Alli Talley

February 26, 2020

Finding Christmas Magic in Scottsdale, Arizona

Alli Talley

February 26, 2020

What we’re about to say may be controversial, but after a long weekend in Scottsdale, Arizona, we’re now convinced this is true. Are you ready for it?

Not every holiday getaway needs to have snow.

There, we said it. While sure, a “white Christmas” is dreamy and all, there is something equally magical about Scottsdale during the holiday season. This desert town comes alive in the prettiest (and oftentimes quirkiest ways), and it absolutely stole our hearts. No gloves or snowboots required!

Here’s our Scottsdale Holiday Hit List that’s bound to have you already planning your 2020 holiday vacation.

COACH HOUSE TAVERN

Not only is Coach House Tavern known for being Scottsdale’s oldest tavern, but they’re also known for taking Christmas lights REALLY seriously. Like, you can’t believe your eyes seriously. Our mouths were dropped from the moment we approached the tavern, and exploring the inside made us even more impressed. Every square inch is decorated with colorful Christmas lights - it’s truly something to witness. Order a drink (or two) at the bar, pull up a stool, and make some friends. See ya there next year?

The coolest Christmas bar we’ve EVER seen!

CHRISTMAS AT THE PRINCESS

You can’t visit Scottsdale during the holiday season without a visit to Christmas At The Princess, the iconic Christmas experience at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. The spacious and stunning resort is transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with light shows, ice skating, festive rides, treats, characters, and SO much more! There’s even an area called “S’mores Land”, complete with s’mores making kits and cozy campfires. It’s a Christmas lovers dream!

CHRISTMAS TOUR WITH JOYRIDESAZ

What better way to admire Scottsdale’s Christmas decor and holiday charm than by a guided golf cart tour? The friendly folks at JoyRidesAZ make every single tour unique and so much fun. Interested in wine tasting? They’ll take you to the best tasting rooms in Old Town! Fascinated by the history of Scottsdale? They’ll take you to some must-see landmarks. Looking for that perfect backdrop for your next Instagram post? They know the best photo spots (and are amazing photographers too)! We had a blast adventuring through town with them, and some of our favorite pictures from our trip were taken by the JoyRidesAZ crew. It’s absolutely a must-do!

We loved seeing Scottsdale by golf cart!

JoyRidesAZ took us to all the best spots!

MCCORMICK STILLMAN RAILROAD PARK

One of the most quintessential holiday experiences in Scottsdale is the Holiday Lights train ride at the quaint McCormick Stillman Railroad Park. Riders of all ages can take in a joyous array of lights, music, and dazzling displays… and for only $5 per person, it’s quite a steal! After the train ride, make sure to check out their on-site Scottsdale Railroad Museum, which brings the history of railroads to life!

SHOPPING IN OLD TOWN SCOTTSDALE

Old Town Scottsdale is charming no matter the time of year, but it’s truly something special at Christmastime. The streets are strung with colorful lights, the shops are decorated with charming displays, and everyone’s abuzz with holiday cheer. We recommend walking the streets in the late afternoon, with a cup of hot cocoa or a peppermint mocha in-hand. Then, grab an early dinner at one of the many delicious restaurants nearby.

Maybe we should make this an annual holiday tradition?

The holidays may be over, but that doesn’t mean it’s too early to start planning for Christmas 2020. (And if you’re anything like us, anticipating your next holiday getaway is part of the fun!) We can’t recommend Scottsdale enough, and we can’t wait to return next year… with our little one in tow!

Alli Talley

January 7, 2020

Arizona, Weekenders, USA

This Arizona Town Will Take You By Surprise - Prescott, Arizona

Alli Talley

January 7, 2020

Arizona, Weekenders, USA

When you think of Arizona, what pops into your mind?

We’ve always associated Arizona with warm desert weather, the Grand Canyon, and Saguaro cacti… until now. A couple of weeks ago we road tripped to the small city of Prescott, Arizona, where we saw a new side of the shining Copper State.

