Alli Talley

July 10, 2019

6 Must-Try Bend Spots for 2019

Alli Talley

July 10, 2019

Ask us why we love Bend, Oregon so much, and we’ll immediately start gushing its praises. Chances are this “gushing” will last for several minutes and will end with us enthusiastically out of breath. Our friends, family, even our neighbors know how much we love this thriving and ever-changing mountain town… and if we’re being honest, they’re probably all waiting for the day when we announce that we’re officially moving to Bend. (It could happen!)

In the meantime, we’ll find any excuse to visit. Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter - Bend is a beautiful adventure no matter the season. The more we visit, the more we discover about Bend, and the more we see this town continue to grow and flourish - but all the while keeping a small town feel. We’ve got our favorite places that we keep coming back to (check out our Bend Guide), and we always try to branch out and explore new spots too. This time was no exception, we visited some of our tried and true spots, and mixed in some new places as well.

Here’s 6 places that are on our radar (or should we say “Bend-ar”) for 2019:

COFFEE

Companion Coffeehouse: It was love at first sight with this hip, welcoming, and modern neighborhood coffee house. Maybe it’s the cool tilework, maybe it’s the friendly baristas, or maybe it’s their $3 kombucha (it’s double the price in California), but whatever it is - we’re big fans of this place. Oh, and they have overnight oats on the menu. We really love overnight oats. (Is that weird?)

Looney Bean: Contrary to the name, there is nothing “looney” about this place. Set along the Deschutes River, this tucked away coffee shop is a gem of a place… and we can’t believe we haven’t been before! Its homey vibe makes you feel like you’ve stepped into someone’s cozy lakefront cabin, and the spacious “backyard” is the perfect place to spend an afternoon!

Here for the coffee and the views at Looney Bean!

BEER

Boss Rambler Beer Club: They had us at “Beer Club”, and at the picture-perfect ambiance and stylish decor didn’t hurt either. This brand new brewery just opened in April, and it’s already taking Bend’s craft brewery scene by storm. From hazy IPA’s, to farmhouse-style ales, to their special “Collaboration” beers with other locals brewers, their beer menu is constantly changing and always exciting.

Crux Fermentation Project: K, this spot isn’t new. But we couldn’t not include it. It’s our favorite. The open, contemporary tasting room has a fun and bustling energy, but their spacious outdoor area is where we always gravitate to. There’s food trucks, plenty of room for kids (and dogs) to play, and it’s one of the best places in Bend to catch the sunset. Plus their beer (and wine) is top-notch!

Boss Rambler is a delightful spot for a few beers :)

FOOD

900 Wall: Over the years we’ve heard a lot about this trendy New-American eatery, so we figured it was time we checked it out for ourselves! The raving reviews were right - 900 Wall’s menu is extensive, their food is delicious (try the French Onion Soup!), and the dimly lit setting makes it perfect for a date night or special occasion. Don’t leave without trying one of their many desserts!

Riff Cold Brewed Coffee: You might be wondering why a coffee spot is on our food list… and at first, we were a little confused as to what Riff Cold Brewed Coffee was. A coffee shop? With food? And cocktails? Exactly. Many of the items on Riff’s food menu is inspired by (and sometimes infused with) coffee - and it’s SO GOOD. Get the Hummus Trio and the Thai Chicken Bowl and you’ll never want anything else. Except maybe one of their Blondie Sundaes or Unforgettable Affogatos…

The beers are as good as the coffee at Riff

Our time in Bend was short, but so, so sweet. There’s no doubt we’ll be back soon, as our list of must-try spots keeps getting longer and longer. It’s a wonderful problem to have, and we’re thinking that our next visit should be for at least a week. And it most definitely will include a float on the river - something we STILL HAVEN’T DONE!! (We’ve been too busy eating, haha!)

We will definitely be floating next time!

Leave a comment and let us know where the cool kids are hanging, so we can keep our Bend list as fresh as possible!

Alli Talley

June 27, 2019

USA, Iowa

Our Dog-Friendly Guide to Des Moines

Alli Talley

June 27, 2019

USA, Iowa

If you read our previous post, you’ll know that we’re newly obsessed with Des Moines, Iowa. (And if you haven’t read our previous post, read it, and then you’ll know why.) This city is a dream for so many reasons - for humans, and for pups! We’re realizing that the Midwest in general is extremely dog friendly, and Des Moines is no exception.

