10 Reasons to Visit Lake Tahoe in the Fall

Katherine Parker-Magyar
Oct 25, 2018

Winter, spring, summer, or fall, Lake Tahoe is always gorgeous. But autumn tends to be overlooked. Why wait for ski season to experience everything this gorgeous destination has to offer? The stunning cobalt blue of the water in Lake Tahoe is one of those rare natural phenomena that’s even more breathtaking in person than on Instagram, and fall is the perfect time for appreciating its otherworldly beauty amidst the vivid foliage along the Sierra Nevada mountains. And fall may not be the best time for skiers, but it is prime time for parasailing — and hot air ballooning, if you schedule your vacation right. Read on for 10 reasons why Lake Tahoe should earn a spot on your fall travel list: From leaf peeping to hiking to exploring the local villages, this wilderness oasis has everything you could possibly need for your autumnal getaway.

1. It’s peak leaf-peeping time. This nearly goes without saying, but whether you’re in a boat or on exploring on foot, the land is never more gorgeous than it is in the fall, when the leaves turn hues of gold and fiery orange. The aspens are particularly gorgeous when overlooking Emerald Bay, though you truly can’t go wrong wherever you look. Set out on your journey with a breakfast sandwich from Tunnel Creek Cafe in Incline Village, and be ready for a colorful (and always adventurous) getaway.

2. The water is still (relatively) warm. Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America; with an average depth of 989 feet, the temperature feels pretty chilly all year long, though it warms up in early fall. While the leaves have started changing and the region can get snowfall 12 months out of the year, you can still often enjoy unexpected warm spells in November. Since the weather is so changeable, we recommend hoping for the best: Pack sweaters and bathing suits, and prepare to put on your wetsuit for a day of paddleboarding or kayaking.

3. There’s more solitude and fewer crowds. While Tahoe is often popular in the summertime, the fall is ideal for solo exploration, or at least some journeying through the unspoiled wilderness without the selfie-taking throngs. Head over to Sand Harbor State Park (pictured above) on the Nevada shores of Lake Tahoe for some epic sunrises (and endless opportunities to find yourself in nature). This state park in Incline Village is picturesque enough to satisfy lovers of the outdoors as well as lovers of some peace and quiet — it’s the ultimate digital detox. Or visit the laid-back Kings Beach on the Californian north shore for the ultimate Instagram-worthy beach day.

4. The Great Reno Balloon Race is a must-see. One of the best reasons to visit Tahoe in the fall is to coordinate your trip to coincide with The Great Reno Balloon Race in nearby Reno. This underrated (and seriously cool) city is a mere 45 minutes from the Nevada shores of Lake Tahoe, and there’s even a shuttle service available for those who loathe renting cars. The balloon race, held in early September, is nothing short of majestic: There is something so nostalgic and whimsical about hot air balloons, particularly when you watch them rise over the Nevada desert at dawn. Wake up early for the Glow Show and Dawn Patrol to watch the balloons light up the night sky. Keep in mind, when we say early, we mean seriously early, as in “set your alarm for 4am to be in Rancho San Rafael Park by sunrise.” Just remember to bring along some Bloody Mary mix — it’s 10am somewhere.

5. The autumn wonderland is perfect for hiking. When the leaf peeping is at its prime, the mountain trails are accordingly that much more picturesque. Hike the Flume Trail to Monkey Rock for panoramic views of Lake Tahoe: This view is one of the most iconic, and the hike isn’t too strenuous (despite a tongue-in-cheek sign that reads Beware: Well, Just, Beware, which is generally good advice to heed).

6. You can live like a queen in Incline Village. Nevada’s Incline Village is a home away from home for endless millionaires and billionaires and their envy-inducing abodes (best viewed from the water, of course). But it’s perfect for non-tycoons as well — especially in the fall, when the off-season cost of visiting this Nevada oasis tends to be lower. Drink in the view of Crystal Bay (pictured above) and dine at Lone Eagle Grille at the Hyatt Lake Tahoe Resort. Make sure you order the Baked Tahoe, which is like a Baked Alaska, only better (trust us).

7. Fall means experiencing the Sierra Nevadas at their peak. Lake Tahoe is surrounded by peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountains on both the California and Nevada side, and never are they more beautiful than when the leaves are changing in the fall. There are myriad ways to explore this multicolored paradise. Hiking, of course, is one of them. But we also recommend hopping aboard a 55′ catamaran for a Sierra Cloud cruise: You get to experience the beauty of your surroundings without the accompanying blisters or fatigue from, you know, actually hauling yourself up a mountainside.

8. It’s not too late for water sports on the lake. Book a sailing charter with Action Water Sports of Incline Village, or opt for an individual boat or kayak rental. We personally recommend parasailing to get the best view of the foliage while serenely floating above the lake (a feeling nearly as meditative as ascending in a hot air balloon). There are also options for jet skiing, paddleboarding, and kayaking, so the world (or the lake, at least) is your oyster.

