Alli Talley

January 7, 2020

This Arizona Town Will Take You By Surprise - Prescott, Arizona

Alli Talley

January 7, 2020

When you think of Arizona, what pops into your mind?

We’ve always associated Arizona with warm desert weather, the Grand Canyon, and Saguaro cacti… until now. A couple of weeks ago we road tripped to the small city of Prescott, Arizona, where we saw a new side of the shining Copper State.

Located in Yavapai County, Prescott is an easy hour and a half drive north of Phoenix and an hour and a half west of Sedona. Set at an elevation of 5,200, Prescott is surrounded by Ponderosa pine forests and boasts an average temperature of a cool 70 degrees. We were welcomed by crisp mountain air and rolling meadows, and we knew almost immediately that Prescott is a special place.

THE “TOWN”

The city of Prescott (pronounced “Presskit”) couldn’t be more charming. I (Alli) kept remarking that Prescott reminded me of a Hallmark Christmas movie, with a quaint town plaza and bustling main street. Prescott was once Arizona’s territorial capitol, so it’s full of historical landmarks and Wild West History - and it’s also home to the ”World’s Oldest Rodeo” (Which occurs around the 4th of July Weekend, and you better believe it’s added to our bucket list!)

There are historic saloons, local boutiques and shops, renowned restaurants (more on the food scene later), museums, and more lining the downtown. We spent an entire day shopping, eating, and leisurely exploring downtown Prescott, and we had a blast! Some must-visit spots include the Jersey Lilly Saloon for a drink at the bar, The Treat Center for an old-fashioned sweet treat, the Wild Iris Coffeehouse for an afternoon pick-me-up, and the famous Hassayampa Inn to warm up by their cozy fire.

Loving the Christmas vibes at Jersey Lilly Saloon.

Alli will always find the best candy shops

THE CULINARY SCENE

It’s impossible to go hungry in Prescott, with cute cafes and farm-to-table restaurants at nearly every turn. And if you’ve been following us for awhile, you know that good food is one of the first things we look for in a new destination! The Palace Restaurant and Saloon is arguably one of the most iconic in the area, as it dates back to 1877 - and it’s even been voted one of the 10 Most Historic Bars in America by USA Today! Don’t leave without trying the Palace Pulled Pork Sliders!

FARM Provisions serves fresh and organic fare that rotates seasonally, and utilizes local Arizona farmers and ranchers. It’s the perfect place to go for a healthy and hearty lunch or dinner, and they have extensive Vegan and Gluten Free menus too! (Alli had the Farm Vegan Tacos, and they were delicious!)

The Barley Hound is Prescott’s beloved gastropub, serving old-school classics like fried green tomatoes and flavorful burgers with a unique and creative twist. Their cocktails are undoubtedly some of the best in the area, our favorite being the Old Fashioned!

And no trip to Prescott is complete without breakfast at The Local, a true local favorite. Everything is made from scratch with local ingredients, and they serve breakfast all day long. Bobby still raves about their Broken Egg Sammie!

If only the walls could talk at the Palace Saloon!

STAY AT THE GRAND HIGHLAND HOTEL

We had the privilege of staying at the Grand Highland Hotel, a boutique gem on Prescott’s famed Whiskey Row. This 115 year old building is full of Prescott history, and the rooms incorporate old time charm with modern flair. We were obsessed! One of our favorite touches is that breakfast is included, and you can have it delivered to your room in the morning!

With a newly remodeled ground floor, the Grand Highland is also an incredible wedding venue with a stunning courtyard. Most importantly, the Grand Highland sits on Whiskey Row which is right on the town plaza. It’s the perfect location to explore downtown!

Excited to check in at the Grand Highland Hotel!

Our favorite part of the Grand Highland was the daily breakfast deliveries!

