South Lake Tahoe is famous for being the number one vacation spot for residents of Northern California. Owning a house there is a highly coveted luxury, as is renting one of the well-appointed lakeside lodges and mansions. This area gains its popularity from the world-class skiing in its midst, as the ski resorts of Heavenly, Kirkwood, and Sierra at Tahoe are all nearby. For the shoppers, there is a variety of luxurious jewelry stores in Tahoe, and there are also many unique art stores, such as the Galerie Bluu, where live music is played while you browse. Or for those who wish to try their hand at gambling, visit Bill's Casino, which is a completely non-smoking environment. The activities in Tahoe are as abundant in the winter as they are in the summer. For the warmer months, parasail, Jet Ski, kayak, golf or fish, and in the winter, ski, snowboard, snowmobile, or go on a festive sleigh-ride! Lake Tahoe is truly a year-round resort, but stay there on New Year's Eve and you will be thoroughly impressed when the lake becomes the equivalent of Times Square, mountain-style. Lake Tahoe is a place that must be visited at least once in everyone's lifetime. The beauty of the lake combined with the mass abundance of activities and ski resorts will always provide a great vacation destination.