Alli Talley

September 20, 2021

5 REASONS WHY GUADALAJARA AND TEQUILA SHOULD BE ON YOUR LIST

Alli Talley

September 20, 2021

It’s been about a month now since we returned from our trip to Guadalajara and Tequila—and we still talk about it daily. We love when destinations surprise us and exceed our (already very high) expectations, and these two spots did exactly that! The history, the food, the culture… the TEQUILA! Everything about our trip was magical.

*We also left our toddler at home, making the experience extra glorious. ;) ...But that’s besides the point.

Here’s 5 reasons why you should book a trip to Guadalajara and Tequila ASAP:

1. THEY’RE EASY TO GET TO

Maybe we’re getting older (or maybe it’s because we’re parents), but we love visiting destinations that are easily accessible and don’t require long travel days. We’re all about maximizing our vacation time and minimizing travel stress! Lucky for us, Guadalajara is an easy 2.5 hour flight from LAX. (And yet it feels like a world away!) We left first thing in the morning and made it to the city in time for lunch—you can’t beat that!!

2. THEY’RE BEAUTIFUL

Both Guadalajara and Tequila are absolutely stunning in their own ways. Guadalajara has a charm that’s unlike anywhere we’ve been before. From the Cathedral de Guadalajara to the Teatro Degollado, it’s an architecture (and history) lover’s dream!

Liberation Square with the cathedral in the background!

Tequila is an hour outside from Guadalajara, and the picturesque drive alone is worth the trip! You’ll know you’re getting close as you start to see rolling agave fields in the distance. The town of Tequila itself is charming and quaint and everything you’d imagine it to be. From the cobblestone streets to the colorful architecture and the festive town square–it’s like something out of a movie!

The Church of Santiago Apostol - Tequila

3. THE CULINARY SCENE

Mexican food is our favorite food... And the food in Guadalajara and Tequila might be some of the best Mexican food we’ve ever had! We have a long list of all of the restaurants we did not make it to (foodies- book a trip NOW) but here’s a few of the ones we DID enjoy:

Cafe La Paloma (Guadalajara): Loved this casual (and very affordable) spot for coffee/lunch! Get the guacamole and tortilla soup—and don’t forget their homemade flan for dessert! (For a sweet, refreshing drink try their pīnada!)

Casa Luna Restaurante (Tlaquepaque): From the mesmerizing decor to the beautifully plated cuisine, this iconic restaurant lived up to ALL the hype! Order a round of “Cazuelitas” for the table (tequila, soda, citrus and spices), and if it’s in season you must try their “Chiles En Nogada” (a Guadalajaran specialty that’s only served a couple of months out of the year)!

Hueso (Guadalajara): This place is truly an experience, and one that we didn’t want to end! It’s chic and modern and playful all at once, and if you only have one meal in Guadalajara—have it here. Drink all the cocktails and eat all the food. (Especially the pork, short rib, bone marrow, risotto, and creme brulee) and thank us later.

La Antigua Casona (Tequila): We ate here multiple times (and even splurged on multiple dishes) because we couldn't get enough of the open ambiance and flavorful cuisine! Their "Torta Ahogada" (drowned sandwich) might be the best thing we ate on the trip!

You can drink Cazuelas in the streets - like Vegas :)

4. THE EXPERIENCES

When it comes to things to do, there’s plenty to keep you occupied in both Guadalajara and Tequila. Bring good walking shoes, we walked a lot. (And we ate a lot, so it balanced out. We like it that way.) Here’s some highlights:

Charro Training: We went to the Lienzo Charros de Jalisco for a real Charrería experience. If you aren’t famliair with a Charrería, it’s ok, we weren’t either! Consider it their version of a rodeo- but like, way cooler. There’s fancy uniforms and rope tricks and bull riding and well, it’s epic. We learned all about the history and Bobby had a crash-course in how to be a charro and he’ll proudly say he passed.

