Alli Talley

October 17, 2021

South Dakota with Jude Dakota: What To Do in South Dakota with a Toddler

Alli Talley

October 17, 2021

South Dakota is a special place for us.

It was one of our first trips together as the Traveling Newlyweds. It was our first trip that we took after finding out we were pregnant with Jude. It was even the inspiration for Jude’s middle name—Dakota!

This was our fourth visit to the Mount Rushmore State, and it’s crazy how different our life is each time we’re there. South Dakota with a toddler was a little more tricky logistically (nap times are tough), but it was as fun (and memorable) as ever! Seeing the sights through Jude’s eyes was something we’ll never forget, and we already can’t wait to go back.

Enjoying our stops along Needles Highway

The following is our guide for 2-3 days in SoDak that is geared for the whole family.

STAY

With a variety of options in Rapid City, it really depends on what you're looking for. We opted for the Howard Johnson, just on the outskirts of downtown, because of the proximity to Memorial Park. It was a short walk to the park (more on that later) and downtown, so it was perfect for us!

If you want to be right in the heart of downtown, we recommend a splurge on the Hotel Alex Johnson. Boasting handcrafted décor and German Tudor-inspired architecture (look it up, it’s cool), you’ll be loving the luxury and stunned by the rooftop views. Kids or no kids… this is a great spot!

If your trip is more wildlife focused, we’d recommend staying at the State Game Lodge in Custer State Park. This stone and wood lodge, which served as the Summer White House for President Calvin Coolidge, has you nestled among the wildlife and the ponderosa pines. From there, you can meander the roads of the park at your own pace, and have a good base camp if you have a kid in need of nap time. You’ll also have the option to enjoy Buffalo Safari Jeep Tours, which originate from the lodge. Either way, you’ll enjoy the escape of this stunning mountain valley!

We have quite a few blogs on our time in South Dakota, so we have a variety of activities we’d recommend. While traveling with a toddler, here’s how we spent our time.

Reptile Gardens: Considering it has more species or subspecies of reptiles than any other zoo or wild animal park in the world, this is an absolute must-do when in South Dakota. Start in the Sky Dome, where you’ll encounter snakes, crocodiles, amphibians, and other reptiles. While Jude was entertained running laps around the dome, his real highlight were the giant Aldabra Tortoises. You can get up close with them, and Jude really pushed the limits of “up close.” ;)

Mount Rushmore: Obvious, we know. But it’s iconic and 100% worth the trip. And you really can be there for as short as 30 minutes or as long as a full afternoon. There is so much history to take in, but it’s even worth the quick stop just to take in the amazing view. (And the ice cream there is REALLY good too!) If you’re traveling with kids and they don’t have the patience for an audio tour or a history lesson, consider a visit to Rushmore Tramway Adventures. Here you can enjoy ziplines, downhill tubing, the aerial park or their relaxing, scenic chairlift. Many of their adventures have views of Mount Rushmore, so it’s a win-win!

1880 Train: Quite possibly the highlight of our 2021 trip, the 1880 Train is so much fun. A vintage steam train that offers a relaxing 20-mile round trip ride between Hill City and Keystone, it’s perfect for the whole family. The motion of the locomotive was therapeutic to little Jude, and we were cry-laughing as he fell asleep with his head out the window. Priceless!

Needles Highway: One of the best attractions in Custer State Park (and South Dakota), driving this windy little highway is always a thrill. Go as slow as you can through this 14 mile stretch of highway to truly enjoy the soaring granite rock formation known as the needles. Budget a minimum of two hours, but we’d recommend taking the drive in the morning and packing a picnic for a stop (maybe even a swim) at Sylvan Lake. You’re welcome.

Memorial Park: For anybody traveling with kids, Memorial Park may have been Jude’s favorite place in South Dakota. With a variety of features and slides, it has the potential for hours of fun! And if your kids are a little older, make sure you check out the famous Dinosaur Park!

Up close with the tortoise… look who’s dashing away on the right side of the frame!

The motion of the train was a little to much for Juders :)

EAT

As we mentioned above, we have several other blogs on the area where we highlight all the yummy food around South Dakota, so we’ll focus mostly on our new favs (shoutout to Prairie Berry Winery and Harriet & Oak, we love you too!).

