Aiyaz Crystal Wine Glasses

Wine Glasses Deer

Sorensen's Cabins Offer Uinique Stay in Tahoe Backcountry

Well Sorensen's certainly has been put on the map -- the Rand McNally map, that is. It's right there as Highway 88 meets Highway 89 so this obviously is more than just a resort.

We double-checked with Innkeeper John Brissenden and, yep, there are eight souls who call this place home. And on any given summer night there are another 33 cabins full of people who have come from places like Los Angeles and San Francisco to put some distance between them and the steel, glass and asphalt of everyday life in the big city.

Out here where the mountains are high and the stress is low, Sorensen's Resort sells what Brissenden describes as "the magic of the surrounding wilderness area." In fact, this wilderness is like staying in a national park without the bumper-to-bumper RVs. A network of trails and lakes are just minutes away in any direction, with the Carson mountain range always close at hand, just waiting to provide the perfect backdrop for your next family photo.

Just in case you big-city types suffer serious withdrawal, South Lake Tahoe is just a short scenic drive away - 16 miles to be precise. You can pop into town, get a fix of glitz at one of the major casinos and be back just in time to watch the deer feeding as you enjoy a quite glass of wine and a wilderness sunset.

We arrived at Sorensen's about midnight after a too-long drive up from Sequoia National Park. Our advice: Arrive well before dark because the drive over the pass - whether Highway 50 or 88 - is deep in the mountains, winding, two-lane and potentially hazardous at night with deer crossing the road. We spotted deer (thankfully beside the road, not on it) just about every five minutes for close to a 60-mile stretch of highway.

If you do arrive late, Sorensen's has it covered. Our cabin was already unlocked, the lights on to welcome us and an incredibly comfortable, fluffy bed was beckoning these weary travelers to a quiet, restful sleep in the woods. After all, that really is the Sorensen's calling card: the "cabin in the woods" experience that just happens to have a few extra amenities - such as gourmet dining.

At daybreak, we got a little better look at Sorensen's, and our awe-inspiring natural surroundings. The only resort in the Hope Valley, Sorensen's was built adjacent to the Carson River, a favorite for anglers. Out back of our cabin, boulders of all sizes were strewn along the sloping mountainside providing a tempting, woodsy area to explore and climb to our heart's content.

We were staying in a simple, but modern log cabin with a loft and bathroom area. The kitchen, complete with microwave, two-burner stove and a small refrigerator, was along one wall of the main cabin area. Nearby, a queen bed was covered with charming home-made quilts. The main room also included a sitting area and a dining area, as well as a free-standing wood stove with plenty of wood at the ready even though it was not needed this warm summer night.

The resort itself is actually a village of cabins, joined by meandering pathways, but separated by mature aspens, creeks, ponds and lots of natural vegetation. The cabins all have different names - we were in the Sheepherder cabin - and we learned later that the cabins differ in other ways as well. Brissenden explained that the cabins were purposely not built as cookie-cutter copies of one another, but as an "eclectic" assortment of cabins in many different styles and sizes. You have new cabins, older cabins, big cabins, tiny cabins and many theme cabins such as the Christmas cabins, St. Nick's and the Chapel.

When Brissenden took over the resort 26 years ago, there were just two cabins, and even those were falling down. Now, $3 million and 31 cabins later, the property has filled out considerably. A sauna and gift shop also have been added, as well as a children's catch-and-release trout pond.

Sorensen's also operates a small gourmet restaurant on the property that has been written up in many newspapers and magazines. We didn't get a chance to sample the resort's famous Beef Burgundy Stew, but we did stop in for a delightful breakfast of such conventional favorites as sausage, eggs and home-made potatoes, all prepared with a flair.

That famous stew dates back to 1983, but the property itself originally was homesteaded in 1876 with a 176-acre grant deed signed by President Ulyssess S. Grant. By 1926 it had become a resort. The Sorensen family sold it in 1970 and, after an economic downturn, the resort was sold to Brissenden, a former field representative for former California Congressman Leon Panetta. The Brissenden's step-daughter, Jennifer Camargo, has been helping to operate the resort after some time in "the big city."

