Alli Talley

May 1, 2023

OXNARD - A BEACH TOWN FOR THE DOGS

Alli Talley

May 1, 2023

Recently our life and our travels have revolved around our kids, but it’s time to give our “fur-st born” some love!!! We brought our Bernedoodle Sally with us on our family vacation in Oxnard, and it’s definitely a toss-up as to who enjoyed it more—us or Sally! It’s rare when a destination is a perfect trifecta: fun for adults, fun for kids, AND fun for pets. Oxnard FTW!

Here’s our list of all things dog-friendly in Oxnard:

STAY

Zachari Dunes Resort: This picture-perfect beachfront resort is a dream for dogs. Sally was welcomed with open arms, and immediately made herself at home in our cozy room (and on the spacious patio). All of the rooms are suites, giving everyone in the family plenty of room to roam!

The girls went straight for the bed at Zachari Dunes.

DINE

Ox and Ocean: Located at the Zachari Dunes Resort, we loved how convenient and puppy-loving this restaurant was. Grab a table outside by the fire, some drinks and appetizers, and be prepared for your dog to get lots of pets from the resort guests and visitors. Sally made so many friends!

Waterside: We loved this spot so much, we went twice! Their spacious outdoor patio is not only doggy-approved, but it boasts amazing harbor views AND a killer happy hour. Get the fish and chips!

The Annex at The Collection: If you can’t decide what you’re in the mood for, head to the Annex at the Collection. The food hall has a tasty collection of options and also dog friendly patios. We went one morning for breakfast and enjoyed coffee from Ragamuffin Coffee and smoothies at The Blend Superfood Bar. Sally was upset we didn’t grab her a corndog from Two Hands Corn Dogs… next time!

Honey Cup Coffeehouse & Creamery: Pop by here for a coffee or a sweet treat, and bring your furry friend along! Once again Sally made several friends while we were at Honey Cup, AND she was treated to her favorite “human” snack—a croissant. ;)

Coffee and a harbor walk is our favorite way to start the morning!

PLAY

Beach: We spent the majority of our time in Oxnard on the beach with Sally. (Dogs are allowed anytime as long as they're on a leash!) From the abundance of sticks to the cool, salty water and soft, warm sand... Sally was in puppy paradise. And honestly, we were too!

Harbor: Walking along the harbor, admiring the boats, and chit-chatting with Oxnard locals was one of our favorite family activities. Whether we were exploring the harbor first thing in the morning with our coffees in-hand, or taking an end-of-the-day stroll post-dinner, we met so many wonderful people on walks with their pups too. 10/10 recommend!

Parks: We didn’t venture too far from the beach, but had planned to let Sally roam free at one of the local dog parks. College Park dog park looks like it will be one of our first stops on our next visit, with plenty of room for Sally to run around off leash.

Our time in Oxnard wasn't long enough - there's still so much we've yet to explore, and so many more dog-friendly activities for us to take advantage of! We'll most definitely be back. (With Sally in tow, of course!)

Alli Talley

December 16, 2022

Alaska, USA

THIS IS YOUR SIGN TO EXPLORE ALASKA BY TRAIN

Alli Talley

December 16, 2022

Alaska, USA

For most people, when they think of visiting Alaska, they immediately think of a cruise. The Inside Passage, small port towns, glaciers… There's a reason why cruises through Alaska are so popular—they’re epic! But we’d love to encourage you to go on a different adventure through Alaska—one that’s every bit as picturesque, but shows the more rugged and “real life” Alaska that you don’t always see from a massive ship.

The Alaska Railroad.

