Alli Talley

October 17, 2021

South Dakota with Jude Dakota: What To Do in South Dakota with a Toddler

Alli Talley

October 17, 2021

South Dakota is a special place for us.

It was one of our first trips together as the Traveling Newlyweds. It was our first trip that we took after finding out we were pregnant with Jude. It was even the inspiration for Jude’s middle name—Dakota!

This was our fourth visit to the Mount Rushmore State, and it’s crazy how different our life is each time we’re there. South Dakota with a toddler was a little more tricky logistically (nap times are tough), but it was as fun (and memorable) as ever! Seeing the sights through Jude’s eyes was something we’ll never forget, and we already can’t wait to go back.

Enjoying our stops along Needles Highway

The following is our guide for 2-3 days in SoDak that is geared for the whole family.

STAY

With a variety of options in Rapid City, it really depends on what you're looking for. We opted for the Howard Johnson, just on the outskirts of downtown, because of the proximity to Memorial Park. It was a short walk to the park (more on that later) and downtown, so it was perfect for us!

If you want to be right in the heart of downtown, we recommend a splurge on the Hotel Alex Johnson. Boasting handcrafted décor and German Tudor-inspired architecture (look it up, it’s cool), you’ll be loving the luxury and stunned by the rooftop views. Kids or no kids… this is a great spot!

If your trip is more wildlife focused, we’d recommend staying at the State Game Lodge in Custer State Park. This stone and wood lodge, which served as the Summer White House for President Calvin Coolidge, has you nestled among the wildlife and the ponderosa pines. From there, you can meander the roads of the park at your own pace, and have a good base camp if you have a kid in need of nap time. You’ll also have the option to enjoy Buffalo Safari Jeep Tours, which originate from the lodge. Either way, you’ll enjoy the escape of this stunning mountain valley!

We have quite a few blogs on our time in South Dakota, so we have a variety of activities we’d recommend. While traveling with a toddler, here’s how we spent our time.

Reptile Gardens: Considering it has more species or subspecies of reptiles than any other zoo or wild animal park in the world, this is an absolute must-do when in South Dakota. Start in the Sky Dome, where you’ll encounter snakes, crocodiles, amphibians, and other reptiles. While Jude was entertained running laps around the dome, his real highlight were the giant Aldabra Tortoises. You can get up close with them, and Jude really pushed the limits of “up close.” ;)

Mount Rushmore: Obvious, we know. But it’s iconic and 100% worth the trip. And you really can be there for as short as 30 minutes or as long as a full afternoon. There is so much history to take in, but it’s even worth the quick stop just to take in the amazing view. (And the ice cream there is REALLY good too!) If you’re traveling with kids and they don’t have the patience for an audio tour or a history lesson, consider a visit to Rushmore Tramway Adventures. Here you can enjoy ziplines, downhill tubing, the aerial park or their relaxing, scenic chairlift. Many of their adventures have views of Mount Rushmore, so it’s a win-win!

1880 Train: Quite possibly the highlight of our 2021 trip, the 1880 Train is so much fun. A vintage steam train that offers a relaxing 20-mile round trip ride between Hill City and Keystone, it’s perfect for the whole family. The motion of the locomotive was therapeutic to little Jude, and we were cry-laughing as he fell asleep with his head out the window. Priceless!

Needles Highway: One of the best attractions in Custer State Park (and South Dakota), driving this windy little highway is always a thrill. Go as slow as you can through this 14 mile stretch of highway to truly enjoy the soaring granite rock formation known as the needles. Budget a minimum of two hours, but we’d recommend taking the drive in the morning and packing a picnic for a stop (maybe even a swim) at Sylvan Lake. You’re welcome.

Memorial Park: For anybody traveling with kids, Memorial Park may have been Jude’s favorite place in South Dakota. With a variety of features and slides, it has the potential for hours of fun! And if your kids are a little older, make sure you check out the famous Dinosaur Park!

Up close with the tortoise… look who’s dashing away on the right side of the frame!

The motion of the train was a little to much for Juders :)

EAT

As we mentioned above, we have several other blogs on the area where we highlight all the yummy food around South Dakota, so we’ll focus mostly on our new favs (shoutout to Prairie Berry Winery and Harriet & Oak, we love you too!).

