Alli Talley

November 20, 2019

The 5 Most Instagrammable Spots in Columbia, South Carolina

Alli Talley

November 20, 2019

There’s no denying that Columbia is beautiful. From the tree-lined suburban neighborhoods to the charming downtown, it’s the kind of city we love to photograph. And it’s the kind of place with endless Instagram material - we could’ve easily quadrupled this list! But in an effort to keep things manageable and doable, we’ve narrowed it down to our Top 5 Most Instagrammable Spots in Columbia - and judging by the pictures, you’ll know why! ;)

1. GRADUATE COLUMBIA :: 1619 Pendleton Street

It’s colorful, it’s whimsical, and it’s full of Southern charm… Graduate Columbia is one of the most Instagrammable hotels we’ve ever stayed at. Even if you don’t stay there, their colorful lobby and chic bar area make for picture-perfect photo opp’s. (And they are dog friendly, too!)

2. COLUMBIA MUSEUM OF ART :: 1515 Main Street

This modern and beautifully arranged museum is a must-see in general, but it also makes for a stunning landscape for your Instagram feed. Strike a pose in the stunning lobby, that features a wild and fanciful glass centerpiece by Dale Chihuly. Whether you wander through their many permanent or traveling exhibits, you’re sure to take some gorgeous photos. And be sure not to miss their iconic Andy Warhol painting!

3. THE SOUTH CAROLINA STATE HOUSE :: 1100 Gervais Street

You can’t visit Columbia without a photo in front of the historic and iconic state capitol building. The architecture is captivating, and the grounds are meticulously kept. Get there early and your chances of getting a shot on the front steps without any other people will be a lot better… or do like we did, and get creative! ;)

4. LINCOLN STREET TUNNEL

We’ll never turn down an opportunity to pose in front of a colorful mural, and the entrance to this walking trail is filled with them! These vibrant murals tell the story of Columbia, and this newly revitalized area is only going to continue to evolve. Bring a few outfit changes, and you’ll have Instagram content for days!

Celebrating the arrival of fall in front of a Lincoln Street Tunnel mural!

5. COLUMBIA CANAL AND RIVERFRONT PARK

For the nature lovers out there, head to the scenic Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park, where you’ll find picturesque bridges, benches to cozy up with a loved one, and a walking trail that’s alluring no matter the time of year! If you’re up for getting some exercise, rent bikes and take them for a spin along the canal!

Did we miss a spot? Leave a comment and let us know!

Sally Talley

November 20, 2019

South Carolina, USA

Sally's Dog Friendly Guide to Columbia, South Carolina

Sally Talley

November 20, 2019

South Carolina, USA

Hi furr-iends, Sally again!

Mom and dad decided they needed a break from writing blogs - something about their paws being tired, so they’re letting me fill in on this one. Which, is really a smart move on their part, because who better to write a dog-friendly guide to Columbia, South Carolina than ME?

We only had a few short days here, but we did and saw a lot. This city is paw-fect for furry friends, and I can’t wait to come back!

Here are some of my favorite things we did and some of my favorite places:

SODA CITY FARMERS MARKET

The farmers markets back in our hometown aren’t dog-friendly, so imagine my excitement when I found out that I could come to this one! My joy was through the moon! Little did we know just how epic this one is - it’s next level compared to the farmers markets at home!

Soda City Farmers Market is fun for the whole family, with everything from food and drink vendors, to local musicians, entertainers, artists, designers, and more. (They have over 150 vendors every week!) I made tons of four-legged friends, and I even got to try some local and artisan grain-free treats… what a dream! Soda City Farmers Market is open every Saturday, year-round, from 9am-1pm.

Sally loves all the new friends at the Soda City Farmers Market!

smallSUGAR

My paw-rents are big coffee drinkers. (Every once and awhile they let me lick the whipped cream, but that’s about as close to trying it as I’ve gotten.) Anyway, they LOVED smallSugar for coffee and breakfast, and I loved the fact that their cozy patio welcomed dogs. Even though I didn’t get to try them, their baked goods looked delicious, as well as their tartines!

COLUMBIA CANAL AND RIVERFRONT PARK

Going for a walk is always the highlight of my day, and the Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park was most definitely my favorite walking trail in Columbia. Not only is it beautiful, there are turtles and beavers in and around the river, too! (I would’ve chased them if I hadn’t been leashed.) It’s a great place to sightsee, get some exercise, and maybe even take a family picture or two!

RIVER RAT BREWERY

Don’t be fooled by the name - there aren’t any rats here. (Believe me, I looked.) River Rat Brewery is easily my top choice for an afternoon cold one - beers for my folks, water for me. I love their big, grassy yard for people watching and relaxing in the shade. And my dad said it was his favorite beer he had in Columbia!

