Alli Talley

February 25, 2020

48 HOURS IN CARSON VALLEY

Alli Talley

February 25, 2020

There’s nothing we love more than discovering cities and towns that intrigue and inspire us. Last year we spent two nights in Carson Valley, Nevada with our pup Sally (you can read more about it here), and we couldn’t get enough. We decided we needed to return to Carson Valley at least one more time before the baby comes, and we’re SO glad we did. It’s the kind of place that feels remote, but is surprisingly easy to get to. It’s 20 minutes from Tahoe (SO close to the slopes!), 45 minutes from Reno, and Carson City is an easy 15 minutes away. Yet Carson Valley feels refreshingly off-the-map… and that’s exactly why we like it.

Here’s what we did this time around, and what we think you should do too (especially if you only have 48 hours to spare).

AFTERNOON

Check into the Carson Valley Inn :: Located in the heart of Minden, The Carson Valley Inn and Casino is the perfect home base for all of your Carson Valley adventures. They have everything - from spacious rooms, to nightly entertainment, a luxe indoor pool and spa, restaurants, and of course… a state of the art casino! Spend your afternoon leisurely exploring and enjoying the facilities, and why not try your hand at blackjack?

EVENING

Dinner at Khristopher’s Cafe :: This cozy Italian eatery is a favorite among Carson Valley locals, and with one bite of their homemade spaghetti, it’s easy to see why! Khristopher’s Cafe has a menu that is extensive and delectably hearty, with daily specials and a killer happy hour that’s not to be missed! (Save room for tiramisu!)

Kristopher’s Cafe sits in beautiful downtown Minden!

MORNING

Early Morning Coffee at DST Coffee :: Pop into one of our favorite coffee shops in the valley, DST Coffee, for an early morning oat milk latte or a refreshing cold brew… and if you’re hungry, try one of their delicious breakfast burritos!

Birding with JT Humphrey :: Ask anyone in Carson Valley if they’ve heard the name JT Humphrey, and chances are they have. This guy is a local legend when it comes to spotting, photographing, and protecting the wildlife in the area. He’s a horse whisperer and an expert bald eagle spotter - so spending a morning with him is an absolute must! JT took us on a quest to see bald eagles, golden eagles, barn owls, blue herons, numerous kinds of hawks, and many, many others. On our last trip to Carson Valley, we spent a morning viewing wild horses (read about it here). JT knows wildlife! You can contact JT here to arrange a tour!

AFTERNOON

Lunch at Cafe Girasole :: Open only for lunch, Cafe Girasole is the place to go for handcrafted sandwiches, soups, salads, paninis, and more. Their menu is loaded with fresh and healthy options, including the infamous “Iron Mike”! It’s a protein-rich veggie sandwich that features a surprising twist… peanut butter! And it’s REALLY GOOD.

Tour the Dangberg Home Ranch Historic park :: One of the most influential and iconic families in Carson Valley’s history was the Dangberg’s. Arriving in the 1850s, the family was not only crucial in growing the ranching and agriculture business in Carson Valley, but they also founded the town of Minden! Touring the Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park is like walking through a time capsule, with many personal belongings and items that have been passed down generation after generation! To learn more and schedule a tour, visit here.

There’s peanut butter in there. And it’s delicious!

Fascinated by this 19th century passport!

EVENING

Cooking class at Sierra Chef :: Roll up your sleeves and get ready for a culinary adventure that you won’t soon forget - the cooking classes at Genoa’s Sierra Chef are a must-do! We suggest calling ahead of time and arranging a private class, where you can learn how to make anything from Asian stir-fry dishes to homemade pasta! (We highly recommend pasta-making, it was phenomenal!) See the 2020 class calendar here.

Late Night Dip at Walley’s Hot Springs Resort :: After your cooking lesson, enjoy a relaxing and peaceful evening at the nearby Walley’s Hot Springs Resort. These historic hot springs are not only soothing and healing, but they boast some incredible mountain views as well. There’s also eucalyptus steam rooms, saunas, locker rooms, and a pool for guests enjoyment as well!