Essence of Coffee: An Australian-owned coffee shop in the heart of Rapid City? Yes, please! Breakfast, lunch, and amazing coffee. That’s all we need. We may or may not have been there two of our three mornings in town. And we’ll definitely be back!

Black Hills Bagels: How have we never been here?! This is THE spot for bagels in Rapid City, with homemade bagels, spreads, and hearty bagel sandwiches. We will be here at least once on every future trip. Totally lived up to the hype!

Firehouse Brewing Company: A lively atmosphere, good beer, and delicious pub grub. Since it’s a bit on the noisier side, it’s a perfect spot to bring the kiddos.

Blue Bell Lodge: This cozy Western-themed lodge in Custer State Park serves up tasty ranch house fare. We loved the Buffalo Brisket and the Mac and cheese! As a side note, they have 29 secluded cabins and offer a variety of Western-style adventures (cookouts, horse trail rides, etc.). We might need to stay here on our next trip to SoDak!

Skogen Kitchen: Yes, we talk about Skogen Kitchen in other blogs. But it’s truly that good. The ambiance, the fresh, seasonal menu, the warm and friendly service… it’s undoubtedly the BEST restaurant in South Dakota. Perfect a date night, but worth it to go with the kids too. Jude enjoyed it just as much as we did!

Ultimately, what we’ve learned traveling with a toddler is that you have to hold everything loosely. We were fortunate enough to be able to do everything we wanted, but if you can’t… just plan another trip back.

We already can’t wait to come back with kids that are just a tiny bit more functional when it comes to hiking and exploring, because there is so much natural beauty in South Dakota that we’ve yet to explore. We’ll see what our next trip entails! :)

A flatbread and brussel sprouts on the rooftop of Hotel Alex Johnson

Alli Talley

September 29, 2021

Alaska, USA, Weekenders

Beyond the Cruise - Why You Need More Than a Cruise Stop in Juneau Alaska

Alli Talley

September 29, 2021

Alaska, USA, Weekenders

In 2018, we spent a week chasing the northern lights around central Alaska. It was everything we hoped for, and had us itching to get back to the 49th state. When we were given the opportunity to head to Juneau, we were quick to recall that we’ve both been (separately) to the capital city. Our visits were short (the typical 8 hour cruise port stop) and were full of seafood, hiking (Alli), and whale watching (Bobby).

But as is usually the case with cruising, our knowledge of Juneau was minimal. We’d barely scratched the surface of all the food, adventure, and beauty this town had to offer! Whether you arrive by air or sea (the only way to get there - which is pretty cool) we’re here to say that you need more time… here’s why.

We loved walking around downtown Juneau!

Alaskan Cuisine

Having only previously been to Juneau on a cruise, we weren’t sure what to expect in terms of the cuisine in Juneau. Would there be plenty of options for our 4 nights in town? Would we find fresh local seafood? Was there Alaskan food that we haven’t heard of?

Yes. Yes. And YES!

On our first day in town, we got our bearings by going on a Juneau Food Tour with Midgi Moore. The highlights were obviously feasting on Alaskan King crab at Tracy’s King Crab Shack, and then washing it down with an “Eagle Fart” (a shot of Bailey’s, Kahlua, and Vodka) at the Imperial Saloon. From Deckhand Dave’s Fish Tacos to Fish & Chips at the Alaska Fish & Chips Co., there was delicious fresh seafood everywhere.

Exploring the Juneau food scene with Midgi Moore

Our absolute favorite meal may have been at In Bocca Al Lupo. Seasonally inspired Italian food that is so fresh and authentic that it has you questioning, “How is this here?” Well, the chef was a James Beard Foundation Semi-finalist and knows a thing or two about hand-made pasta and Italian pizza. We were in heaven! The only thing that could have made this dinner better was a babysitter. Noted for next time.

And Alaskan food we hadn’t heard of… how about Reindeer corn dogs? Sorry Santa, these are incredible! Think hot dog with the perfect touch of gameiness. We’d go back just for these.