Located in Yavapai County, Prescott is an easy hour and a half drive north of Phoenix and an hour and a half west of Sedona. Set at an elevation of 5,200, Prescott is surrounded by Ponderosa pine forests and boasts an average temperature of a cool 70 degrees. We were welcomed by crisp mountain air and rolling meadows, and we knew almost immediately that Prescott is a special place.

THE “TOWN”

The city of Prescott (pronounced “Presskit”) couldn’t be more charming. I (Alli) kept remarking that Prescott reminded me of a Hallmark Christmas movie, with a quaint town plaza and bustling main street. Prescott was once Arizona’s territorial capitol, so it’s full of historical landmarks and Wild West History - and it’s also home to the ”World’s Oldest Rodeo” (Which occurs around the 4th of July Weekend, and you better believe it’s added to our bucket list!)

There are historic saloons, local boutiques and shops, renowned restaurants (more on the food scene later), museums, and more lining the downtown. We spent an entire day shopping, eating, and leisurely exploring downtown Prescott, and we had a blast! Some must-visit spots include the Jersey Lilly Saloon for a drink at the bar, The Treat Center for an old-fashioned sweet treat, the Wild Iris Coffeehouse for an afternoon pick-me-up, and the famous Hassayampa Inn to warm up by their cozy fire.

Loving the Christmas vibes at Jersey Lilly Saloon.

Alli will always find the best candy shops

THE CULINARY SCENE

It’s impossible to go hungry in Prescott, with cute cafes and farm-to-table restaurants at nearly every turn. And if you’ve been following us for awhile, you know that good food is one of the first things we look for in a new destination! The Palace Restaurant and Saloon is arguably one of the most iconic in the area, as it dates back to 1877 - and it’s even been voted one of the 10 Most Historic Bars in America by USA Today! Don’t leave without trying the Palace Pulled Pork Sliders!

FARM Provisions serves fresh and organic fare that rotates seasonally, and utilizes local Arizona farmers and ranchers. It’s the perfect place to go for a healthy and hearty lunch or dinner, and they have extensive Vegan and Gluten Free menus too! (Alli had the Farm Vegan Tacos, and they were delicious!)

The Barley Hound is Prescott’s beloved gastropub, serving old-school classics like fried green tomatoes and flavorful burgers with a unique and creative twist. Their cocktails are undoubtedly some of the best in the area, our favorite being the Old Fashioned!

And no trip to Prescott is complete without breakfast at The Local, a true local favorite. Everything is made from scratch with local ingredients, and they serve breakfast all day long. Bobby still raves about their Broken Egg Sammie!

If only the walls could talk at the Palace Saloon!

STAY AT THE GRAND HIGHLAND HOTEL

We had the privilege of staying at the Grand Highland Hotel, a boutique gem on Prescott’s famed Whiskey Row. This 115 year old building is full of Prescott history, and the rooms incorporate old time charm with modern flair. We were obsessed! One of our favorite touches is that breakfast is included, and you can have it delivered to your room in the morning!

With a newly remodeled ground floor, the Grand Highland is also an incredible wedding venue with a stunning courtyard. Most importantly, the Grand Highland sits on Whiskey Row which is right on the town plaza. It’s the perfect location to explore downtown!

Excited to check in at the Grand Highland Hotel!

Our favorite part of the Grand Highland was the daily breakfast deliveries!

WATSON LAKE

Just four miles away from downtown Prescott is Watson Lake, a stunning reservoir that ended up being one of the highlights of our trip. The crystal clear water and the staggering rock formations make for one epic backdrop, and an ideal spot to hike, picnic, and explore! If you’re feeling extra adventurous, and the weather permits, we suggest renting a kayak to explore. That’s on our list for next time!

ARIZONA’S CHRISTMAS CITY

Probably our favorite fact is that Prescott is known for being “Arizona’s Christmas City” - and that’s reason enough for us to want to return! From the end of November through mid January there are light tours, parades, live music and performances, cultural experiences, free events, and the Whiskey Row Boot Drop on New Year’s Eve… and due to Prescott’s high elevation, chances are you’ll see some snowfall! It doesn’t get more magical than that! Go to visit-prescott.com/christmas for more information!