Walking Tour: Guadalajara is one of those cities where there’s SO much to see, so a walking tour is a great place to start. We went on a Historic City Center tour with Lily Aceves, and we highly recommend it! Not only will you see and learn so much about the history and culture of Guadalajara, but you’ll make an amazing friend, too. We love you, Lily!

Guadalajara Cathedral on the Historic City Center Tour with Lily Aceves

Explore Tlaquepaque: Just 20 minutes from downtown Guadalajara is the picture-perfect neighborhood called Tlaquepaque. There you’ll find an array of shops, galleries and restaurants that will keep you entertained (and stuffed!) for hours.

Nuestros Dulces Candy Factory: While yo’re in Tlaquepaque, tour an authentic Guadalajaran candy factory- where you’ll be able to taste, and even make, some delicious treats!

Mundo Cuervo tour & tasting: If you visit Tequila and don’t do the Mundo Cuervo tour, did you even go to Tequila?! This is a must do, and definitely one of the highlights of our trip! We learned all about the tequila making process, from the agave plant to the distilling… and everything in between! And of course, it comes with a generous tasting too!

5. THE LUXE ACCOMMODATIONS

Over the past few years we’ve come to a realization about ourselves. We’re kind of hotel connoisseurs. We love staying at places with character, places that surprise us, places that aren’t only visually pleasing, but have amazing customer service and care. Both spots we stayed at on this trip were exactly that. We’d book them again tomorrow if we could!

Casa Habita (Guadalajara): Think Ace Hotel meets Guadalajaran minimalism. (If that’s a thing?) It’s effortlessly cool yet inviting, with all the right features and perfectly calculated design. Our only regret is that we didn’t have time to utilize the super-chic pool!

Hotel Solar de las Animas (Tequila): We both said we’d return to Tequila just to stay here. It’s five-star service and elegance that we haven’t experienced in awhile. The spacious rooms, the perfectly manicured grounds, the decadent breakfasts… everything is perfectly executed, and fabulously romantic.

Tranquility at Hotel Solar de las Animas

Insane beauty at Hotel Solar de las Animas

There you have it. Our five reasons to visit Guadalajara and Tequila. We could give you 500 more but A) we don’t have that kind of time and B) we don’t want to give all of its greatness away! Experience this part of Mexico for yourself—and let us know what you think! Better yet, take us with you. We’re already itching to go back.

Alli Talley

February 5, 2021

Mississippi, Road Trip

Our Second Visit to Coastal Mississippi - And Why We’ll Be Back ASAP

Alli Talley

February 5, 2021

Mississippi, Road Trip

We first ventured to the Mississippi coastline in mid-2019, on a road trip in our cozy, tightly-packed Prius (With Sally too!). With little expectations on arrival, we were wowed by our hotel, the food, the experiences, and the people! Our second visit, in November 2020, was no different (well, besides the fact that we had a bigger car and a baby). We had grand plans to head back to all of our favorite Coastal MS spots, but we were pleasantly surprised to find some new gems, too! From tasty new restaurants to incredible new activities for the whole family, Coastal Mississippi continues to have us wanting more.

Why? Let’s start with where we stayed. In case you need a refresher, in 2019 we stayed at the Roost, the most beautiful little boutique hotel just a short walk from downtown Ocean Springs. It’s quaint and chic and cozy all in one—not to mention connected to an incredible (and under-the-radar) speakeasy. How can you possibly beat that?!

Well, their sister property, the Beatnik, is brand new to Ocean Springs, and it’s just as magical. The Beatnik boasts four modern, luxurious floating cabins that we were obsessed with from the moment we walked in. From a Covid-19 perspective, we had zero interaction with anybody to check-in, and the room was only cleaned on an as-needed basis (with safety precautions in mind). We all had our highlights… For me (Bobby), it was the outdoor shower. Alli loved the pool. Jude wanted to sleep in the hidden bunk beds (not quite ready, though). And Sally lived for the refreshingly cool floors in the bathroom. This place was a dream!

Jude’s nap time is Mom and Dad’s pool time.