While it doesn’t fit as truly Alaskan Cuisine, we have to mention Pel’ meni. One of our favorite parts about traveling is experiencing foods and flavors that we can’t even imagine… this is true of Pel’ meni and their Russian dumplings. A local staple that has long lines long after everything else is closed, this is the best late night snack in town. They tasted like a combination of curry, sriracha, and some flavors I can’t describe. So. Good. Sorry, you’ll just have to go to try it out.

Mountains and Glaciers at Your Doorstep

Coming from coastal California, this is pretty obvious. While you can explore many parts of Alaska and be surrounded by mountains, there is something special about the peaks surrounding Juneau. And there is plenty of hiking that you can do right from downtown. We left our room at the historic Baranof Hotel and could be meandering near a river in 15 minutes. If we didn’t have Jude we would have probably hiked the Mt. Roberts trail and taken the tram back down - again, noted for next time.

We were so busy that we didn’t even visit one of Juneau’s famous attractions… the Mendenhall Glacier. We drove by it multiple times, but will definitely be back to spend more time admiring the glacier.

He couldn’t see but he knew it was stunning!

Lively Locals and Downtown

When we arrived at our hotel late in the afternoon on a Thursday, it sounded like we had just arrived at a music festival. The Baranof Hotel is located downtown near Gunakadeit Park that is full of food trucks, and at the time live music and a ton of locals. We dropped our bags and hurried over, enjoying tacos at Deckhand Dave’s and meeting the local Juneau Crowd.

While we experienced a variety of the local watering holes, The Narrows Bar was a nightly routine during our time in Juneau. With an elaborate selection of spirits that would be impressive anywhere in the country (let alone Alaska!), Bobby was in heaven. There we met Juneau natives nightly and swapped stories of our adventures in town for some of their recommendations for our following day.

Along with the Narrows Bar, we also spent a few nights at the Alaska Griz Bar. This outdoor bar in downtown Juneau proudly serves all Alaskan beer and spirits. One of our favorites was the gin from Amalga Distillery - we even took some home!

Whale Watching

This may be a no-brainer, but you MUST go whale watching. Even if you are on a cruise and only have 8 hours in Juneau, do it. It’s magical, and depending on the time of year it is very likely you will come across incredible wildlife.

For all of you who don’t have your sea legs (like Bobby), we learned a sea sickness fighting remedy that Alaskan boat captains even use! Here’s the trick, take Bonine the night before. Or if you’re headed on really rough seas, the morning before (24 hours plus in advance). Having it in your system is a game changer!

Medicine aside, we went whale watching with Juneau Whale Watch and their boats are not very high off the water and have plenty of airflow. Sorry for all the seasick talk, it’s just part of how we do sea travel.

Back to whale watching - we saw more than 10 different humpback whales during our excursions. Tons of mystifying spray blowing up on the horizon and then chasing them down to see their tails before they dove into the depths... even Jude was obsessed!

Access to the Southeast

Aside from all that you have in Juneau, another huge draw is the access you have to the rest of Southeastern Alaska. Whether you hop on a seaplane and puddle-jump over to Ketchikan or take the slower route to Haines aboard a ferry on the Alaska Marine Highway, however you travel it’s going to be scenic and worth it.

On the ferry from Juneau to Haines, I lost count of how many bald eagles, waterfalls, and jaw-dropping landscapes I saw within the first hour. The trip is absolutely stunning and would be quite the peaceful adventure if you’re traveling without a toddler - regardless, it’s a must do!

While our food-gawking and seasick remedies have kept this from being brief, we hope we’ve started to convince you of some of what Juneau has to offer. That’s the best part… it’s only a snippet. We could dedicate blogs to all the hiking, the wildlife, or the food, but we wanted to share the macro view of why Juneau is special. We’ll be back in the future as both cruisers and non-cruisers… meet us there? We’ll save a seat for you at the Narrows Bar and end the night at Pel’ meni. :)

Alli Talley

September 20, 2021

Mexico, Weekenders, Romantic

5 REASONS WHY GUADALAJARA AND TEQUILA SHOULD BE ON YOUR LIST

Alli Talley

September 20, 2021

Mexico, Weekenders, Romantic

It’s been about a month now since we returned from our trip to Guadalajara and Tequila—and we still talk about it daily. We love when destinations surprise us and exceed our (already very high) expectations, and these two spots did exactly that! The history, the food, the culture… the TEQUILA! Everything about our trip was magical.