If you’re headed this way with your fur baby in tow (and you should be), here’s our Dog Friendly Guide to Des Moines!

WHERE TO GO WITH YOUR PUP

Downtown Farmers Market: Every Saturday from May to October, one of the biggest (and best) farmers markets takes place in downtown Des Moines… and it’s dog friendly! There’s multiple vendors selling dog treats, leashes, homemade food, and more!

Pappajohn Sculpture Park: One of our favorite parks to explore in Des Moines is not only fun for humans - but fun for pups! There’s 22 iconic sculptures to admire, and an unlimited amount of absolutely adorable photo opportunities. Just make sure you keep your dog on a leash!

Ankeny Dog Park: This 7.5-acre park is a dream for dogs of all sizes - with fenced in areas for small and large pups, a picturesque pond, and plenty of open space to run free!

Racoon River Dog Park: Another epic option when it comes to getting your pup’s “wiggles out”, this sprawling dog park is over 10 acres - bring a ball (and some water), and your dog is sure to leave exhausted, and oh-so-happy!

Walk the downtown: It may be obvious, but we just have to include a walk around Des Moines beautiful and bustling downtown! We took our Bernedoodle Sally with us all over the city - whether we were walking to coffee or admiring the sights, it’s such a fun place to explore with your four-legged friend!

We loved exploring Pappajohn Sculpture Park

Sally chasing sticks at Raccoon River Dog Park

WHERE TO EAT WITH YOUR PUP

Gazali’s (patio): Looking for healthy, fresh, and authentic Mediterranean cuisine that you can enjoy with your dog in tow? Head straight to Gazali’s! Their outdoor patio is dog-friendly and their lunch and dinner options are affordable and really delicious.

Smokey D’s BBQ (patio): If you love BBQ, you’ll love Smokey D’s BBQ. (I mean, anything that’s been featured on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives has to be epic, right?!) Best part is, they have a dog friendly patio!

Snookie’s Malt Shop (patio): We’ll take any excuse to get an ice cream cone, and the adorable Snookie’s Malt Shop is not to be missed… whether you’re a human or a dog! They serve free “pup cones” - little puppy size ice cream cones with any purchase. Win/win!

WHERE TO DRINK WITH YOUR PUP

Confluence Brewing Company (patio): We can’t think of a better way to spend a Summer day then at Confluence Brewing! Their dog friendly deck and beer garden sits right along the Gray’s Lake Bike Trail - order a few brews, pack a bully stick for your pup and a deck of cards for you and your friends, and you’ve got the makings for a perfect afternoon!

515 Brewing (patio): Another great brewery that allows pets on their patio is 515 Brewing. This friendly and innovative craft brewery is a favorite among Des Moines locals, and it’s sure to be your pup’s new favorite, too!

Tipsy Crow Tavern (patio): Cornhole, live music, games, strong drinks, and they welcome dogs… you can’t beat the patio at Tipsy Crow Tavern! Stop by on a Saturday afternoon for a drink and some appetizers after you’ve enjoyed the downtown Farmers Market!

WHERE TO STAY WITH YOUR PUP

Embassy Suites: We recently stayed at the Embassy Suites in downtown Des Moines and absolutely loved it. Not only is the location ideal, but the rooms are spacious, the included breakfasts are amazing, and Sally was ushered right in without a problem!

Alli Talley

June 27, 2019

Iowa, USA

I See It, I Like It, I Want It, Des Moines Got It

Alli Talley

June 27, 2019

Iowa, USA

For years our friends in Iowa have told us about how cool Des Moines is. How the restaurant scene is unparalleled, how their Farmer’s Market is unlike any other, how quickly the downtown scene is changing and growing… They would go on and on. And it wasn’t that we didn’t believe them, we just didn’t have a good excuse to come and see Des Moines for ourselves. Until this Spring, when we decided to roadtrip cross-country, and made Des Moines our final destination. Des Moines had big shoes to fill - our expectations were high, and we were really hoping to end our month-long adventure on the road with a bang. Well folks, we did just that and our friends were right.