WATSON LAKE

Just four miles away from downtown Prescott is Watson Lake, a stunning reservoir that ended up being one of the highlights of our trip. The crystal clear water and the staggering rock formations make for one epic backdrop, and an ideal spot to hike, picnic, and explore! If you’re feeling extra adventurous, and the weather permits, we suggest renting a kayak to explore. That’s on our list for next time!

ARIZONA’S CHRISTMAS CITY

Probably our favorite fact is that Prescott is known for being “Arizona’s Christmas City” - and that’s reason enough for us to want to return! From the end of November through mid January there are light tours, parades, live music and performances, cultural experiences, free events, and the Whiskey Row Boot Drop on New Year’s Eve… and due to Prescott’s high elevation, chances are you’ll see some snowfall! It doesn’t get more magical than that! Go to visit-prescott.com/christmas for more information!

We completely fell for Prescott, and we think you will too. Next time you’re planning a roadtrip, or you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path kind of getaway, we highly suggest it. We can’t wait to return - preferably at Christmastime! Oh, and don’t forget your cowboy boots!!

Alli Talley

December 19, 2019

Babymoon, Florida, Weekenders

The Traveling Newlyweds' Itinerary From Our Babymoon on Captiva Island

Alli Talley

December 19, 2019

Babymoon, Florida, Weekenders

If you’re looking into babymooning on the Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel area (learn why you should here), here’s a detailed look at where we stayed, where we ate, and what we did.

As we’ve said before, everyone’s pregnancy is different - so listen to your body and do as much (or as little) as you feel comfortable with. We love this area (specifically Captiva Island!) for babymooning for so many reasons, one of which being that it’s so relaxing and stress-free… which is what a true babymoon is all about!

STAY

’Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa :: This resort has a lot of things going for it. The location is ideal (in the heart of Captiva and steps from the water), the chic and spacious rooms, the beautiful grounds and luxe amenities (three words, adult-only pool), and our favorite, the award-winning Spa At Tween Waters! Whether you decide to stay here or not, I highly suggest a prenatal massage here… it’s absolutely heavenly.

Steps from our room were paths to glorious beaches!

PLAY

Yoga on the beach with Ambu Yoga :: We kicked off our babymoon with sunrise beach yoga, and it was definitely one of the highlights of our trip. They graciously customized the stretches to be pregnancy-friendly, and it felt amazing to stretch my sore and aching body. (And doing so with the sun rising and the waves crashing in the background was incredible, too!)

Relax Beachside :: There wasn’t a day that went by that we didn’t spend at least a few hours soaking up the sun at one of Sanibel or Captiva’s white, sandy beaches. Pack a book, water and some snacks, and head to Blind Pass, Bowman’s Beach, or Lighthouse Beach Park - three of our favorite beaches in the area.

Spa at Tween Waters :: I’ll mention it again because I loved it so much, a prenatal massage here is a must in my opinion. Their trained masseuses know exactly how to calm and care for your sore and achy body... You’ll thank me later. ;)

Rent Bikes with YOLO Watersports :: Based in Captiva, this sports rental company has everything from paddleboards to golf carts (and if we’d had more time we would have rented more equipment). But because our time was short and a bike ride sounded fun, we opted for their bike rental. We had a blast exploring Captiva by bikes, and at only $12 for an eight hour rental, it’s an amazingly affordable way to see the island!

Day Trip to Boca Grande :: The friendly folks at Captiva Cruises offer day trips to Boca Grande, a town located on Gasparilla Island. This captivating “Old Florida” town has no traffic lights or billboards, and couldn’t be more charming. We walked along the shops downtown, enjoyed pastries and a light lunch at some local spots, and even rented a golf cart for a few hours! Note… Boca Grande has an incredible hotel called the Gasparilla Inn that we may be sneaking a night or two in next time we visit. Check it out!

Riding bikes to some yummy Mexican food!

Captiva Cruises whisked us over to Boca Grande

If you’re prone to seasickness (like Bobby), no issues on this ride!

