Alli Talley

October 25, 2019

Mississippi, USA

We've Found Seafood Heaven, and it's in Mississippi!

Alli Talley

October 25, 2019

Mississippi, USA

Hey, seafood lovers!

Pay attention. We’ve traveled extensively throughout the US, and at this point we can confidently say we’ve eaten our way around the country. (If you follow our Instagram stories, you know just how true this is.) At this point, we really should have one of those bumper stickers on the back of our car that says “WILL TRAVEL FOR FOOD” - because that’s basically become our life’s motto!

One of our favorite genres of food is fresh seafood. It’s rare that we find it on our road tripping escapades, but we get SO excited when we do. We had no idea Coastal Mississippi was the seafood mecca that it is until we visited a few weeks back, and we’re still drooling over the meals we had in this picture-perfect destination.Here are four of our favorite spots, in no particular order, so that you too can one day discover the mouth-watering cuisine this “secret coast” has to offer.

THE CHIMNEYS

Located across the street from the sand, The Chimneys is an elevated and picturesque dining experience that will undoubtedly satisfy all of your seafood cravings! From seafood gumbo, to crab claws, to their famous shrimp salad, their menu is extensive and decadent and fantastically fresh. We recommend sitting outside for a Gulf view!

THE OLE BILOXI FILLIN STATION

This beloved Biloxi restaurant is nothing fancy, and that’s exactly why we like it. It’s home cooking at its finest - and it’s the spot that many of the local fisherman come for lunch, every single day. That’s when you KNOW it’s good! The Ole Biloxi Fillin Station has a hearty and drool-worthy menu that features charbroiled oysters, fried shrimp po boys, and the real star of the show, crawfish nachos. Go hungry.

WHITE PILLARS

We love discovering a date night spot that has it all - an innovative menu, farm to table cuisine, specialty cocktails, a romantic ambiance, a friendly staff… You get the idea. White Pillars has all of that, plus a fascinating history and a passionate chef, Austin, that will eagerly share its story. Austin gathers the best and freshest produce from the local farmers market every weekend, and is constantly changing the menu as new seasonal ingredients become available. You can be assured that whatever seafood Austin is serving, it will be of the best and freshest variety!

VESTIGE

From the moment we arrived in Coastal Mississippi, people were telling us we NEEDED to go to Vestige. This quaint little restaurant is quite the talk of the town - and for excellent reason! Their chef Alex Perry is a James Beard semifinalist, and their rotating seasonal menu is one of the best in the state! Their seafood “Catch of the Day” is constantly changing, but trust us when we say that it will inevitably knock your socks off. ;)

Incredible steak and beautiful presentation!

Alli Talley

October 24, 2019

USA, Texas

Where to Eat and Drink in Bryan College Station

Alli Talley

October 24, 2019

USA, Texas

If there’s one thing we’ve learned about Texas, it’s that this state LOVES its food. Major cities like Austin, Dallas, and Houston are foodie metropolises… but even the smaller, lesser known towns are chalk-full of culinary surprises. Bryan and College Station are two neighboring towns that are of no exception, with mouthwatering restaurants nearly everywhere you turn.

In four short days we learned that when it comes to BBQ, tacos, and beer, Bryan College Station have got it going on. And since those happen to be three of our favorite things, our love affair with this area happened quite suddenly. Here’s where we ate and drank while we were there, and where we think you should too:

COFFEE

Harvest Coffee Bar (College Station and Bryan): This coffee shop is a local favorite, and quickly became a favorite of ours as well. (Bobby went to their College Station location every morning!) Harvest Coffee Bar’s baristas are well-trained and knowledgeable, the coffee is strong and flavorful, and Alli’s still dreaming about their signature “Harvest Latte”!

POV Coffeehouse (Bryan): A little off-the-beaten-path, this stylish coffeehouse is a great spot for studying or meeting up with friends. (Chances are you’ll see tons of A&M students doing just that!) We loved POV’s outdoor seating and wide variety of specialty drinks… they even serve wine and beer!

Sweet Eugene’s (College Station): Sweet Eugene’s has eclectic and cozy written ALL over it, as you’ll feel like you’ve stepped inside someone’s charming living room - that also happens to serve coffee, smoothies, crepes, sandwiches, donuts, and more. It’s probably the most popular study and hang out spot for A&M students due to its plethora of comfy places to sit, and we don’t blame them! We’d be regulars here, too!

BREAKFAST

Clean Juice (College Station): We get SO excited when we stumble upon a healthy juice spot. Clean Juice is a 100% certified organic juice bar with cold pressed juices, smoothies, bowls, light bites, and more. We’re big fans of their avocado toast and “The Glow One” juice!

Sweet Paris Creperie and Cafe (College Station): With one sip of their picture-perfect cappuccino, you’ll instantly feel as though you’ve stepped foot into a true Parisian cafe. Sweet Paris Creperie and Cafe is a delightful and decadent place for breakfast or brunch, with a wide array of sweet and savory crepes, soups and salads, panninnis, and breakfast dishes. It’s le magnifique!