After pasta making, a hot spring soak is ideal…

MORNING

Breakfast at Cowboy’s Cafe :: If you’ve ever wondered what a cowboy eats for breakfast, come to Cowboy’s Cafe and see for yourself! Known for their hearty chicken fried steak and finger-lickin’ biscuits and gravy, this is the kind of place where diets go out the window. And for good reason - it’s all delicious! (And you might need a nap after!)

Bently Distillery Tour :: Gin, vodka, and whiskey lovers, this is the place for you! We’re such big fans of Carson Valley’s Bently Distillery that we dedicated an entire blog to it (read more here), but regardless, their one-hour distillery tour is fantastic. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at their stills, bottling line, and barreling room - and you’ll even get to sample their premium spirits in their stunning new tasting room! Tours run Thursday-Sunday, and you can sign up for them here.

Of course Bobby got the Chicken Fried Steak and gravy…

Fascinating distillery tour! Can’t wait for the whisky!

AFTERNOON

Lunch at Cook’d :: After your tour, head on over to Cook’d for lunch, where they serve everything from tacos to burgers to mouth watering pizzas! Their menu is fresh and made to order, and we love the fun and casual atmosphere. Order a “Frozen Tumbleweed” for a real Cook’d treat!

Antique shopping :: Maybe it’s Carson Valley’s rich history, or maybe it’s their creative and eclectic residents, but whatever the reason, the antiquing here is next level. There are countless shops filled with vintage collectables, furniture, and decor, but two of our favorites are Cheshire Antiques and Red Barn Antiques. One can easily spend an entire afternoon browsing and exploring these two spots… and that’s exactly what we think you should do!

We love doing a little antique treasure hunting…

EVENING

Dinner at CV Steak :: What better way to end your trip than with a fancy steak dinner at CV Steak, Carson Valley Inn’s stunning steakhouse? From their signature table-side tossed salad, to their famous au gratin style potatoes, to their tantalizing steaks and chops… it’s undoubtedly one of the best meals in the valley. We’re drooling just thinking about it!

Did we miss any of your Carson Valley favorites? Leave a comment and let us know!

Alli Talley

February 19, 2020

California, USA, Weekenders

OUR FAVORITE TRADITIONS IN MONTEREY COUNTY, CA

Alli Talley

February 19, 2020

California, USA, Weekenders

We like to say our marriage started in Monterey County, as it’s where we “mini-mooned” after our wedding (we honeymooned in Panama a few months later). We had the time of our lives adventuring around the California coast and soaking in our first few days together as husband and wife. Fast forward nearly six years, and we’ve continued to recreate this trip every year since!

There’s something so peaceful and serene about the Monterey Peninsula area. It’s such a welcome getaway from the hustle and bustle of our busy life in Orange County, and the spots we love seem to get better with age. While we always try to experience new places while we’re there (see what we discovered this time around), we have our yearly “hit list” of restaurants, activities, and locations we have to return to.

Here are a few of our favorite Monterey traditions, that will never get old:

17-MILE DRIVE

The iconic 17-Mile Drive is a scenic road on the Monterey Peninsula that twists and turns along the rugged coastline, through Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove. Every mile is breathtaking, with multiple spots to stop, take pictures, and explore.

Some of our favorite places to stop are Spanish Bay Beach (where we always create a balancing rock tower, as many people do), the famous Lone Cypress (which happens to be the official symbol of Pebble Beach), and The Inn at Spanish Bay, which we always save for last. We’ll purposefully time our drive so that we’ll end there right around sunset, which leads us to our next tradition...

DRINKS AT SUNSET AT THE INN AT SPANISH BAY

Since The Inn and Links at Spanish Bay opened in 1987, a bagpiper has played up and down their picturesque coastline every night, rain or shine, at sunset. Guests and visitors are encouraged to sip on a cocktail (or two), cozy up by one of their many fire pits, and take in the sunset views and entrancing tunes. There’s something so mesmerizing and enchanting about this tradition - and if you’ve been to the Scottish Highlands before, it will undoubtedly feel as though you’ve been transported back!