PUBLICO KITCHEN + TAP

Now, if I had to pick ONE place to go in all of Columbia, it would be here. Publico Kitchen + Tap is basically my version of heaven. (My paw-rents loved it too, but that’s beside the point.) They have an entire menu just for dogs - and it’s a thousand times better than that Costco kibble I eat every day! Their grassy backyard patio area is great for families with pets, I’d come back to Columbia just to eat here!

Sally’s feast of ground turkey and other goodies…

GRADUATE COLUMBIA

My paw-rents were immediately obsessed with Graduate Columbia because of its colorful decor, and I was immediately obsessed because they gave me a Bark Box upon arrival! (The BEST!) I stay at a lot of dog friendly hotels with my folks, and Graduate hotels are always so accommodating. This one was of no exception, I felt so welcomed and loved by the staff and guests. I didn’t want to leave!

Did I miss a dog-friendly Columbia hot spot? Leave a comment and let me know, as I’m looking for a good excuse to go back. I was made for the South.

Alli Talley

November 20, 2019

South Carolina, USA

Where to Eat (and Drink) in Columbia, South Carolina

Alli Talley

November 20, 2019

South Carolina, USA

Columbia, South Carolina is a foodie’s dream land. From true Southern comfort food to the perfect avocado toast, their culinary scene has something for everyone. And frankly, we couldn’t get enough of it! Our “must try” list was long and our time was short, but we made it happen. We probably left Columbia with a few extra pounds on us, but hey - it was all in the name of research. Here are the spots we loved, I mean, we “researched”, that we’d absolutely go back to.

BREAKFAST

smallSugar

This hidden gem of a spot near downtown Columbia would easily be our go-to if we were locals. smallSugar’s coffee is strong and delicious (if you’re not a coffee drinker, try their chai), their baked goods are to die for, and their breakfast items are fresh and hearty. We split their overnight oats and an avocado tartine, and it was the perfect flavor combo! A little salty, a little sweet! (And their patio is dog friendly, too!)

Tasty As Fit

A foodie friend of ours (what up, Evie Eats!!) sent us a DM while we were in Columbia and told us we needed to try Tasty As Fit, and so we hopped in our car and did just that. What we discovered was the sweetest chef and real food visionary, Emilie, and her stunning (and incredibly Instagrammable) grab-n-go cafe. We left with some healthy and hearty smoothies, vegan snickers (perfectly acceptable for breakfast), and a new friend. GO HERE!

Soda City Farmers Market (Saturdays from 9am-1pm)

If you find yourselves in Columbia on a Saturday, there’s no better place to go for breakfast than the iconic Soda City Farmers Market. Not only is it quite possibly the best farmers market we’ve ever been to (and we’ve been to alot), but their local food vendors are on another level too! We grazed on avocado toast, smoothie bowls, biscuit sandwiches, donuts, and more. It was ALL amazing.

We couldn’t stop eating. This smoothie bowl was maybe our favorite!

LUNCH/DINNER

Terra

Ask any Columbia local where to go for dinner, and chances are they’ll say Terra. We quickly learned this place has a cult-like following, and it’s for good reason. Their award-winning chef, Mike Davis, specializes in creative food with local ingredients - and the result is downright mouth-watering. While their menu changes seasonally, odds are you’ll see the “Lamb Mac” on the menu, and if you do, order it right away.

We’d take a salad with cheese like this EVERY day!

Publico Kitchen + Tap

Located in the Five Points neighborhood of Columbia, Publico Kitchen + Tap is the kind of place that’s modern and hip yet fun for the whole family - even your pup! Their dog friendly backyard is the perfect place to meet up with friends, and their Latin-Asian menu is innovative and hearty. And if you bring your dog, ask for their VIP (Very Important Puppy) menu!

Motor Supply Co. Bistro

The date night options are endless here in Columbia, but in our opinion Motor Supply Co. Bistro is one of the best spots you’ll find. They specialize in sustainable, farm-to-table cuisine, and a creative seasonal menu that changes daily. Not only is the food incredible, but the ambiance is impressive too - it’s located in a former auto-parts shop!

DRINKS

Black Rooster

For cocktails with a view, there’s nowhere better than the Black Rooster. While their chic downstairs is tempting (and we’ll definitely be dining there next time), head straight to their fabulous rooftop bar, where you can order a wide variety of small plates, specialty cocktails, wines, and beer. Between the tasty cocktails and the stunning city views, it’s definitely the best place in town to catch the sunset!

Lula Drake Wine Parlour

We love a good wine bar, especially one with a story. Lula Drake Wine Parlour not only blew us away by its lengthy wine list and cozy interior, but by its history too! When the current owners took over the space, they found a trunk dating back to the early 1920’s down in the basement. The trunk belonged to a woman named Lula Drake (hence the name), and was filled with artifacts from her very interesting life. It makes for a great conversation with the bartenders, so we’ll just leave it at that. ;)

Steel Hands Brewing

Beer drinkers, run, don’t walk, to Steel Hands Brewing. This new craft brewery is the talk of the town right now in Columbia, and it definitely lives up to the hype. If you have time, we highly recommend going on a tour of the brewery, where you’ll get an inside look at their beer making process, with plenty of tastings along the way! Bobby was a big fan of their Tropical IPA!