From what we could tell, Brissenden has it exactly right when he says he sells the "magic" of the area. Since we're California transplants - Washington state natives who spent a lot of time in the Cascade Mountains - we couldn't wait to don our hiking boots and check out some of the many trails in the area. One trail we liked a lot was the Crater Lake trail, which you drive part of the way, then walk part of the way. With a four-wheel drive you can easily drive up from Highway 88 a couple miles and then walk a couple miles more up to the lake. This road and trail takes you up along the rim of the Valley with the views growing more spectacular with each switchback.

This part of the Sierras -- which in fact is called the Hope Valley -- is just loaded with walks and drives like this. For a less rigorous experience, we drove just a few miles down Highway 88 to the historic town of Markleeville and nearby Grover Hot Springs State Park. Markleeville is the seat of Alpine County, the least populated county in California and, although tiny, this town is a fun stroll - especially if you enjoy historic buildings.

The state park is a few miles out of town and offers a hot springs pool where, for $4, adults can enjoy the effects of a soak in hot mineral water. The water is 104 degrees, but nearby you can also take a plunge into cooler water in a large swimming pool.

Back near Sorensen's, don't miss the Hope Valley Outdoor Center - even if the furthest thing from your mind is outdoor activities. The reason is that owner Joyce Coker offers two major treats that, between them, probably will attract just about anyone visiting the area. Number one is an unusual selection of microbrews on tap in her rustic bar. There is also a special homemade chocolate chip cookie, which will be a hit with any chocolate chip lover out there.

The Outdoor Center was the last stop on our visit to the Hope Valley so, munching on our chocolate chip cookies, we headed on down the road - probably adding back all the calories we had burned off during our brief visit to Sorensen's and Tahoe's backyard wilderness.

AT A GLANCE

WHERE: Sorensen's Resort is located about 16 miles south of South Lake Tahoe. From Sacramento, travel east on Highway 50 through historic Placerville (worth a stop) and on over to the junction with Highway 89. Take 89 over to Highway 88, turn left and you're there. An alternate route is Highway 88 northeast from the Stockton area.

WHAT: Sorensen's offers the "cabin in the woods" experience year-round. In summer, there are great hikes and drives; in winter, the resort has its own cross-country ski area. Fishing and many other outdoor activities are also available in the area.

WHEN: Year-round, except that some attractions may be difficult to reach in winter. For example, the road to Markleeville is sometimes closed due to heavy snow in winter.

WHY: This is an unusual combination of wilderness and civilization. With South Lake Tahoe being so close, it's easy to go into town for the day or dinner. Yet the Hope Valley has true wilderness complete with mountains, trees, lakes, trails and wild animals.

HOW: To make reservations, call 800-423-9949.

About the Author

Cary Ordway is president of Getaway Media Corp, publisher of websites focusing on Oregon travel and California family vacations.

Deer Wine Holder $104 Deer Wine Holder

Glasses of Wine $24.99 Kurt Freundlinger Glasses of Wine - Photographic Print

Stylized Wine Glasses $39.99 Stylized Wine Glasses - Giclee Print

Wine Glasses and Bottles $39.99 Wine Glasses and Bottles - Wall Decal

two glasses of wine $44.99 two glasses of wine - Giclee Print

Wine Glasses with Swirls $19.99 Wine Glasses with Swirls - Premium Poster

Collection of Wine Glasses, C.1755-60 $34.99 Collection of Wine Glasses, C.1755-60 - Giclee Print

Two Glasses of Wine $19.99 Andrew Brookes Two Glasses of Wine - Photographic Print

Red wine glasses and decanter $19.99 Red wine glasses and decanter - Photographic Print

Wine Glasses, Paris $34.99 Pam Ingalls Wine Glasses, Paris - Giclee Print

Waterford Araglin Wine Glasses $62.99 "The Araglin Wine Glass by Waterford Crystal is a perfect addition to any dining or entertaining occasion. The Waterford Crystal Araglin Wine Glass is part of the Waterford Araglin collection. Waterford Crystal stemware and Waterford Crystal Barware is crafted with a beauty and attention to detail that has made Waterford a leader in the stemware and barware industry for generations with fine Crystal by Waterford. Waterford Crystal stemware collections and Waterford crystal barware collections by Waterford Crystal include a wide range of wine glass, wine glasses, goblets, water goblets, pitchers, decanters, cocktail shakers, martini shakers, sake pitchers, wine glass sets, highball glasses, iced beverage glasses, water glasses, mugs, double old fashioned glasses, claret glasses, balloon wine glasses, cordial glasses, ice buckets, wine coasters, wine coolers, wine chilling buckets, shakers, balloon brandy glasses, brandy glasses, wine decanters, whiskey decanters, brandy decanters, liquor decanters, liqueur decanters, shot glasses, toasting flutes, champagne flutes, champagne glasses, tumblers, red wine glasses, white wine glasses, hiball glasses pilsner glasses, beer glasses, cocktail glasses, martinin glasses, port glasses, merlot glasses, cabernet glasses, sherry glasses, cognac glasses, and more to fit any entertaining occasion with stemware by Waterford Crystal and barware by Waterford Crystal."