Essence of Coffee: An Australian-owned coffee shop in the heart of Rapid City? Yes, please! Breakfast, lunch, and amazing coffee. That’s all we need. We may or may not have been there two of our three mornings in town. And we’ll definitely be back!

Black Hills Bagels: How have we never been here?! This is THE spot for bagels in Rapid City, with homemade bagels, spreads, and hearty bagel sandwiches. We will be here at least once on every future trip. Totally lived up to the hype!

Firehouse Brewing Company: A lively atmosphere, good beer, and delicious pub grub. Since it’s a bit on the noisier side, it’s a perfect spot to bring the kiddos.

Blue Bell Lodge: This cozy Western-themed lodge in Custer State Park serves up tasty ranch house fare. We loved the Buffalo Brisket and the Mac and cheese! As a side note, they have 29 secluded cabins and offer a variety of Western-style adventures (cookouts, horse trail rides, etc.). We might need to stay here on our next trip to SoDak!

Skogen Kitchen: Yes, we talk about Skogen Kitchen in other blogs. But it’s truly that good. The ambiance, the fresh, seasonal menu, the warm and friendly service… it’s undoubtedly the BEST restaurant in South Dakota. Perfect a date night, but worth it to go with the kids too. Jude enjoyed it just as much as we did!

Ultimately, what we’ve learned traveling with a toddler is that you have to hold everything loosely. We were fortunate enough to be able to do everything we wanted, but if you can’t… just plan another trip back.

We already can’t wait to come back with kids that are just a tiny bit more functional when it comes to hiking and exploring, because there is so much natural beauty in South Dakota that we’ve yet to explore. We’ll see what our next trip entails! :)

A flatbread and brussel sprouts on the rooftop of Hotel Alex Johnson

Alli Talley

February 22, 2021

Texas, USA, Road Trip

Lubbock, Texas - Bring The Whole Family!

Alli Talley

February 22, 2021

Texas, USA, Road Trip

Way back in 2019, we hopped in our Prius and took a road trip across the country. We hit the wide open road with our trusty dog Sally, and headed to West Texas. We spent four days eating incredible food, drank plenty of chiltons (IYKYK), and found as many puppy-friendly adventures as possible.

How our lives have changed.

A new year, a new car, a new pandemic, a new kid… ha! 2020 was a whirlwind, and we were craving a little normalcy. Why not head back to some of our favorite destinations with the whole family?

In November we hopped back in the car, with a few more bags, and headed back to our beloved Lubbock. And although we were in the midst of Covid-19 (right in between spikes), we found the same charm and flavor as our last visit. Whether you’re driving from California or somewhere in Texas, Lubbock is an amazing spot for the whole family. Here are some of our favorite Lubbock locales, including a few new names since our last visit!

STAY

While there are plenty of solid hotel options in Lubbock, they really upped their game in 2020 with the addition of the Cotton Court. The Cotton Court is part of the Valencia Hotel Group, a small chain of laid back, trendy hotels that are scattered around Texas and California. Spread out over acres of landscaped courtyards, the Cotton Court has a stunning pool, lawn games, space for live music, fire-pits, and outdoor dining. Perfect for families! (And they are SUPER pet-friendly!)

And the rooms! They incorporate luxury, local style, and hip design… and they’re incredibly spacious. Smeg refrigerators, comfy beds, cool light fixtures… we could’ve stayed so much longer!

Love the design, the space, and the SNACKS!

EAT

When we talk about Lubbock, we’re most often reminiscing on Evie Mae’s BBQ. This popular family-run establishment gave us a new appreciation for BBQ, and we go back every time we are in town! When you go, try a little bit of everything… but our favorite is the brisket! (And don’t be scared of the line, it moves fast. And it’s SO WORTH IT.)

With the pandemic still in effect, we had to get creative with a few of the new spots we tried while we were in town. We had Thai Pepper’s to-go in our hotel room, and it was so tasty! The wait was long, but again, totally worth it. Another new favorite of ours is Dirk’s for fried chicken! We sat outside (due to Covid and Sally) and had a savory assortment of chicken, fries, green beans, and mashed potatoes. A true Texas feast!

