Markus and I love to find cute little getaways that have a unique enchantment and aren’t too far from home. It’s even better when there is no cell phone service so we can completely unplug and unwind! We have been driving through the Hope Valley in the California side of the Eastern Sierras for years to visit our family in Nevada. This year for a Valentine’s getaway, we stayed at a cozy resort called the Wylder Hotel that was previously known as Sorenson’s . It is located in a grove of aspen trees and was established 1926! It’s old charm and character set the tone with their Norwegian style cabins, cozy cafe and they even have a traditional wood-fired Finnish sauna! (right down my alley).
This is the perfect place to curl up in front of the fireplace or around the firepit with a good book and a glass of red wine. We always travel with our own supply of Bokisch wines and I recommend you do the same! 🙂 
The resort offers complimentary snowshoes and they have cross country ski rentals. Hope Valley is famous for its open meadows and creekside trails. Snowshoeing was just our speed on this trip!
We also took a beautiful drive around Lake Tahoe to Emerald Bay and stopped at Inspiration Point. Oh yeah, don’t miss a pit stop at Camp Richardson’s Beacon Bar and Grill for lunch or a Bloody Mary on their lakeside outdoor patio on your way!
Another fun day trip is to pop down into the nearby Carson Valley in Nevada. Your first stop should be at the Genoa Thirst Parlor, the oldest saloon in Nevada that dates back from 1853! The authentic decor inside is amazing and there are lots of outdoor seating to enjoy or sit around a fire pit. All kinds of famous people have visited the bar over the decades. You can read more about it here.
Your next stop should be a late lunch or early dinner at the Basque restaurant called the J.T. Bar and Grill. It’s an authentic Family Style experience. When we go there we feel transported back to Spain! The lamb with fried garlic is our favorite. They also serve Basque cocktails, Ciders and Patxaran which is a a herb and berry infused liquor.
Can you tell that Markus had fun pouring the cider at the table? Give it a try and send me your photo!
