Alli Talley

February 25, 2020

48 HOURS IN CARSON VALLEY

Alli Talley

February 25, 2020

There’s nothing we love more than discovering cities and towns that intrigue and inspire us. Last year we spent two nights in Carson Valley, Nevada with our pup Sally (you can read more about it here), and we couldn’t get enough. We decided we needed to return to Carson Valley at least one more time before the baby comes, and we’re SO glad we did. It’s the kind of place that feels remote, but is surprisingly easy to get to. It’s 20 minutes from Tahoe (SO close to the slopes!), 45 minutes from Reno, and Carson City is an easy 15 minutes away. Yet Carson Valley feels refreshingly off-the-map… and that’s exactly why we like it.

Here’s what we did this time around, and what we think you should do too (especially if you only have 48 hours to spare).

AFTERNOON

Check into the Carson Valley Inn :: Located in the heart of Minden, The Carson Valley Inn and Casino is the perfect home base for all of your Carson Valley adventures. They have everything - from spacious rooms, to nightly entertainment, a luxe indoor pool and spa, restaurants, and of course… a state of the art casino! Spend your afternoon leisurely exploring and enjoying the facilities, and why not try your hand at blackjack?

EVENING

Dinner at Khristopher’s Cafe :: This cozy Italian eatery is a favorite among Carson Valley locals, and with one bite of their homemade spaghetti, it’s easy to see why! Khristopher’s Cafe has a menu that is extensive and delectably hearty, with daily specials and a killer happy hour that’s not to be missed! (Save room for tiramisu!)

Kristopher’s Cafe sits in beautiful downtown Minden!

MORNING

Early Morning Coffee at DST Coffee :: Pop into one of our favorite coffee shops in the valley, DST Coffee, for an early morning oat milk latte or a refreshing cold brew… and if you’re hungry, try one of their delicious breakfast burritos!

Birding with JT Humphrey :: Ask anyone in Carson Valley if they’ve heard the name JT Humphrey, and chances are they have. This guy is a local legend when it comes to spotting, photographing, and protecting the wildlife in the area. He’s a horse whisperer and an expert bald eagle spotter - so spending a morning with him is an absolute must! JT took us on a quest to see bald eagles, golden eagles, barn owls, blue herons, numerous kinds of hawks, and many, many others. On our last trip to Carson Valley, we spent a morning viewing wild horses (read about it here). JT knows wildlife! You can contact JT here to arrange a tour!

AFTERNOON

Lunch at Cafe Girasole :: Open only for lunch, Cafe Girasole is the place to go for handcrafted sandwiches, soups, salads, paninis, and more. Their menu is loaded with fresh and healthy options, including the infamous “Iron Mike”! It’s a protein-rich veggie sandwich that features a surprising twist… peanut butter! And it’s REALLY GOOD.

Tour the Dangberg Home Ranch Historic park :: One of the most influential and iconic families in Carson Valley’s history was the Dangberg’s. Arriving in the 1850s, the family was not only crucial in growing the ranching and agriculture business in Carson Valley, but they also founded the town of Minden! Touring the Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park is like walking through a time capsule, with many personal belongings and items that have been passed down generation after generation! To learn more and schedule a tour, visit here.

There’s peanut butter in there. And it’s delicious!

Fascinated by this 19th century passport!

EVENING

Cooking class at Sierra Chef :: Roll up your sleeves and get ready for a culinary adventure that you won’t soon forget - the cooking classes at Genoa’s Sierra Chef are a must-do! We suggest calling ahead of time and arranging a private class, where you can learn how to make anything from Asian stir-fry dishes to homemade pasta! (We highly recommend pasta-making, it was phenomenal!) See the 2020 class calendar here.

Late Night Dip at Walley’s Hot Springs Resort :: After your cooking lesson, enjoy a relaxing and peaceful evening at the nearby Walley’s Hot Springs Resort. These historic hot springs are not only soothing and healing, but they boast some incredible mountain views as well. There’s also eucalyptus steam rooms, saunas, locker rooms, and a pool for guests enjoyment as well!

After pasta making, a hot spring soak is ideal…

MORNING

Breakfast at Cowboy’s Cafe :: If you’ve ever wondered what a cowboy eats for breakfast, come to Cowboy’s Cafe and see for yourself! Known for their hearty chicken fried steak and finger-lickin’ biscuits and gravy, this is the kind of place where diets go out the window. And for good reason - it’s all delicious! (And you might need a nap after!)

