Nestled in a grove of pines along shoreline of Lake Tahoe, Zephyr Cove Resort's 28 cabins offer a delightful alternative to ordinary lodging. Ranging in size from studios and cottages perfect for a couple or small family to four bedroom cabins sleeping up to 10,Click for Reservations most feature lakeviews and full kitchens and all are just steps from beach. Non-holiday stays of three or more consecutive nights in Off-Season (spring or winter) receive a 20% discount.

All cabins and lodge rooms now have phones, TV with cable and HBO. Bath. Linen and towel service every third day. All kitchens are fully equipped with refrigerator, oven, microwave, coffee maker, cookware, dishware and utensils. Pets allowed, $10 charge per pet per night. $10 per rollaway bed per night.

The Dixie II was launched in 1994 after her predecessor retired following 25 years of service on Lake Tahoe. The 151-foot boat paddles crystal clear waters of Lake Tahoe year-round. In summer time, guestsLet's Cruise Dixie II drink tropical cocktails on "Hurricane Deck" (try one of Dixie specials), and in winter, they stay warm in one of her spacious enclosed seating areas. The two hour tour is narrated and worth paying attention to - it includes local legends, a fish tale, and even a ghost story! On Labor Day, Dixie competes against Tahoe Queen in a 6 mile steamer race. The boats are decked in bunting and their passengers don period attire. It's fun to watch and a great way to welcome summer.

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Pam, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent – Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com To book travel visit Jetstreams.com at www.jetstreams.com and for Beach Resorts visit Beach Booker at www.beachbooker.com

After dinner you can join other guests in rustic lodge building for a board game (by woodstove) or simply read a book from shelf. There's a pay phone at lodge, but don't expect phones, TVs, or internet connections in cabins.

The 14 large and small cabins have kitchens, comfortable beds, and electricity, and eight of them (the "modern cabins") have hot water and bathrooms. For guests in six "rustic cabins" and lodge's dorm accommodations there's a communal bathroom with showers, and outhouse-style restrooms are also close by, although they are closed in winter.

Winter 2003-2004 rates are as follows: $95 per person, per night for rustic cabins, $120 for modern cabins. Note that winter prices include your delicious dinner (including beer and wine), breakfast, trail passes, taxes, and your all-important snowmobile ride from lower canyon up unplowed road to lodge and back. That's right - place becomes inaccessible to cars in winter. Talk about splendid isolation!

For adventurous, Lodge even rents a backcountry hut way up at Mosquito Flat. Go to www.rockcreeklodge for more information and current rates. Then pack your bags, get kids and/or dog into car (pets are allowed for a small extra fee) and get moving.

By way, bring a flashlight, 'cause it gets dark under pines. After all that wine and dessert, take your partner for a romantic stroll along road or across meadow and look up; stars look stunning from this elevation. You can also keep warm in genuine Finnish sauna – a luxurious treat on a winter's evening. Then make your way back to cabin, stoke up fire in stove, and burrow under blankets for a well-earned night's sleep. Ahhh . . !

Rock Creek Lodge is open year around. You will need all that firewood during rugged Sierra winter.

You did earn your night's sleep, didn't you?

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Rob LaGrone, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent – Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com To book travel visit Jetstreams.com at www.jetstreams.com and for Beach Resorts visit Beach Booker at www.beachbooker.com