



Plus the market next store is like a mini-Trade Joe's with great produce & basic essentials for the weekend.

so good you'll want to order at least one extra for the road. Ikeda's Burgers & Pies - in Auburn (exit 122 on I-80) - this would be a great stop even if they only sold burgers.Popular pit stops - 3+ hours is a long-time to be in a car, whether you're 4 years old or 40, so here are a few good places to stop and refuel.As such, always be sure to start with a full tank of gas, and have some extra snacks or water in the car, especially when traveling with children. While the drive from the Bay Area to Tahoe is typically around 3.5 hours, be aware that traffic and weather can sometimes combine to double or even triple your driving time. You can also follow us on Twitter to get crucial updates about road conditions. It's always best to check road conditions before your trip.When chain control is in effect, there will be a check point operated by CalTrans where you will be forced to put on chains (and buy them if you don't have any) in order to proceed, unless you have a vehicle with 4-wheel drive and snow tires. For those new to winter driving, chains are like metal crampons that wrap around your tires to help with traction on snow and ice.Both major highways are subject to chain control almost anytime that it snows, and do occasionally close down completely due to unsafe visibility or avalanche risk.To minimze your time spent in a car and maximize your time outside, we recommend leaving the Bay Area before 2pm on Fridays or after 7pm (leaving the office 'early' at 330pm doesn't actually help.) Likewise, on the drive back on Sunday, it's best to either hit the road before 3pm, or to just take your time, have an early dinner, and then leave Tahoe after 530pm. Plan around traffic - especially during this '16/17 season with the epic snow conditions we're seeing, weekend traffic to Tahoe can be as bad as Los Angeles during rush hour.US-50 is one lane each way once you get past the foothills, with occasional passing lanes. I-80 is two lanes each direction the whole way, which means it can accommodate a bit more traffic flow, but it is also a major trucking route, so you will have to deal with passing trucks slowly making the climb. Interstate 80 is the primary route for those visiting North Tahoe, while Highway 50 is the road to get into South Lake Tahoe. There's only two main highways into or out of Tahoe.