Waterford Aurora Wine Glasses $44.99 "The Aurora Wine Glass by Waterford Crystal is a perfect addition to any dining or entertaining occasion. The Waterford Crystal Aurora Wine Glass is part of the Waterford Aurora collection. Waterford Crystal stemware and Waterford Crystal Barware is crafted with a beauty and attention to detail that has made Waterford a leader in the stemware and barware industry for generations with fine Crystal by Waterford. Waterford Crystal stemware collections and Waterford crystal barware collections by Waterford Crystal include a wide range of wine glass, wine glasses, goblets, water goblets, pitchers, decanters, cocktail shakers, martini shakers, sake pitchers, wine glass sets, highball glasses, iced beverage glasses, water glasses, mugs, double old fashioned glasses, claret glasses, balloon wine glasses, cordial glasses, ice buckets, wine coasters, wine coolers, wine chilling buckets, shakers, balloon brandy glasses, brandy glasses, wine decanters, whiskey decanters, brandy decanters, liquor decanters, liqueur decanters, shot glasses, toasting flutes, champagne flutes, champagne glasses, tumblers, red wine glasses, white wine glasses, hiball glasses pilsner glasses, beer glasses, cocktail glasses, martinin glasses, port glasses, merlot glasses, cabernet glasses, sherry glasses, cognac glasses, and more to fit any entertaining occasion with stemware by Waterford Crystal and barware by Waterford Crystal."

Waterford Ballyshannon Wine Glasses $62.99 "The Ballyshannon Wine Glass by Waterford Crystal is a perfect addition to any dining or entertaining occasion. The Waterford Crystal Ballyshannon Wine Glass is part of the Waterford Ballyshannon collection. Waterford Crystal stemware and Waterford Crystal Barware is crafted with a beauty and attention to detail that has made Waterford a leader in the stemware and barware industry for generations with fine Crystal by Waterford. Waterford Crystal stemware collections and Waterford crystal barware collections by Waterford Crystal include a wide range of wine glass, wine glasses, goblets, water goblets, pitchers, decanters, cocktail shakers, martini shakers, sake pitchers, wine glass sets, highball glasses, iced beverage glasses, water glasses, mugs, double old fashioned glasses, claret glasses, balloon wine glasses, cordial glasses, ice buckets, wine coasters, wine coolers, wine chilling buckets, shakers, balloon brandy glasses, brandy glasses, wine decanters, whiskey decanters, brandy decanters, liquor decanters, liqueur decanters, shot glasses, toasting flutes, champagne flutes, champagne glasses, tumblers, red wine glasses, white wine glasses, hiball glasses pilsner glasses, beer glasses, cocktail glasses, martinin glasses, port glasses, merlot glasses, cabernet glasses, sherry glasses, cognac glasses, and more to fit any entertaining occasion with stemware by Waterford Crystal and barware by Waterford Crystal."

Waterford Clarion Wine Glasses $62.99 "The Clarion Wine Glass by Waterford Crystal is a perfect addition to any dining or entertaining occasion. The Waterford Crystal Clarion Wine Glass is part of the Waterford Clarion collection. Waterford Crystal stemware and Waterford Crystal Barware is crafted with a beauty and attention to detail that has made Waterford a leader in the stemware and barware industry for generations with fine Crystal by Waterford. Waterford Crystal stemware collections and Waterford crystal barware collections by Waterford Crystal include a wide range of wine glass, wine glasses, goblets, water goblets, pitchers, decanters, cocktail shakers, martini shakers, sake pitchers, wine glass sets, highball glasses, iced beverage glasses, water glasses, mugs, double old fashioned glasses, claret glasses, balloon wine glasses, cordial glasses, ice buckets, wine coasters, wine coolers, wine chilling buckets, shakers, balloon brandy glasses, brandy glasses, wine decanters, whiskey decanters, brandy decanters, liquor decanters, liqueur decanters, shot glasses, toasting flutes, champagne flutes, champagne glasses, tumblers, red wine glasses, white wine glasses, hiball glasses pilsner glasses, beer glasses, cocktail glasses, martinin glasses, port glasses, merlot glasses, cabernet glasses, sherry glasses, cognac glasses, and more to fit any entertaining occasion with stemware by Waterford Crystal and barware by Waterford Crystal."

