See North Shore's nooks and crannies

Have you been out on Tahoe Boulevard lately? How long did it take you to get from Starbucks to Country Club Drive? Pretty ugly trying to get around with all of the traffic, huh, especially with Fourth of July weekend here.

This weekend, get out of the traffic and into some local favorites for tasty eats and true Tahoe enjoyment.

Local Eats

You might think it is hard to park to get to T's Rotisserie at 901 Tahoe Blvd., next to the Incline Cinema and by 7-Eleven. But locals know parking is available in the parking lot behind Rainbow Printing and the cinema, or in the upper parking area across from the Laundromat on Tanager Street. So go ahead and head into T's for a quick burrito anytime of the day. To call an order in for pick up call (775) 831-2832.

Lunch at The Grille in The Chateau is always a place to relax and get away from the stress of the day. The atmosphere of the clubhouse makes this restaurant feel like a hideaway with an incredible view. Pop in for lunch away from the crowds after 11 a.m. They also have a special for Sunday if you play nine holes of golf and stay for dinner. The Grille is located at 955 Fairway Blvd. in Incline. For information or a reservation call (775) 832-1178.

Another location away from the crowds that offers everything from bakery items to a take out menu is Sunshine Pastry located at 919 Incline Way. It will be open Friday and again on Monday, but closed both Saturday and Sunday. To call an order in for pickup call (775) 832-2253.

Another favorite for pizza is Bar, Bar, Bar located at 760 Mays Blvd. in the Village Center across from the post office. To place an order, call (775) 831-2700.

Views off the beaten path

There are so many locations along the North Shore to hike that provide spectacular views of Lake Tahoe, but many will be crowded this weekend. Here are two that might not be as crowded because they are not as easy to find. Both locations are easy to find, vary in level of skill needed and are even dog friendly — just be sure to clean up after your dog.

The Crystal Bay fire lookout: From Incline Village take State Route 28 to Crystal Bay, turn right onto Reservoir Road. This road goes past the Crystal Bay Club parking lot and up the hill to its human resources office and the big blue water reservoir. Turn right and continue on up the road, staying to the uphill part. Stop when you reach the gate across the forest service road going up. This is a good place to park. If the area is full it is okay to park alongside the road. This is a great picnic location, is easy to walk to and provides trails with views and photo opportunities.

Skunk Harbor: This is a perfect location with a nice beach area. But be prepared for no restrooms and a long hike back up at the end of your trip. To get to Skunk Harbor take State Route 28 out of Incline Village, and before you reach Spooner State Park, or about 2 miles before the Highway 50 junction, watch for the iron pipe gate. There are several parking areas outside the gate. Stay to the right on the trail when you come to the fork about a mile down the road.

Thunderbird Lodge tours

This is a really nice tour that is not only full of historical information, but takes you right to the lake where the scenery is unbelievable. The Thunderbird Lodge, really the birthplace of Incline Village — is full of historical information about an incredible home and its many inhabitants, some human and some not. To make a reservation, call (800) 468-2463, as the tours are limited in size and not offered Sunday or Monday.

Tour a Tahoe legend

Lake Tahoe's history is filled with celebrities, intrigue, under-the-table-dealings and mystery. To get a first-hand look at where some of those stories originate, check out the tunnel tours at the Cal Neva Resort, Spa and Casino. Originally built in 1926, this famous resort was Frank Sinatra's property from 1960 to 1963, and he hosted guests such as Dean Martin and Marilyn Monroe. Tunnel tours begin at 5 and 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis at the casino after 2 p.m. the day of the tour. For more information call (800) 233-5551

See the lake differently

There's many ways to skim over Tahoe's blue waters, but one of the newest is stand-up paddle boarding. Paddle boarders can stand on a board that looks similar to a surf board and graze along Lake Tahoe. Rentals are available at Adrift Tahoe, located at 919 Incline Way. Rentals go for $20 an hour or $75 for a whole day and are available on a first come, first serve basis. For rental information call (888) 676-7702.

Local Artistry

Many people come to Tahoe and are inspired by the natural beauty they see. Some stay and create beautiful art work to preserve the memory forever. Incline Village and Crystal Bay have a number of local art galleries worth seeing:

• Artists at Lake Tahoe in the Village Shopping Center. 797 Southwood, No. 1, Incline Village (775) 833-0637.

• Art Attack Gallery in the Christmas Tree Village. 868 Tahoe Blvd. No. 13, Incline Village (800) 637-3183.

• Watercolors By Jan Foss at 120 Country Club Drive, unit No. 21 Incline Village (775) 833-1144.

• Made in Tahoe in the Tahoe Biltmore. No. 5 Hwy 28, Crystal Bay (775) 833-6745.

• Artistic Concepts at 923 Tahoe Blvd. Suite 101A, Incline Village (760) 218-2288.