Upon rising, which was earlier this year than last (thanks Jude), the first stops for coffee and breakfast are Bright Eyed Brew Co and the Greenhouse on Porter (for biscuits that are to DIE for). Bright Eyed was a success, but because Greenhouse was closed that day we had to branch out… and French Kiss Pastries was a hit! For our afternoon coffee, we discovered Jacked Up Coffee Bar in Biloxi and were not disappointed. If you’ve been following us for awhile, you know that finding cool coffee shops is our jam!

Jacked Up Coffee Bar is another great coffee shop!

With so many interesting museums and art galleries throughout Ocean Springs, we were shocked to find another pop up in the past year (and our favorite one yet) - the Mississippi Aquarium! It was definitely a highlight of the trip for all of us! Check out more info here on another blog post we recently shared :)

One thing that we thought would be very different on this trip were our dinners. We had a few amazing meals on our last trip (see our blog on why Coastal Miss is Seafood Heaven) at Vestige and White Pillars, and just assumed that having a 9 month old in tow would ruin everything. Somehow, we were able to have two equally dreamy evenings out that included mouthwatering food, social distance, and romantic ambiance (even with the kiddo!!). One night we enjoyed Dinner on the Lot, a ticketed event designed to bring fine dining outdoors while highlighting local hand picked produce. Our meal also featured beer pairings with every course, courtesy of Craft Advisory Brewing (which is directly across from the Lot). With 6 courses and 6 beers, it was probably the highlight of our month-long road trip. Here were the courses:

Partridge Peppers
French Hermit Oyster
Jurgielewicz Duck
Two Dog Farm Carrots
FL Spiny Lobster
South African Boerewors
Craft Advisory Root Beer Floats for dessert

Intrigued? You should be! You may notice by those courses that not only are they using local produce, but they’re proud to show off exotic ingredients and dishes. It was SO FUN!

On our final night in town we had probably the most romantic beach picnic of our lives set up by Coastal Picnic and Co. With an array of finger foods, wine, and an unreal sunset, it was (and we don’t say this lightly), the perfect night. Even Jude was in heaven. (His teepee!!)

The best way to spend our last night in Mississippi

It’s no surprise Coastal Miss was one of our first places that we returned during our only big road trip of 2020. And guess what? We’d be stoked if we could head back again in 2021! That’s how much we love this place! The area continues to flourish and we can’t wait to get back as soon as possible.

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

October 26, 2020

USA, Weekenders, Arizona

The Best Kept Secret in 2020 - Secret Season!

Alli Talley

October 26, 2020

USA, Weekenders, Arizona

It’s no secret that 2020 has been a not-so-good year. Well, we had a son and that was absolutely wonderful, but everything else has been pretty rough. But good news - we’re here to help you cap 2020 off with a Covid-safe vacay that won’t break the bank. Have you heard of “Secret Season”? Similar to “shoulder season”, it’s a time of year in Scottsdale (October-December) that offers an uncrowded destination and hotel bargains that will have you thinking, “How can we NOT go?”. We’re talking the same luxurious experience and prime weather of peak season February and March, for an average of 30% lower rates. You may even feel guilty tanning while the rest of the country is avoiding blizzards.

We may “secretly” sneak out to Scottsdale in the coming weeks, and if we do, you’ll find us at the Hyatt Regency. This sprawling resort is a dream for families craving room to roam, and they’re pet-friendly! We stayed there last December and enjoyed a room with a patio right on their small lagoon - Sally LOVED it. Now that we’re a family of four (one kid, one dog), we’d have so much more to take advantage of - water slides, gondola rides, biking and walking paths, golf, and spa treatments (Alli?). Jude may not be able to take a ride on the three-story water slide this time, but Bobby will go enough times for the both of them! And remember… this will probably be in November or December, when most of the country is in their jackets and boots! Scottsdale in November boasts highs that are in the mid-seventies! Perfect weather to get your tan on! A few of our other favorites include Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows, Hotel Valley Ho, The Scott, and Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa. So many choices… you may need to stay a little longer!