Waterford Crosshaven Wine Glasses $53.99 "The Crosshaven Wine Glass by Waterford Crystal is a perfect addition to any dining or entertaining occasion. The Waterford Crystal Crosshaven Wine Glass is part of the Waterford Crosshaven collection. Waterford Crystal stemware and Waterford Crystal Barware is crafted with a beauty and attention to detail that has made Waterford a leader in the stemware and barware industry for generations with fine Crystal by Waterford. Waterford Crystal stemware collections and Waterford crystal barware collections by Waterford Crystal include a wide range of wine glass, wine glasses, goblets, water goblets, pitchers, decanters, cocktail shakers, martini shakers, sake pitchers, wine glass sets, highball glasses, iced beverage glasses, water glasses, mugs, double old fashioned glasses, claret glasses, balloon wine glasses, cordial glasses, ice buckets, wine coasters, wine coolers, wine chilling buckets, shakers, balloon brandy glasses, brandy glasses, wine decanters, whiskey decanters, brandy decanters, liquor decanters, liqueur decanters, shot glasses, toasting flutes, champagne flutes, champagne glasses, tumblers, red wine glasses, white wine glasses, hiball glasses pilsner glasses, beer glasses, cocktail glasses, martinin glasses, port glasses, merlot glasses, cabernet glasses, sherry glasses, cognac glasses, and more to fit any entertaining occasion with stemware by Waterford Crystal and barware by Waterford Crystal."

Waterford Elberon Wine Glasses $44.99 "The Elberon Wine Glass by Waterford Crystal is a perfect addition to any dining or entertaining occasion. The Waterford Crystal Elberon Wine Glass is part of the Waterford Elberon collection. Waterford Crystal stemware and Waterford Crystal Barware is crafted with a beauty and attention to detail that has made Waterford a leader in the stemware and barware industry for generations with fine Crystal by Waterford. Waterford Crystal stemware collections and Waterford crystal barware collections by Waterford Crystal include a wide range of wine glass, wine glasses, goblets, water goblets, pitchers, decanters, cocktail shakers, martini shakers, sake pitchers, wine glass sets, highball glasses, iced beverage glasses, water glasses, mugs, double old fashioned glasses, claret glasses, balloon wine glasses, cordial glasses, ice buckets, wine coasters, wine coolers, wine chilling buckets, shakers, balloon brandy glasses, brandy glasses, wine decanters, whiskey decanters, brandy decanters, liquor decanters, liqueur decanters, shot glasses, toasting flutes, champagne flutes, champagne glasses, tumblers, red wine glasses, white wine glasses, hiball glasses pilsner glasses, beer glasses, cocktail glasses, martinin glasses, port glasses, merlot glasses, cabernet glasses, sherry glasses, cognac glasses, and more to fit any entertaining occasion with stemware by Waterford Crystal and barware by Waterford Crystal."

Waterford Kelsey Wine Glasses $53.99 "The Kelsey Wine Glass by Waterford Crystal is a perfect addition to any dining or entertaining occasion. The Waterford Crystal Kelsey Wine Glass is part of the Waterford Kelsey collection. Waterford Crystal stemware and Waterford Crystal Barware is crafted with a beauty and attention to detail that has made Waterford a leader in the stemware and barware industry for generations with fine Crystal by Waterford. Waterford Crystal stemware collections and Waterford crystal barware collections by Waterford Crystal include a wide range of wine glass, wine glasses, goblets, water goblets, pitchers, decanters, cocktail shakers, martini shakers, sake pitchers, wine glass sets, highball glasses, iced beverage glasses, water glasses, mugs, double old fashioned glasses, claret glasses, balloon wine glasses, cordial glasses, ice buckets, wine coasters, wine coolers, wine chilling buckets, shakers, balloon brandy glasses, brandy glasses, wine decanters, whiskey decanters, brandy decanters, liquor decanters, liqueur decanters, shot glasses, toasting flutes, champagne flutes, champagne glasses, tumblers, red wine glasses, white wine glasses, hiball glasses pilsner glasses, beer glasses, cocktail glasses, martinin glasses, port glasses, merlot glasses, cabernet glasses, sherry glasses, cognac glasses, and more to fit any entertaining occasion with stemware by Waterford Crystal and barware by Waterford Crystal."

