Sherman's Travel

Oh, the difference a month makes. Even at the tail-end of March, most of the contiguous United States were still far too frosty for anyone to utter “spring” without sarcasm in their voice. But now, temperatures are rapidly rising, mountainous towns are finally thawing out, and roadways that have been closed for the winter are opening back up. Here are three of my favorite springtime road trips – they’re certainly worth a spin before summer swoops in, and if you’re looking to avoid the crowds. Read more

The town that Johnny Cash helped immortalize is one of the more beautiful places to visit as spring finds its way in, and if you’re heading to The Biggest Little City in the World, allow us to offer some recommendations. In an effort to get you outside the boardroom and into the Truckee Meadows, we’re offering up two restaurants, two attractions, and one bar that you can hit with just a few extra hours between meetings. Read more

Looking for a weekend getaway that provides a chance to show off your running or mountain biking chops – or learn how to paddle board on the largest alpine lake in the United States? Consider the Adventure Sports Week Tahoe, in Lake Tahoe, California, from June 15-24.

In its second year, this 10-day outdoor sports extravaganza draws both pro and amateur athletes. On tap are a series of triathlons and trail running events, including a 5K, 10K, and half marathon. There are also triathlons, a duathlon, paddle boarding, and swimming events, as well as pro clinics,  live concerts, and  family-friendly activities.

And, if you’re still looking for a last-minute Memorial Day getaway, Lake Tahoe’s popular Village at Squaw is offering an enticing deal: a whopping 50 percent discount, starting at just $58 per person, including resort fees (but not tax), in a double-occupancy condo.

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For diehard skiers and boarders, this year’s February 29 means an extra day on the slopes. Resorts across the country will offer lift tickets for just $29 tomorrow to take full advantage of Leap Day – with some full-day prices slashed by over 60 percent.

• Squaw Valley & Alpine Meadow: Book online by midnight tonight to score savings of 65 percent at these California sister resorts north of Lake Tahoe.
• Sunday River: Lift tickets at this resort near Bethel, Me., are discounted 64 percent.
• Diamond Peak: Save 46 percent at these slopes north of Lake Tahoe on the Nevada side.
• Sno Mountain: Skiing at Scranton, Pa.’s local mountain will save you 43 percent.

If you can’t make it to the slopes tomorrow but want to plan a ski getaway for March, Big Bear Lake in southern California will be offering a flash sale on lodging and lift tickets from 6am February 29 to 6am March 1. Book any weeknight in March to receive 29 percent off lodging, up to two $29 lift tickets per day, and 29 percent off ski and snowboard rentals.

Use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the lowest rates on hotels, flights, vacation packages, and other travel deals.

Lake Tahoe’s fresh coating of 6 inches of snow (with more on the way Wednesday), isn’t the only reason to ski in California this week – the first ever ski-in/ski-out Starbucks has made Squaw Valley its home. Located at elevation 8,000 feet at the Gold Coast mid-mountain complex, the coffee shop officially opened on Friday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and five $50 Starbucks gift cards hidden around the mountain.

The ski-in/ski-out window operates similarly to a drive-through: Guests can find the usual Starbucks fare but with the bonus of getting to keep skis and snowboards on while enjoying a mountaintop view. This particular Starbucks is open daily (weather permitting) from 9am to 4pm in the winter season. You can also enjoy coffee on foot; there’s an accessible interior for those who would rather caffeinate indoors.

Be sure to check out our Squaw Valley guide. Then, use our Travel Search price comparison tool to plan your trip.

This season there are several snow-filled directions to head in to get your ski on. We’ve chosen five of the tip top spots where the spas certainly rival the slopes.

Montage Deer Valley – Deer Valley, Utah
This classic Craftsman resort tucked in to the forested slopes of Utah’s Deer Valley Resort with its ski-in/ski-out access is a truly evocative spot, reminiscent of the great North American mountain lodges from another era.

The resort is a mere 36 miles from Park City International airport and minutes away from the charming and historical town of Park City, the epicenter for cinematic and celeb activity every January with the Sundance Film Festival.

Check in to one of Montage Deer Valley’s 154 guest rooms or spacious 66 suites with gas fireplaces and sweeping mountain views. Then walk out your door and onto the slopes of Deer Valley Resort with its 2,026 acres of skiable terrain on six mountains with 100 exciting trails and an annual drop of 300 inches of fresh powder each year. If you need some ski assistance, simply call the on-site ski-concierge.

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When the leaves turn golden and there’s a nip in the air necessitating a cozy wool sweater, it’s a wonderfully romantic time to take a spur-of-the-moment trip to a scenic lake – be it rustic and relaxing or chic and sophisticated. Here are four of my favorite lakeside locales in the U.S. and Canada:

Lake Placid This upstate New York hamlet, which hosted the 1980 Winter Olympics, takes the gold for small-town charm and romantic Adirondack décor. Whether you seek relaxation (quite walks, spa treatments, canoe paddles) or action (hiking, mountain biking, or even bobsledding – with or without snow), there’s plenty to keep you satisfied. Stay at historic Mirror Lake Inn, set on tranquil Mirror Lake (shown above; courtesy of Mirror Lake Inn) and located just a short walk from the shops and restaurants of downtown Lake Placid, from $225/night. Foodies might consider splurging on the inaugural Food & Wine Weekend at the luxurious Lake Placid Lodge, for three days and nights (Oct. 21-24) of guest-chef-prepared dining, from $2,995, including accommodations, breakfasts, wine-paired dinners and more.

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