Bently Distillery Tour :: Gin, vodka, and whiskey lovers, this is the place for you! We’re such big fans of Carson Valley’s Bently Distillery that we dedicated an entire blog to it (read more here), but regardless, their one-hour distillery tour is fantastic. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at their stills, bottling line, and barreling room - and you’ll even get to sample their premium spirits in their stunning new tasting room! Tours run Thursday-Sunday, and you can sign up for them here.

Of course Bobby got the Chicken Fried Steak and gravy…

Fascinating distillery tour! Can’t wait for the whisky!

AFTERNOON

Lunch at Cook’d :: After your tour, head on over to Cook’d for lunch, where they serve everything from tacos to burgers to mouth watering pizzas! Their menu is fresh and made to order, and we love the fun and casual atmosphere. Order a “Frozen Tumbleweed” for a real Cook’d treat!

Antique shopping :: Maybe it’s Carson Valley’s rich history, or maybe it’s their creative and eclectic residents, but whatever the reason, the antiquing here is next level. There are countless shops filled with vintage collectables, furniture, and decor, but two of our favorites are Cheshire Antiques and Red Barn Antiques. One can easily spend an entire afternoon browsing and exploring these two spots… and that’s exactly what we think you should do!

We love doing a little antique treasure hunting…

EVENING

Dinner at CV Steak :: What better way to end your trip than with a fancy steak dinner at CV Steak, Carson Valley Inn’s stunning steakhouse? From their signature table-side tossed salad, to their famous au gratin style potatoes, to their tantalizing steaks and chops… it’s undoubtedly one of the best meals in the valley. We’re drooling just thinking about it!

Did we miss any of your Carson Valley favorites? Leave a comment and let us know!

Alli Talley

February 25, 2020

Nevada, USA, Foodies

WHY BENTLY RANCH AND DISTILLERY SHOULD BE ON YOUR RADAR

Alli Talley

February 25, 2020

Nevada, USA, Foodies

Beneath the Sierra Nevada Mountains is a 50,000 acre ranch unlike any other. A ranch that’s full of thriving natural resources, innovation, technology, and promise. It’s a ranch that’s sure to put Carson Valley on the map, and we’re excited to say that you heard it here first.

Just a couple weeks ago we had the honor of touring Bently Ranch and Distillery, and we were completely blown away by what these folks are up to. Here’s what we discovered:

THE RANCH

Bently Ranch was founded in 1997 by Donald and Christopher Bently, a father-son duo with a passion for grass-fed beef and sustainable farming. Their love for the environment runs deep, and their commitment to running a business as green as possible, runs deeper. Christopher is now the president and director, and his goal of creating a fully organic ranching practice has truly come to life.

When it comes to cattle ranching, Bently Ranch excels. Their cattle are raised and cared for by ranchers that incorporate old traditions with new, and they take great pride in the legacy that they’re creating. We couldn’t have been more impressed as we toured and learned more about the ranch, the measures they take to be sustainable and eco-friendly, and the family environment they’ve fostered… It's beyond impressive. And for all you meat lovers out there, their beef is certified natural, Gap Step 4, hormone free, and GMO free.

And it’s downright delicious. (Order some here and see for yourself!)

THE DISTILLERY

For years Christopher Bently has been fascinated and inspired by the old world whisky distilleries of Scotland. Being the dreamer and entrepreneur that he is, it only made sense that they build their own… right in the heart of Carson Valley. Using only their grains - winter rye, wheat, oats, and barley (all grown on Bently ranch), their goal is to set a new standard for sustainable production. Besides the imported Oloroso sherry oak casks, everything is sourced and created from their land. Everything. How cool is that?!

The distillery itself is state-of-the-art, with the best equipment and an innovative team of expert distillers paving the way. They specialize in gin, vodka, and whisky (which is currently being aged). While the whisky won’t be ready for a few years, they’ve been making waves with their unique Source One Vodkas. Their Source One Vodka finished in the sherry casks is an absolute must-try. It’s the first vodka I (Bobby) have ever wanted to sip on like a whisky - it’s smooth, complex, and easy to drink. We of course bought a bottle and brought it home.

State of the art facilities at Bently Distillery. This is the malting room!

