If you're headed up to Tahoe for Valentine's Day,—or really, anytime this winter—here's where to get cozy with your sweetheart.
Dinner: Bourbon Pub Northstar
If you're in search of an aprés after a day on the slopes and some bubbly to pop with your bae, Michael Mina's Bourbon Pub at Northstar is the place for sharing. Order up a smattering of sumptuous small plates and fun twists on comfort food classics—think truffle potato chips and decadent mac and cheese. Or, if you're looking for something with a hint of fancy, make a Valentine's Day reservation and order the surf and turf for two ($120), including a 24-ounce angus ribeye, shrimp scampi, and duck fat fries. // Bourbon Pub Northstar, 8001 Northstar Village Dr., Ste 8114, Truckee, michaelmina.net
Drinks: The Good Wolf
Sate your thirst for local charm and novel brews at Truckee's The Good Wolf Brewing Company. The great outdoors come inside to create a cozy forest vibe that's perfect for lovers of nature, bluegrass, hops, and each other. Toast to your honey in a rustic tasting room trimmed with moss and stocked with board games—nothing like a bit of friendly competition to spark the mood. Taste the Range of Light, an "evergreen juicy IPA"; Badger Flame, which is a golden beet ale in collaboration with a local farm; and Saturnaila, a fig wine-style ale.
// The Good Wolf, 10990 Industrial Way, Ste B103, Truckee, thegoodwolfbrewing.com
Indulge: The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Lake Tahoe
No need to look any further than The Ritz-Carlton for a luxurious, romantic weekend. Call ahead to book the spa's Tranquility for Two couples experience, a side-by-side 50- or 80-minute massage that you can enhance with a dip in a warm copper tub. Add two glasses of Champagne, and you'll be golden.
// The Ritz-Carlton Spa, 13031 Ritz-Carlton Highlands Court, Truckee, ritzcarlton.com
Ride Bikes: Tahoe East Shore Trail
Ride off into the sunset together across the Incline to Sand Harbor Bike Path, a three-mile stretch of beautiful bikeway that opened in 2019. This previously inaccessible leg of Tahoe's 72-mile trail provides unrivaled access to trails, coves, hidden beaches, and 17 designated view points along the lake's eastern shoreline. Take in an early sunset as you breeze across a magical 810-foot bridge. Not a cyclist? Slow it down with a leisurely walk on the pedestrian footpath.
// Tahoe East Shore Trailhead, 1222 Tahoe Blvd, Incline Village, Nevada, travelnevada.com
Get Naked, Be One: Sierra Hot Springs
Become one with your partner and with nature in the healing steam and stillness of these natural hot springs, nestled in the pine and aspen forests of the Sierra Nevada. Shed your stress and your clothing (bathing suits are optional) as you ease into the tranquil meditation pool, or opt for an even more intimate experience in one of the private Phoenix baths.
// Advance reservations are required for day use Thursday through Sunday from 10:30am to 5:30pm; Sierra Hot Springs, 521 Campbell Hot Springs Rd., Sierraville, sierrahotsprings.org