9. There are tons of great mountain biking trails. If you’d rather cruise around on land, then rent a bicycle from Flume Trail Bikes in Incline Village and prepare for a day of adventure. While we’ve already noted that we’re partial to the Monkey Rock trail, there’s an endless array of options for trail rides in that area of Lake Tahoe (including easier routes for beginners, of course).

10. There’s never a wrong time to visit. It’s always beautiful in Lake Tahoe (see Emerald Bay’s sunrise, pictured above, as if you need more proof). But the trip isn’t just worth it for the ‘gram: Maybe you’ll find your life’s calling. Mark Twain came out to Lake Tahoe to be a prospector in the Gold Rush, but then decided his true vocation was as a writer (and aren’t we all lucky for that?). He also declared Lake Tahoe to be the “fairest picture the whole world affords.” So, if you don’t believe us, believe Mark Twain, at the very least.

What are your favorite surprising fall destinations? Let us know @BritandCo.

(Photos via Getty)

15 Heart-Warming Quotes About Kindness That Will Make Your Day

The world could use more kindness than we've seen lately because it feels like there's a lot of Mean Girls energy circulating online and in real life — and I don't mean by way of hilarious Tina Fey-written jokes. It's become cool to be disregard everyone else's feelings, but we can hear the cries for kindness behind each snarky attitude we encounter.

Realistically, there's no way we can combat the lack of kindness in the world with quotes, but we're sure these 16 reminders can help us remember to show grace to ourselves and others.

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"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about." —Wendy Mass

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"Practice random kindness and senseless acts of beauty." —Anne Herbert

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"You can always, always give something, even if it is only kindness!" —Anne Frank

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"Deliberately seek opportunities for kindness, sympathy, and patience." —Evelyn Underhill

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"The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members, a heart of grace and a soul generated by love." —Coretta Scott King

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"Shall we make a new rule of life from tonight: always to try to be a little kinder than is necessary." —J.M. Barrie

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"The words of kindness are more healing to a drooping heart than balm or honey." —Sarah Fielding

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"Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud." —Maya Angelou

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"We are all neighbors. Be kind. Be gentle." — Clemantine Wamaryia

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"You’ve been criticizing yourself for years and it hasn’t worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens." —Louise L. Hay

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"Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference." —Barbara De Angelis

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"Kindness is always in stock." —Katy Perry

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"Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference." —Amelia Earhart

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"Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you." —Princess Diana

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"Be kind to yourself so that you can be happy enough to be kind to the world." —Misha Collins

If you need help being kinder to yourself, we have 45 self love quotes that'll steer you in the right direction.

Header image via Sophie Mijnlieff

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Not Close With Your Family? Here's How To Have a Joyous And Connected Holiday Season

Last year, some of us celebrated the holidays apart from our families for the first time. COVID has brought with it many changes, some of them arguably positive (like increased flexibility to work from home), some difficult (such as the realization of vastly different political and social views between family and friends), and some horrible (obviously, the health implications of a global pandemic). However, for some of us, celebrating the holidays without family members isn't exclusively due to COVID. In addition to so many of us living in different areas than our families of origin, some of us simply don't have close bonds with the people we grew up around. Sometimes, this can cause loneliness.

If you're not close with your family members, the holidays can be a difficult time. This is doubly true if you don't have a close circle of friends to call upon. But make no mistake, if this sounds like your situation, you're not alone — there are thousands of other people going through the same struggles you are. We sat down with Irad Eichler, founder of Circles, a website that connects people who are sharing similar struggles, like heartbreak, grief, or loneliness. Here are some of Eichler's tips for coping — and even thriving! — during the holiday season when you're not planning on spending it with your family, for one reason or another.

Don't Fall For "Perfect Families" On Social Media

Laura Chouette

The first VERY important step to having a joyous holiday season when you're going it alone is to stop believing the narrative that others' family situations are perfect, Eichler says.

"Remember people only post a moment in time, and only the moments when they look their happiest and best."

In addition to the fact that everything you see on social media is curated for the 'gram, it's also important to remember that by focusing on what others have and you lack, you risk failing to see the great things at play in your own life.

"These holiday periods can become a time of focusing on who and what we don't have, rather than who or what we do, and can cause a negative spiral into depressing and dreadful feelings of inadequacy," says Eichler.

Gratitude is the reason for the season, after all. So instead of only seeing the negative, try some gratitude journal prompts to help you focus on what's actually really wonderful about your life right now.

Make An Effort To Deepen New Connections

Joel Muniz

While it may seem like everyone has friends and family to spend time with during the holiday season, that doesn't mean no one is available for deepening a blossoming relationship or new friendship.

"Make a list of people you can or would like to connect with, and try to reach out to at least one of them," advises Eichler.

