Alli Talley

May 14, 2023

ANACAPA ISLAND - ONE OF CALIFORNIA’S BEST KEPT SECRETS

Alli Talley

May 14, 2023

As born-and-raised So-Cal natives, we’re embarrassed to admit that we’d never heard of Anacapa Island until this trip. Yep - hadn’t even heard of it. We’ve grown up going to Catalina Island, but we had no idea there were other Channel Islands that you could visit and explore.

While we were in Oxnard we left the kids with their grandparents and took a day trip to Anacapa Island—and it was a day we’ll never, ever forget. The wildlife, the rugged coastline, the views… It was unreal. Here’s all the details of what we did so you can do it too.

First things first—pack food and water. There’s no services (besides basic restrooms) on the island! And don’t forget sunscreen, there’s very limited shade.

The Island Packers ferry leaves at 9am out of Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard. Get your tickets here in advance, and make sure you call ahead beforehand—if the water is too rough and choppy, the boat can’t leave. Thankfully we were there on a still, calm day, so we had no issues!

It’s a little over an hour boat ride, complete with humpback whale spotting and fascinating narration about the wildlife in and around the island. (Don’t forget a jacket, it can be cold!) Pulling up to the island was like something out of a dream… The lighthouse peaking out from the fog, the water crashing against the rocks, the thousands of seagulls… it’s other-worldly.

The ferry will drop you off around 10:30-11ish and pick you up again around 3. Giving you plenty of time to hike and explore.

We almost don’t want you to see these pictures because part of what made it so incredible was that we didn’t know what we were in for. It’s a small island, so if you’re up for it you can basically see it all in a few hours. Here are the sights:

Cathedral Cove - A beautiful cove that we will kayak around on our next visit
Lighthouse - Hike to the historic lighthouse that has been illuminating Anacapa since 1932
Pinniped Point - a stunning spot on the bluffs where you can spot wildlfe
Inspiration Point - Seeing it for the first time was jaw-dropping. We had no idea the views we were in for. It’s a 1.5 mile hike round trip and should probably be the highest priority on your visit. We set up a picnic there and took in the views for hours.

If you’re going to bring the kids, we’d say the minimum age is 5. Younger kids would be fine (especially if you wear them on a backpack), but use your best judgement. Our little Reese would probably have been fine being worn the whole time, but Jude would have been a challenge. Bobby would have ended up carrying him everywhere.

Overall, it was the most perfect day trip and getaway for us. Replacing Cocomelon songs and toddler tantrums with the soft melodies of Anacapa waves, wind, and wildlife was more life-giving than we could have imagined.

To summarize simply - Anacapa is a bucket-list worthy destination that is right here in Southern California. Go check it out!

Alli Talley

December 21, 2020

Family Travel, Mississippi, USA

5 Family Friendly Adventures in Coastal Mississippi

Alli Talley

December 21, 2020

Family Travel, Mississippi, USA

In our pre-parent life, we spent most of our time in new destinations bouncing from coffee shops to breweries, with random activities sprinkled in throughout the day. Well, our lives have drastically changed with the addition of our son— so our travel norms have had to adapt! We’re still seeking out the best coffee and breweries, but we’re also constantly on the hunt for visually engaging adventures that can stimulate him more than watching YouTube (ha!). During our recent visits to Coastal Mississippi (both in 2019 and 2020), we have found plenty of activities that are perfect for our growing family! While we’re certain there will be more on our next visit to The Secret Coast, these are currently our 5 favorites:

1. Mississippi Aquarium

The new (and BEAUTIFUL) Mississippi Aquarium is definitely a must for all families visiting Coastal Mississippi! With nearly one-million gallons of both fresh and salt-water, the aquarium has over 80,000 square feet of exhibits with landscaped walkways meandering throughout. You can learn about and see a variety of species covering the water (obviously), land, and air! Some of the highlights include the alligators, river otters, stingrays, and shorebirds!

Jude was obsessed with the stingrays and the stunning giant viewing area that makes you feel so small! We loved the 360-degree tunnel where you could feel like you were right in the water with all the sea life!

There really is SO much for the whole family at the Mississippi Aquarium. They have daily programming that could keep you there all day, or you can pick and choose your favorite spots and go at your own pace. If Jude was a little older (or if we left him at home), we’d love to go back for an “Otter Chat” or to watch the “Aviary Feed”. We can’t wait to go back!

2. Museums and Murals

Your time in Coastal Mississippi will at some point have the elements of an art walk whether you like it or not. From the colorful murals you can find on your downtown walks, to the Walter Anderson or Ohr-O’Keefe Museums of Art, there is plenty of art to appreciate!

Blown away by the detail at the Walter Anderson Museum.

3. Shrimpin’ with The Biloxi Shrimping Trip

If you have kids that are a little older than Jude (maybe 4+), the Biloxi Shrimping Trip may be the highlight of their (and your!) visit. This 70-minute “Living Marine Adventure” cruises the calm waters of the Biloxi shoreline and will teach you everything you ever wondered about a real shrimping expedition. They’ll put the shrimping net out upon departure, and will catch a variety of marine life for everyone to see (with shrimp being the main haul). If you’re a Forest Gump fan, it’s pretty epic to experience “a real shrimpin’ boat” (as Bubba would say).

