How to spend 36 hours in Lake Tahoe, with Forest Suites as your base camp.

FRIDAY

4:30 p.m. | Take a Dip in Lake Tahoe
At 191 square miles, stretching nearly 22 miles between California and Nevada, this is the largest alpine lake in North America and a Shangri-la for nearly every imaginable watersport. Start your immersion with a simple swim at Pope Beach, offering incredible views of the surrounding Sierra Nevada Mountains.

7 p.m. | Paint & Sip Studio
For those who haven’t already found inspiration in the Lake Tahoe scenery, thisstudio pours some extra creative juices. A two-hour session, ranging from $25 to $50, includes all painting supplies for a masterpiece along with a variety of drinks.

SATURDAY

9 a.m. | Tour Truckee
This town has a different vibe than South Lake Tahoe and has inspired many visitors to put down roots in the area (it’s home to World Cup skier Daron Rahlves, among others). Start with breakfast at Wild Cherries Coffee House before wandering among the boutiques, home decor shops, and outdoor stores in historic downtown Truckee. There’s a history tourhere, too, if you can swing the time.

12 p.m. | Lunch at Freshies
Back in South Lake Tahoe, enjoy the Hawaiian atmosphere of this organic restaurant, which cooks up island-style plate lunches, curry dishes, and noodle bowls along with sandwiches. 

2 p.m. | Cruise Lake Tahoe
Head to Zephyr Cove for a two-and-a-half-hour scenic cruise around Emerald Bay and beyond aboard the Tahoe Queen or the M.S. Dixie, two of the biggest vessels on Lake Tahoe.

7 p.m. | Dinner at Mac Duff’s Pub
There’s shepherd’s pie, then there’s the shepherd’s pie baked at this cottage-like pub, with fresh ground lamb, peas, celery, brown gravy, and a potato crust. Other Scottish fare includes steak and Guinness stew, traditional fish and chips, and chicken pot pie (sorry, no haggis).

9 p.m. | Free Music at Whiskey Dick’s
Every Saturday night, this joint showcases local acts at no cost. It’s a legend among the Tahoe nightlife scene, with inexpensive drinks, pool tables, dart boards, and ping-pong.

SUNDAY

10 a.m. | Brunch at Cold Water Brewery
This contemporary space with plank and wood walls features a build-your-own–Bloody Mary bar, filled with everything from capers and Old Bay to pickled green beans and A1 steak sauce – the antidote to a late night at Whiskey Dick’s. Fuel up for your next adventure with the huevos rancheros or the eggs Benedict.

11:30 a.m. | Hike to Horsetail Falls
With an 800-foot drip, this is the largest waterfall in Lake Tahoe and a landmark along Highway 50 for cars approaching Twin Bridges. Pyramid Creek creates the cascade in the Desolation Wilderness.

Fly high above the twinkling waters of Lake Tahoe with two friends by booking a ride with this outfitter, which offers heights of 200, 350, and 500 feet above the lake for $65 to $75 per person

An all-day adventure pass at this ski resort in the summer includes the Ridge Rider Mountain Coaster, tubing, multiple ropes course, a climbing wall, and a gondola ride; there are zip lines and a canopy tour available, as well.

The best food artisans, farms, and local markets.

Held Friday afternoons from June through August, this farmers’ marketfeatures more than 25 vendors who sell organic heirloom tomatoes, multi-colored carrots, blueberries, jam, and more. There is also a bounce house, beer garden, and live music, too.

This small bakery hidden off a side street off Lake Tahoe Boulevard is well worth searching for. Go early as the fresh-made pastries – from cinnamon rolls and cheesecakes to macaroons and meringues – sometimes sell out.