Alli Talley

November 18, 2019

Why Redding Should Be Your Next Road Trip Destination

Alli Talley

November 18, 2019

Redding, California has been on our radar for years. We’re not sure why it took us so long to get there (as it’s an easy and scenic drive from our Southern California home), but whatever the case, this October we finally made the long awaited trip.

Now, we had heard that Redding was cool and underrated, but we really had no idea what we were going to find. What we discovered was a town rich in history, natural wonders, hip coffee shops (our favorite), and an evolving and revitalizing downtown. And we’re kicking ourselves that we didn’t come check it out sooner!

THE LOCATION

Located two and a half hours north of Sacramento and two hours south of the Oregon/California border, Redding is a true Northern California gem. Surrounded by jaw-dropping mountains (hello, Mt. Shasta!), it’s an outdoor paradise with over 200 miles of hiking and biking trails. But more on that later. We’ve always thought of Redding as more of a drive-through destination, on our way to Portland or Bend, but now we’re convinced it alone is worth the drive. One could easily spend a week there. And get this - they have over 300 sunny days a year!

THE HISTORY

Redding was founded in 1872, and was the Northernmost spot on the California railhead until 1883. It was a mining town, with significant copper and iron minerals, causing an economic boom in the early twentieth century. You can still explore the ruins of the Central Business District of the nearby Gold Rush town of Shasta, where there were once shops, bakeries, hotels, and more! It’s absolutely fascinating!

THE NATURAL BEAUTY

We could dedicate an entire blog simply to the natural beauty of Redding (and we considered it), but we’ll try to keep this short. IT’S STUNNING. There’s lakes, rivers, waterfalls, caves, national and state parks, fishing, skiing, and so much more. Outdoor enthusiasts, this is the place for you. During our short stay in Redding we visited Shasta Lake, the famous Lake Shasta Caverns, Whiskeytown Lake, all 3 of the McCloud waterfalls, Hedge Creek Falls, and the peaceful and serene McConnel Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. And we left feeling overwhelmed with how much more there is still yet to see!

The Lake Shasta Caverns were a highlight!

Sally may have had the MOST fun exploring all of the waterfalls

THE BUSTLING DOWNTOWN

Downtown Redding is charming - and it’s only getting better. From the moment we arrived and walked the iconic Sundial Bridge (the world’s LARGEST working sundial!), adventured through the Turtle Bay Exploration Park, dined at some phenomenal restaurants (more on the Redding food/drink scene here), and experienced downtown events like Redding’s weekly Food Truck Hub at The Park, we were sold. It’s a downtown that’s easily walkable and bursting with character, and it seems as though new fun spots are popping up quite often. We can’t wait to see it continue to evolve!

Redding is cool, y’all. You’ve heard it here first. Grab your friends, significant other, kids, pup, whoever you want, really - and make a road trip out of it!

If you need more convincing, here’s a blog with some of our favorite restaurants and coffee shops in and around Redding. Let us know if we missed a spot - because you better believe we’ll be back!

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 23, 2019

Montana, USA, Weekenders

A Couples Guide to 24 Hours in Helena, Montana

Alli Talley

September 23, 2019

Montana, USA, Weekenders

I (Alli) learned my state capitals by singing a catchy little tune that I learned in elementary school (anyone else?) - and it still comes in handy to this day! (Name the capital of Alabama… Montgomery! Boom!!)

When I heard we were stopping in Helena, Montana, that song immediately came to mind. And I of course, began singing it to Bobby. ;) But beyond the fact that Helena is indeed Montana’s state capital, my knowledge about this city was limited! Thankfully that changed on our roadtrip, as we spent some time exploring this booming, history and outdoorsy city. And it only took 24 hours for us to know we want to go back. We have a feeling you’ll feel the same way, too.

MORNING

Hike the 1906 Trail :: We love a good early morning hike, and this 2.9 mile loop is not only very easy (and dog friendly), but it takes you to the top of Mt. Helena, where you’ll find stunning views of the capitol city. Bring water, the hike is gradual, but it IS uphill!

Light Breakfast at HUB Coffee :: Grab a cappuccino and a breakfast sandwich at HUB Coffee, a bright, airy, and welcoming coffee shop right in the heart of Helena’s Downtown Walking Mall. If you feel like a sweet treat, try one of their delectable baked goods. Hey, you’re on vacation!