We’re fresh off of a 9-day trip through Alaska, where we took the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Talkeetna, to Denali, and ended in Fairbanks. (Get our full itinerary HERE.) Our time on the Alaska Railroad was hands-down our favorite—and if you have kids, we guarantee they’ll love it too! Here’s why:

It’s easy

From the moment you check in to the moment you arrive at your destination, everything is taken care of for you. Traveling with two kids two and under means that we do NOT travel light (lol) so we were a little concerned about the logistics of boarding the train with all of our luggage. We were so relieved when we arrived at the depot and the Alaska Railroad team swiftly took our bags to the luggage cart. We didn’t have to think about them again until we were at our stop, and they were conveniently laid out for us to grab! On one of our stops, they even took them all the way to our hotel room (cruisers know this life).

You’re assigned a seat (the Alaska Railroad hosted us and treated us to GoldStar Service—more on that later), and within minutes you’re off on your journey!

It’s beautiful

It goes without saying that the trip is breathtaking. No matter what route or train car you’re in, you’re guaranteed a stunning ride. From lush forests to sprawling meadows to crystal clear lakes—every twist and turn gave us a new vantage point into Alaska’s varied terrain. We saw eagles (Jude’s favorite), caribou, and even a moose! We had all kinds of weather during our journey, and that made it all the more fun! There was truly nothing more exhilarating than drinking a Moscow Mule on the viewing deck as it’s pouring rain around you. Speaking of which…

It’s pampering

We rode in the GoldStar cars, the Alaska Railroad’s premium class of service. It is worth every penny for this upgrade. Each ticket comes with two complimentary alcoholic drinks, unlimited soft beverages, a fancy meal in the dining car, a viewing deck (that was a big hit with Jude), and your seat(s) are under a glass dome ceiling for optimal views.

The attendants were all so accommodating and friendly, the meals we ate were delicious (get the veggie burger!), and Jude drank more juice than a two year old should have in one week. It’s safe to say we ALL lived our best lives!

If you opt to save your money and ride in the Adventure Class, know that it’s still an epic experience. The seats are comfy and spacious, there’s plenty of room to move around, and there’s even a fabulous dining car serving a’la carte meals!

It’s fun for the whole family

It’s always overwhelming traveling with kids. The logistics, the gear, the meltdowns, the naps… It’s A LOT. That being said, it feels like a real victory when you choose an adventure that everyone enjoys. The Alaska Railroad was just that. Delicious drinks for mom and dad, a (confined) space for Jude that kept him entertained and happy (like we said, unlimited juice), and continuous rolling movement that made nap times a breeze—for both of our kids! We usually dread “travel days” but taking the train instantly became the highlight of our trip.

We’ve been home for over a month now, and Jude still asks to ride the “deedee car” (that’s what he calls trains, we don’t know why) multiple times a day. And honestly, we think about it a lot too! We had the best time aboard the Alaska Railroad, and are already talking about how epic a winter train experience would be. Anyone want to join?

Alli Talley

October 8, 2021

Kansas, USA, Family Travel

3 Day Trips in Central Kansas

Alli Talley

October 8, 2021

Kansas, USA, Family Travel

If you couldn’t tell from our previous blog, we loved Wichita, Kansas. We'll definitely be back. There’s good coffee, tasty food and fun activities for the whole family - which is all we need (see here for more). But if you’re up for a little more adventure, there are a variety of day trips to be had in and around central Kansas. Here are our favorite day trips that we took during our last visit to Kansas.

Geographic Center of the contiguous United States

Starting with the most unique (especially to road trippers like us)... take a drive to the geographic center of the 48 states. We doubt many people can say they’ve done it! About 2.5 miles northwest of the town of Lebanon is a marker that claims to be the spot. If you watched the Super Bowl this past year (2021), the chapel on site was featured in a Jeep commercial with Bruce Springsteen.

To break up the drive from Wichita, we’d recommend a couple other quirky stops along the way (or one each way). One would be the Garden of Eden. Not the one you’re thinking of, but still pretty amazing. Known as one of the “Eight Wonders of Kansas”, a civil war vet began building this garden in 1907. Another fun stop would be Mushroom Rock State Park. Pretty straightforward… a giant rock shaped like a mushroom. Jude loved it!

Jude was the first one to the center of the 48 states!

The geographic center of the continental US!