Sally loved our patio at the Hyatt Regency. We did too - especially with this spread!

Speaking of choices. Good luck deciding where to eat in Scottsdale. Maybe we should spin it a different way… there are so many amazing restaurants that you could blindly pick a spot and you’d be raving the next day. And now that many of them are open for dine-in service (with Covid-safe precautions), here are some of our favorites:

The Mission - Go to the one in Old Town -our favorite! The ambience is perfect for a date night, but buzzing enough for the whole family to chat – or baby babble - freely. If you don’t get tableside guac, then you’re blowing it. If you want to splurge, share the pork shoulder tacos. And churros are also a must.
Toro Latin Restaurant & Rum Bar - Ready for flavors your taste buds won’t comprehend? South American meets Chinese cuisine and explodes in sushi, ceviche, and insane rum cocktails! And if you’re there in December, check out Christmas at the Princess for an outdoor, physically distanced winter wonderland!
FnB - Seasonal, farm-fresh, local ingredients put together in a way that will have you thinking, “Why have I never put these together?” Prepare to be dazzled and to leave planning your next visit.
Farm & Craft - If you’re looking for a healthy start to your day, Farm & Craft serves healthy, sustainable food with hormone free and organic ingredients, kombucha on tap, and gluten-free and vegan options,! We recommend the Acai Bowl or the Breakfast Sandwich!
The Hash Kitchen - As we’ve mentioned before, we knew we were in for a treat when we walked in and saw Arizona’s largest bloody mary bar. Due to Covid this may have changed in terms of DIY, but they still have a delicious bloody mary! And incredible donuts! Hashes are their specialty, and you definitely won’t leave hungry!
Cartel Coffee Lab - Not for a meal, but for coffee. There are multiple Cartel Coffee Labs and they are all good… it’s where we get our caffeine fix!
Where we’re headed next… Andreoli Italian Grocer, Virtu Honest Craft, Maple & Ash, and Butterfield’s Pancake House.

You see how the Bloody Mary itself could be a meal?

So much to see in Historic Old Town Scottsdale!

To work off all the food, we have a few Covid-safe activities planned.

Hiking in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. With over 30,000 acres of Sonoran Desert and 225+ miles of trails, it’s an incredible sight and naturally socially distanced activity. We recommend arranging a guide with REI Co-op Experiences to show you the way.
All aboard! We’re looking forward to taking Jude on a Holiday Lights train ride at the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. If you’re there during the holidays, it’s pure magic.
Looking to hit the links? There are more than 50 golf courses in Scottsdale, and prices are typically a bit lower than peak season during secret season. While you won’t see us for a round of 18, you may find us at Topgolf Scottsdale.
Wine Tasting! We’ve looked into it, and five of the six Arizona wine tasting rooms on the Scottsdale Wine Trail are open! The wineries are Aridus Wine Company, Carlson Creek, Salvatore Vineyards, Su Vino and Merkin Vineyards. LDV Winery is closed for construction, but the other five are within walking distance of each other and have some delicious wines. Aridus Wine Company is currently the only one you need a reservation for. Can we bring Jude?
Las Noches De Las Luminarias - This holiday season, the Desert Botanical Garden will be lit with 8,000 flickering luminarias and twinkling lights. Add in a festive holiday drink and it’s the perfect outdoor event for us right before Jude’s bedtime :)
Holiday Lights at Salt River Fields - a brand new holiday lights event specially designed as a safe, drive-thru holiday experience enjoyed from one’s own vehicle that sounds like pure MAGIC. There are nearly 5 million lights synchronized to Christmas melodies that are bound to make Alli weep tears of joy.

Planning our route in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve

The train ride at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is a must!

If you’re there during the holiday season, check out Christmas at the Princess!