If it’s your first time in Lubbock, we’d say you can’t miss La Sirena Cocina and the Funky Door. At La Sirena Cocina you can indulge in scrumptious latin-fusion plates and a variety of “coctel artesenales” (we recommend the ones with tequila!). We love the salsa trio, the crispy brussel sprouts, and the chicken pot pie! If you want to get adventurous with your cocktail, try the “Last of the Oaxacans”. The Funky Door has INCREDIBLE fondue and tasty burgers. They currently have a “Quarantine Essentials” menu with great deals on both food and drinks. When life heads back to normal, it’s a perfect date night spot for a delicious meal and soothing live music.

A trip to Lubbock without a trip to Evie Mae’s would be a disaster…

DRINK

If you’ve been following us for awhile, you know that there are two types of drinks in our book… coffee and alcohol. For coffee, we were obsessed with Yellow House Coffee, Gold Stripe and Sugar Brown’s on our first trip to Lubbock. We visited them all again this time around, and loved the new “Lobby by Sugar Brown’s” that was a 2 minute walk from our room at Cotton Court.

This time around we found two new coffee shops on the booming Lubbock scene— Monomyth Coffee and TOVA Coffeehouse. We said numerous times that Monomyth would be our spot if we were Lubbock locals. As I, Bobby, am a self-proclaimed coffee snob (I’m not proud of it, I just like good coffee), I was right at home at Monomyth. (Not among snobs, but really good coffee.) We went to TOVA one morning for breakfast and coffee, and loved the vibe and their mission - they’re a non-profit shop combating poverty in Lubbock and beyond. So cool!

For the afternoons and beyond, there are two breweries that can’t be missed. We enjoyed both The Brewery LBK and Two Docs Brewing on our last visit, and we will on our next as well. The Brewery LBK has really good beer and is a solid date night spot if you order food from the West Table (or start at the brewery and end at the West Table). Their wraparound patio is also perfect for dogs or loud babies (hehe, our reality now). Speaking of being outdoors, Two Docs is a perfect spot for craft beer, four-legged friends, and the whole family. Two Docs consistently has a solid variety of beers on tap and rotating food truck partners serving up unique street food.

If you’re more of a wine-o, head to Burklee Hill or McPherson Cellars. We got lunch and a bottle of wine to-go from Burklee Hill one afternoon, and the club sandwich was one of the highlights of our trip. Their dry rosé was easy-drinking and perfect to enjoy outside our room while Jude napped. We didn’t have a chance to get to McPherson Cellars on this trip, but may still have a bottle of Mouvédre from last year - we brought a few home :) We’ve also heard English Newsom Cellars is a must for next time… we’ll be there!

Note - all of the above restaurants, breweries, and wineries have Covid-safe protocols that make them accessible and safe in this new reality we live in. From takeout to socially distant patios, they have taken steps that made us feel safe during our time in Lubbock.

The whole fam at Two Docs… I think Sally had some beer ha.

If you’re in the mood for shopping, we are big fans of Mountain Hideaway and California T’s. Bobby was obsessed with the clothing and adventure gear at Mountain Hideaway, while Alli LOVED all the color at California T’s. We both came home with plenty of souvenirs. If you’re in the mood for an afternoon of shopping local and capping it off with dinner, consider Cactus Alley. There you’ll find several local vendors, as well as Gold Stripe Coffee Roasters and La Sirena.

With a child under one, our list of things to do typically revolves around eating and drinking since they’re usually pretty easy to entertain. But soon enough we’ll be seeking out all the family friendly activities a destination has to offer. During this trip, we loved exploring At’l Do Farms! From the barnyard, to the cow train, to the corn maze (!), Jude was in heaven! Another activity that was great for little kids was Prairie Dog Town. Jude was totally zoned in as the little prairie dogs pop in and out of their holes… So cute!

If you have older kids, 4ORE Golf is such a fun spot to spend an afternoon. A driving range with serious technology, there are a variety of games you can play. And they have really yummy food! If you want to go the more educational route for an afternoon, the National Ranching Heritage Center will allow your family to immerse themselves in the Wild West. They have replicated houses and cabins where families can explore and really feel what it would have been like to live in that time. Definitely an upgrade from reading about it in a book...