We love finding places like the Garden of Eden. So unique!

Family photo at Mushroom Rock State Park

Lindsborg, Kansas

If you’d like to be transported to Europe, take the 1 hour drive to Lindsborg, also known as “LIttle Sweden”. Originally settled in the spring of 1869 by a group of Swedish immigrants, Lindsborg residents still take great pride in their Scandinavian roots. You can find Swedish influence all over the town - in the restaurants, shopping, and even the architecture. You’ll be obsessed with the colorful buildings and the horse sculptures (one of the national symbols of Sweden) throughout the downtown area. Be sure to visit Hemslojd for a souvenir and Black Smith Coffee for the best coffee in town.

You’ll find Scandinavian influence all around Lindsborg.

We were obsessed with the colorful buildings in Lindsbord.

Cottonwood Falls

Just over an hour northeast of Wichita lies the charming and historic town of Cottonwood Falls. Enjoy strolling the brick downtown and browsing the various antique shops and art galleries. Grab lunch at one of the restaurants in town and then spend the afternoon exploring Tall Grass Prairie Nature Conservancy. This sprawling park is great for a hike and some quiet time with nature (unless you’re traveling with a toddler like us). After your time in the park, head back downtown and grab dinner at Ad Astra, arguably one of the best restaurants in Central Kansas. You can’t go wrong with the Ribeye. :)

If you’re up for an overnighter, we’d recommend staying at the Grand Central Hotel. Boasting an incredible history and cozy rooms, you’re in for a real treat!

Hiking in the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve.

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve from the sky!

Chase County Courthouse in Cottonwood Falls.

We loved walking around downtown Cottonwood Falls.

For those that appreciate a good road trip and finding roadside hidden gems, these are the day trips for you. Since we only explored north of Wichita, we challenge you to explore other areas as well. Let us know what day trips we need to take on next trip to Kansas!

Alli Talley

October 8, 2021

USA, Road Trip, Kansas

48 Hours in Wichita, Kansas

Alli Talley

October 8, 2021

USA, Road Trip, Kansas

If you’ve been following us for awhile, you know that we’ve criss-crossed around the country numerous times in the past few years. While we’ve been able to see a LOT of this glorious country, there are definitely states that we’ve still yet to truly explore.

Kansas is one of those states. Aside from a few days in Kansas City (one of our favorite cities of all time), we’ve really only driven through Kansas on our way to other places.

That changed this summer, when we spent a week exploring Wichita and its surrounding areas. We were thrilled to find stunning scenery, amazing food and fun activities for the whole family. Initially assuming we’d write a recap blog of our time in Kansas, we decided to break it up and share one entire blog on Wichita alone. It’s THAT cool.

Whether you are passing through or enjoying a weekend adventure, here is how we would spend 48 hours in Wichita!

DAY 1

We flew into Wichita and it was an easy drive into town. And what is the first thing we do when we arrive at a new destination? Eat, of course! ;) A Wichita favorite, River City Brewing, came through in a big way. WIth a giant pretzel, sausage mac ‘n cheese, and tasty beers, we couldn’t have picked a better first stop!

After our hearty meal, we checked into the Hyatt Regency Wichita. Situated right on the Arkansas river and near all downtown attractions, the Hyatt was a perfect spot for us. The rooms are clean and spacious, and we had beautiful views of the river.

For our first full day, we’re always craving to start it off with a good coffee shop. We found Leslie Coffee Co. and were obsessed with their coffee and overall vibe. (The other people there probably weren’t obsessed with us, since Jude was just running around getting in everyone’s business. Ha!) From there we headed to Homegrown Wichita for breakfast. Located right on Naftzger Park, this is an ideal restaurant to take a toddler. Reason being, we let him run wild on the grass and get all his wiggle out, and then he is (relatively) chill while we have breakfast. Make sure to get a pop tart!

Be sure to get the pop tart at Homegrown!