We were obsessed with the colors and the lighthouse!

Renting a golf cart is the BEST way to explore the island, and it’s cheap!

DINE

When it comes to eating out on Sanibel and Captiva, you really can’t go wrong. We’ve eaten almost everywhere, and have yet to have a bad meal. The restaurants here are all quirky and cozy in their own way, and depending on what you (or the baby) are in the mood for - you’ll be sure to find something to satisfy even the weirdest pregnancy craving! ;) Here are just a few of the places we enjoyed this time around:

Green Flash Restaurant :: We love this waterfront spot for lunch, as the views from inside (or outside) are stunning, and the food is delicious! Pregnant mamma’s, order one of their indulgent virgin pina coladas - and their shrimp tacos are to die for!

Mucky Duck :: While the food is great, we love hitting up the Mucky Duck for cocktails at sunset. Since I couldn’t order my typical rum punch this time around, I opted for simply the punch - and it was just as tasty!

Old Captiva House :: Our favorite place for a romantic date night is the Old Captiva House, as it’s elegant and chic without feeling pretentious. Known for their fresh seafood, we highly recommend the Grouper or the Chilean Sea Bass!

Cantina Captiva :: If you’re anything like me, you crave Mexican food with a passion almost daily. This hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant was just what I was dreaming about, with tostadas so tasty and crispy, I cleaned my plate in a matter of minutes!

The Bubble Room :: Mamma’s with a sweet tooth, this is your place. While they serve a full menu (that looked really good), we come here for one thing only: cake. The Bubble Room is known for their Christmas themed decor and nostalgic decor, but in our opinion the real winner here is their mouthwatering cakes. Try the Orange Crunch. Trust us.

Cheers to lunch dates and virgin piña coladas!

Feeling close to home at Cantina Captiva

Check out all the bills on the walls at Cantina Captiva!

The Bubble Room gets its name from all the little lamps with bubbles… there are SO many bubbles!

We may or may not have consumed all of this cake. Don’t judge.

This babymoon was exactly what we needed. Warm weather, a tropical setting, fun activities, delightful meals, and tons of good, quality time together. If you have any questions regarding our time on the Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel (and Captiva), or babymoon-specific details, leave a comment and let us know!

The Sanibel Island Lighthouse in all its glory.

Alli Talley

December 19, 2019

Babymoon, Weekenders, Florida

Why You Should Babymoon on Captiva and Sanibel Islands

Alli Talley

December 19, 2019

Babymoon, Weekenders, Florida

Shortly after we found out that we were pregnant we made a list of the places that we love, places that we hoped to return to before the baby comes. Places that are not only dear to our hearts, but also are relaxing and pampering and fit our “babymoon” criteria. The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel area was at the top of that list.

Since we were first introduced to this hidden gem of a spot back in 2016, we’ve been obsessed. (If you’ve been following us for awhile, you probably already knew that!) We’ve always said it would be the perfect place for a babymoon - and now that we’ve babymooned there, we can confidently say that it TRULY is. Here’s why this Floridian oasis should be at the top of your list, too:

IT’S EASY TO GET TO & EASY TO EXPLORE

Key word here, “easy”.

No matter how far along in your pregnancy you are, or how good you’re feeling, you want your babymoon to be as uncomplicated and trouble-free as possible. Long travel days are hard on your aching body, and dealing with crowds and delays is not ideal. Thankfully, no matter where you are in the US, chances are it’s an easy flight (or two) away.

We flew from our local airport, John Wayne (SNA) in Orange County to Dallas (DFW). We had a short layover (but enough time to hit the fame Centurion Lounge), and then headed to Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW). It’s our favorite kind of airport, busy enough that getting flights in/out aren’t a problem, but small enough where going through security is hassle-free and (usually) very quick. (Plus, if you’re like me and craving bagels during your pregnancy, they have a great bagel shop right after security!)