We completely fell for Prescott, and we think you will too. Next time you’re planning a roadtrip, or you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path kind of getaway, we highly suggest it. We can’t wait to return - preferably at Christmastime! Oh, and don’t forget your cowboy boots!!

Alli Talley

December 17, 2017

Travel Essentials

Christmas is almost here! Are you done shopping?!?

Alli Talley

December 17, 2017

Travel Essentials

Can you believe that Christmas is almost a week away?!? That means that time for shopping is almost over… so we’re here to try and help you with some last minute gift ideas. There are endless options to spread holiday cheer, and we wanted to share some of our favs. You’ll find some of our favorite travel-themed goodies, as well as some things that are on our wish list :) Enjoy!

Aloha Collection Splash-Proof Travel Bags - These are Alli’s travel go-to bags for toiletries, bathing suits, underwear, etc. They’re lightweight, washable, trendy, and make her happy!

American Tourister - These colorful travel bags are stylish, high quality, and affordable. Fun luggage that you can count on!

Art Classes Sawdust - We are all about experiential gifts. Sometimes spending time with your loved ones is the best gift you can give...and the SAWDUST ART CLASSES EXCEL in this department! These art classes are so fun. We recently partook in a Watercolor Class and in a Glassblowing Ornament-Making Class and they were both SO AWESOME. The artists that teach each class are masters at their trade, and are a blast to learn from. No matter your skill level (we were beginners for both), they will work with you and teach you all you need to know. This is a perfect stocking stuffer for your significant other, or maybe for your mom that wishes she saw you more. Regardless, they're a great time - and we've already signed up for more!

Carry-on Cocktail Kit (W&P) - Have you seen these yet? This kit provides the tools to craft two cocktails during a flight. After making your cocktails, you should probably head over to their website and check out tons of other amazing products they have at W&P Design!

Cruise - We love cruises. Give your friend, spouse, or significant other an incredible experience and gift them with a cruise!

FiftyFifty by Polar Pro - This GoPro accessory allows you to capture creative split-level photos and videos. It’s SO FUN!

Fuji XT-2 - We’ve had the Fuji XE-2 for a couple years, and this is the upgrade we’re hoping for (Hint… Santa?). It’s powerful, extremely portable, and delivers incredible images!

GoPro Here 6 Black - The GoPro is durable, waterproof, and takes amazing images. It really is a must-have while traveling!

GorillaPod - This lightweight, flexible tripod allows you to attach your camera to a range of objects. It will help you get the perfect shot wherever you are!

Hello Fresh - Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a world traveler, Hello Fresh will ship weekly healthy meals to you at home! You’ll be given simple recipes with exact ingredients… it’s so easy and fun!

HiTime Wine - If you’re within an hour of Costa Mesa, we highly recommend visiting HiTime wine. It’s a family owned retail store that has the most incredible selection of wine, spirits, and cigars that you’ll find anywhere. Trust us, and drive over.

Neat Coffee - Another one for Costa Mesa, or Orange County, locals. The best coffee in town! Pick some up for yourself and a gift card as a stocking stuffer, and you’ll thank us later.

Packing Cubes - They can keep you organized, they help your clothes from becoming wrinkled, and you can have a place for your dirty clothes. Packing cubes are a must!

Paravel Stowaway - This suitcase not only looks amazing, but it collapses down into a small flat pouch. It’s one of our favs!

Ring - The Ring Doorbell lets you answer the door from your smartphone. We don’t have one, but we want one!

Solar Portable Travel Bank - If you’re an adventure traveler or a weekend camper, this will save you if you don’t have access to power. We want one!

Travel Towel and Travel Undies - Extremely portable, lightweight, and durable… these are a couple of Bobby’s favorites!

Try the World - This is another subscription box that brings food from around the world to your doorstep! The products are sourced from their country of origin, and the company works with small, local artisans for the items. You’ll also get a culture guide that tells the story of each product, as well as some details on the culinary culture of the country!

TYLT - The TYLT Energi Pro Backpack carries a ton and can be your mobile charging station. It’s definitely on Bobby’s list this year!

UE Boom 2 - Amazing wireless bluetooth speaker that provides clear sound, powerful bass, and it’s waterproof!