Something we miss in Columbia? A favorite place of yours to grab a bite or a cold one? Leave a comment and let us know!

Alli Talley

November 18, 2019

California, USA, Weekenders

Why Redding Should Be Your Next Road Trip Destination

Alli Talley

November 18, 2019

California, USA, Weekenders

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

November 18, 2019

California, USA, Weekenders

Where to Eat (and Drink) in Redding, California

Alli Talley

November 18, 2019

California, USA, Weekenders

The culinary scene is alive and thriving in Redding, California! From hipster coffee shops to a iconic burger spot (it’s so good it made Yelp’s Top 100 List), to a hole in the wall Thai restaurant that locals obsess over, one thing’s for sure: You won’t go hungry in Redding. We sure didn’t! (Thankfully, there are endless places to hike it all off - so don’t worry about over-indulging!)

In no particular order, here’s some standout spots that we’ll definitely be coming back to!

COFFEE SHOPS/JUICE BARS

Evergreen

If you’ve been following us for awhile, you know that our love for a good coffee shop runs deep. So deep, that we’ll oftentimes plan our trips around them. Evergreen is the kind of place we’d re-route a road trip for. Its hip and happy aesthetic, bold coffee, perfectly toasted avocado toast and friendly baristas had our hearts - and our wallets - in a matter of minutes. If you only have time to go to one coffee shop while you’re in Redding, go here.

Theory Collaborative

They folks at Theory Collaborative take coffee very seriously, and it shows. This cafe and roastery make one mean pourover! Located right in the heart of downtown Redding, it’s a great spot to begin your day. Come hungry, they have a breakfast menu that’s just as tasty as their coffee!

Roots Juice Bar

We were both a little under the weather during our trip to Redding, so we were extra pumped to find a place serving fresh juice. We made a stop at Roots Juice Bar every morning we were there, and we still talk about how we miss it. They serve everything from juices and smoothies to wraps, bowls, shots, and even wine and beer! It’s truly your one-stop-shop for a healthy and organic meal!

Coffee is always our first stop… and Theory Collaborative was a great first cup in Redding

LUNCH/DINNER

Mosaic

Within steps from Redding’s iconic Sundial Bridge is Mosaic, a California-inspired restaurant specializing in local ingredients with a “wine country twist”. The food is fresh and hearty, and their artisanal pizzas are phenomenal. But our favorite part about Mosaic is their Doggy Menu - complete with doggy ice cream!

Woody’s Brewing Co

This family owned and operated brewery is a favorite among Redding locals - and while Woody’s beer is amazing, we’re also huge fans of their food! From their famous tots (served with some mouthwatering cajun aioli), to their hearty salads and specialty burgers, you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. And all of it pairs excellently with a pint (or two) of their tasty craft brews!

The Park - Redding’s Food Truck Hub

If you happen to visit Redding on a Thursday-Saturday, be sure to spend an evening at The Park - Redding’s food truck hub! This casual and family friendly food truck experience is a total blast, from live music to lawn games, you won’t be bored! And the variety of cuisine is extremely impressive - check out their Instagram to stay up-to-date with what they’re serving, and who’s performing!

Yak’s On The 5

If you’re a foodie and have done your research, chances are you’ve heard about Yak’s On The 5. What looks like a random roadside restaurant is actually a burger destination that has a cult following to prove it. Their burgers, tots, and homemade cinnamon rolls are so good, they’ve made the Yelp Top 100 List! It’s about an hour outside of Redding, but trust us when we say it’s worth the drive. COME HUNGRY.

Champa Garden

Located in a strip mall, Champa Garden may not look like much from the outside, but they make some delicious and authentic Thai cuisine. Come any night of the week and you’re bound to see a small line out the door, but don’t worry - you won’t have to wait long! It’s casual, affordable, and flavorful - don’t leave without trying their Pad Thai!

Can we point out that Bobby at that burger and half of this pizza :) Hehe

Speaking of burgers, Yaks doesn’t mess around.

DESSERT

Cookies and Yogurt

We were sold just by the name. I mean, who doesn’t love Cookies and Yogurt? But this local bakery and self-serve yogurt shop has a fun and quirky twist - it’s also a year-round Christmas shop! Name a better pairing than sweet treats and holiday decor… we’ll wait.

Taste & See Creamery

Made from scratch and using only natural ingredients, Taste & See Creamery’s ice cream is so fresh, it’s basically healthy! (At least that’s what we tell ourselves.) Regardless, this artisanal ice cream shop is the real deal. You’ll know what we mean after one bite of their signature Nutella Bonfire and S’mores flavor. Mmmm….

Did we miss a spot? We can’t wait to eat our way through Redding again, so leave a comment and let us know!