions on gold statues, but I don’t know…
          x

        • kimwheeler says

          August 22, 2026 at 12:46 am

          Well said PJ. We’ve got to get people informed. It’s insane.

  2. Michelle says

    August 15, 2026 at 8:41 am

    Kim, your Tahoe trip sounds like a perfect summer getaway! The pictures are beautiful, and I’m hungry just reading about all the food spots you shared. California really amazes me with all different places to visit—so many options within one state.

    Yay for the postcard writing y’all are doing! I’m doing that with my local Indivisible group, to try & encourage low propensity voters in my area to vote in the midterms. My current job is what I’m calling “quality control.” I check all the postcards for any errors, then stamp them & add QR code stickers to let the voters check their voter registration. We are currently focusing on one particular area, and I will have looked over 5000 postcards (hopefully) by the time October rolls around! Let’s hope it makes a difference.

    • kimwheeler says

      August 15, 2026 at 9:05 am

      Michelle, It’s true we have so many options in California – and Tahoe!
      Good for you doing the postcards. The misinformation from the Republican Party is a real issue- and they don’t want people to vote. The more people we get to the polls, we will win. That scares them.
      I love what you are doing. I’m sure you will make a difference! Thank you for caring. xo

  3. Maggie says

    August 15, 2026 at 9:08 am

    Thanks so much for the lovely Tahoe post! We were there many years ago and loved it, but we only had time for a short visit. And many more thanks for your efforts to get out the vote in Nevada.

  4. Amanda P. says

    August 15, 2026 at 9:36 am

    Thanks for sharing all those wonderful recommendations. We have never been to Tahoe, we stick to Northern California (Healdsburg) for our yearly CA trip but maybe we need to goto Tahoe sometime. I also appreciate your dedication to bringing civil discourse to your blog. Creating empathy and understanding is not work for the faint of heart, you are leading the effort well. Have a wonderful week!

    • kimwheeler says

      August 15, 2026 at 10:56 am

      Amanda, I hope you get Tahoe! It’s so stunning.I would recommend staying on the West Shore or the north side. South Shore is more commercial and has the casinos, but there are some nice beaches and trails there. I should have listed places to stay. Maybe I’ll add that.

      Aw thank you kind of you to say. I try to listen to everyone. I just want a better world!
      Wishing you a good week too.
      xo

  5. Katherine says

    August 15, 2026 at 10:05 am

    Hi Kim,
    Wow, you did it again to me, I’m super crying homesick. I love love love Lake Tahoe. I love your cabin, you have made such treasured memories. All the shops you shared and yummy fruits and treats look special.
    Thank your parents for taking you and your brother for holidays. Memories are everything.
    So nice Griffin and Keon could go to Tahoe with you. They are both super handsome young men. They both could be on the covers of every magazine that hit the newsstands. Also would ask them to come to my gym to help me build my “sharpie pencil” arms. Our community country club is lovely. Spa and a great outdoor pool. I hope to be up to five pounds on my arms. Don’t laugh. I lost my muscle mass many years ago. I’m passionate about trying to regain my strength throughout my body. I’m fun, have you ever been to Arizona? If you drive up North we offer beautiful Sedona. We had our retreat home there for 22 years. It has a beauty like Lake Tahoe but in a different kind of way. Hiking trails are awesome.
    Kim, great pics of you, Griffin and Max. You have a wonderful family.
    I’m staying away from the news because it’s a downer to me. The Felon continues to make me gasp and make my blood boil.
    Take TLC of yourselves and stay safe out there.

    • kimwheeler says

      August 15, 2026 at 11:02 am

      Hi Katherine!
      I know I have a huge love for it too. I know I owe my parents for taking us- and also teaching us to ski there. We had little funds and they saved for these trips back in the 70’s and 80’s.
      Aw you are kind about the boys! Ha they do work out and give me tips. Yay you for lifting weights. I hear even women should be doing more of it. We need weightlifting in all the places women are to keep us stronger. Love to see it!! I want to go to Sedona. I hear it’s stunning too. I know you were a hiker. You must have loved that.

      I’ve been to Scottsdale many times and Phoenix- so beautiful!!
      Thank you about the fam. You are sweet.
      This was a particularly bad week with the news. I could only take so much and I had a lot going on. We have to take it in doses for our mental health.
      Hugs to you. Hope Az is not too hot. xox

  6. Francesca B says

    August 15, 2026 at 10:47 am

    Hi Kim,
    Happy summer living! We have a dear friend in Tahoe and many memories of wonderful times and incredible walks when we are up there. Thank you so much for the local knowledge I read all your posts on Tahoe last time before we went, and had a gorgeous supper at Shadyside right at the end of summer, sitting in coats watching the sunset over the water. Magical! Lovely pictures of you and yours!!