CARMEL BAKERY

Strolling the streets of Carmel-by-the-Sea is a tradition of ours in and of itself, but no visit to this charming town is complete without a stop at the delectable Carmel Bakery. From decadent cookies and sweet treats to savory baked goods and sandwiches, this little bakery has it all… and it’s nearly impossible to walk past their tantalizing window display without going inside. Their gingerbread cookies are not to be missed, and their everything pretzels are absolutely delicious!

CARMEL BEACH & RIVER

One of our favorite memories from our mini-moon is picnicking and soaking in the sunshine at Carmel Beach. Every year we return to this ruggedly romantic beach and reminisce. We’ll pick up lunch at 5th Avenue Deli, grab a blanket, and leisurely spend an afternoon. Afterwards we’ll pack up our things and take a walk to the Carmel River State Beach. This mile-long state beach has a lagoon that attracts all sorts of migratory birds, and when the sun hits the water, it turns the prettiest shades of blue.

THE MONTEREY BAY COASTAL RECREATION TRAIL

Spanning eighteen miles (from Pacific Grove to Castroville) is the beloved Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. This popular paved path follows the coast past Old Fisherman’s Wharf, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, and much more. Located where the tracks of the Southern Pacific Railroad once ran, locals saw that this abandoned railway had tremendous potential, and it was officially transformed as a walking trail in 1986. Every time we walk the trail we see something new, and we always try to start and stop at a different spot. It’s a must-do!

Alli Talley

February 18, 2020

Weekenders, USA, Travel Essentials

Beyond the Prius: Why We Utilized an Enterprise Rental for Our Final Babymoon Adventure

Alli Talley

February 18, 2020

Weekenders, USA, Travel Essentials

This post is sponsored by Enterprise . All opinions are our own.

Our final babymoon adventure in Morro Bay

We are less than a month out from our lives changing forever.

Alli is 9 months pregnant, Sally is wondering why there’s all this extra stuff all over our house, and I (Bobby) am spending my spare time building dressers and cribs. While we’re now home nesting and prepping, we had an unforgettable run of trips and adventures during this pregnancy. (We basically traveled the entire time!) And we just returned from our final pre-baby adventure - a picturesque road trip up the California coast to the charming coastal town of Morro Bay.

Nothing like a relaxing drive up the California coast.

If any of you are far enough in your pregnancy that you’re in the uncomfortable stage (or if you’ve been there before), you’ll understand why Alli was upset when I booked this trip and planned on driving there in our Prius. Her belly basically hits the dashboard! With that in mind, we made things easy by renting a car from Enterprise. It was seamless, affordable, and our rental made us feel more family-ready than ever before (ironically, we rented a minivan). As you can see in the photo, Alli had more than enough space to relax, stretch out, and watch for baby kicking. :)

We headed out early on a Monday and enjoyed the coastal route from Malibu to Morro Bay. Highway 1 is one of our favorite drives in the world (we do it annually - if not more). If you have time, we highly recommend this route. It meanders through countless small towns, hugs the coastline, provides jaw-dropping views, and forces drivers like us (California drivers who are always in a hurry) to slow down and take it in.

We stopped in Venice Beach, Santa Barbara, and Pismo Beach before arriving in Morro Bay. We spent our time there eating tons of seafood (don’t ask how many oysters I consumed), searching for otters, and relaxing at our vacation rental. Because Morro Bay is such a small town, we were able to explore most of it on foot. But when Alli needed a break, or the trek was too far, we loaded up our minivan and hit the road. (Side note - Anybody else have fun with the automatic sliding doors on a minivan? What a concept!)

Favorite coffee stop in San Luis Obispo - Scout Coffee!

We spent most of our time in Morro Baby gawking over the sea otters.

To really soak in our last trip, one morning we made the drive up to Big Sur and back. This stretch is truly the highlight of the drive, so if you’ve never done it, make it happen. It’s insane!

Our drive home was less eventful, as Alli snoozed and I focused on getting us home safely one last time (before the baby). The drive was quick and easy, causing us to think maybe we should’ve explored a little more. ;)

In the end, having the minivan was a game changer for 8-months pregnant Alli. It was an affordable and easy way to make her much more comfortable for the four-hour trip. If we stick with our Prius, we will definitely plan another Enterprise rental for any last-minute babymoon adventures. But who knows, maybe by then we’ll have a minivan of our own!

