ML ITINERARY: A three-day getaway in Truckee, CA
Up-and-coming Truckee makes for a perfect three-day stay
Ever heard of Truckee, California? A cool, up-and-coming spot near Lake Tahoe, this town is full of authentic mountain-town charm and historic gems. Plus, just beyond town, you’ll find acres upon acres of natural playground. Whether outdoor adventure or a downtown stroll is the order of your day, we’ve worked up a three-day itinerary that’s sure to please.
Day One: Begin your day with coffee and a breakfast sandwich from Wild Cherries Coffee House (530-582-5602), a locals’ favorite (Wi-Fi is free and a cup of joe costs just a buck). Then, take your pick of more than six ski resorts within a 30 minutes’ drive. Afterwards, for an après ski evening of s’mores around the bonfire and outdoor ice-skating, make your way to the new Village at Northstar. (Be sure to wander into Baxter’s Bistro and Lounge for live jazz).
Day Two: After a fun, casual breakfast at JAX at the Tracks—an authentic 1940s diner—you can shake out your ski legs by strolling through downtown Truckee, full of charming boutiques and historic spots. Moody’s Bistro & Lounge, refashioned from a 1900s hotel, and Truckee Book & Bean—where you’ll find coffee, new and used books, and open-mic and movie nights—are well worth your visit. For an all-natural burger with sweet potato fries, local joint Burger Me! (530-587-8852) has just the dish.
Day Three: Spend your third day roving the lesser-traveled troves of Truckee. Squeeze In will fuel you up for the first part of your day, which you can spend traversing the sprawling cross-country ski areas of Royal Gorge or Tahoe Donner. (Want to escape the resort crowd completely? Rent snowshoes or skis at Tahoe Dave’s and head to Donner Memorial State Park, 530-582-7894). You’ll have worked up a hearty appetite; Pianeta Ristorante (530-587-4694) or Zano’s Italian Pizzeria will satisfy at day’s end.
Want more travel cues? Click here to browse our Insider’s Guides, which lead you to, and give you the locals’ scoop at, some of the high-country’s hottest spots.