  7. Karen H. says

    August 15, 2026 at 10:56 am

    Happy weekend Kim! O my gosh, your guide to all the fun places in and around Lake Tahoe are the best! While sipping my tea this morning, I was checking all the links and drooling over the food. You are my go-to person for so many of these places. I adore your little cabin!
    Thank you for all you do getting the word out and educating folks with regard to the “regime change”. We are stunned that there are still so many that don’t know what is going on even in their own state…or they don’t care, or they keep their heads buried in the sand. As our friend Joyce Vance says, we’re in this together. Xx

    • kimwheeler says

      August 15, 2026 at 3:21 pm

      Hi Karen! Thanks for reading with your tea!
      Thank you so much. We love our teeny cabin.
      Yes so worrying about these midterms. Yes absolutely madness a lot of folks are in the dark- and the mainstream media is failing us to please the Trump administration by talking about so little of this. I feel like there isn’t enough momentum and it’s coming soon. We need a monster turnout.
      I love Joyce!
      xo

  8. Diane E Ruebel says

    August 15, 2026 at 11:11 am

    Dear Kim,
    No wonder you love the West Shore of Lake Tahoe. For someone who has never been, it was inspiring to join in your excursion with Griffin and Keon. Maybe early fall would be a great time for first time explorers?!

    What a positive choice you made when you purchased your cabin during covid. May the authentic charm continue to welcome generational stories to your own.

    Hugs from Mercer Island,
    Diney

    • kimwheeler says

      August 15, 2026 at 11:24 am

      Hi Diney, Early fall is my favorite time to go! I think the ‘shoulder season’ before skiing and after the summer holidays is so wonderful there. The weather is mild and the trees are gorgeous with the Aspens turning! The crowds are gone, and the lake is even more beautiful if that’s possible!

      Aw thank you so much. We feel lucky. Hoping we can hang onto it for future kids.
      Hugs to you and happy weekend !
      xo

  9. Martha Foss says

    August 15, 2026 at 11:38 am

    Oh my gosh! We were just in Tahoe this last week. We stayed at the villas at Northstar, which were really nice or part of the Hyatt there. We love skiing at Moore Star and our friends. Have a beautiful home there that we usually stay at when we ski. We also stopped at. Ikeadas! Their roast beef sandwich and the chinchilla was delicious. We also bought the frozen razzle Berry cobbler pie, which was amazing. We heated it up with ice ice cream for dessert for three nights. We were there. It was hard to make it last, but we did.!! We love Tahoe as well. It is beautiful in the summer. We have usually only gone for skiing in the winter so it was nice to get up there during beautiful weather. We also ate at Jayson’s Beachside Grill right there on the lake. It was very good and it was so nice to sit with a view of the water.

    • kimwheeler says

      August 15, 2026 at 3:35 pm

      Martha those villas are so nice! That must have been fun. Love Northstar! Some great hikes there and cute restaurants and shops in the Village!
      Oh wow the dazzle berry cobbler! I better put that on our list. Max would be in heaven!
      Jayson’s is excellent! I have to get back there. Love the food and the lake view. Thanks for all these tips! x

  10. Kathy Martin says

    August 15, 2026 at 11:52 am

    Kim,
    Thank you for your post about Lake Tahoe. Truly one of the loveliest spots in California. You always do such a comprehensive job describing the places you recommend. A friend of mine from High School has a cabin in Homewood her father built in the 1950’s and I have been fortunate to stay there a few times. I noticed you might be reading Yesteryear. I’d love to hear your take on the story. I finished it a week ago and am still befuddled. I am going to miss my book club’s discussion because I will be in Europe (poor
    me).
    I look forward to your posts every week. Thank you!

    • kimwheeler says

      August 22, 2026 at 12:46 am

      Kathy you are so nice to say that. Sometimes I wonder if I’m too wordy!
      How nice ! We are close to Homewood. It’s the best spot.
      I’ll give some feedback on Yesteryear as soon as I finish! Have a great trip! x

  11. Lindsey J says

    August 15, 2026 at 12:22 pm

    Never been to Lake Tahoe and it’s on my list so I appreciate all the great tips! Now I really want to go- in the fall!
    P.S/ Great response to Michael Hawkins.