Des Moines is everything we hoped it would be - and more.

Let’s start with the obvious. Being the capital city of Iowa, we knew Des Moines would be relatively cosmopolitan, with a busy downtown and a handful of sophisticated hotels. What we didn’t expect to see is such a hip, quirky, and playful city - with chic cocktail bars, modern cafes, trendy boutiques, sculpture gardens, and so much more! It’s midwest charm meets big city perks - and we’re officially obsessed.

THE FOOD.

Des Moines culinary scene is incredibly advanced, with sleek, stylish restaurants like St. Kilda Surf & Turf - that boasts a fresh and creative menu that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious, unusual and offbeat restaurants like El Bait Shop - that serves tater tots and pizza pockets alongside their 260+ beers on draft, and posh, elevated restaurants like Centro Trattoria & Bar - an urban and posh Italian eatery that specializes in fresh, homemade pizza and pasta.

While we were only in Des Moine for two nights, it’s safe to say that we ate our way through the city, and we have a loooong list of places we plan to hit up next time we’re in town. But onto the next category...

Not enough beers at El Bait Shop… hehe jk

THE DRINKS

From specialty coffee shops to family-owned microbreweries and eclectic cocktail bars, you won’t go thirsty when you’re in Des Moines. Neighborhood coffee shops like Horizon Line Coffee and Mars Coffee Bar are exactly the kind of places we’d frequent if we were locals - they’re cool and friendly and are experts at crafting a good cup of joe.

Hello, Marjorie is a creative (and super Instagrammable) craft cocktail bar in the heart of downtown Des Moines that quickly became one of the highlights of our trip. Their signature cocktail, The Marjorie, made with Absolut Pear, sloe gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup, is perfectly smooth and refreshing. If you’re more of a beer connoisseur, head to Confluence Brewing! Their dog friendly deck and beer garden sits right along the Gray’s Lake Bike Trail, making it the perfect place to spend the afternoon when the weather is warm!

THE DOWNTOWN

In 2018 Des Moines was named the “#4 Best Places to Live in the US” by U.S. News, and after spending a few days in downtown Des Moines, we totally get it. The city is clean and inviting, and it seems as though fun concerts and events are always happening. The Saturday night we in town, there was a baseball game and a Kenny Chesney concert happening blocks away from each other - and the city was buzzing!

Located right in the middle of downtown Des Moines is the Pappajohn Sculpture Park - a 4.4 acre park that features artwork by 22 celebrated and iconic artists. It’s one of the most unique and well maintained parks we’ve seen, and the sculptures are incredible! While we didn’t have time to visit the adjoining Des Moines Art Center, that’s high on our list for next time.

THE FARMERS MARKET

We’re big farmers market people. If we happen to be in a town that has one, we make sure to hit it up. You can learn a lot about a place by their farmers market - what’s grown locally, who the farmers are, the goods that area is known for… some of our best souvenirs have been bought from local vendors at farmers markets!

That being said, we had no idea what we were in for when we decided to check out the famous Des Moines Downtown Farmers Market! Over 300 vendors come from across the state of Iowa to take part in the Downtown Farmers Market, and over 25,000 visitors attend each Saturday - from May through October! You’ll find everything from Iowa raised meat, to fresh flowers and seasonal candles… and it’s quite the sight to see! (Make sure you try a Thelma’s Treats Ice Cream Sandwich - SO GOOD!)

Our time in Des Moines may have been short, but it sure was sweet. If there’s anything that we learned, it’s that this city is on the rise - and we can’t wait to come back!

Alli Talley

June 27, 2019

California, USA, Weekenders

IS IT TOO SOON TO GO BACK TO SOUTH LAKE TAHOE?

Alli Talley

June 27, 2019

California, USA, Weekenders

It doesn’t take much convincing for us to go to South Lake Tahoe. Just a photo or two of that bright blue lake and we’re already loading up the car. Sure we love a good pool session or a trip to the beach, but there’s something really special about Lake Tahoe. Maybe it’s the crisp mountain air, or the towering pine trees, or the vast, clear water… or maybe it’s the fact that we feel one with nature when we’re there. Whatever it is, South Lake Tahoe is a dream and if you haven’t been, you NEED to go.