WHEN TO VISIT

Open to the public Thursdays-Sundays, the Bently Heritage Distillery Tour is not to be missed. Guests get an insider look into the incredible lengths they go to, to instill that their production is as sustainable as possible, and see the distillery in action! Tours are an hour long and end with a spirit tasting… our favorite part! ;)

The Bently Heritage “Public House”, or tasting room, is also open Thursdays-Sundays, for specialty cocktails and light bites. Set in a one-hundred-year-old historic flour mill (that once again is processing grains), the ambiance is as unique as it is mesmerizing. The entire cocktail menu does, of course, feature products solely made in-house, and features weekly drink specials. We’d be there weekly if we lived in Carson Valley!

Discovering Bently Ranch and Distillery was one of the highlights from our trip to Carson Valley - and we can’t wait to see how they continue to grow and set new standards for excellence in both cattle ranching and distilling.

We have a feeling this is just the beginning. And Bobby’s counting down the days their whisky becomes available.

Alli Talley

June 26, 2019

Nevada, USA

CARSON VALLEY, NEVADA :: A LEGENDARY ADVENTURE

Alli Talley

June 26, 2019

Nevada, USA

You know those places in America that you stumble upon randomly and you can’t help but wonder, “Why haven’t I been here before?” You get those “I really like this place” feels from the moment you arrive, and then it just keeps getting better? Those places that feel like a second home, almost instantly?

Carson Valley, Nevada is one of those places.

We just spent two incredible days exploring this beautiful valley, and we can’t believe it wasn’t on our radar until now. Being only 30 minutes from Lake Tahoe, and 40 minutes from Reno, we’ve driven past (or even through) Carson Valley numerous times, and never even knew what we were missing!

Carson Valley is rugged yet refined, history-filled yet up-and-coming, easy to get to yet remote, safe yet thrilling. Heck, Carson Valley is downright legendary. Here’s why:

THERE’S WILD HORSES. ENOUGH SAID.

Yep. You read that right. Wild horses. We had the opportunity to spend one morning with Carson Valley’s famous photographer and wildlife expert JT Humphrey, tracking down the wild horses and getting an up-close look at these surprisingly complex and downright fascinating creatures.

JT picked us up at our hotel (side note: we stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Minden, which was clean, convenient, and served a delicious hot breakfast in the morning - AND they’re dog friendly), and we hopped in JT’s truck for a roughly 3-hour escapade.

As we made our way to the wide, mountainous land that the horses call home, JT shared more about the unique characteristics that wild horses possess - and why keeping horses truly wild is so important.

As people continue to make more and more demands for livestock and human use, the amount of wild horses has vastly decreased. In Carson Valley, they have around 100 or so wild horses, and you better believe that JT knows them all by name. Sure enough, we saw Zorro, Red, Blondie, and many, many more. We learned that wild horses group themselves in different herds (or “bands”), typically led by a dominant stallion.

The drama and politics and tension between these bands is enough to make your head spin (and to take up an entire blog post), so we won’t get into details. But it’s absolutely captivating, and JT is truly a legend. Add this to your bucket list.

Alli with the legend himself, JT Humphry

CUISINE FIT FOR A KING… OR A COWBOY!

Because there’s so much to see in this scenic valley, we’re guessing people don’t head to Carson Valley solely for the food. But you could!! It’s safe to say we ate our way through the valley and we thoroughly enjoyed everything we tried. The restaurants and cafes in Carson Valley served dishes that were not only packed with flavor, but the places were packed with history, charm - and cowboys, too!

+ JT Basque Bar & Dining Room: Unlimited soup, bread, salad, french fries, red wine, entree of your choice, dessert… Basque food is the BEST. And this iconic (and historic) restaurant excels at it! They’ve been serving award-winning Basque food since 1955… and from the atmosphere to the service, the experience is still as authentic as ever!

+ The Pink House: Built in 1855 (and listed in the National Register of Historic Places), this charming restaurant serves a seasonal menu filled with fresh hors d'oeuvres, charcuterie plates, rotating entrees, and more. Grab a seat on their wrap-around patio, order a bottle of wine and few plates to share, and you’ve got the makings of a perfect afternoon!

+ Overland Restaurant & Pub: The latest prodigy from acclaimed chef Mark Estee, this neighborhood smokehouse is old-school country western with a modern flair, and we dig it. Order their Smoked BBQ Platter and be prepared to leave with lots of leftovers!

