36 Hours in Truckee California

Today I’m introducing a new series here on Copy Cat Chic. It’s a little different from the usual, but it definitely stays in-line with my motto of living big on a small budget 🙂 I’ve featured some travel-centric stories before, but now I’ll be sharing them in a new series called “36 hours“. I’ll be sharing my favorite local spots for family-friendly traveling on a budget. Now just to warn you, not all of the places I’ll be mentioning will be super cheap, but I’ll be sure to share when and where I splurge and save. I plan to stay within a $500 budget for 36 hours. I hope you guys enjoy following along on my journey!Today I’m bringing you guys along on a trip to Truckee, California. Truckee is an adorable, small historic turned ski town near Tahoe. It has a host of history being located right near Donner Pass. We’ve been spending a lot of time in Truckee lately because it’s only a few hours by car from the San Francisco Bay Area. It’s also a great way to experience some winter weather, since it’s been so hot lately.

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day one

breakfast
COFFEE BAR
Delicious coffee and baked goods. A quick stop before getting the day started. $10> for a latte and a pastry.

DO
DONNER LAKE TRAIL
$8 for park parking with free admission to the Emigrant Trail Museum and easy walking paths with access to Donner Lake. Tip: Don’t forget the somewhat old, but very cool movie at the museum that plays on the hour.

lunch
FULL BELLY DELI
Sandwiches run around $10. Fresh bread and ingredients are used in some of the most creative sandwiches around. If you’re a meat-lover the Dirka Dirka is a good choice! Grab a sandwich and bring it with you when you walk the Donner Lake trail, you can have a picnic on the lake!

PLAY
KIDSZONE MUSEUM
$8 per person (infants under 1 free). This fun little museum is a great way to spend the afternoon with your little ones.

SHOP
HIGH CAMP HOME
This home store is associated with a local design firm and has anything and everything a chic cabin could ask for. I always make a point to stop here and window shop whenever we’re in town.

dinner
TRUCKEE TAVERN
One of the newer restaurants in town. They have a fun and unique dinner (and bar!) menu. Entrees will run you $30 – $60. Handmade pasta, homemade cheese and a great meat selection. Insider tip: If you order the Payment Differed, ask the bartender to burn the Chartreuse for you, it gives the drink a smokey richness that’s crazy good.

dessert
sweets handmade candies
Located right underneath Truckee Tavern is an old fashioned sweet shop that makes their own fudge. You can smell it down the block. It’s delicious. Stop by for a free sample!

DRINK
MOODY’S
For a little night life, live music, good drinks and good company. $8 – $12 per drink.

stay
Truckee hotel
This historic hotel has been around since 1873, and for those of you thrill seekers out there, stay on the 4th floor, it’s supposedly haunted 😉 Rooms run from $79 – $229.

HIGH CAMP HOME | BESPOKE

TRUCKEE TAVERN

DARK HORSE COFFEE | TROKAY

DAY two

BREAKFAST
dark horse coffee
For a great cup of hipster coffee and fun ambiance. $10> for a coffee & baked good.

DO
TRUCKEE THURSDAYS
If you’re lucky enough to be here on a Thursday during the hotter season, check out historic downtown Truckee and the fun farmer’s market and plenty of family-centric entertainment, booths and displays. There’s even a beer garden!

LUNCH
pizza bar
Organic, hand-stretched pizza dough. Enough said. All pizzas are 11″ and will run $10 – $16.

DRINK
LAKE TAHOE BREWING CO
This brand new location for Tahoe Brew Co. hasn’t opened yet, but it’s such a great spot don’t you think?

shop
BESPOKE
If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind goods and handmade items from local artisans you’ve come to the right place. It’s fun to just walk around and check everything out because every vignette is a work of art.

PLAY
planet kids @ soda springs
If you’re here during the winter and you’re looking for some tubing fun, look no further than this great kids-only snow fun park. With unlimited tubing and ski/snowboard rentals included in the admissions fee, you’re all set. Admission is $34 for one adult and one child. Half hour, private ski lessons are and additional $29.