Here’s where we stayed, what we did, and where we ate (and drank) - feel free to copy everything about this trip and we promise you you’ll have the time of your life.

PINKY PROMISE!

STAY :: ZEPHYR COVE RESORT

This was our first time staying at the Zephyr Cove Resort, and it definitely won’t be our last. Their cozy lake-side cabins are spacious and quaint, and are situated just steps away from their own private beach! (Pets are allowed in the cabins for an additional $20/night, making it a perfect spot for us to stay with Sally!) While we didn’t end up having time to cook while we were there, we definitely will next time - as every cabin has a fully equipped kitchen!

DO :: BEACH, HIKE, BOAT, REPEAT

Beach: As we mentioned, Zephyr Cove Resort has their own private beach - and it was as idyllic as it was convenient. We spent hours there everyday, playing in the water, laying out, reading books… and the best part? They have a section that’s dog friendly! Sally loved splashing around in the lake, finding sticks and making friends.. And we loved that she could be with us!

Hike: There’s no shortage of pretty hikes around South Lake Tahoe, so don’t forget your hiking shoes! Our first night we walked the Rabe Meadows Trail to Nevada Beach to catch the sunset, and we absolutely loved it. It’s an easy (and beautiful) 1.5 mile paved trail that was as enjoyable for us as it was for Sally! Other South Lake Tahoe hikes that we love are the Skyline Trail, the Rubicon Trail, and the Cascade Falls Trail.

Boat: You can’t visit South Lake Tahoe without adventuring onto the lake. It’s a must! If you’re traveling with a big family, or want a leisurely way to see the lake, Zephyr Cove Resort has daily scenic (and sunset) cruises on their paddle wheeler the M.S. Dixie! If you’re looking for something active (and dog friendly), we highly recommend renting a Tandem Island Trimaran from Day Go Adventures. It’s easy to operate, pedal-powered, and SO MUCH FUN. Sally’s tail was wagging the entire trip!

She’s not a swimmer, but she loves being in the water :)

Taking in the last light of the day on the Rabe Meadows Trail

DINE :: PIZZA, NACHOS & SANDWICHES… OH MY!

BASECAMP PIZZA: Our tummies are rumbling just thinking about this pizza! It’s fresh and hearty, perfectly crispy, and full of flavor. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but our favorites is their signature Base Camp pizza and the Thai Chicken Curry pizza (they’ll do half and half if you order a large)! Ask for a table outside, it’s dog friendly and there’s live music every day!

AZUL LATIN KITCHEN: We knew we wanted to try this place after we saw photos of the food on Yelp… and it did not disappoint. We tried it all - from the tacos, to the nachos, to the margaritas, everything is fresh and full of flavor! We suggest going at happy hour (daily 2-6pm) when the house margaritas are only $7!

SPROUTS NATURAL FOODS CAFE: If we had this fresh, healthy, and organic cafe near our home in Orange County, we’d go every day. It’s SO GOOD. They have everything from hearty turkey sandwiches to delicious baked tofu bowls (sounds random, but trust us), and their juices and smoothies are amazing too!

DRINK :: COFFEE + COCKTAILS = YES PLEASE

CLYDE’S COFFEE ROASTING CO: This quaint, family-run coffee shop is as instagrammable as it is delicious. Their pastries are made in-house (the croissants are to die for) and the coffee is smooth and strong. Bring your book, order a cappuccino, and grab a seat by their cozy fireplace, and you’ll thank us later!

REVIVE COFFEE & WINE: Of course we HAD to include this place - it has two of our favorite things! Located just a few doors down from Sprouts Natural Foods Cafe, Revive Coffee & Wine is definitely a spot where the locals go, and we love that about it, It’s charming and unpretentious, and has plenty of seating both inside and out. Plus, they have an extensive coffee and wine menu - and you better believe we order both!

EDGEWOOD LAKE TAHOE: One of our favorite South Lake Tahoe traditions is having a cocktail and watching the sunset at the luxurious Edgewood Lake Tahoe. We’ll order our cocktails at the bar, then take them to their picturesque adirondack chairs and watch the sun set over the mountains… it’s heavenly!

