Earlier this week, Lake Tahoe was named "Best Lake in America" from 14 other finalists in an online vote by USA Today readers.
The newspaper's travel writer has been visiting Tahoe this week - and says seeing it all in just three days is difficult.
"I've had more than 100 comments on our website from Lake Tahoe fans giving me detailed suggestions of what to do. Go here do this eat this, no go there and so it's tough!"
Laura Bly says it's difficult to encapsulate Lake Tahoe because the lake is so big and it's four different shores all have different personalities.
However, while visiting Sand Harbor the other day, she had a moment that summed it all up.
"Somebody told me the other day that Lake Tahoe is like the big blue pill. That no matter what ails you, if you jump in this lake (and it has to be jumping not wading, it has to be jumping head under water, full bore) no matter what ails you no matter what bothers you you'll be cured immediately and *I* discovered that. I climbed up, and it was difficult, on a boulder at Sand Harbor state park and I steeled myself and I jumped off and it was glorious! THAT made the story, THAT told me why Lake Tahoe is the best lake in America. That jump said it all!"
You can read Bly's article in USA Today and on its website a week from today.
Written by Michael Wolfe