If we had to pick our favorite family-friendly adventure from our time in Wichita, it would have to be Tanganyika Wildlife Park. Drive 15 minutes from downtown Wichita, and you’ll feel like you aren't in Kansas anymore (had to do it once). You’ll feel like you’ve arrived on an African safari or that you’re out on the Australian outback. With 10 interactive encounters where you can touch, feed, or ride unique species, both kids and adults will love feeding giraffes and kangaroos! Jude was freaking out over the penguins and giant tortoises.

Jude a little nervous. Probably because the giraffe’s head is bigger than his body!

Jude was also unsure about the Kangaroo’s.

We had a tasty lunch at Chicken N Pickle (Get the deviled eggs and hot chicken sandwich) and then had a quick nap time to recharge. Post-nap it was time for more coffee exploration, and Reverie Coffee Roasters was the winner. (We’d go as far as to say that it’s the best coffee in town!) They roast their own coffee and Bobby is a bit of a coffee nerd, so he loved chatting with the staff about the beans, processes, and their favs.

We walked around town after coffee and landed at Piatto Neapolitan Pizza for an early dinner. It’s always mind-blowing when you find culturally authentic cuisine thousands of miles away from it’s inspiration. This pizzeria had their 6,000 pound oven built brick by brick in Naples, and it cooks the traditional way - at 900 degrees for just over a minute. The result is a light an airy crust with fresh ingredients that truly makes you feel like you’re sitting in Italy. But you’re in Wicihta. Such a treat! Of course we had dessert after, because Alli can’t resist (Bobby and Jude too)... We shared ice cream from Milk Float and didn’t regret it :)

Go to Chicken N Pickle and get the deviled eggs!

On our final day in Wichita we started it off at Reverie Coffee Roasters again. It’s that good! We grabbed donuts at The Donut Whole and then tried to feel good about ourselves by getting juices at 86 Cold Press.

We spent the next couple hours exploring the Keeper of the Plains and the surrounding plaza. The Keeper of the Plains is a 44 foot tall steel sculpture that stands where the Little and Big Arkansas Rivers converge in downtown Wichita. It’s considered an icon of Wichita that keeps an eye on the downtown. Jude loved running around on the bridge and the nearby parks. It’s a great spot for a family photo!

From here, we headed out to explore other parts of central Kansas (see our blog for three day trips!). But we still had a list of a few restaurants we missed out on - Leslie Coffee Co. for breakfast, Newport Grill for a date night (maybe Grandma can come next time to babysit), and Prost for German beer and brats. We’ll definitely be back!

Cool

Alli Talley

October 1, 2021

Alaska, USA, Family Travel

Family Friendly Adventures in Sitka, Alaska

Alli Talley

October 1, 2021

Alaska, USA, Family Travel

Chances are if you’re a fan of cruising or romantic comedies, you’ve heard of Sitka, Alaska. Most recognizable as a cruise stop or the setting for the movie The Proposal, this charming seaside town tucked at the base of glacially carved mountains needs more appreciation. Especially as a destination for families traveling with kids.

Having recently returned from exploring Sitka with our toddler, we can confidently say it is an INCREDIBLE spot for families. The wildlife alone is reason to visit, but pair that with a variety of kid-friendly activities and good food, and you’ll have some happy campers.

Check out the Russian Orthodox church. Stunning!

This lighthouse is actually a vacation rental that sleeps 6. Next time we’re staying there :)

Here are some of our must-do’s when you go to Sitka:

Wildlife

If you go to Alaska and don’t see eagles, bears, or whales, did you even go to Alaska?!

One of our first stops during our stay was the Alaska Raptor Center, a rehabilitation center that treats over 200 birds each year. You’ll see eagles, owls, falcons, and other species around the center, and you may even spot some wild eagles hanging out just outside the grounds.

Another incredible experience just a short drive from downtown Sitka is Fortress of the Bear. The team here protects and cares for orphaned brown and black bears, and has an amazing facility for the bears. You can get within 25 feet of these beautiful giants and will enjoy learning about each of the bears from the staff. It was most definitely one of the highlights of our trip!