Shhh… Secret season in Scottsdale is where it’s at. If you haven’t ventured out on a vacay in 2020, this is the perfect place to test the waters. Wide open spaces, safe and clean resorts at a bargain, world-class dining, and outdoor activities aplenty. (But let’s keep this little secret between us, k?)

We can’t wait to be back exploring the Sonoran Desert!

Alli Talley

October 24, 2019

USA, Texas

Bryan College Station... Not Just for College Students

Alli Talley

October 24, 2019

USA, Texas

Chances are when you think of Bryan College Station, Texas, you immediately think “college town”... And rightfully so! It’s home to Texas A&M University, which happens to have the largest student body in Texas - and is the second largest in the United States. Their undergraduate enrollment is over 53,000 students! That’s bigger than most small towns!

We’ve begun to realize that destinations like Bryan College Station (BCS) can be easily overlooked, but are actually really cool and really underrated. I mean, think about it. College students know what’s up - and these Aggies are of no exception. They’re foodies (see our blog covering what to eat in BCS here), they’re hip, and they like to have fun. What more could you want out of a getaway?

Here’s three categories in which we think BCS truly excels:

CHIC ACCOMMODATIONS

We’re millennials. Seeking out cool, stylish and luxurious hotels is in our DNA. We’ve even been known to pick a destination just because they have a hotel we want to stay in! (We’re sure many of you are the same!)

Cavalry Court (College Station): “Relaxed Luxury” at its finest. Cavalry Court is the perfect blend of trendy and retro, and classy and upscale - if that makes sense. It’s the kind of hotel that will spoil their guests with amenities, yet feels laid-back and approachable. It’s military-meets-glamping vibe makes every corner incredibly Instagrammable, and their pool is a welcome way to escape the Texas heat. Each cabana has their own television, which if you’re lucky, you could even watch from the pool! We stayed here during our time in BCS, and we’ll admit that we didn’t want to leave. Even Sally was obsessed, and yes, they’re incredibly dog-friendly! (Read more about BCS from Sally’s perspective here.)

The George (College Station): Steps away from Cavalry Court is its fabulously chic sister property, The George. It’s modern and refined with a distinctly Southern flair, with spacious rooms and a warm, enchanting lobby. Nods to Texas can be found in everything from the decor to the food and drinks... And while we’re on the subject - their 1791 Whiskey Bar (located in the lobby) is not to be missed!

The Stella Hotel (Bryan): Set on the up-and-coming Lake Walk Town Center (a lakefront shopping destination), The Stella Hotel is progressive and contemporary, and a little more off the beaten path than The George and Cavalry Court. The grounds are gorgeous, and their neighboring coffee shop POV happens to be one of our favorites. Plus, The Stella Hotel is a member of Preferred Hotels and has won the Four Diamond AAA award. That’s luxury we can get behind!

SENSATIONAL ACTIVITIES

You may wonder, what else is there to do in a college town other than study and drink? Well, in BCS a better question is, what ISN’T there to do? Sure, they have world-class dining and a wide variety of shops and boutiques, but did you know they also have a DRIVE-THRU SAFARI PARK?! Read on, my friends...

Aggieland Safari: Located near Bryan and just 20 minutes from College Station, the brand new Aggieland Safari is wildly fun for both kids and adults! This 450-acre adventure zoo and drive-thru safari park features over 100 species of wildlife, and more than 20 endangered species! The drive-thru safari is a fun and interactive way to see the animals up close, and you can even purchase a bucket of food to feed some of the furry (and feathery) friends! In our opinion, it’s a Bryan College Station MUST DO.

George H. W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum (College Station): Regardless of your political affiliation, the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum is sure to inspire, motivate, and tug at your heart strings. This beautifully executed library has well-preserved memorabilia from throughout Bush’s life, and gives insight to the legacy that this incredibly humble and kind president had. We were moved to tears numerous times!

First Friday Downtown Bryan: Around 5:30pm on the first Friday of every month, Downtown Bryan turns into one big block party. The streets and sidewalks fill with local vendors, talented street musicians, children playing games, and so much more. It’s a free event that BCS locals have come to love - and we love it too!