The drive up to Big Sur is insane! See the minivan on the right?

High five to making it home safe! Such a fun trip!

Alli Talley

February 13, 2020

USA, Weekenders, California

Three Hot Date Nights in Irvine, California

Alli Talley

February 13, 2020

USA, Weekenders, California

Now more than ever, our date nights are sacred. In a month (or less), our lives will change forever - and date nights will undoubtedly become a little more difficult to arrange. (But don’t worry, we’ll still make them a priority!)

The further I get into this pregnancy, the more we appreciate staying close to home. Being “OC” residents, we’re realizing just how much there is to do, see, and explore in our own backyard. And now that our doctor prefers that we quit traveling for a while, we’re having a blast re-discovering the many thriving cities around us.

Recently we’ve been hooked on Irvine. It’s a city that can get easily overlooked by its flashy and touristy neighbors- but we’re here to let you in on a little secret. Irvine is on the rise. It’s bursting with culture, adventure, culinary delights, and a chic nighttime scene. But don’t just take our word for it, here’s a few of the many fun (and eclectic) date nights we’ve had in Irvine - be sure to take notes! ;)

DIAMOND JAMBOREE

If you’re an OC local, chances are you’ve driven past Diamond Jamboree numerous times… but have you ever stopped and explored? This bustling shopping center has a little bit of everything - from an extensive Korean grocery store, to sushi, ramen, ice cream, coffee shops, karaoke - and even an escape room!

While you really can’t go wrong with any of the Diamond Jamboree restaurants, we recommend trying Tim Ho Wan, an acclaimed Hong-Kong based Dim Sum institution that’s truly an experience. Ask the friendly servers for recommendations, or follow the picture-heavy menu for guidance, and get ready for a culinary adventure. Their Baked BBQ Pork Buns are a must (they’re even Michelin Star rated!), and their Deep Fried Spring Roll with Egg White and Shrimp had us fighting over the last bite. It’s a fun, casual, and interactive kind of place - and the perfect spot to try something new!

After dinner, take a short walk to SomiSomi, a Korean soft-serve shop that’s famous for its “Taiyaki” (a fish shaped waffle cone), and it's fun and unique soft serve flavors. Don’t be deterred if there’s a line, it’s well worth the wait. (And it’s the perfect excuse to let your dinner settle!)

Choosing can be touch with so many delicious options.

Always room for dessert! Somisomi is so good!

HIVE AND HONEY & THE IRVINE SPECTRUM

Did you know there’s a chic and stylish rooftop bar in Irvine? We didn’t either - until now! Hive and Honey might be one of the best kept secrets in Orange County… and while we love that it’s still relatively under-the-radar, we’d be remiss if we didn’t share it with you! Located in the Marriott Irvine Spectrum, we recommend arriving just in time to have a drink (and maybe an appetizer or two) and watch the sunset. Their skilled mixologists make some flavorful (and totally Instagrammable) cocktails, and the views simply can’t be beat!

Afterwards, hop on over to the Irvine Spectrum for dinner. We love TLT Food for tasty and creative Latin-fusion dining, and a welcoming and casual ambiance. Many of their dishes are shareable, and their street tacos are mouth-wateringly good!

If you’re not ready for the night to end, take a $5 ride on the Spectrum’s iconic Ferris Wheel! It’s surprisingly high, and the view at night is really something special. Plus, what’s more romantic than that?

Bobby enjoying the views and Alli the popcorn…

THE BUTCHER SHOP & YNK

Keeping with the “under the radar” theme, did you know that the Irvine Marriott has not one, but TWO hidden speakeasies? YNK (which stands for “You Never Know”), has an ever-changing travel theme, with rotating menus, videos, and decor every few months. It’s intimate, dimly-lit, and cozy… and it’s just our kind of place. Sit back, name a drink, and watch the talented bartender do their thing!

After you’ve enjoyed a round of specialty cocktails, have the bartender usher you through the kitchen, to The Butcher Shop, a speakeasy within a speakeasy! It’s open only on Friday and Saturday nights, and entry is reservation only, so be sure to plan accordingly. Cocktails are listed on the wall, but the friendly bartender will happily make you whatever kind of mixed drink you’re in the mood for. And we can guarantee it will most definitely be delicious. But shh… let’s keep this secret spot between us, ok?