    • kimwheeler says

      August 15, 2026 at 3:26 pm

      Lindsay I hope you get there! Fall is a good idea.
      Thank you…about Michael. He seems to need to read up on his own state’s policies.

    • kimwheeler says

      August 22, 2026 at 12:44 am

      Thanks Lindsay! He probably had no clue. x I hope you go

  12. Sarah says

    August 15, 2026 at 1:33 pm

    Kim, keep it up! How can anyone take offense at a card campaign to advise people about their voting rights?
    Love your Tahoe adventures!

    • kimwheeler says

      August 15, 2026 at 3:25 pm

      Sarah I was wondering that?! I do know they say that Dems win when everyone votes. Republicans seem to spend an awful lot of time trying to get people off the voter roles. They think everything is cheating, except when they win. Funny that is always when Dems are in charge too.
      x

    • kimwheeler says

      August 22, 2026 at 12:43 am

      Thanks Sarah! Yeah it’s silly. x

  13. Donna says

    August 15, 2026 at 1:46 pm

    Kim, Thank you for great post about Tahoe and some of the places along the way, They bring
    back memories to me too. Your cabin looks perfect and wish I was there . Keep the travel ideas coming. Any suggestions about places to go are so helpful.

    As as a native Californian sometimes I forget how special our state

    • kimwheeler says

      August 22, 2026 at 12:42 am

      Thank you Donna. I know we are so so lucky to live in this state with so much beauty and incredible spots to go.
      Yay hello from another native Cal gal! xo

  14. Wendy Williams Sievers says

    August 15, 2026 at 5:41 pm

    Kim,
    I really enjoyed reading about your trip to Tahoe. I also grew up vacationing at the lake with my family from the time I ewas about four years old. We rented an old cabin made out of railroad ties at Zephyr Cove and squeezed 8 people into a house with one bedroom and an attic. Lots of great memories were made there! When I had my own family, we rented for many years on the North Shore. My son-in-law’s family owns a small “compound” with three small homes and I was invited to join in the fun a couple of weeks ago. We had lunch at Sunnyside (fried zucchini and fish tacos, of course), shopped at the market, had cookies from Tahoe House (they did my wedding cake years ago), and had ice cream at the same ice cream truck in Tahoe Coty that you mentioned. I felt like we walked in each others footsteps when I read your blog. It is wonderful you have a place to call your own up there-I’m envious! As always, it was a pleasure to read about your travels.

    • kimwheeler says

      August 22, 2026 at 12:41 am

      Wendy love to hear about this! What a cool house that must have been with the railroad ties. The smaller the place- more memories!
      How nice you SIL has a spot on the north shore.
      I was tracing your footsteps it sounds like! All the best spots I think.
      Aw thank you. x0

  15. Juliet says

    August 16, 2026 at 11:25 am

    Kim! I love reading about your travels near and far. Your Tahoe world is a dream … to be surrounded by all that natural beauty combined with fun, local places to eat and sip while taking in the stunning views. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a wide shot of your cabin … it’s so charming. And so is your new F&E dress. Also love your new sunnies and that Melissa Penfold book is a good one. So much great stuff this week … hope you’re enjoying a wonderful weekend. xo

    • kimwheeler says

      August 22, 2026 at 12:38 am

      Tahoe is really something… Everytime I go I am reminded that it is so special and we are fortunate to have it close.
      Aw thank you. x

  16. Kimberlyn Cosenza says

    August 16, 2026 at 11:32 am

    Hi Kim,
    Love your posts! Last week, I nabbed a used Rose Bakery cookbook on Amazon and made your scone recommendation. I really enjoyed them and the book. Oddly, the book came with a little orange bookmark on the very same page for the recipe. How wild is that?
    Enjoy your week – Kim –

    • kimwheeler says

      August 22, 2026 at 12:34 am

      Hi Kim! Thank so much. Yay for getting a Rose Bakery book! Ha so funny about the bookmark on the scones. See the universe was telling you to make them.
      Glad you liked them and thanks for the kind words. x

  17. Annie Diamond says

    August 16, 2026 at 12:06 pm

    Kim, your tiny Tahoe cabin is just perfect…so nostalgic. What a dream it must be to have a place to escape to, like a cabin in Tahoe! The provisions you can stock up on just enhance the experience. I love how you always support your local shops and businesses.
    Love your new sunglasses! I have a green pair too that I love!
    xx