If you’re traveling with a four-legged friend, Lubbock is very dog friendly! We have a whole blog that’s a guide to all the dog-friendly adventures Sally went on during her first time in Lubbock. This time, a highlight for her was running around Phil Hoel Park. And probably having a few nibbles of brisket from Evie Mae’s :)

Jude got over the maze and just wanted to play in the hay.

Contemplating if it’s worth jumping in :)

Whether you’re traveling solo or with a family and pets, Lubbock has something for you. The pandemic (and the newborn) slowed us down a little on this trip, so we’ll definitely be back again soon. We’ll be craving Evie Mae’s and Monomyth Coffee in no time!

Alli Talley

December 14, 2020

Arizona, USA

Why Tempe, Arizona Was Our First Out-of-State Road Trip Post Covid-19

Alli Talley

December 14, 2020

Arizona, USA

This has been one of the most life-altering, surprising, and wild years for our family. From having a baby to a global pandemic, just about everything about 2020 has been a trip. Except, well, the actual “trip” part— because like everyone else we’ve been stuck at home!!

November hit and we were beyond anxious to get out of our living room. As we started to throw around destination ideas, we immediately got excited about Tempe, Arizona. Here’s why:

Access

(Disregard the fact that we planned a 5000 mile road trip for Jude’s first time out of state, we’re weird.) Most people we know (in SoCal) drive to Palm Springs, or San Diego, or maybe the mountains, for their kids’ first trip. But we’’re here to tell you that driving from the 375 miles from our home in Costa Mesa to Tempe is NO PROBLEM! It is so incredibly doable, especially if you get up early, hit the road, and arrive by noon.

You can take the I-10 or I-8, and either one is a smooth sailing interstate with minimal traffic (as long as you leave before 7 - thanks SoCal). We arrived in Tempe just in time to grab lunch and put Jude down for his mid-day nap- and we still had all afternoon and evening to explore!

Hotels that Welcome Your Pup (and Take Covid-19 Seriously)

To add to the adventure of our baby’s first road trip, we of course brought Sally (our bernedoodle) along too. Although that definitely creates a few more challenges, Tempe’s hotel options make it a no-brainer for traveling with a dog. We’ve now stayed at both the Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown and the Graduate Tempe and Sally LOVES each of them. Both hotels provide your pup with a goody bag on arrival, which means major first impression points.

This time we stayed at the brand new Canopy, and were quickly aware of how clean and secure the hotel felt. With hand-sanitizer stations throughout, new cleaning standards for both the room and public areas, and a face covering requirement throughout the hotel, we were able to relax and not worry about Covid.

Our room was spacious and thoughtfully designed, and we were all obsessed with the big cozy bed (especially Sally and Jude). The Canopy is in a perfect location, within walking distance to a multitude of shops and dining options. While Jude napped, we’d take turns exploring!

Sally is always the first one on the bed.

The Canopy lobby is a great place to relax :)

Outdoor Dining

When we planned this trip, we had no idea what the state of Covid-19 would be. Visiting a destination with ample outdoor dining was a must, both because of safety and Sally (ha!). There are so many tasty options, and currently our favorite spots include:

Postino Winecafe - A bruschetta and wine bar that is as picturesque as it is delicious. A MUST.
Chuck Box - Get a burger and thank us after you get another. It’s iconic.
Daily Jam - Great spot to start your day with a hearty breakfast and healthy juice options.
Fate Brewing - Good beer and pizza? Sign us up. (Oh, and they have a killer happy hour, too!)
Sauce Pizza & Wine - Yes, we had pizza twice in one day. And we weren’t mad about it. Tell them what type of pizza you like at Sauce and they’ll give amazing recs!
Pedal Haus Brewery (dog friendly patio and another great happy hour) - Love the their beer!
Shady Park - If the temperature dips down at night and you need a warm up, head to Shady Park for some warm and flavorful ramen.
Culinary Dropout - delicious pretzels, famous fried chicken, and a rockin’ live music venue (when available)
Cartel Coffee - Our go-to coffee spot in Tempe. There are others that we like too, but we’re here daily!

Jude hoping for his first taste of bruschetta!