LUNCH/DINNER

All The King’s Men (Bryan): There’s just something about Texas BBQ, maybe it’s the sauce, maybe it’s the way it’s prepared, maybe it’s because it’s made by real cowboys… but whatever their secret is, they know what’s up at All The King’s Men! From the meat to the sides, you can’t go wrong… but you have to order at least one serving of the Candied Pork Belly Burnt Ends. You’re welcome

Proudest Monkey (Bryan): Gourmet tacos and melt-in-your-mouth burgers... that’s a pretty dreamy combo if you ask us! Proudest Monkey is a real gem of a spot in Downtown Bryan that boasts not only an extensive food menu, but some fun (and clever) cocktails, too!

Fuego Tortilla Grill (College Station): Ask anyone in College Station where the best tacos are in town, and chances are they’ll tell you to run, not walk, to Fuego! This casual, order at the counter lunch and dinner spot is famous for their hearty and very unique tacos. From the “Southern Comfort” filled with fried chicken, cream corn, potatoes and gravy, to the “Good Golly Miss Holly” stuffed with mac and cheese, brisket, cheetos and cheese, it’s comfort food at its finest. You’ll be instantly obsessed… and you’ll definitely need a nap.

Not the healthiest meal, but maybe the most delicious…

DRINKS

The Republic Steakhouse (College Station): There’s no denying that this classy and chic steakhouse is a fabulous date night option, but we love going to The Republic for a round of their specialty cocktails in their charming bar! No need for a reservation, the bar is open seating, and you can still order anything off the food (or dessert, hint hint) menus!

New Republic Brewery (College Station): Located on the outskirts of town is New Republic Brewery, a relaxed and friendly neighborhood brewery with a dog-friendly backyard and live music Thursday-Saturday! It’s the kind of place you’ll want to be a regular at, and their creative and tasty beers are not to be missed!

The Ptarmigan Club (Bryan): Not only is The Ptarmigan Club the oldest bar in Aggieland, it’s home to the legendary “Flaming Dr. Pepper”! We won’t go into detail about what this drink is, or why it’s become an Aggie must-have, but we will tell you to stop by this hole-in-the-wall dive bar and order one. Or two. Or three. ;)

Dixie Chicken (College Station): Affectionately called “The Chicken” by A&M students, the famed Dixie Chicken has been coined Texas A&M’s “favorite local watering hole” as it has sat across the street from campus since 1974! It’s perfectly quirky and Texan, with a live rattlesnake, a honky-tonk resembling exterior, and swinging doors at the entrance. Gig em!!

There’s a rattlesnake back there at Dixie Chicken

Our time in Bryan College Station was short and sweet, and we’re already making a hit list for our next trip… So let us know if we missed any of your favorite spots!

Alli Talley

October 24, 2019

USA, Texas

Sally's Paw-fect Stay at Calvary Court

Alli Talley

October 24, 2019

USA, Texas

Hi furr-ends! Sally here.

I’m a fluffy Bernedoodle that loves to roadtrip. I’ve been all over the country with my adventure-seeking paw-rents, discovering new cities and making new friends everywhere I go! I’m learning that some places are more accommodating to furry friends like me, and Bryan/College Station is 100% one of those spots. I WUFFED it!

Want to know what I loved most about “BCS”? Our puppy-loving hotel, Cavalry Court! It was paw-fectly accommodating to me in every way, and I’m already begging my humans to take me back. Here’s what I loved about it, and why I can’t wait to return. (Maybe for my fourth birthday, hint hint?)

THE GROUNDS

I knew I liked Cavalry Court from the moment I laid big puppy eyes on it. It’s “casual cool” (kind of like me), with a spacious green courtyard, cozy fire pits and chairs for relaxing, big yellow rocking chairs, and a sparkling pool with modern cabanas (more on that later).

The lobby was decorated with quirky, Texas inspired accents, and the people at the front desk were always so kind to me.

Just steps from the property was a spacious grassy area with a big tree, where I could run free, play fetch, and take care of my business. As you can tell by the smile on my face, it was glorious!

Sally’s favorite place to play at Calvary Court!

OUR ROOM

Oh boy, our room was grand! I’m not sure what I loved more, the big comfy bed or the nice cool tile in the luxurious bathroom!

My paw-rents kept talking about the stylish design - how they loved the big barn door, luxurious bedding, and the big SMEG fridge stocked with local beer and sparkling water.

I just liked that there was so much room for me to roam, and that they had treats for me upon arrival! Speaking of treats...

CANTEEN BAR

Cavalry Court’s in-house restaurant, Canteen Bar may have been the highlight of my trip. Sure, they have great “people food”, a free continental breakfast for hotel guests, specialty cocktails, live music and more… but they also have puppy ice cream. PUPPY ICE CREAM!

After spending a day in the warm Texas sunshine, it was a much-needed treat, and it sure was tasty! I licked the cup clean in no time!