Waterford Lucerne Wine Glasses $44.99 "The Lucerne Wine Glass by Waterford Crystal is a perfect addition to any dining or entertaining occasion. The Waterford Crystal Lucerne Wine Glass is part of the Waterford Lucerne collection. Waterford Crystal stemware and Waterford Crystal Barware is crafted with a beauty and attention to detail that has made Waterford a leader in the stemware and barware industry for generations with fine Crystal by Waterford. Waterford Crystal stemware collections and Waterford crystal barware collections by Waterford Crystal include a wide range of wine glass, wine glasses, goblets, water goblets, pitchers, decanters, cocktail shakers, martini shakers, sake pitchers, wine glass sets, highball glasses, iced beverage glasses, water glasses, mugs, double old fashioned glasses, claret glasses, balloon wine glasses, cordial glasses, ice buckets, wine coasters, wine coolers, wine chilling buckets, shakers, balloon brandy glasses, brandy glasses, wine decanters, whiskey decanters, brandy decanters, liquor decanters, liqueur decanters, shot glasses, toasting flutes, champagne flutes, champagne glasses, tumblers, red wine glasses, white wine glasses, hiball glasses pilsner glasses, beer glasses, cocktail glasses, martinin glasses, port glasses, merlot glasses, cabernet glasses, sherry glasses, cognac glasses, and more to fit any entertaining occasion with stemware by Waterford Crystal and barware by Waterford Crystal."

Waterford Merrill Wine Glasses $44.99 "The Merrill Wine Glass by Waterford Crystal is a perfect addition to any dining or entertaining occasion. The Waterford Crystal Merrill Wine Glass is part of the Waterford Merrill collection. Waterford Crystal stemware and Waterford Crystal Barware is crafted with a beauty and attention to detail that has made Waterford a leader in the stemware and barware industry for generations with fine Crystal by Waterford. Waterford Crystal stemware collections and Waterford crystal barware collections by Waterford Crystal include a wide range of wine glass, wine glasses, goblets, water goblets, pitchers, decanters, cocktail shakers, martini shakers, sake pitchers, wine glass sets, highball glasses, iced beverage glasses, water glasses, mugs, double old fashioned glasses, claret glasses, balloon wine glasses, cordial glasses, ice buckets, wine coasters, wine coolers, wine chilling buckets, shakers, balloon brandy glasses, brandy glasses, wine decanters, whiskey decanters, brandy decanters, liquor decanters, liqueur decanters, shot glasses, toasting flutes, champagne flutes, champagne glasses, tumblers, red wine glasses, white wine glasses, hiball glasses pilsner glasses, beer glasses, cocktail glasses, martinin glasses, port glasses, merlot glasses, cabernet glasses, sherry glasses, cognac glasses, and more to fit any entertaining occasion with stemware by Waterford Crystal and barware by Waterford Crystal."

Waterford Pallas Wine Glasses $68.99 "The Pallas Wine Glass by Waterford Crystal is a perfect addition to any dining or entertaining occasion. The Waterford Crystal Pallas Wine Glass is part of the Waterford Pallas collection. Waterford Crystal stemware and Waterford Crystal Barware is crafted with a beauty and attention to detail that has made Waterford a leader in the stemware and barware industry for generations with fine Crystal by Waterford. Waterford Crystal stemware collections and Waterford crystal barware collections by Waterford Crystal include a wide range of wine glass, wine glasses, goblets, water goblets, pitchers, decanters, cocktail shakers, martini shakers, sake pitchers, wine glass sets, highball glasses, iced beverage glasses, water glasses, mugs, double old fashioned glasses, claret glasses, balloon wine glasses, cordial glasses, ice buckets, wine coasters, wine coolers, wine chilling buckets, shakers, balloon brandy glasses, brandy glasses, wine decanters, whiskey decanters, brandy decanters, liquor decanters, liqueur decanters, shot glasses, toasting flutes, champagne flutes, champagne glasses, tumblers, red wine glasses, white wine glasses, hiball glasses pilsner glasses, beer glasses, cocktail glasses, martinin glasses, port glasses, merlot glasses, cabernet glasses, sherry glasses, cognac glasses, and more to fit any entertaining occasion with stemware by Waterford Crystal and barware by Waterford Crystal."

