Top Stops Along I-80

Snowshack: Ski and Snowboard Stuff for Kids

Best stops along I-80: Driving to Tahoe

March 4, 2009

This weekend is likely to be one of the best ski weekends of the season at Lake Tahoe. Last night, 24 inches of new snow fell, for a storm total of over 6 feet. The snow is expected to fall, until this weekend. Saturday and Sunday are forecasted to be clear to partly cloudy, with no snow falling.

If you do plan to drive to Lake Tahoe this weekend. Here are some great, if not necessary, stops along I-80 to make your journey easier and more fun.

In Fairfield, hop into the Blue Frog Grog & Grill. (707) 429-2337 (Directions) From filet mignon and pan-seared rack of lamb to lily pad pizza and poly wog pasta, you're sure to find something great. If you're visiting there between 3p and 6p, be sure to ask for $3 off on your pizza. The Blue Frog is open from lunch until 11p. on Friday and Saturday, and from lunch until 9p on Sunday. For a family sing-a-long in the car, try "I'm in Love with a Big Blue Frog" a romantic favorite of the owners'.

The Jelly Belly Candy Factory (707) 428-2800 (Directions) also in Fairfield, is a place you must go, at least once in your life. This is the home of the famous Jelly Belly jelly bean. They have truly interesting tour of their facilities, but be sure to go during the day on weekdays, if you want to see the factory in operation. It is fun to see anytime, however. We went on the the weekend, and enjoyed the tour and the fantastic gift shop quite a bit. The factory is open from 9 to 5, with the last tour scheduled for 4p. Tours are offered every 15 minutes, and last 40 minutes. Best part...the tour, and a little bag of jelly beans at the end...all free. You can even catch a quick cafeteria-style meal there.

In Davis, you can stop in and dine, or pick up a pizza for the road at Woodstock Pizza (530) 757-2525. (Directions) Located in downtown Davis, this is a pizza parlor with great atmosphere. One of their innovations - to put sauce in the folded-over crust. Be sure to check out their deals and coupons page.

If you're traveling through Sacramento during the day, and the kids could use a break from the car. There are more than a few entertaining spots to visit and have fun. For the littlest kids, Fairytale Town (Directions) (916) 264.5233(916) 264.5233 is a true delight. Beautifully maintained and celebrating its 50th anniversary, this amusement park is 2.5-acre of fairytales and nursery rhymes brought to life! If you have time, you can also visit the Sacramento Zoo. There is a zoo combo day pass for those who want to enjoy both places. The price ranges from $9.50 - $13 each.

For kids of all ages, there is the truly grand California State Railroad Museum (916) 323-9280. The price, only $8 for adults and $5 for children (under 5 are free), is deceiving. The huge, beautifully restored old trains, the you can see inside and out, and the miniature model trains are captivating. You can dine at the various restaurants and small cafes in Old Sacramento, which is just adjacent to the museum.

As you enter Auburn, it's all about exit 121("Forest Hills Auburn Ravine Road"). This is a great stop, anytime of year! When you're heading east on hwy 80 (to Tahoe), it is one of the last stops with lots of amenities, before you get onto the windy mountain portion of the drive. Heading west, it is one of the first stops as you are "coming off the mountain". In the winter, the snow is generally gone by this point in the drive.

For truly amazing comfort-food meals and uniquely California snack foods, visit Ikedas's California Country Market (530) 885-4243. For decades, I learned today, I've been misprouncing this name. While I had always pronounced the name "eye key da's" , it is prounced "ee keda's". My source, Dustine Ikeda, ought to know. Dustin is the nephew of the original owners, that opened Ikeda's, in 1970, as a fruitstand. Now a restaurant and grocery store, Ikeda's even offers on-line gourmet gift basket orders. By the way, Dustin's favorite item from the restaurant at Ikeda's is a big burger from the "Famous Burger Bar". From the grocery section, his favorite is the "Marionberry Cobler".

Also at the Forest Hills/Auburn Ravine Exit (Exit 121), you'll find these establishments on the south side of the freeway:Starbucks, Baker's Square, McDonald's, Raley's (Grocery Store), Kentucky Fried Chicken, Carl's Jr., Ikeda's (see above), Arco Gas Station, Chevron, and a 76 Station.

On the north side of the freeway, you'll find: Verlero Gas Station (often the least expensive), Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and Pop Eyes.

If you have a hankerin' for barbecue, and you're in Drooling Dog Bar B Q in Colfax Colfax, you're in luck. The Drooling Dog Bar B Q (530) 346-8893 is right there. Take exit 135 Colfax/Grass Valley. They boast being "above the fog and below the snow". Barbecue lovers can either stop in an enjoy a meal there, or call ahead for food to go. The Drooling Dog folks will have it ready for you to pick up (or fetch). From 7a to 11a you can even have breakfest burritos, scrambled eggs or "The Elvis Wrap", eggs, sliced banana and peanut butter and jelly. Ummm doggie!

Drive safely, if you're headed to the mountains. Consider winterizing your car. For easy road conditions, even from your iphone or blackerry, visit TahoeKidsGuide.com's road conditions page.

For more info about Tahoe Things to do: TahoeKidsGuide.com

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