Explore the Downtown Walking Mall :: There are plenty of fun shops, boutiques, restaurants, and bars throughout the Walking Mall or “Last Chance Gulch” for one to discover. Be sure to stop in The Parrot Confectionery - a quaint old fashioned candy store!

AFTERNOON

Lunch at Windbag Saloon :: You’ll probably be surprised to find out that this modern and lively pub sits in what was Helena’s last bordello! Now, the Windbag Saloon serves some of the best bar food and drinks in town. Don’t leave without trying their mac n’ cheese!

Cathedral of St. Helena :: Modeled after the Votivkirche in Vienna, Austria, this jaw-dropping cathedral rivals European Cathedrals, with its stunning stained glass windows and intricate architecture. If you’re lucky, you may even hear the organ play!

EVENING

Burgers at The Friendly York Bar :: Just a short (and scenic) 20 minute drive from downtown Helena is this rustic, hole-in-the-wall, remote bar. While their drinks are good (and cheap), the star of the show here is their burger. Grab a seat at the bar, order a famous York burger and a cold one, and make friends with the locals!

Wine at The Hawthorne :: End the night with a crisp glass of wine - and maybe a cheese board if you’re still hungry - at this chic bottle shop and tasting room. It’s intimate and romantic, and their selection of wine is really impressive. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, the servers are incredibly knowledgeable and helpful!

We’ll be back to York for both patties… the beef and the York :)

24 hours in Helena, Montana isn’t enough. But if you stick to this itinerary, you’ll get a great taste for all that this entrancing city has to offer. And you’ll definitely leave anxious to plan your next trip back!

Alli Talley

September 16, 2019

Idaho, USA

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

Alli Talley

September 16, 2019

Idaho, USA

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

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

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

THE LODGING

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

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

THE ACTIVITIES

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

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

THE DINING

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

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

Coconut Shrimp at Chimney Rock Grill was bomb!

THE PEOPLE

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

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

Alli Talley

August 27, 2019

Washington, Weekenders, USA

A Romantic Weekend in Leavenworth

Alli Talley

August 27, 2019

Washington, Weekenders, USA

PICTURE THIS :: You pull up to a charming Bavarian village, set in the foothills of striking, green mountains… the wind is crisp, and cool, and the scent of bratwursts and freshly baked pretzels looms in the air. In the distance you catch sight of a bustling main street, lined with colorful buildings and hanging planters overflowing with fresh flowers. You hear a live folk band playing in the distance, and you’re torn between settling in at your plush chateau, or immediately immersing yourself in the Bavarian culture.

Are you intrigued yet?!

Best part is, you’re only a 2 ½ hour drive from Seattle! That’s right, this quintessential, picture-perfect Bavarian town exists in Washington, just below the Cascade mountains. You don’t have to spend your life savings on a plane ticket (or dedicate a 24 hour travel day) to visit a place that’s rich in German culture, and boasts world-class dining, luxurious wellness spas, local wineries, charming boutique hotels, and more. We’d like to think it’s one of the best kept secrets in the US, and while we’re tempted to keep this fairytale destination to ourselves, it’s only fair that we share it with you! (Just don’t tell too many people, k?) ;)

We just returned from an incredibly romantic and relaxing weekend in Leavenworth, and thought we’d recap it - because it was the dreamiest 48 hours we’ve had in a LONG time!

WHERE WE STAYED

THE POST HOTEL :: Nestled above the Wenatchee River, the stunning Post Hotel is a true adult-only, extravagant and refreshingly private oasis - and it’s right in the heart of downtown Leavenworth! (It literally couldn’t be in a better location… but back to the hotel.)

They’ve taken authentic wellness concepts from the Alps and have created a luxurious and elegant retreat, complete with saunas and steam rooms, plunge pools, a full-service spa, and so much more. Also included in your stay is an 18-hole championship putting course and continental breakfast, light lunch, and evening coffee and desserts. Oh, and did we mention that guests are encouraged to wear their robes around the property? It’s perfectly acceptable to dine and relax in your robes - and being big fans of “robe life”, we were in HEAVEN.