Outdoor Activities for the Whole Family

Global pandemic or not, we love Tempe because there is so much to do outside. Hiking, shopping, art-walking… we’re good at burning off all the food we eat while we’re in town (most of it at least).

“A” Mountain - A short but steep climb that’s worth the view! A great start to our day!

Rooftop at the Canopy - If you’re staying at the Canopy, then the rooftop is perfect for pool time, a cocktail at Alibi, and a sunset. Enjoy!

Art Walking Around Town - So many murals to see! We loved the “Look Ma, It’s Tempe”.

Kiwanis Trail at South Mountain Park/Preserve - Another easy trail that takes you to a beautiful lookout

Tempe Town Lake Pedal Boats - We pedaled around in a swan at sunset and will never forget it (both because of the view and Jude’s meltdown).

Desert Botanical Garden - A serene spot for a stroll, the desert botanical garden is beautifully manicured and very educational. They often have incredible art installations, with the “Electric Desert” in 2019 being one of the most remarkable light displays we’ve ever seen! The most recent exhibition was Cracking Art’s “Wild Rising”, a display of animals sculpted in brightly colored, recyclable plastic throughout the garden (you’ve seen Cracking Art’s penguins if you’ve ever visited a 21c hotel - they’re amazing!)

Hiking off all the pizza - on our way down from “A” Mountain.

Jude loved the swan for about 10 minutes… we needed a babysitter.

The sunset was still insane, even though Jude killed the vibe. Ha!

Sunsets

This needs to be its own category because of the consistency. We’ve now been in Tempe 4 times together in the past 2 years, (at different times of the year), and we have ALWAYS gotten a show in the sky. We’re not going to guarantee that you’ll get a colorful explosion every night, but your chances of seeing a rad sunset are high in Tempe. If you don’t see one, come back with us.

A short drive, delicious food, relaxing hotels (even with a baby and a dog), plenty to keep you busy outside, and most importantly - safe. Tempe is a great destination to test the waters of travel again, especially if it’s within driving distance. When you visit, leave a comment and let us know your favorite spots!

Alli Talley

December 4, 2020

Road Trip, Texas, Family Travel

Plano, Texas - A North Texas Gem Ready for Families, Foodies, and Pets!

Alli Talley

December 4, 2020

Road Trip, Texas, Family Travel

Over the past few years, we’ve seen a lot of Texas - from Austin to Marfa, it’s a state that keeps us guessing, and keeps us coming back for more . Every city has a different vibe and distinctly Texan flare, and we truly love aspects of them all.

So when we had the opportunity to explore a city in the Dallas Metroplex, Plano, we were intrigued. What would this new Texas city have to offer? Well, fast-forward to a few days into our trip, and I think it’s safe to say that we’re big fans. (And I’m pretty sure we both gained a few pounds.)

Here’s where we stayed, what we ate (and where we’ll eat next time), how we kept Jude and Sally entertained, and what made Plano an absolutely fantastic Covid-safe destination.

WHERE WE STAYED

We stayed at the beautiful (and new!) Hilton Granite Park. While there are countless other accommodation options in Plano, we would recommend one of the bigger hotel brands for your first getaway– like Hilton. They have the ability to develop safety protocols throughout all their hotels that will make you feel as safe as possible. The Hilton Granite Park was no exception, with an easy check-in process with plexiglass dividers, hand sanitizer stations throughout the hotel, and room cleaning was on an as-needed basis (to avoid people in your room). It seemed as though every time we walked through the lobby there was somebody cleaning and sanitizing. It was wonderful!

Our room was spacious and immaculate. We did takeout one night that we were there, and were perfectly happy lounging in the room. We loved the massive fire pit outside of the lobby (we would enjoy it with Sally in shifts because Jude would already be asleep- parent life)! The best part of the hotel was the access to The Boardwalk at Granite Park and Legacy West - so many award-winning restaurants and endless shopping just a short walk from the hotel!

Other accommodation recommendations (and spots we have on our list for next time) are the Renaissance Dallas Plano Legacy West (if we’re without our pup) or the NYLO Plano (dog-friendly).

So much so that he’d fall asleep before we got back to the room :)

The nearby Boardwalk at Granite Park was a great place to eat and then stroll it off!