+ Minden Meat & Deli: What at first glance may appear to be your average butcher shop, is actually ANYTHING but average. With 31 craft beers on tap (and hundreds more available), made-to-order burgers and sandwiches, and locally made ice cream, this deli is more like a destination! Whether you grab a seat outside or sit at the bar, you’re sure to make a friend or two. And you might even meet a cowboy!

Love the interior at the JT Basque Bar! Look at all the money on the ceiling!

We’d probably drive back to Genoa for the Porchetta Sandwich

Incredible views at the Overland Restaurant

Delicious sandwiches and beers at Minden Meat and Deli

SPEAKING OF COWBOYS, THEY KNOW HOW TO DRINK!

You can tell a lot about a place by sitting down at a local’s spot and having a drink. One of our favorite pastimes when we’re traveling (or when we’re home) is finding a good happy hour, striking up conversations with the people around us, and learning more about the place we’re in from a local’s perspective. We did this twice during our stay in Carson Valley, and we learned so much! Not to mention, the drinks were awesome. ;)

+ The Corner Bar: When the weather is warm, and the sun is just beginning to set, this is where you want to be! While the inside is quaint and enjoyable, we fell in love with the outdoor seating at this neighborhood hotspot - and their happy hour deals are the best in town! (Our bill was $6.50 for TWO drinks!!)

+ Genoa Bar: You can’t beat the ambiance here, or the fact that it’s the “Oldest thirst parlor in Nevada”! Dating back to the 1850’s, this historical drinking establishment has seen its share of legends pass through their doors - everyone from Clark Gable to Theodore Roosevelt! If only these walls could talk! Our Genoa Bar recommendation? Order a cold one, sit back, and get to know the people sitting around you… Chances are they have stories to tell, too!

THE SCENERY IS STUNNING

It goes without saying that Carson Valley is beautiful. The snow capped mountains, lush, green fields, towering pine trees, wild horses (we will never get over them!) - it’s all so picturesque! We wanted to see as much of the valley as we could, so we did two epic excursions to give us a “birds eye view”, starting with:

+ The Genoa Loop Trail: Not only does this 8.2 mile trail provides jaw-dropping views of the Carson Valley, but there’s even a waterfall! You climb through several switchbacks, cross over glistening streams, and marvel at how high this hike can take you! But if you’re itching to go even higher...

+ Glider Rides: The most epic, thrilling, and exhilarating way to see the Carson Valley (in our opinion) is on a glider ride with the friendly folks at Soaring Nevada! You’ll fly more than 3,000 feet above the ground in an engine-free glider. It’s surprisingly peaceful and smooth, and the views are absolutely spectacular. We flew over mountains, the many quaint towns of Carson Valley, even over Lake Tahoe! It was a ride we will NEVER forget.

Bobby was a little freaked out but it was so WORTH IT

AND THE TOWNS ARE QUAINT

Genoa, Minden, and Gardnerville - three lovely towns in Carson Valley, each with their own personality and quirks. We found ourselves hopping around the different towns throughout the day, as they’re all extremely close and easy to get to.

+ Gardnerville: Downtown Gardnerville had us from the moment we arrived, with their old brick buildings and their colorful flower baskets lining the Main Street. There’s restaurants, antique shops, and galleries a-plenty, and we can only imagine how cute it is at Christmas. We might need to come back for that… ;)

+ Minden: Located right next to Gardnerville is the town of Minden, where adults can tour (and taste) some of the finest spirits in Nevada at the brand new Bently Distillery. (Unfortunately it was closed the days we were there, but it’s on our list for when we go back!) Kids can cool off (and get their wiggles out) at Minden Park’s new Splash Pad - and we’d be lying if we said we didn’t contemplate jumping in too!

+ Genoa: Nestled at the base of the Sierra Nevada Range (and just seven miles away from Minden) is the historic - and adorable - town of Genoa. Known as “Nevada’s Oldest Town”, Minden is just as charming and picture-perfect as you would imagine, with quaint buildings and pretty parks, all with a distinctly country-western feel. It’s like something out of a movie!

+ Topaz Lake: While we drove through and briefly saw Topaz Lake, we didn’t get a chance to spend much time there. However, this is another beautiful part of the Carson Valley, and we’re planning to stop for some fishing and paddle boarding (without Sally) on our next visit.