The Post Hotel is the kind of place where you never have to leave, and we’d be tempted not to, if it wasn’t for how adorable, unique, and downright quirky Leavenworth is!

Love the details in this hotel! Especially this staircase.

Alli wouldn’t be sad if she could live in a robe…

WHAT WE DID

SWIM :: It goes without saying that we spent a good amount of our time taking in all of the amenities at the Post Hotel. We spent hours swimming in their swim-out saltwater pool and indoor spas, and we even took advantage of their absolutely heavenly nap room! We’d wake up, immediately change into our swimsuits, swim for an hour, and then make our way to the breakfast room. (Dressed in our robes, of course!) We’d usually have an afternoon swim, and a post-dinner swim too… Because, why not?

BIKE :: One morning after breakfast we decided to take advantage of the complimentary bicycles at The Post Hotel, and go for a ride around downtown Leavenworth and the picturesque Blackbird Island. It ended up being a leisurely and picturesque 5-mile ride that we highly recommend!

GOLF :: The Enzian Falls Putting Course is a professionally designed 18-hole championship putting course that is free to guests of the Post Hotel (and guests of Enzian Inn and Linderhof Inn, as well), and it’s a BLAST. We spent an evening before dinner playing a round, and couldn’t believe how surprisingly challenging and creative each hole was. Bobby ended up beating me… but not by much. Nothing like a little friendly competition when you’re on vacation, right?

EXPLORE :: Everytime we come back to Leavenworth, we find ourselves spending hours just walking around the downtown, shopping in the many boutiques, wine tasting in the various tasting rooms, and discovering new museums and stores we’d missed the time before. This time around we decided to tour the famous Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum, which holds more than 6,000 nutcrackers! It’s fascinating to see the thousands of different nutcrackers from around the world, and with an admission charge of only $5, it’s definitely worth a visit!

WHAT WE ATE

THE POST HOTEL :: We enjoyed many of our meals at the Post Hotel, and from the breakfasts to the evening desserts, everything we had was fresh, healthy, and incredibly delicious. We loved their specialty omelettes in the morning, and their daily soups and extensive salad bar at lunch. Bobby’s favorite? The homemade pretzel bites and melted cheese! We’d go back to the Post Hotel just for the food!

BRATS :: We can’t visit Leavenworth without having brats at least twice. (I’m convinced Bobby would have them for breakfast if he could!) This time around we decided to try the brats at München-Haus and the Leavenworth Sausage Garten - both of which we thoroughly enjoyed. Many Leavenworth locals have strong opinions on which is better than the other, but we truly enjoyed both! They’re also conveniently across the street from each other, so if one happens to have a line, go to the other! Also, Bobby wanted to make sure it be known that he would go to Leavenworth for the mustard. Both of these spots have selections of 15+ mustard varieties that will delight any mustard fan!

PIZZA :: This was our first time ordering pizza in Leavenworth, and we’re happy to report that the pizza at Blewett Brewing Company is really good (we ordered to-go and took it back to the hotel), and their beer is great too (we enjoyed a pint while we waited). This spot is sure to be a new Leavenworth tradition!

TREATS :: Just like any traditional Bavarian town, the baked goods and sweet treats are not to be missed. Our favorite place for cookies, cakes, and scones is The Gingerbread Factory. While we’re not typically creatures of habit when it comes to traveling, we are when we come here. We always get the Soft Iced Gingerbread Cookies (the one with the pink frosting). We’re not sure if it’s the soft gingerbread cookie or the melt-in-your-mouth yet not-too-sweet frosting, but it’s delightfully decadent. Next time we plan on trying their famous Raspberry Scones, as people in line were raving about them, too!

HOW WE GOT THERE

One of the many reasons why we love Leavenworth (and why we keep coming back), is how convenient it is to get there. It’s only about a couple hour drive from Seattle or Spokane, so we typically look for the best deals on flights to one of those spots and rent a car. If our flight is early enough, we can be in Leavenworth in time to grab a late lunch!

Can you picture yourself in Leavenworth yet? We sure hope so. It’s a place that we’ll be returning to for relaxation and German culture for years to come. We’re already planning a winter escape, as we’ve heard it’s absolutely magical during the holiday season. We hope to see you there!