    • kimwheeler says

      August 22, 2026 at 12:35 am

      Aw thanks Annie. We feel lucky to have it. Aren’t those green glasses fun? x

  18. Janet says

    August 16, 2026 at 4:24 pm

    Hi Kim,
    I always love your Tahoe posts! The west side has always been the destination for my family when I was growing up, and is still the same today. We like to buy a pie on the way home from Ikeda’s (razzleberry is our fav!). Recently, I read Ikeda’s was voted the Best Pie Shop in America in a reader’s poll from USA Today. Breakfast at Fire Sign Cafe is always a must when we go up there, too. Their homebaked muffins and breads with the scrambles are the best! You’ve blessed to have been able to buy a small piece of real estate – we tried when our boys were little, but it was just a bit too much for us to swing. I’m writing down some of the places you mentioned and will visit on our next trip up there.

    • kimwheeler says

      August 22, 2026 at 12:36 am

      Janet I guess I have to get back there and try razzleberry! I had no idea they were voted best pie shop! Wow.
      I know we got lucky when prices were dropped in 2020. Not sure if we could do it today. Wish we could have afforded one when they were small. xo

  19. Lesley says

    August 18, 2026 at 10:12 am

    Kim, what an idyllic spot for a holiday! You all packed a lot in during a short time. Your cabin is adorable and I love that cane/bamboo (?) drinks trolley. Love that kind of mid-century furniture. xx

    • kimwheeler says

      August 22, 2026 at 12:37 am

      Thanks Lesley! The bar cart came with the house and I added the accessories. I was lucky it had some cute things in it. x

  20. Kelly says

    August 20, 2026 at 8:07 am

    Kim – I love this post. So enjoyed following you through an amazing weekend. You have a knack for finding the best spots to explore and restaurants to grab a bite!

  21. Molly says

    August 21, 2026 at 7:04 am

    Hi Kim — Love your Tahoe cabin! Sounds like an idyllic place to spend time. Too bad you don’t get up there more often!

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Blogger, writer and explorer sharing about my native California, and parts farther afield. Join me here where I chat about things to love in the worlds of design, fashion, home, travel and culture.

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  • Dining And Living Room Makeover Before And After
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I’m hosting a fun fall shopping and styling event I’m hosting a fun fall shopping and styling event with @teamxblmvalleyfair next Thursday 3-5.  We’ll have some treats and a little surprise. It’s fun and a great time to get something for your wardrobe you’ll love!

If you haven’t yet gotten acquainted with Ba&sh yet, this is a great time to check out this brand I am obsessed with!

Bring a friend and make a day of it!  You can RSVP to Leslie at @teamxblmvalleyfair or let me know - or just pop by!
Yes we are having a heat wave, but let’s talk abou Yes we are having a heat wave, but let’s talk about fall shopping..because I’m so ready for all things like cute polo sweaters, pinstripe pull on pants, soft sweaters, mocassins, bandana trimmed jeans, embellished barn jackets, lacy skirts, and all of it! 🍂🍁

If you feel the same, go directly to my Fall Wish List post and Cindy’s too. 
You can find the links in our bios or story or comment LINK! 
@northerncalstyle 
@cindyhattersley 

Let’s visualize chilly fall days!
Reality check on what’s really going on around her Reality check on what’s really going on around here! I’m so excited I am finally getting a Crate & Barrel atmoire/chest I’ve been looking at for three years. 🤯

In order to make it all work, we had to move everything around like Jenga and hope it fits.  I’m liking having this older chest in my office and the chairs back where Griffin’s couch was.
Some people have opinions, and hate any changes, but I’m ignoring them despite the meows!!!🐱
Have you ever been to a Firmdale Hotel? On the wee Have you ever been to a Firmdale Hotel? On the weekend blog, I’m sharing a gorgeous design book by the proprietress and designer, @kitkempdesignthread and her style.
She’s got her own dreamy hotels, rugs, wallpapers and more. Kit’s a genius of mixing color and pattern without fear, and adding in craft art pieces that give it all a wow factor. 

A few pieces of hers, like pillows -plus things to add to your house with a similar look and feel are on the blog.
If you want some fresh inspiration, it’s all on this post.
Link in my profile @northerncalstyle 
#kitkempstyle
There’s so many great things at Sézane right now, There’s so many great things at Sézane right now, including my dress (perfect for early fall) and all the cute new bags, scarves to fall in love with, and always great jackets. 

Sézane had changed up their style and so far I am loving their new look and cool collection for autumn.
More details in the weekend post!

If you aren’t subscribed, link in my profile.
@northerncalstyle 
#sezane @sezane #fallvibes
Summerland is cutest little town off California’s Summerland is cutest little town off California’s Highway 101. So many people have never been, including myself until last week when we stopped and I fell in love! 