INSTAGRAMMABLE LOCATIONS

Like we said, we’re millennials. Instagrammable locations are our jam - and BCS is full of them. Spend a weekend hitting up these fun spots, and your IG flow will be popping in no time!

The Gardens at Texas A&M University (College Station): Tucked away on the sprawling Texas A&M campus is the tranquil and lush Gardens at Texas A&M University. Situated on over 27 acres, this oasis of demonstration gardens is free for both visitors and students to enjoy. It’s jaw-droppingly beautiful and 100% Instagrammable.

Bottle Cap Alley (College Station): If you packed your cowboy boots, this is the spot to rock them! The infamous Bottle Cap Alley is a quirky alley filled with thousands and thousands of, you guessed it, bottle caps. It’s about as Instagrammable as it gets (and it’s between two fantastically fun bars, so grab a drink after you snap your pic)!

Century Square (College Station): Beyond having one of our favorite BCS murals, Century Square is a new shopping and dining destination that’s a whole lot of fun. There are ample photo opportunities, and spots to relax, have a snack, or even see a movie!

Downtown Bryan: We’re suckers for a quaint downtown, and Downtown Bryan instantly stole our hearts. Take a stroll down Main street, snap a pic in front of the iconic Queen Theater, and window shop the many eclectic boutiques and art galleries. If you really want a stellar pic for your Instagram, plan your visit for right around sunset. You’re welcome.

The Gardens at Texas A&M are a beautiful spot for a stroll

Bryan College Station is a destination that most likely wasn’t on your radar… until now. And we like that about it. It’s a hidden gem with loads of potential, and it’s only getting better. Next time you’re in Texas, check it out! You’ll be glad you did.

(Did we miss anything? Leave a comment and let us know!)

Alli Talley

September 11, 2019

Oregon, USA, Weekenders

CENTRAL OREGON & PRONGHORN RESORT’S NEW HUNTINGTON LODGE :: AN ADVENTURE LIKE NO OTHER!

Alli Talley

September 11, 2019

Oregon, USA, Weekenders

If you’ve been following us closely on Instagram, you probably know all about Pronghorn Resort in Central Oregon by now. You know that it’s beautiful, you know that it has electric scooters, you know that their cocktails are almost too pretty to drink (almost), and you probably know that it’s located right in the heart of picture-perfect Central Oregon.

But there’s only so much we can share through photos and videos on Instagram… so here we are. Dedicating an entire blog post to the beauty of Central Oregon, our stay at the luxe Pronghorn Resort, and the many adventures we had during our 3-night getaway.

Because we’re still not done talking about it.

THE LOCATION

Located about 30 minutes outside of downtown Bend, and set on more than 640 acres, Pronghorn is so much more than a resort, it’s a destination. Not only are you surrounded by Central Oregon’s 1,000-year-old Juniper forest, but you’re also encompassed by the glorious Cascade Mountain Range. No matter where you turn or where you look, the views at Pronghorn Resort will take your breath away… and don’t even get us started on the sunsets!

We loved the location for obvious reasons (it’s a high desert oasis and beautiful), but also because of its convenience to other Central Oregon towns and activities. We were 30 minutes from Bend, 45 minutes from Sunriver, and 30 minutes from Redmond. Pronghorn has that high desert oasis setting and yet there’s an endless amount of adventures and day trips just miles away…

THE CENTRAL OREGON EXPERIENCE

Speaking of adventures, you can’t go to Central Oregon without visiting the Deschutes River. Everyone knows this. (And if you didn’t, now you do!) We’ll take it a step further and say that no trip is complete without an experience ON the Deschutes River - whether that’s floating, kayaking, or white water rafting! This time around, we opted for the latter… and holey moley was it fun!

Sun Country Tours does an EPIC one-and-a-half hour white water rafting trip called “The Big Eddy Thriller” that includes class III white water rapids and picture-perfect scenery. Not only did we master the Big Eddy rapids (like total champs), but we had the time of our lives rafting along the Deschutes. HIGHLY recommend!