Reaching out doesn't have to mean a big plan or an hour-long conversation. Even a quick text letting a friendly coworker know you're thinking about them can go a long way toward deepening the relationship and moving it in the direction of closer friendship.

Don't have an acquaintance in mind? Then it's time to make new acquaintances. What's more in line with the Christmas spirit than attending a Meetup or event full of people eager to make new friends?

"Join groups with similar interests to yours, such as hiking, baking, or games. Push your boundaries and be brave - you might find new people who have much in common with you."

Give Back

Priscilla Du Preez

The holiday season is a great time to focus on giving back to your community, and coincidentally, acts of generosity and kindness are known to reduce loneliness and help people feel happier. One study found that knowing a few of your neighbors and doing small acts of kindness for them — such as cheering them up, listening to them, mowing their lawn, providing advice about local business recommendations and job opportunities, and chatting over the fence — was statistically correlated with feeling less lonely and having a lower risk of depression.

Helping out elderly neighbors can be a particularly gratifying way to give back.

"Notice older lonely people in your neighborhood or community who might have no family at all, and offer to help them," says Eichler. "These can become mutually meaningful connections, and help you 'adopt' a grandparent."

Connect With Others Online

Thought Catalog

Finally, use the Internet for its highest and best purpose: to connect people. Whether you're using Meetup to find in-person events, digital forums for having conversations about special interests, or programs like Circle for getting support from others in your situation, the opportunities to create new connections are practically endless.

"There are many interest groups that can be found digitally, where or any person can connect with others in the same life stage, going through the same challenges, or who would like to explore the same interests," Eichler states. "Meaningful connections can be formed easily in these circumstances. The Internet enables us to find and connect to people all over the world who fit this, and to whom we can become more easily attached, as we are able to find people with the exact interests that energize us."

If you're struggling with loneliness, you're not alone. Connect with our digital community of makers and creatives here at Brit+Co by following us on IG and signing up for our newsletter!

This post has been updated.

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14 Wonderfully Wise Quotes From Reese Witherspoon

No matter whether she's juggling motherhood, a busy career, or a popular book club, Reese Witherspoon seems to know just what to say to encourage others. She's talked about things like parenting and being ambitious, but she's also shared her thoughts on the importance of simply living a good life. It's no wonder her inspirational and wise quotes have been on our minds lately! Here are 14 absolutely quotable moments from our Big Little Liesfave, Reese Witherspoon.

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"One honest voice is louder than a crowd." —Reese Witherspoon

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"It's a great thing, getting older. You are who you are; you say what you mean." —Reese Witherspoon

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"I do believe that if you want to change the world, you have to be responsible for it." —Reese Witherspoon

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"Every day you have to choose and cultivate your own happiness." —Reese Witherspoon

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"Spend less time tearing yourself apart, worrying if you're good enough. You are good enough." —Reese Witherspoon

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"There's no bad consequence to loving fully, with all your heart. You always gain by giving love." —Reese Witherspoon

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"I’m just trying to matter and live a good life and make work that means something to somebody." —Reese Witherspoon

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"I've realized that life is too short to spend my time with anybody who doesn't appreciate me, treat me with respect or bring value to the relationship." —Reese Witherspoon

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"Chance is the first step you take, luck is what comes afterward." —Reese Witherspoon

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"There’s something timeless and important about making people laugh, about being the right spot in their day." —Reese Witherspoon

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"I’m trying to take the stigma off the word [ambitious] so we encourage more little girls to be ambitious, because I do think that’s how society will change." —Reese Witherspoon

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"I want to make my life, not just my job, the best it can be. The rest will work itself out." —Reese Witherspoon

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"I encourage women to step up. Don’t wait for somebody to ask you." —Reese Witherspoon

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"All we can do to create change is work hard. That’s my advice: Just do what you do well." —Reese Witherspoon

Don't let the hardships of 2024 get you down! Here are 27 happy quotes to keep you stay positive!

Header image via Brit + Co

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Zach Bryan & Brianna Chickenfry's Break Up Is COMPLICATED — Here's What To Know

Zach Bryan and Brianna "Chickenfry" LaPaglia's explosive breakup is everywhere right now. From his seemingly one-sided social media posts to all the bombshell revelations she keeps dropping, it's clear this split is NOT amicable. Both parties are dropping tons of lore, info, and everything in between — including new music?! — right now, so it makes sense if you can't keep up. Luckily, I'm here to help break this breakup down for you! Here's everything you need to know about Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry's relationship...or lack thereof.

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

October 22, 2024 – Zach Bryan Announces His Breakup With Brianna Chickenfry

On October 22, 2024, after some recent speculation that Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry split up, Zach took to his Instagram stories. The country star said, "Addressing something: Brianna and me have broken up with [each other] and I respect and love her with every ounce of my heart. She has loved me unconditionally for a very long time and for that I'll always thank her."