WHERE WE ATE (AND DRANK)

Where to eat and drink? That’s a tough question in Plano because we were there for 3 days and would probably have needed another 10 to properly explore all of our options. But we definitely hit some of the must visits.

First… coffee. We’re big coffee people. 1418 is a coffee shop in downtown Plano that is the real deal. As in, it’s not great coffee for Plano, it’s great coffee for anywhere. I (Bobby) am definitely a bit of a coffee snob, and I was so pumped on 1418 that we went daily.

XO Coffee (yummy breakfast too) and Mudleaf (great vibe to sit and work) were our other two spots we visited and really liked. It seems like we barely scratched the surface.

For breakfast I’d choose the Biscuit Bar everyday, because biscuits. I kept it simple and had a Bacon, Egg, & Cheese biscuit, and it lived up to the hype! We had a super tasty breakfast at XO Coffee (Alli swears by their Shakshuka), and spent another morning at the Hilton’s Carso market.

Lunch and dinner is where the options come in. They’re endless. One night we were feeling the need for a healthy meal, so we had some fresh and hearty salads from the Original Chop Shop. On another evening we had a romantic date night at Cafe Istanbul and loved their mediterranean food. It may have been our favorite meal of the trip. (It actually would have been our favorite meal if it was a true date night and cranky Jude wasn’t there. Ha!) Whiskey Cake is also a must - they have insane cocktails and take pride in their farm-to-kitchen American dishes.

Legacy Food Hall deserves it’s own section. With more than 20 restaurants, bars, a brewery, and a live music venue, this was our favorite spot in Plano. Alli was craving street tacos and wine, so she had Velvet Taco and Blush Wine Bar. The sliders at Son of a Butcher were calling my name, so I indulged in a Classic slider and a Burnt Ends slider, along with a beer from Unlawful Assembly Brewing Co. They have live music and late night DJs that will definitely bring us back on our next trip to Plano. Plus, we have about 18+ more restaurants to try!

Our feast at Legacy Food Hall. We’ll be back to explore more!

WHAT WE DID

We’ve quickly learned that it’s almost impossible to keep a tight schedule when traveling with a baby. They nap when they want to nap, cry when we don’t want them to cry, and have dirty diapers WAY too often. That being said, Plano was amazing because it was so walkable. We were always a quick walk away from activities and restaurants, and getting back to the hotel for naps was never an issue. We could take Jude in the stroller and peruse the shops at Legacy West, the Boardwalk at Granite Park, or Georgia’s Farmer’s Market Downtown. He loved the colors of the Downtown Plano Murals, and he was obsessed with all the dogs at Windhaven Meadows Dog Park. I’m sure on our next visit he’ll want his share of Amorino Gelato and Press Waffle Co. Can’t wait!

Often we find ourselves in destinations where Sally (our bernedoodle) gets cooped up in our hotel room because there aren’t a lot of things for her to do. She did not have that problem in Plano. Sally loved exploring downtown Plano, and would’ve loved to play all day in Haggard Park. She was a big fan of sitting outside at XO Coffee, and tried to sip on our cocktails at Whiskey Cake. Her highlight, though, was Windhaven Meadows Dog Park. She made friends, chased tennis balls, and got a week's worth of wiggles out at this 5 acre park. It was clean, double fenced (so she couldn’t escape), and (obviously) had plenty of space to maintain social distance. She told us that next time she wants to visit Jack Carter Dog Park.

With the roller coaster of Covid-19, staying safe is our highest priority when choosing a destination to visit. With hotels like the Hilton Granite Park, outdoor dining and shopping galore, and places to explore like Oak Point Park and Arbor Hills Nature Preserve, Plano is a destination we can feel safe and be confident in! With family that recently moved to Frisco, TX (the nextdoor neighbor of Plano), we’re already planning our next trip back!

Alli Talley

August 31, 2020

Arizona, Road Trip, Weekenders

WE’RE VACATION READY, AND SO IS SCOTTSDALE

Alli Talley

August 31, 2020

Arizona, Road Trip, Weekenders

There’s no doubt that 2020 has hindered a LOT of travel plans, but that does not mean a relaxing vacay is out of the question.