It’s just about an hour drive from the airport to the Fort Myers/Sanibel area. We actually look forward to the drive - it’s jaw-droppingly scenic, especially as you near Sanibel (we spent the majority of our babymoon in the Sanibel/Captiva area). Once in town, the speed limits are between 25 - 35 MPH throughout the whole island - making every outing and activity perfectly leisurely. Why rush when you’re on vacation?! (And trust us - you’ll never have to deal with traffic!)

Smiling because we’re back in paradise! It feels great to slow down and get on “island time”.

IT’S LUSH & TROPICAL & OFF THE BEATEN PATH

If you’re on the hunt for a tropical babymoon destination, this is it. Turquoise water, white sandy beaches, neon sunsets… it’s absolutely picture-perfect.

But what we love most about the Sanibel/Captiva area specifically is how remote it feels. You won’t find the big crowds or the inflated prices that you would at a resort in Maui or in the Caribbean. Instead you’ll find family-owned establishments, calm streets, and scenic beaches that aren’t heavily populated. You might even have the beach to yourself!

We had this beach to ourselves most days, with the occasional people scouring the sand for shells.

YOU CAN EAT FOR TWO - THE FOOD IS THAT GOOD

One of my favorite excuses since I’ve been pregnant is that I am now eating for two - and what baby wants, baby gets! I’ve always been a foodie (it’s a lifestyle) but with heightened hunger pains and a growing appetite, my food obsession has reached a whole new level.

If you’re anything like me, you’ll want to pick a babymoon destination that has plenty of culinary options - and that’s exactly what you’ll find here! From mouth-watering seafood to decadent key lime pie, you’ll be able to satisfy your every craving. I can proudly say that I ate my way around Sanibel and Captiva. (See more about where we ate in Sanibel/Captiva here.)

Bobby wanted to eat at Key Lime Bistro daily

Bobby’s new obsession for 2019 has been oysters - and he was loving them at the Green Flash Restaurant

Deciding if we were going to take down all the cake at The Bubble Room

Mexican culinary delights at Cantina Captiva

IT CAN BE AS RELAXING OR ADVENTUROUS AS YOU WANT IT TO BE

Planning a babymoon weeks (or months) in advance can feel daunting, because you really have no idea how you’ll be feeling when the time comes. Whether you’re thriving living an active lifestyle or your pace is slowing down drastically, the Sanibel/Captiva area can truly meet your needs.

We had days where all we did was eat, lay by the beach, eat, play cards, and eat some more. On the days where we wanted to be more active, we’d go for bike rides, on a day trip to Boca Grande, walk the beaches, and more. It’s the kind of place where time moves slowly, and you’ll never feel the need to rush or “see it all” - but there IS a lot to do!

Bobby gets restless, so he plays in the sand. Maybe he needs a child to entertain?

What’s a trip to the beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel without some shelling

Mucky Duck sunset views are always glorious!

Exploring Boca Grande. We found some stunning hotels!

IT’S AFFORDABLE

Because the Sanibel/Captiva area is off the beaten path, you’ll be able to have the tropical getaway you’ve been dreaming of for a fraction of the price at other more popular destinations.

Saving money on resort fees and expensive plane flights means you can order that extra slice of pie or indulge in a longer prenatal massage… and all my mama’s said “AMEN”! We think that couples should treat their babymoon like a honeymoon, and here you can do exactly that - guilt-free!

Since we’re saving money, we decided we may as well indulge in a couples massage!

The best way to end a relaxing day… sunsets on the beach!

Our tagline has always been, “Who says the honeymoon has to end?” In this new stage of life we’re in, we really should change that to babymoons! And while this season WILL end inevitably (in about three months), we’re embracing every moment that we can just the two of us. Though we spent the majority of our babymoon in the Sanibel/Captiva area specifically, we can’t recommend the entire Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel area enough. If you have any questions about our time there, leave a comment and let us know. We’ll do our best to answer!

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!