He continued, noting, "I have had an incredibly hard year personally and struggled through some pretty severe things. I thought it would be beneficial for both of us to go our different ways. I am not perfect and never will be. Please respect Brianna's privacy and space in this and if you have it in your heart, mine too."

To wrap it all up, he closed by apologizing to his fans. He said, "With everything I am and to anyone I let down, I am sorry. I try my best in everything. I failed people that love me and mostly myself."

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- YouTube

Brianna hopped on her own Instagram stories shortly there after. She posted, "Hey guys I'm feeling really blindsided right now. Gonna hop off social media for a while and attempt to heal privately, when I'm ready I'll be back and ready to talk. I love you guys so much thank you for all of your kind words. Remember you are so loved and everything's always gonna be okay 🫶"

The Brianna got on Youtube next, posting a raw, emotional video about the situation. Sitting on the floor of her bathroom, she opened up as much as she could in the moment about her breakup. She said, "I just woke up to Zach posting on his Instagram that we broke up and I had no idea that post was going up. He didn't text me, he didn't call me. I just woke up to a bunch of texts, like, 'Are you okay?'"

Brianna, with her teary eyes and red face, explained she's been crying for "five days straight." She said, "I'm at the point where it's like, how can you give someone everything and love them so unconditionally, like through stuff that you shouldn't because you just love them and you want them... like you see the good in them?"

The internet personality said that this is all "so embarrassing" and "really, really heartbreaking." She elaborated that the couple broke up on October 21, but wanted to process on her own and "didn't want it to be public."

Much like her Instagram story, she told her audience that she'll come back when she's ready.

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- YouTube

November 7, 2024 — Brianna Claims Zach's Emotionally Abusive, Wanted $12Mil NDA

Well, it appears this week, Brianna decided she's ready. On Barstool Sports' BFF's Pod November 7, 2024, Brianna gave an inside look at the breakup unlike any other. Not only did she claim Zach was abusive, but she also alleged that he offered her a $12 million NDA to "not talk about the relationship."

After saying it's been the hardest year of her life, she said. "I'm still scared right now because I'm scared of him. My brain's rewired and I'm scared to make him mad and last week, I didn't want to talk about it 'cause I was scared."

Brianna then described the alleged emotional abuse. She noted that everything was cyclical and that he would build her up only to break her back down again. "There was always another excuse as to why he was treating me so poorly and why I'm crying myself to sleep every night, why he's screaming at me," she said. "And then you wake up, it's the apology, it's the 'I'm going to be better like I need you in my life,' but if you've been through this — I don't expect people to understand emotional abuse if you haven't been through it. I hope you never have to go through it but if you've been there you know what I'm talking about."

Not only does Brianna allege she was offered an NDA, but she said that other women that came before her had to sign their own agreements. She declined the offer because she didn't want to "sign away [her] experiences and what [she] went through to protect someone that hurt [her]." She also wanted to share this experience for other women who've suffered something similar.

And when it comes to the logistics of losing out on the famous lifestyle and alleged $12 million? She said, "It was never about the money — I was with the dude because I loved the dude."

Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival

November 8, 2024 — Zach Quit Touring Amid Abuse Allegations

On November 8, 2024, Zach posted on Instagram — where he clearly loves to share all his big news — that not only is his new single "High Road" out today, but that he's also ending his tour early. Read his full statement here:

After not being home for a year and a half I drove out to my mothers gravestone in the dead of night a few days back on familiar Oklahoma roads and I came to realize just like in the past, that she never would call me again

Told her I quit touring because I got accepted to get my masters in Paris next year, I told her I was back in Oklahoma, told her about all my best friends in New York and all the nights we howled with the moon, told her about the immeasurable laughter my band and me have shared these last five years, all the calluses on my finger tips, every tear shed, told her about making it on The Rolling Stone and most importantly told her about porch swinging with my beautiful sister.
I wrote the chorus for this song a month or two back and finished it when I realized I was blessed with all these things.

I figured it was about time I released it.

Thank you guys for listening to ‘This Worlds a Giant’ last night and thank you to all the people who love me; who have truly carried the weight with me.

Seems that all these Quiet Dreams have gotten much too heavy but I’m home now and I’ll hold you through the pain.

High Road is out today and I appreciate all of you"

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83 Budget-Friendly Finds Under $30 That'll Have You Gifting Ready This Season

Discover 83 Amazon products under $30 that are nothing short of pure gold. From stylish fashion finds to the latest beauty trends, these steals offer exceptional value without compromising on quality. We always ask, what's better than the perfect gift? Well, it's the gift that also doesn't break the bank! We're confident you'll find something in here to at least appease a few loved ones this holiday season.

Thanks for reading about our favorite finds from across the internet! FYI: We participate in affiliate programs and may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.