Few towns in California stir such a vast array
of feelings as this one. History buffs recall
the ill-fated pioneers whose lives and families
were forever changed by this setting. While
locals and visitors hold dear the rich history,
diverse culture, and unique environment experienced
only in this little Mecca.
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Visiting
Truckee & Donner |
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Although Truckee’s mystique and charm
is enjoyed year round through varied seasons,
perhaps no season embraces Truckee’s
comfortable mountain façade quite like
the fall while the ravages of winter have not
yet enveloped the tiny basin and the streets
are still sparsely populated before the skiers
and the travelers arrive.
Whether it’s a family weekend getaway
or a day trip, Truckee provides a delightful
destination for experiencing autumn’s
splendor.
The kid friendly Historic Truckee Hotel with
its 36 guestrooms, eight with private baths,
and claw foot tubs provides its guests a set
of earplugs to cushion the whistle and rumble
of the nearby train, which proves to be no
nuisance without them---actually charming.
A lavish continental breakfast served in the
elegant Victorian parlor with fine teas and
coffees, only adds to the flavor. The history
is as rich as the décor. A quaint gift
shop near the main lobby offers scores of gift
or souvenir ideas and a warm and inviting parlor
is the perfect place to warm up after a leisurely
stroll through town.
Hania’s Bed and Breakfast Inn is another
charming spot within walking distance of all
historic downtown Truckee's shopping and dining.
A completely remodeled 1884 Victorian with
southwestern style décor and hospitality
second to none, Hania ‘s has Queen size
beds, a cozy romantic hot tub overlooking the
town and mountains for a soothing respite from
the elements, modem outlets, quality linens
and beautiful pine lodge pole furniture. This
is the perfect place to unwind overlooking
Truckee from a hilltop and to escape Jack Frost
or the drizzle.
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Truckee is located in Northeastern California (red dot on this map) |
Ask Hania about her new Donner Lake condos
available for groups. This way you can be by
the lake yet just a minute to two from downtown
Truckee. From this vantage point you can enjoy
the nearby enchanting Donner Memorial Park.
There you'll view actual artifacts from the
Donner Party and scan the gripping list of
the survivors and the deceased. The McGlashan
Butterfly collection, one of the worlds largest
is astounding. Beautiful nature trails offer
a spectacular way to drink in the fall colors
throughout the park.
No need to pack food for a day trip or an
overnighter as Truckee has wonderful fare to
choose from. If you choose to taste the flavors
of Truckee at the Cottonwood restaurant overlooking
the historic district with its historical artifacts
and photographs, this dining haven sits atop
fascinating history and today makes its own
with a famous "eat with your fingers" Caesar
salad, succulent steaks, delectable fish dishes
and extraordinary desserts, all prepared with
signature sauces to please the palette. This
is the perfect place to watch the sunset over
the High Sierra and enjoy live music and incomparable
dining.
For a more rustic and casual atmosphere try
OB's Pub and Restaurant for the best slow roasted
prime rib around. Excellent appetizers, hearty
dinners and homemade desserts make this a local's
and a traveler’s choice time and time
again.
Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or a
window shopper, Truckee has something for everyone.
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Donner Lake © Justin Smith / Wikimedia Commons, CC-By-SA-3.0 |
If you crave a treat for your sweet tooth,
stop in to Smart's Wagon Train Coffee Shop.
There you'll find both old-fashioned and modern
day style baked cookies and pastries worth
every bite. Purchase a few at the counter to
go. Or if decadent chocolate gets you going,
sample the town's best hand dipped chocolates
at Sweet’s.
While you're strolling through town, be sure
to browse through Vrooman Woodcarvings & Wildlife
Gallery.
How about a round of golf at one of the nearby
courses? Tall Ponderosa Pines line beautifully
maintained greens and fairways at the Ponderosa
Golf Course in Truckee. Or the Old Brockway
Golf Course just twenty minutes from Truckee
offers nine holes of history. This course was
home to the first Bing Crosby Golf Tournament
where Bing invited his cronies for golf get-aways
while performing nearby at Cal-Neva. Holes
one through three and eight and nine are known
as "the loop" after Dean Martin's
drinking escapades there.
Whatever you do be sure to plan a visit to
Truckee during the glorious fall months. The
brilliant colors of nature there are a lovely
compliment to the cornucopia of endless activities
and pastimes that await you.