Next time you’re roadtripping to Tahoe (or beyond), carve some time out of your drive for Carson Valley. Chase wild horses with JT, grab some mouthwatering sandwiches at Minden Meat and Deli, glide through the sky with Soaring NV, and have a drink (or two) at Genoa Bar…

Or keep it simple! Hike, relax, and enjoy the natural beauty that the valley has to offer. Whatever you do, we promise your time in Carson Valley will be nothing short of legendary.

Alli Talley

March 21, 2016

USA, Nevada

Romantic Valentine's Getaway at the Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas!

Alli Talley

March 21, 2016

USA, Nevada

For the past couple of years we’ve been on the hunt for the best spot to stay on the Las Vegas Strip. It’s surprisingly harder to find than you would think. It’s all about the location, the views, the amenities, and of COURSE the pool. There are many, many, factors that go into our decision… And we’re writing this blog to let you know that we believe we’ve found it. The Mandarin Oriental is our new favorite place to stay on the Las Vegas Strip!

First of all, the room speaks for itself. It's spacious, modern, and very zen. One would never know they're staying on one of the busiest, loudest, and craziest streets in the world. This room is completely sound proof and a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas! Nearly everything can be turned on or off by a remote control, and the bed is a pillowy perfection that required us to incorporate several naps into our daily itinerary. We didn't hate it. Plus... can we talk about this BATH TUB?

It's heaven! When it comes to baths, the Mandarin Oriental leaves no detail spared - as they even equip you with bath salts, luxury beauty amenities, slippers, and a TV in the bathroom mirror. Pour yourself a glass of wine, and you have your own personal, in-room spa!

The Mandarin Oriental is just as stunning outside as it is inside. We couldn't get over the way the silvery-blue building sparkles in the sunlight. Photos don't do this structure justice!

Those of you that have been following TN for awhile now, know that for us, it's all about the little details. We appreciate hotels that go above and beyond to show care and appreciation for their guests. At the Mandarin Oriental, they do just that. Every day they gave us fresh water bottles by our bed, hot coffee and tea in the morning, and nightly turn down. Even when we ventured out to explore the strip, the staff would offer directions, recommendations, and water bottles for our excursion! We can't say enough about the hospitality at The MO.

Even on Valentines Day, we arrived back at our room to find this amazing set up. Cupcakes, champagne and chocolate covered strawberries... What more could we ask for!? We're coming here every Valentines Day!

The view from the Mandarin Oriental's Tea Lounge were breathtaking... Especially at night. Once again, this hotel feels like an oasis from the chaotic strip. We loved having a glass of wine in the Lounge and watching the hustle and bustle happening down below.

Staying at the Las Vegas Mandarin Oriental was pure magic. We can't wait to return.

Alli Talley

February 26, 2016

USA, Nevada

Cirque du Soleil's Mystère at Treasure Island

Alli Talley

February 26, 2016

USA, Nevada

When it comes to entertainment, Las Vegas can be overwhelming. It’s kind of like picking a dinner restaurant in New York City - the possibilities seem to be endless, and everything looks good! Even as we were approaching the strip, we passed billboard after billboard showcasing magic shows, iconic concerts, theatrical productions, celebrity impersonators, comedians… How does one begin to choose?!

We’re so glad you asked. That’s what we’re here for. ;)

Mystère has been one of Las Vegas’ most popular Cirque du Soleil productions for over 20 years. You know that if anything has lasted in Vegas for THAT long it must be good.

(If you aren’t familiar with Cirque du Soleil, here’s a little backstory. They’re currently the largest theatrical producer in the WORLD. Over 90 million people have seen a Cirque du Soleil production. Each one is contemporary, unique, and features a synthesis of acrobatics and cultural themes from around the world.)

Located inside Treasure Island, Mystère is an enchanting circus-style show, with gorgeous sets, intriguing music, and stunts that will knock your socks off. It’s also incredibly funny, and had us laughing to the point of tears several times!

Make sure you get to the show early. One of our favorite elements of Mystère is the audience interaction - even before the show begins! And while there isn’t a bad seat in the house, we enjoyed being somewhat close to the stage. But be warned: you may involuntarily become a part of the show!

And while we could go on for days about the acrobatics, the humor, the live music, the jaw-dropping sets… we won’t. We want you to be as surprised and blown away as we were. So trust us when we say go to Mystère! You won’t regret it.