If you want to explore out on the water, take a day trip with Captain John from Alaska Wild Coast. Regardless of where you’re traveling from (coastal California like us or landlocked central USA), a day on the Sitka Sound will be a rejuvenating experience you won’t soon forget (And we say that having done it with a toddler!). As Captain John finds the best spots to view whales, sea otters, and other Alaskan species, be sure to soak in the snow-capped peaks and dormant volcano Mount Edgecumb as you cruise along. Our adventure had us out on the water for a couple hours followed by picnicking on our own private island. It was magical in every way!

Family-Friendly Activities

While all of the above would qualify as family-friendly, they are so wildlife focused that we figured they needed their own section. If Jude were writing this blog, all he would care to tell you is that Crescent Harbor Park in Sitka is the greatest place on earth. Although Sitka experiences rain nearly 250 days a year, this park is built for it. We were there daily and Jude would bounce from the slides to the musical instruments to the swings… and we all burned a ton of calories chasing him. (Win/win!)

Speaking of burning calories, just past the Crescent Harbor Park is the Sitka National Historic Park where you can stroll the Totem Trail Loop. This 1 mile loops features 18 replica and original totem poles carved by Alaska Native carvers. You can meander through at your leisure, chase your child from pole to pole like we did, or join a ranger-led talk where you can learn the history of the poles and carvers.

While Jude was a little too young on this trip, the Sitka Sound Science Center would be a huge hit for kids. Also near the Crescent Harbor Park, the science center boasts an aquarium, salmon hatchery, and research center. The aquarium will allow kids to touch a variety of tidal critters and learn about all the animals that live in Sitka’s surrounding oceans. You can also visit the Sheldon Jackson Hatchery, which is the oldest operation salmon hatchery in Alaska. You could spend the whole day here and your kids may leave wanting to be a marine biologist, or a salmon dinner :)

The final activity we wanted to highlight was probably the most entertaining, and that was Sitka Checkered Tours with Jeff. Jeff is a certified Southeast Alaska naturalist that guides tours of Sitka from his 1973 Checkered Marathon car. He drove us the full length of Sitka (14 miles) on a one-hour tour and shared Sitka’s history along with hilarious anecdotes about local culture. His warm and kind demeanor will have you wondering if the tour will end with dinner at his house. We hope to drive with him again!

Jude was a big fan of Crescent Harbor Park

Food

For a small town in Southeastern Alaska, we were very impressed by Sitka’s food scene. From tasty acai bowls to Russian dumplings, these are the spots you need to hit while you’re in town:

Fisheye Cafe - Tasty coffee, fresh juice, smoothies, and acai bowls… we don’t need much more than this. Except that they also have incredible lunch options that we didn’t get to try!
Bayview Pub - Too many burgers to only visit once, but if you must choose one get The Wade (because bacon and garlic aioli.)
Mean Queen - Go for the oysters and stay for the pizza (Fortress of the Pigs, please)
Ludvig’s Bistro - This needs to be near the top of your priorities. Two words: clam chowder. Make it happen.
Mangiare - A perfect spot for the whole family with tasty Italian food. And if you know the movie “The Proposal”, a cocktail server that works there (named Ramon) is who Oscar’s (from The Office) character is based on. IYKYK.
Beak Restaurant - An ideal date night spot that serves fresh, local Alaskan fare. If you look at their menu, you’ll want to be transported there now. Take us back for the Alaskan vegetable barley soup and the seared Sitka salmon. This was one of our favorite meals of the trip!

As we’ve transitioned from literal traveling newlyweds to traveling parents, we’re always on the lookout for places like Sitka. A spot where we know Jude will have plenty of places to get his wiggles out and have fun, but that we’ll enjoy ourselves too (and get to eat good food). Whether you’re traveling with toddlers or teens, Sitka has a wide range of adventures and activities that will be everything you need in a family vacation!