THE POOL

Any puppy friends that are reading this know that hotel pools are typically a touchy subject. While they look so fun and inviting from outside the fence, it’s rare that we’re actually allowed inside the pool area. Imagine my excitement when I found out that at Cavalry Court, leashed pups are allowed inside (just not in the pool)!

I relaxed in the shady cabana and played on the warm grass while my paw-rents swam around, and we even ordered a yummy lunch from the Canteen Bar! (They even snuck me some bacon!)

Can you see me back there? I wish I was jumping with my dad.

THE LOCATION

And the best part about Cavalry Court? It’s killer location! Located steps from Century Square, a trendy retail, restaurant, and entertainment space. Many of the restaurants have dog-friendly patios (my favorite was Sweet Paris Creperie & Cafe), and their colorful Aggieland mural is a must-see!

We all enjoyed the convenience of walking to Century Square every morning - my dad would get a coffee at Harvest Coffee Bar, and my mom would get a juice at Clean Juice, and I inevitably made a few friends along the way.

See why I’m so obsessed with Cavalry Court? It’s a puppy paradise! I can’t wait to come back and relax on the cool tile, indulge in some ice cream, and cuddle up with my folks by the cozy bonfire. Who’s joining me?

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

October 19, 2019

USA, Montana

Missoula River Adventures with Alli and Bobby

Alli Talley

October 19, 2019

USA, Montana

Alli here.

Floating down a river has always been a dream of mine. It’s that quintessential American summer activity that’s always sounded (and looked) so incredibly appealing to me. Just a tube, some beers, the warm summer sun, and a cool, rolling river… What could be better than that?! Imagine my joy when I found out that my dream was about to become a reality. I literally couldn’t sleep the night before!

Missoula’s Clark Fork River is gorgeous. It’s exactly the kind of river I’d imagined floating on, with a slow (yet steady) current, and even a few quicker spots (they’re calm enough that you won’t even spill your beer) - but are fun nonetheless! From start to finish, our floating adventure was about 3 hours long, and it was the most tranquil, relaxing, and enjoyable three hours I’ve had in a long time. We sipped our local Missoula beers, made friends with fellow rafters, and admired the incredible scenery we passed through. And the combination of the warm summer sun and the crisp river water made the afternoon absolutely heavenly. Just one look at our faces, and it’s easy to see that we’re on top of the world!

We ended the float at the Missoula Doubletree, where we enjoyed cold drinks and woodfired pizza at their riverfront restaurant, Finn. Talk about a perfect way to end a perfect day! I’ll never forget my first float down the Clark Fork River - and you better believe it won’t be my last!

*Visitors can purchase rafts at Ace Hardware, Walmart, Gas Stations, or any sporting goods store. They also have plenty of options on Amazon, we used this double float (with a cooler!!) - and it’s under $40!

Bobby here.

I’ve always been a thrill seeker.

From surfing exotic reefs to pole vaulting through college, I love a good adrenaline pump. Having river rafted 3 or 4 times, I have just enough inexperience that it always feels brand new and exhilarating. And our trip to Missoula definitely allowed me to take it up a notch when I went on river rafting adventure - in a tandem kayak!

We were planning on doing a half day rafting adventure with Adventure Missoula in the famed Alberton Gorge. When the other couple on the reservation canceled at the last minute, and Alli wasn’t feeling great, I was left with the decision of canceling, rafting the river in the raft by myself (with a guide), or tandem kayaking with a guide. The river was calling my name, so of course I signed up for the kayak adventure.

My guide was Steve, and we hit it off instantly. I was thankful that he likes to chat, since it would just be the two of us floating down the river. We started off by practicing paddling and getting in sync for when we hit some real rapids. Note - the Clark Fork River is considered world class for white water rafting, but also is very safe for families. So while you can totally get a rush, you won’t be putting yourself or your family in danger (not too much at least, hehe).

Over the course of the trip we hit multiple class III rapids, with my favorites being Triple Bridges, Tumbleweed, and Fang. On Triple Bridges I was engulfed by a massive wall of water. Tumbleweed nearly launched me out. And Fang had our Kayak headed sideways until we somehow straightened out. SO. FUN.

Along the way there were ospreys and eagles soaring overhead, we had the chance for some small cliff jumps, and we even stopped at a beach to stretch our legs. If you do a full day trip, you stop at the beach for lunch.

I can’t really say much more other than it was an amazing trip. I did it solo, but I can’t wait to do it again with Alli. Or someday with our family. You feel such a sense of accomplishment as you conquer each rapid, and you will surely form a bond with your guide and fellow rafters.

In conclusion, we both had the time of our lives on the Clark Fork River. Floating the river is relaxing, serene, and allows you to get your tan on. Rafting the river is adrenaline-pumping, scenic, and you’ll most likely get drenched by walls of water.

Our two take-aways: both adventures are very unique and different from one another, and both need to be on your list of to-do’s when you visit Missoula. While we’re building your to-do list, we should mention that the Clark Fork River is only one of the three rivers that run through Missoula. There are SO many adventures to be had!

Let us know when you go - we just might tag along! ;)