The Butcher Shop is basically a speakeasy IN a speakeasy! You’re welcome.

Friends, don’t sleep on Irvine. There are so many restaurants, bars, and experiences that are absolutely worth your next date night out. And leave a comment and let us know if you have a favorite spot we’re missing - we’ll be sure to check it out!

Alli Talley

January 10, 2020

Mexico, Weekenders

Paradisus Los Cabos : An All-Inclusive With a Big Heart

Alli Talley

January 10, 2020

Mexico, Weekenders

These days it seems like our travel bucket list keeps growing, and time keeps moving faster… (How is it almost 2020?!) So you know we like a place when we keep coming back.

Paradisus Los Cabos is a luxurious all-inclusive resort destination located in between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. And we can’t get enough of it. We’ve been three times in the past three years (it opened in 2016), and you better believe we’re already anticipating our next trip. It’s that great.

There seems to be a stigma surrounding all-inclusives, that it’s a very manufactured, and “basic” experience. People often think that when you book a vacation at an all-inclusive, you’re giving into that cookie-cutter kind of travel. They think sure, you’ll relax by a pool and enjoy endless tacos and pina coladas, but you won’t actually get to really experience or understand the culture that you’re in.

We love the classic all-inclusive life, but Paradisus offers this and much more!

And while that may be the case for many all-inclusive resort properties, this couldn’t be farther from the truth when it comes to Paradisus Los Cabos. They’re taking small steps to make a big difference, and they’re paving the way for others to do the same. Here’s how:

“EMBRACE YOUR NATURE”

Just this November, Paradisus by Melia launched their new “Embrace Your Nature” campaign, highlighting the natural beauty and rich history of their many destinations. Their Paradisus Los Cabos property is one of the first to do so, with new cultural experiences and excursions for their guests to enjoy.

“Wait, so you can actually leave the property? I thought an all-inclusive meant you never leave the resort!”

Wrong! Paradisus encourages and promotes their guests to see and learn about the destination that they’re in. From sailing the Sea of Cortez to visiting organic farms, we saw a different, more authentic and personal side of Cabo than we’d ever seen before.

We tasted mezcal with a local expert at Acre Baja, and saw first-hand how this innovative restaurant and chic boutique hotel is aiding and giving back to the community. They even have a dog rescue program - and they’ve rescued over 120 so far!

We toured Flora Farms, a 25-acre organic working farm, complete with a restaurant, shops selling handmade goods, cooking classes, a spa, and more. They plant more than 100 varieties of vegetables and herbs, and Flora Farms now has a ranch that supplies humanely raised chicken, eggs, and pork for their restaurant, too! It’s the very definition of farm-to-table, and it’s beautiful!

We dined at Los Tamarindos, another organic farm and restaurant that’s located in a 19th century farmhouse, just one mile from the Sea of Cortez. The fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats we tried blew us away - it was a culinary journey we’ll never forget. And it’s all thanks to Paradisus!

Paradisus Los Cabos has plenty of ways to connect to the local culture on-property, too. One morning we helped set baby sea turtles into the ocean. They have over 500 sea turtle nests that their trained team protects and cares for. They educated us on how we can do our part to save these wonderful creatures, just by taking care of our environment! (Did you know that humans are their biggest predators due to oil spills, plastic debris, and habitat loss? We didn’t either.)

Learning about the turtles before we release them!

There’s also a store on the Paradisus Los Cabos property that’s dedicated to local artisan-made goods. Many of the items are handmade by Mexican women that have come from vulnerable communities, that are being helped by a non-profit organization called Proyecto Beatriz who is collaborating with Paradisus Los Cabos. The mirrors, bags, and accessories are not only chic and stylish, they’re also helping people. Talk about a win/win!

You may think you know what an all-inclusive is all about, but we encourage you to think again. Of course Paradisus Los Cabos has the luxurious amenities, stunning pools, delicious restaurants, and enchanting entertainment… but they’re also connecting their guests with the amazing people and resources that are just steps away. And that’s just one of the many reasons why we’ll keep coming back.