So all that to say… is it too soon to go back? Asking for a friend...

Can’t get enough of these views! We’ll be back soon!

Alli Talley

June 26, 2019

Nevada, USA

CARSON VALLEY, NEVADA :: A LEGENDARY ADVENTURE

Alli Talley

June 26, 2019

Nevada, USA

You know those places in America that you stumble upon randomly and you can’t help but wonder, “Why haven’t I been here before?” You get those “I really like this place” feels from the moment you arrive, and then it just keeps getting better? Those places that feel like a second home, almost instantly?

Carson Valley, Nevada is one of those places.

We just spent two incredible days exploring this beautiful valley, and we can’t believe it wasn’t on our radar until now. Being only 30 minutes from Lake Tahoe, and 40 minutes from Reno, we’ve driven past (or even through) Carson Valley numerous times, and never even knew what we were missing!

Carson Valley is rugged yet refined, history-filled yet up-and-coming, easy to get to yet remote, safe yet thrilling. Heck, Carson Valley is downright legendary. Here’s why:

THERE’S WILD HORSES. ENOUGH SAID.

Yep. You read that right. Wild horses. We had the opportunity to spend one morning with Carson Valley’s famous photographer and wildlife expert JT Humphrey, tracking down the wild horses and getting an up-close look at these surprisingly complex and downright fascinating creatures.

JT picked us up at our hotel (side note: we stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Minden, which was clean, convenient, and served a delicious hot breakfast in the morning - AND they’re dog friendly), and we hopped in JT’s truck for a roughly 3-hour escapade.

As we made our way to the wide, mountainous land that the horses call home, JT shared more about the unique characteristics that wild horses possess - and why keeping horses truly wild is so important.

As people continue to make more and more demands for livestock and human use, the amount of wild horses has vastly decreased. In Carson Valley, they have around 100 or so wild horses, and you better believe that JT knows them all by name. Sure enough, we saw Zorro, Red, Blondie, and many, many more. We learned that wild horses group themselves in different herds (or “bands”), typically led by a dominant stallion.

The drama and politics and tension between these bands is enough to make your head spin (and to take up an entire blog post), so we won’t get into details. But it’s absolutely captivating, and JT is truly a legend. Add this to your bucket list.

Alli with the legend himself, JT Humphry

CUISINE FIT FOR A KING… OR A COWBOY!

Because there’s so much to see in this scenic valley, we’re guessing people don’t head to Carson Valley solely for the food. But you could!! It’s safe to say we ate our way through the valley and we thoroughly enjoyed everything we tried. The restaurants and cafes in Carson Valley served dishes that were not only packed with flavor, but the places were packed with history, charm - and cowboys, too!

+ JT Basque Bar & Dining Room: Unlimited soup, bread, salad, french fries, red wine, entree of your choice, dessert… Basque food is the BEST. And this iconic (and historic) restaurant excels at it! They’ve been serving award-winning Basque food since 1955… and from the atmosphere to the service, the experience is still as authentic as ever!

+ The Pink House: Built in 1855 (and listed in the National Register of Historic Places), this charming restaurant serves a seasonal menu filled with fresh hors d'oeuvres, charcuterie plates, rotating entrees, and more. Grab a seat on their wrap-around patio, order a bottle of wine and few plates to share, and you’ve got the makings of a perfect afternoon!

+ Overland Restaurant & Pub: The latest prodigy from acclaimed chef Mark Estee, this neighborhood smokehouse is old-school country western with a modern flair, and we dig it. Order their Smoked BBQ Platter and be prepared to leave with lots of leftovers!

+ Minden Meat & Deli: What at first glance may appear to be your average butcher shop, is actually ANYTHING but average. With 31 craft beers on tap (and hundreds more available), made-to-order burgers and sandwiches, and locally made ice cream, this deli is more like a destination! Whether you grab a seat outside or sit at the bar, you’re sure to make a friend or two. And you might even meet a cowboy!

Love the interior at the JT Basque Bar! Look at all the money on the ceiling!

We’d probably drive back to Genoa for the Porchetta Sandwich

Incredible views at the Overland Restaurant

Delicious sandwiches and beers at Minden Meat and Deli

SPEAKING OF COWBOYS, THEY KNOW HOW TO DRINK!

