Just when I thought I’d been there, done that, I rediscovered Tahoe.

Like most favorite destinations, South Lake Tahoe brims with variety: Skiing in winter; swimming in summer; golfing near year-round; and shopping, dining, and gambling the whole year through.

In August of last year, my husband and I explored the area and found a few not-to-miss gems!

Frescana Mexican Bistro

If you like Mexican food, but wish it could be healthy, your wish is their command. Frescana proves this combination not only possible but delectable and affordable.  Healthy and fresh dishes mark just the beginning. Their fare includes vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free options.

Best. Salsas. Ever.

Ron and I usually follow the 4-Hour Body or Whole 30 plans which require that we eat zero sugar and low carb, healthy options. These can be difficult to get in most restaurants. Frescana’s Sunrise Breakfast Bowl not only met our criteria with grilled-to-perfection veggies, an egg, avocado, and fresh greens, we felt like we were cheating. Frescana’s proves that eating healthy doesn’t have to deprive you of delicious, mouth-watering fare. I’m talking so delicious, we returned two more times during our vacation. I just had to share my enthusiasm with Jeremy Sherman, general manager for Frescana.

To my delight, he took us on a tasting tour.

Jeremy’s the most passionate proponent of fresh and healthy food I’ve met. He shared a rainbow of Frescana’s salsas, sauteed meatless burgers, and whipped up pesto sauce because tastebuds don’t lie. All this because he wanted us to sample his fare. And we were just tourists! He insists on only the freshest ingredients, but the best part is, he knows nutrition. Translation: he’s privy to not only what tastes good, but what is good for you. He only uses superior, healthy products—right down to the oils used.

Sit outside in the open, shared patio area, enjoy the trees swaying in the fresh breeze and the open space, and then dart in for a coffee for the road from Freel Perk Coffee next door.

Outdoor seating with fire pit!

• Address: 3141 US Highway 50, Suite C, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150-5292
• Phone: 530-577-5304
• Noteworthy because: unique concoctions; down-to-earth vibe; healthy and freshest ingredients
• Website 
  

Freel Perk Coffee

The best vacation days begin with amazing coffee. A delectable cup of joe sets the tone for the rest of the day. Freel Perk Coffee offers great coffee just outside the busy town center. On this day, I tried their Spicy Dirty Chai Latte. It was just the right amount of creamy, spicy, and frothy. Move over cappuccinos!

And get this, their almond milk does not contain carrageenan. Carrageenan is used for thickening in a variety of foods and drinks, and while considered ‘natural’, is an additive that causes inflammation. It’s so good at inflammation, it’s used in laboratory rats to test anti-inflammation medications. And these days, it’s in most nut milks, dairy, and dairy substitute items. Starbucks doesn’t even offer carrageenan-free products at most of their coffee houses which means I can’t enjoy their drinks anymore and I’m a stockholder.

Freel Perk Coffee gets this right.

Unique and healthy fare.

A Dirty Chai latte is a Chai latte with an added shot of espresso. Spicy, in this case, means added ginger, cardamom, and cloves. Spicy and dirty never tasted so good! It’s my new favorite coffee drink.

And because I’m open to adventures on vacation, I tried their açaí (ah-sigh-ee) Bowl. This is a healthy smoothie in a bowl with added granola, banana, and vanilla yogurt. If this doesn’t speak vacation to you, I don’t know what would. Sit on the patio outdoors and enjoy the uncluttered view. Then get a coffee to go. You know you want one.

• Address: 3141 US Highway 50, Suite C, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
• Phone: 530-545-7509
• Noteworthy because: healthy drink choices (no carrageenan); healthy, unique menu
• Facebook Page 

Base Camp Pizza Co.

Base Camp is an apt name for a restaurant you want to visit regularly. You can count on getting something unusual—think chicken curry or pear and gorgonzola pizzas—but you don’t have to sacrifice your gut. Base Camp Pizza Co. offers gluten-free pizza that’s about the best you’ll find. According to my friends and family, the gluten-free pizzas were the better choice compared to the buffet pizza slices offered at the buffet when we visited. A sound strategy could be to grab a pizza at the buffet, but since that’s everyone’s strategy, it proves better to order your own pizza at the busier times. It’s quicker and hot out of the oven.

Located at Heavenly Village, it’s a family-friendly affair that’s upbeat…

…churning out live music regularly, not just late-night or on weekends.

On my second visit, I ordered red wine and chicken wings (sans sauce—you remember, no sugar, please) and just relaxed under the patio umbrella while I admired all the vacationers strolling by—all the while being serenaded by a guy and his guitar.

Summer scene indeed!

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• Address: 1001 Heavenly Village Way, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
• Phone: 530-544-2273
• Noteworthy because: Gourmet gluten-free pizza; live music most of the time; laid-back atmosphere location
• Website 

South Lake Brewing Co

I confess. Beer is just not my thing.

But my husband Ron loves beer. And he really liked the beer at South Lake Brewing Company.

And we had a lot of fun hanging out in the tasting room. The vast space with beautiful oversized tables allows for both private and community seating. It’s the perfect place to chill or to get your game on. Play corn hole, ping-pong, or one of the dozens of games available.

There’s something for everyone — even dogs.

They have their own snack table!

There is no kitchen on the premises, but they do have the Oven, a portable outdoor oven serving delicious wood-fired fare. If that’s not your fancy, you can always bring your own as they allow outside food.

• Address: 1920 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, CA
• Phone: 530-578-0087
• Noteworthy because: Great beer; a variety of games to play; dog-friendly; large group/community seating available
• Website