Identifying all that we caught with the captain!

4. NASA’s official visitor center for Stennis Space Center

Another highlight for families with kids that are in the 4+ range, is the INFINITY Science Center— it’s out of this world (hehe, I had to). With over 35,000 square feet of exhibit space, families can experience a variety of education exhibits, hands-on adventures, and, my favorite, the MASSIVE section of a Saturn V Rocket (one that took men to the moon!). There’s also a Hurricane Prediction Lab, 3D Immersive Theater and the Biome Boardwalk, so it’s easily a whole day adventure!

5. Sweet Treats…

While we’re confident the whole family will find joy in the aquarium, shrimpin’, and the science center, there’s a chance that some may eventually get bored with all the history chatter. What’s a better way to resolve that than some tasty sweet treats!

With plenty of options throughout the Coastal Mississippi area, here are our favorites:

Pop Brothers - A daily visit for us… and they have tasty treats for your pup too!
French Kiss Pastries - Morning pastries and coffee is always a no-brainer.
Purple Banana - A great spot in Bay St. Louis for some Fro Yo!

Bonus - The Beach!

Being Southern California natives, we often overlook that many people don’t have access to the coastline! With that in mind, Coastal Mississippi boasts twenty-six miles of soft white sand (the longest man made beach in the nation)where you can find massive stretches all to yourself! Grab your sunscreen and towel and go enjoy a snooze on the sand! Or build sand castles with the kids!

For us west-coasters, Coastal Mississippi is an under-the-radar destination that we love visiting again and again. With new activities and good restaurants coming in constantly, it won’t be under-the radar much longer. This beautiful stretch of coast is perfect for the whole family, and we can’t wait to head back!

The Coastal Mississippi Promise: When you visit The Secret Coast, you will be met with warm welcomes and 62 miles of shoreline dotted by unique coastal communities. Here, you can expect excitement and relaxation in equal measure, with plenty of room to roam. You should also expect to see that our hospitality partners are implementing all necessary precautions to protect you, your loved ones, and our industry employees.

Alli Talley

February 25, 2020

Nevada, Weekenders, USA

48 HOURS IN CARSON VALLEY

Alli Talley

February 25, 2020

Nevada, Weekenders, USA

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

October 19, 2019

USA, Montana

Missoula River Adventures with Alli and Bobby

Alli Talley

October 19, 2019

USA, Montana

Alli here.

Floating down a river has always been a dream of mine. It’s that quintessential American summer activity that’s always sounded (and looked) so incredibly appealing to me. Just a tube, some beers, the warm summer sun, and a cool, rolling river… What could be better than that?! Imagine my joy when I found out that my dream was about to become a reality. I literally couldn’t sleep the night before!

Missoula’s Clark Fork River is gorgeous. It’s exactly the kind of river I’d imagined floating on, with a slow (yet steady) current, and even a few quicker spots (they’re calm enough that you won’t even spill your beer) - but are fun nonetheless! From start to finish, our floating adventure was about 3 hours long, and it was the most tranquil, relaxing, and enjoyable three hours I’ve had in a long time. We sipped our local Missoula beers, made friends with fellow rafters, and admired the incredible scenery we passed through. And the combination of the warm summer sun and the crisp river water made the afternoon absolutely heavenly. Just one look at our faces, and it’s easy to see that we’re on top of the world!

We ended the float at the Missoula Doubletree, where we enjoyed cold drinks and woodfired pizza at their riverfront restaurant, Finn. Talk about a perfect way to end a perfect day! I’ll never forget my first float down the Clark Fork River - and you better believe it won’t be my last!

*Visitors can purchase rafts at Ace Hardware, Walmart, Gas Stations, or any sporting goods store. They also have plenty of options on Amazon, we used this double float (with a cooler!!) - and it’s under $40!

Bobby here.

I’ve always been a thrill seeker.

From surfing exotic reefs to pole vaulting through college, I love a good adrenaline pump. Having river rafted 3 or 4 times, I have just enough inexperience that it always feels brand new and exhilarating. And our trip to Missoula definitely allowed me to take it up a notch when I went on river rafting adventure - in a tandem kayak!

We were planning on doing a half day rafting adventure with Adventure Missoula in the famed Alberton Gorge. When the other couple on the reservation canceled at the last minute, and Alli wasn’t feeling great, I was left with the decision of canceling, rafting the river in the raft by myself (with a guide), or tandem kayaking with a guide. The river was calling my name, so of course I signed up for the kayak adventure.

My guide was Steve, and we hit it off instantly. I was thankful that he likes to chat, since it would just be the two of us floating down the river. We started off by practicing paddling and getting in sync for when we hit some real rapids. Note - the Clark Fork River is considered world class for white water rafting, but also is very safe for families. So while you can totally get a rush, you won’t be putting yourself or your family in danger (not too much at least, hehe).