As we adapt to life as we now know it, we’re anticipating and researching destinations that fit into our new normal. Places that have all of our favorite elements (stunning scenery, luxurious hotels, a buzzing foodie scene, outdoor adventures…) but that also make it easy to stay socially distanced. One of the spots that is high on our road tripping hit list is Scottsdale, Arizona.

We spent a few days in Scottsdale back in December (when Alli was 26 weeks pregnant with Jude), and we had a blast. Scottsdale comes alive at the holidays, but from what we’ve heard it’s every bit as magical right now. Here’s why we’re so keen to return:

SCOTTSDALE RESORTS ARE OFFERING INCREDIBLE DISCOUNTS

One of our initial draws to visiting Scottsdale was the abundance of luxe and stylish resorts. From chic adult-only hotels with boozy cocktails and award-winning spas, to family-friendly properties with waterslides and playgrounds, Scottsdale properties have it all. And from now until early September, chances are you can find some killer deals on rooms. We’re talking four-star resorts for around $100/night. Yep - you read that right!!

We stayed at the Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows and it was absolutely heavenly - and perfect for social distancing. Each room is a bungalow, meaning there are no indoor hallways or narrow walkways, and limited guest interaction. You even get your own patio all to yourselves!

Sally’s ready to head back to the Andaz!

SCOTTSDALE HAS TONS OF OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

If you’re like us, you’ve spent the bulk of this year cooped up at home. We’re anxious for some solid outdoor time, and the opportunities in Scottsdale are endless! From family-friendly hikes, to adrenaline-racing mountain biking and world-famous golf courses, Scottsdale is an adventure-lover’s dream. Not to mention, it’s easy to safely explore this desert oasis away from crowds.

One of our favorite socially-distanced activities (and excursion from our previous Scottsdale trip) is a sunrise hike! The McDowell Sonoran Preserve is a breathtaking desert preserve complete with 225 miles of trails for hiking and biking for all skillsets. Adventure on your own, or go with a guide from REI Co-op Experiences. Not only will you learn all about Arizona’s plants, wildlife, and history - but you’ll make a friend while you’re at it!

Loved exploring the McDowell Sonoran Preserve with REI Co-op Experiences!

SCOTTSDALE TAKEOUT > TAKEOUT ANYWHERE ELSE

We’d be lying if we said that the majority of our last trip to Scottsdale wasn’t planned around our meals. If you didn’t already know this, Scottsdale is a MECCA for foodies. Their restaurant scene is one of the best in the nation, and if that’s not reason enough to head there, then we don’t know what is! Cozy up in your lavish hotel room, put on Netflix, and order in from some of the most talked about restaurants in the nation… does it get better than that?

Some of our favorite Scottsdale restaurants (that would make some dreamy takeout) are:

Breakfast Sandwich at Farm & Craft is delish!

The Mission was an INCREDIBLE first dinner in Scottsdale. Highly recommend!

Duke’s Luau Pork Plate was a hit a Hula’s!

Bobby dreams of the Hash Kitchen Bloody Mary’s.

SCOTTSDALE IS RELAXATION AT ITS BEST

Listen, 2020 has been a YEAR. We could ALL use a little relaxation time. We’re talking warm desert heat, a cold pool, and a refreshing margarita (or two) - because you deserve it. Scottsdale has all of the necessary elements for a peaceful, relaxing, and safe getaway.

You don’t need to bring much, just your bathing suit, comfy pants, face mask and a couple of good books. (Oh! And bring your dog - many of Scottsdale’s finest resorts are puppy-friendly!) And if you’re not quite ready to venture out just yet, check out our blog about Scottsdale during the holidays - Christmas is only four months away!

Important note: Scottsdale’s tourism and hospitality community is following stringent public health practices to minimize the risk of COVID-19 and help ensure that your time spent in this Sonoran Desert oasis is safe and enjoyable. We encourage you to read up on everything they’re doing to keep visitors healthy and hey, even take the Safe Traveler Pledge!

Ultimately, please travel cautiously. If you aren’t feeling 100% or you’re high risk, please stay at home. If you’re scared, nervous, or unsure - don’t go! Please use discernment, and continue to stay informed of potential risks when on the road and/or at home.