Waterford Wynnewood Wine Glasses $44.99 "The Wynnewood Wine Glass by Waterford Crystal is a perfect addition to any dining or entertaining occasion. The Waterford Crystal Wynnewood Wine Glass is part of the Waterford Wynnewood collection. Waterford Crystal stemware and Waterford Crystal Barware is crafted with a beauty and attention to detail that has made Waterford a leader in the stemware and barware industry for generations with fine Crystal by Waterford. Waterford Crystal stemware collections and Waterford crystal barware collections by Waterford Crystal include a wide range of wine glass, wine glasses, goblets, water goblets, pitchers, decanters, cocktail shakers, martini shakers, sake pitchers, wine glass sets, highball glasses, iced beverage glasses, water glasses, mugs, double old fashioned glasses, claret glasses, balloon wine glasses, cordial glasses, ice buckets, wine coasters, wine coolers, wine chilling buckets, shakers, balloon brandy glasses, brandy glasses, wine decanters, whiskey decanters, brandy decanters, liquor decanters, liqueur decanters, shot glasses, toasting flutes, champagne flutes, champagne glasses, tumblers, red wine glasses, white wine glasses, hiball glasses pilsner glasses, beer glasses, cocktail glasses, martinin glasses, port glasses, merlot glasses, cabernet glasses, sherry glasses, cognac glasses, and more to fit any entertaining occasion with stemware by Waterford Crystal and barware by Waterford Crystal."

Two Wine Glasses, 1874 $114.99 John Singer Sargent Two Wine Glasses, 1874 - Framed Art Print

Two Glasses of Rose Wine $19.99 Andrew Brookes Two Glasses of Rose Wine - Photographic Print

Two Glasses of Red Wine $24.99 Michael Brauner Two Glasses of Red Wine - Photographic Print

Red Wine in Several Glasses $24.99 Steve Baxter Red Wine in Several Glasses - Photographic Print

Wine Glasses and Grapes $24.99 John James Wood Wine Glasses and Grapes - Photographic Print

Glasses, Newspaper, and Bottle of Wine $7.99 Juan Gris Glasses, Newspaper, and Bottle of Wine - Art Print

Glasses, a Newspaper and a Bottle of Wine $34.99 Juan Gris Glasses, a Newspaper and a Bottle of Wine - Giclee Print

Person Pours Wine into Four Wine Glasses $39.99 Greg Dale Person Pours Wine into Four Wine Glasses - Photographic Print

Deer Antler Wine Rack/Table $69 -Resin Deer Antler Wine Rack that holds 4 750ML bottles of wine -Resin

Yellow 10 oz. Premium Plastic Wine Glasses (18 count) $12.99 Includes (18) wine glasses.

Square 8 oz. Premium Plastic Wine Glasses (6 count) $9.99 Includes (6) wine glasses.

Cocktail Wine Glasses Pkg/20 $9.99 Our Cocktail Wine Glasses add a bold splash of color to any party or event. These Cocktail glasses come in a variety of bold colors of green, purple, red and blue and make spectacular party favors. Each package contains twenty 8 oz plastic wine glasses that measure 6 inches high and have a 4 1/2 inch diameter opening. These Cocktail Wine Glasses are a great way to add color to any party theme and may be used as drinking glasses or to hold snacks such as candy or nuts.

Plastic Wine Glasses Pkg/20 $7.99 Our Plastic Goblets are great for wedding or anniversary parties. These Plastic Wine Glasses hold 5 ounces and come in a package of 20.

Wine Lovers Wine Glasses Black $8.48 Designed by Lloyd and Barton for Timeless Treasures, this cotton print features wine glasses filled with wine. Colors include champagne, purple, grey and black. Use for quilting and craft projects.