You can tell a lot about a place by sitting down at a local’s spot and having a drink. One of our favorite pastimes when we’re traveling (or when we’re home) is finding a good happy hour, striking up conversations with the people around us, and learning more about the place we’re in from a local’s perspective. We did this twice during our stay in Carson Valley, and we learned so much! Not to mention, the drinks were awesome. ;)

+ The Corner Bar: When the weather is warm, and the sun is just beginning to set, this is where you want to be! While the inside is quaint and enjoyable, we fell in love with the outdoor seating at this neighborhood hotspot - and their happy hour deals are the best in town! (Our bill was $6.50 for TWO drinks!!)

+ Genoa Bar: You can’t beat the ambiance here, or the fact that it’s the “Oldest thirst parlor in Nevada”! Dating back to the 1850’s, this historical drinking establishment has seen its share of legends pass through their doors - everyone from Clark Gable to Theodore Roosevelt! If only these walls could talk! Our Genoa Bar recommendation? Order a cold one, sit back, and get to know the people sitting around you… Chances are they have stories to tell, too!

THE SCENERY IS STUNNING

It goes without saying that Carson Valley is beautiful. The snow capped mountains, lush, green fields, towering pine trees, wild horses (we will never get over them!) - it’s all so picturesque! We wanted to see as much of the valley as we could, so we did two epic excursions to give us a “birds eye view”, starting with:

+ The Genoa Loop Trail: Not only does this 8.2 mile trail provides jaw-dropping views of the Carson Valley, but there’s even a waterfall! You climb through several switchbacks, cross over glistening streams, and marvel at how high this hike can take you! But if you’re itching to go even higher...

+ Glider Rides: The most epic, thrilling, and exhilarating way to see the Carson Valley (in our opinion) is on a glider ride with the friendly folks at Soaring Nevada! You’ll fly more than 3,000 feet above the ground in an engine-free glider. It’s surprisingly peaceful and smooth, and the views are absolutely spectacular. We flew over mountains, the many quaint towns of Carson Valley, even over Lake Tahoe! It was a ride we will NEVER forget.

Bobby was a little freaked out but it was so WORTH IT

AND THE TOWNS ARE QUAINT

Genoa, Minden, and Gardnerville - three lovely towns in Carson Valley, each with their own personality and quirks. We found ourselves hopping around the different towns throughout the day, as they’re all extremely close and easy to get to.

+ Gardnerville: Downtown Gardnerville had us from the moment we arrived, with their old brick buildings and their colorful flower baskets lining the Main Street. There’s restaurants, antique shops, and galleries a-plenty, and we can only imagine how cute it is at Christmas. We might need to come back for that… ;)

+ Minden: Located right next to Gardnerville is the town of Minden, where adults can tour (and taste) some of the finest spirits in Nevada at the brand new Bently Distillery. (Unfortunately it was closed the days we were there, but it’s on our list for when we go back!) Kids can cool off (and get their wiggles out) at Minden Park’s new Splash Pad - and we’d be lying if we said we didn’t contemplate jumping in too!

+ Genoa: Nestled at the base of the Sierra Nevada Range (and just seven miles away from Minden) is the historic - and adorable - town of Genoa. Known as “Nevada’s Oldest Town”, Minden is just as charming and picture-perfect as you would imagine, with quaint buildings and pretty parks, all with a distinctly country-western feel. It’s like something out of a movie!

+ Topaz Lake: While we drove through and briefly saw Topaz Lake, we didn’t get a chance to spend much time there. However, this is another beautiful part of the Carson Valley, and we’re planning to stop for some fishing and paddle boarding (without Sally) on our next visit.

Next time you’re roadtripping to Tahoe (or beyond), carve some time out of your drive for Carson Valley. Chase wild horses with JT, grab some mouthwatering sandwiches at Minden Meat and Deli, glide through the sky with Soaring NV, and have a drink (or two) at Genoa Bar…

Or keep it simple! Hike, relax, and enjoy the natural beauty that the valley has to offer. Whatever you do, we promise your time in Carson Valley will be nothing short of legendary.