We will for sure be floating the river next time!

The calm before the chaos on the Big Eddy Thriller!

We couldn’t get pictures during the rapids, but we survived!

THE PRONGHORN EXPERIENCE

Whether you decide to spend your days exploring outside of Pronghorn, or whether you decide to relax and enjoy the resort is up to you. There’s no doubt that Pronghorn Resort is a destination in and of itself. You name it, they have it.
Pronghorn has two Top 100 18-hole golf courses, a newly renovated spa, several restaurants, outdoor pools, biking trails, a fitness center, daily activities, and SO much more. If you feel like kicking back and taking it easy, you don’t have to ever leave the property!

Everyday we spent time swimming in Huntington Lodge’s new adults only pool, that’s complete with cabanas and poolside beverage service. Pair that with the stunning mountain views, and it truly felt like paradise!

We spent a morning perfecting our swings at their world-class driving range, where we “ooed and awed” over the way they stack the golf balls. The folks at Pronghorn go above and beyond to make your experience special, even in the little things!

One day we decided to rent their motorized scooters (which are available hourly or for the full day) and we had the time of our lives! The bike trail that winds around the Pronghorn property is beautiful, and the scooters are SO much fun - they go up to 20mph!! (Now I know what I’m asking Bobby for this Christmas…) ;)

THE HUNTINGTON LODGE

We have to take a minute and talk about Pronghorn’s new Huntington Lodge, which made its debut just over two months ago. It’s EVERYTHING. The chic, modern decor, the welcoming lobby bar, the warm textiles, the spacious rooms and panoramic views of the Cascades… we could go on and on. It’s luxurious and grand without feeling stuffy or pretentious, and the stylish touches don’t go unnoticed. The guest rooms are perfectly appointed with modern architecture, wood furnishings, elegant bedding,the comfiest bathrobes, private terraces, and in-room fireplaces. And let’s just say, if/when we ever buy a home, the Huntington Lodge will be our inspiration.

We’re juuuuust a tad obsessed.

THE DINING

There’s no denying that some of the best restaurants in Bend are at Pronghorn Resort. We sipped on craft cocktails and ate farm-to-table cuisine at their luxurious culinary experience, Cascada. We enjoyed the fresh, healthy breakfasts at the Trailhead Grill each morning (we’re still dreaming about their Power Green Smoothie), and we spent as much time as possible relaxing at The Coyote, the new lobby bar inside the Huntington Lodge. We’d go back to Pronghorn Resort just for another round of their signature cocktails!

Delicious oyster starter at Cascada - and off course an Old Fashioned to pair with it.

Bobby’s breakfast feast at the Trailhead Grill

Took this Coyote treat back to our room to enjoy the sunset from our balcony

Outside of the resort, Bend happens to be one of our favorite “foodie cities” in America. We like to joke that we go to Bend solely for the restaurants! Some of our favorites include:

McKay’s Cottage: Mouth-watering breakfasts, set in a 1916 craftsman bungalow. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.
The Sparrow Bakery: Come for the “Ocean Roll” (their famous pastry), stay for the breakfast sandwich (SO good!) and the iced coffee. This bakery is a must-visit every time we’re in Bend!
Spork: Latin American-Asian-African fusion (quite the combo, right?!) that almost always has a line out of the door. It’s well worth the wait.
Crux Fermentation Project: One of the best places in Bend (in our opinion) to have a beer (or two) and watch the sunset. Their on-site food trucks are all great, too!
Spoken Moto: We love this brewery for three reasons: they have an extensive drink menu that includes coffee, they have live music on the weekends, and everyone is so friendly. Plus, the beer is outstanding, too!

Packing your bags yet? We sure hope so. Central Oregon is one of those places that we’ll keep coming back to. And now that we’ve become obsessed with the Pronghorn Resort, we REALLY won’t be able to stay away for long… who’s joining us next time?