The Lake Tahoe region has so much to offer to visitors of all ages in all seasons. However, I think most people immediately visualize action-packed skiing winters or water-sports filled summers. Some travel trends revolve around a particular sport or location, but a popular travel trend right now is multi-generational vacations, and when a trip involves planning activities that people of all ages can enjoy, you might have to go off the beaten track a bit, or try something new.
The Lake Tahoe area has some excellent choices for those family members enjoying this travel trend, who may not be hitting the slopes or the water. The California Parks and Recreation department website shares information several sites that may appeal to everyone. A beautiful and interesting one is Vikingsholm.
“Vikingsholm is one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in the western hemisphere. Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight purchased the property encompassing the head of Emerald Bay and Fannette Island in 1928 for $250,000.
Before starting construction of the summer home late that year, Mrs. Knight and her architect traveled to Scandinavia to gather ideas for the construction of the house. Work on the home ceased at first snowfall in the winter of 1928, and was started up again in the spring of 1929.
Two hundred workers were brought to Emerald Bay and started hand hewing the timbers, carving the intricate designs, hand carving the wood for the interior walls, and forging the hinges and latches. Most of the materials to construct the home came from the Tahoe Basin.
Trees were cut for their size and lack of knots, and the granite for the foundation and walls was quarried from behind the house. The ideas for the construction came from buildings dating as far back as the 11th century. Some sections of the home contain no nails, pegs, or spikes.
One of the interesting architectural designs is the sod roof which covers both the north and south wings of the complex. The interior of the home has paintings on some of the ceilings and walls and two intricately carved dragon beams. The six fireplaces are of Scandinavian design with unusual fireplace screens…”
The adults in your travel group can enjoy the architectural details and history of this beautiful home, the kids will be fascinated by the sod roof and can search for the dragon carvings, and everyone can enjoy the stunning location.
You have until midnight tomorrow (Friday 7/13/12) to enter to win a six-night Health and Hiking Retreat at Coastal Trek on Vancouver Island from 