The number one place here is the famous @godmothersbooks which had been on my list, and is a gathering spot for the community, besides two levels of the best collection of books and a cute courtyard cafe.

Next door is the @summerlandbeachcafe 
and three incredible home stores- @porch_summerland, @thewellsummerland, and @botanik_summerland Botanik. There is much more, but we had to get back on the road. I need to get back there and explore more.

Pop over to the blog and read more about this hidden gem of a town, that’s deserves a stop on your next California adventure. 

Link is in my bio
@northerncalstyle 

#summerland #godmothersbook
Thirty years ago today Max and I were married! Tim Thirty years ago today Max and I were married! Time has seemed to fly. It doesn’t seem so long ago my friends Ani and Chris told me I had to meet this guy Max.  Our first date was Mrs Doubtfire!  We talked until 3 am!  We were pretty inseparable after that, though we were pretty opposite. 
I learned to scuba dive and backpack for him -and he learned to love (okay abide) museums and Jane Austen films! 
We had so much fun raising our boys. He is the best person I know and I feel so lucky. 
Love you @trinidadmaxon
Did you know Venice’s Abbott Kinney Boulevard is a Did you know Venice’s Abbott Kinney Boulevard is an experimental spot for new retail and shops? We spent a few hours there last Saturday with our son Jackson who’s recently moved to LA. There’s so many fun concept stores and new brands to discover!
I bought a handbag for fall from an adorable brand @ciao__lucia and Jackson loved the shirts and pants @cookman.usa. We loved @ourplace with bright cookware and kitchen equipment. 
More details about my bag -and the cool brands on the weekend blog.
Link in bio⤵️
@northerncalstyle 

#abbotkinney
I have no words. Such a beautiful inspiring human. I have no words. Such a beautiful inspiring human.  I can’t listen to Dolly’s voice and song here without crying. ☹️🩷
I am grateful she was part of our lives. May her memory inspire more folks to be even half of who she was. 
#dolly 
@daily_dolly_parton
Happy Saturday! Don’t you love a little lamp on th Happy Saturday! Don’t you love a little lamp on the counter? I’m a fan of the soft light glowing as the day starts and later as twilight comes.  This one from @shophuntandbloom is perfect in size for my bar or a kitchen. I discovered H&B looking for plates for my kitchen wall. 

The weekend newsletter is up and I’m sharing my cute new lamp, a fig couscous, some gardening and more. 

Link to lamp on the blog link in my bio
@northerncalstyle 
or my story or comment lamp!💡

#counterlamp
Maybe jewelry is our gateway to an updated fall lo Maybe jewelry is our gateway to an updated fall look? Today on the blog, Cindy and I are sharing the trends, styling ideas, and some of the coolest pieces we have found in the jewelry space- and yes some of these pieces have an 80’s feel. 

Jewelry is getting bold, after years of ‘quiet luxe.’ I’m here for it . Let’s get louder!

Dig in the drawer, wear what you own, and mix it up. ✨Some ideas for that too on August’s Signature Style. 

Link in our bios
@northerncalstyle.com
@cindyhattersleydesign.com
Today on the blog, I’m sharing the best summer sal Today on the blog, I’m sharing the best summer salad you will ever make. This is a longtime favorite from my friend Alex who is an incredible entertainer. She always makes everything California casual, and seemingly thrown together, but it tastes and looks fabulous! 😎

This salad uses the best of summer so make it soon!
The salad 🥗 is…
~Washed butter and a mix of greens (not bagged right now)
~Watermelon cubed
~Baby tomatoes halved 
~3 ears of white corn (slice off uncooked and rinsed.)
~Red onion sliced
~Toasted pine nuts 
~Feta cheese crumbled ( I substituted mozzarella here as my feta went bad.)
~Poppyseed dressing. Yes bottled. Sorry, but it is so good. I used Brianna’s as the original recipe calls for it. 

Assemble and toss gently with the dressing. Top with pinenuts and blue corn chips crumbled are good too.

Alex’s salad is a great one to share at a gathering because it makes so much and can also be a terrific dinner with a protein added. 

The full recipe on a card to save is on the blog, along with other delicious summer food ideas from five friends.
Pop on over to the blog and visit my pals 
Links as always in our bios..
Mine⬇️
@northerncalstyle 

@makemineaspritzer 
@most_lovely_things 
@cindyhattersley 
@classiccasualhome 
@pineconesandacorns

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