Over the course of the trip we hit multiple class III rapids, with my favorites being Triple Bridges, Tumbleweed, and Fang. On Triple Bridges I was engulfed by a massive wall of water. Tumbleweed nearly launched me out. And Fang had our Kayak headed sideways until we somehow straightened out. SO. FUN.

Along the way there were ospreys and eagles soaring overhead, we had the chance for some small cliff jumps, and we even stopped at a beach to stretch our legs. If you do a full day trip, you stop at the beach for lunch.

I can’t really say much more other than it was an amazing trip. I did it solo, but I can’t wait to do it again with Alli. Or someday with our family. You feel such a sense of accomplishment as you conquer each rapid, and you will surely form a bond with your guide and fellow rafters.

In conclusion, we both had the time of our lives on the Clark Fork River. Floating the river is relaxing, serene, and allows you to get your tan on. Rafting the river is adrenaline-pumping, scenic, and you’ll most likely get drenched by walls of water.

Our two take-aways: both adventures are very unique and different from one another, and both need to be on your list of to-do’s when you visit Missoula. While we’re building your to-do list, we should mention that the Clark Fork River is only one of the three rivers that run through Missoula. There are SO many adventures to be had!

Let us know when you go - we just might tag along! ;)

Alli Talley

September 16, 2019

Idaho, USA

Schweitzer Mountain :: One of Idaho’s Best Kept Secrets

Alli Talley

September 16, 2019

Idaho, USA

Alright, raise your hand if you’ve ever heard of Schweitzer Mountain.

Technically we can’t see you right now (shocker), but we’re guessing not a lot of you have. We had never heard of it before, until now. Located about 20 minutes outside of Sandpoint, Idaho, Schweitzer Mountain has it all: world class skiing and snowboarding, zip lining, horseback riding, scenic hikes, quaint restaurants, mountain biking, and SO much more.

We’d even go as far as saying that it’s one of Idaho’s best kept secrets… and we think you’ll agree.

THE LODGING

When we think of venturing out on a mountain escape, our minds immediately picture the lodge. A cozy, quintessential lodge with a big roaring fireplace in the lobby and warm, snug beds in the rooms. Selkirk Lodge is exactly that! We love the welcoming staff and the relaxed atmosphere, and you will sink right into the memory foam beds. We slept like babies! Right across from Selkirk Lodge is White Pine Lodge, that has one, two, and three bedroom units with all the fixin’s (fireplaces, full kitchens), making it a perfect option for families! And the best part? Both lodges have ski in/ski out access! And in the summer, they’re steps away from limitless activities! Speaking of which...

How cozy is this spot? Don’t even get us started on what it’s like in the winter!

THE ACTIVITIES

Summertime in Schweitzer is euphoric. We wish we could zap all of you there, just so your senses can experience what we mean. It’s like a scene from The Sound of Music - the hills are literally alive! There’s wildflowers blooming everywhere, sweet and juicy huckleberries growing along the hillside, crisp mountain air… it’s nature at its finest! Beyond the gorgeous hiking and striking scenery, Schweitzer also has plenty of activities that will keep all ages busy - and smiling from ear to ear! You can zipline, pan for gold, ride the ski lift, horseback ride, mountain bike, and even go on an e-biking tour! We rode on the e-biking tour on one morning of our visit and it was a BLAST. We even stopped for some huckleberry picking during our ride!

We have yet to experience Schweitzer in the winter, but from what we’ve heard it’s phenomenal. Because it’s not as well known as other ski towns like Sun Valley and McCall, it’s not nearly as crowded. There’s rarely a line to take the ski lift, and it’s actually the biggest ski resort in Idaho! Take us back!

THE DINING

As is the case with all good mountain towns, Schweitzer has plenty of options to keep you well fed, hydrated, and energized! There’s Chimney Rock Grill, a restaurant serving lunch and dinner that’s casual yet refined. We’d go back to Schweitzer just to have their Korean Coconut Fried Shrimp again! Another favorite of ours was Gourmandie, a specialty foods market that’s celebrated for their selection of internationally crafted beer and wine. And located at the top of Schweitzer’s Summit, The Nest Bar & Restaurant is at a mesmerizing vantage point, with 360 degree views of Idaho, Montana, Canada, and Washington! Insane! The food is as tasty as the views are jawdropping, and we highly recommend trying their famous Huckleberry lemonade!

The “Please Can I Eat Now” smile, at The Nest

Coconut Shrimp at Chimney Rock Grill was bomb!

THE PEOPLE

Something that really stood out to us during our stay at Schweitzer Mountain is the people. From the outgoing crew that works at the activities center, to the smiling faces greeting us at the Selkirk Lodge, to our knowledgeable and warm e-biking tour guide, everyone was so friendly. It’s one big, welcoming family at Schweitzer, and that made it even harder for us to leave!

Sometimes we find it hard to convince people to go to a destination through a single blog post, but we feel extremely confident with this one. If you love the outdoors, good food, friendly locals and hidden gems, you’ll LOVE Schweitzer Mountain. No matter the time of year, we guarantee you’ll be swept away by its stunning scenery and endless amount of activities and places to explore. Schweitzer is truly one of Idaho’s best kept secrets… so don’t tell too many people, k? ;)