*We also left our toddler at home, making the experience extra glorious. ;) ...But that’s besides the point.

Here’s 5 reasons why you should book a trip to Guadalajara and Tequila ASAP:

1. THEY’RE EASY TO GET TO

Maybe we’re getting older (or maybe it’s because we’re parents), but we love visiting destinations that are easily accessible and don’t require long travel days. We’re all about maximizing our vacation time and minimizing travel stress! Lucky for us, Guadalajara is an easy 2.5 hour flight from LAX. (And yet it feels like a world away!) We left first thing in the morning and made it to the city in time for lunch—you can’t beat that!!

2. THEY’RE BEAUTIFUL

Both Guadalajara and Tequila are absolutely stunning in their own ways. Guadalajara has a charm that’s unlike anywhere we’ve been before. From the Cathedral de Guadalajara to the Teatro Degollado, it’s an architecture (and history) lover’s dream!

Liberation Square with the cathedral in the background!

Tequila is an hour outside from Guadalajara, and the picturesque drive alone is worth the trip! You’ll know you’re getting close as you start to see rolling agave fields in the distance. The town of Tequila itself is charming and quaint and everything you’d imagine it to be. From the cobblestone streets to the colorful architecture and the festive town square–it’s like something out of a movie!

The Church of Santiago Apostol - Tequila

3. THE CULINARY SCENE

Mexican food is our favorite food... And the food in Guadalajara and Tequila might be some of the best Mexican food we’ve ever had! We have a long list of all of the restaurants we did not make it to (foodies- book a trip NOW) but here’s a few of the ones we DID enjoy:

Cafe La Paloma (Guadalajara): Loved this casual (and very affordable) spot for coffee/lunch! Get the guacamole and tortilla soup—and don’t forget their homemade flan for dessert! (For a sweet, refreshing drink try their pīnada!)

Casa Luna Restaurante (Tlaquepaque): From the mesmerizing decor to the beautifully plated cuisine, this iconic restaurant lived up to ALL the hype! Order a round of “Cazuelitas” for the table (tequila, soda, citrus and spices), and if it’s in season you must try their “Chiles En Nogada” (a Guadalajaran specialty that’s only served a couple of months out of the year)!

Hueso (Guadalajara): This place is truly an experience, and one that we didn’t want to end! It’s chic and modern and playful all at once, and if you only have one meal in Guadalajara—have it here. Drink all the cocktails and eat all the food. (Especially the pork, short rib, bone marrow, risotto, and creme brulee) and thank us later.

La Antigua Casona (Tequila): We ate here multiple times (and even splurged on multiple dishes) because we couldn't get enough of the open ambiance and flavorful cuisine! Their "Torta Ahogada" (drowned sandwich) might be the best thing we ate on the trip!

You can drink Cazuelas in the streets - like Vegas :)

4. THE EXPERIENCES

When it comes to things to do, there’s plenty to keep you occupied in both Guadalajara and Tequila. Bring good walking shoes, we walked a lot. (And we ate a lot, so it balanced out. We like it that way.) Here’s some highlights:

Charro Training: We went to the Lienzo Charros de Jalisco for a real Charrería experience. If you aren’t famliair with a Charrería, it’s ok, we weren’t either! Consider it their version of a rodeo- but like, way cooler. There’s fancy uniforms and rope tricks and bull riding and well, it’s epic. We learned all about the history and Bobby had a crash-course in how to be a charro and he’ll proudly say he passed.

Walking Tour: Guadalajara is one of those cities where there’s SO much to see, so a walking tour is a great place to start. We went on a Historic City Center tour with Lily Aceves, and we highly recommend it! Not only will you see and learn so much about the history and culture of Guadalajara, but you’ll make an amazing friend, too. We love you, Lily!

Guadalajara Cathedral on the Historic City Center Tour with Lily Aceves

Explore Tlaquepaque: Just 20 minutes from downtown Guadalajara is the picture-perfect neighborhood called Tlaquepaque. There you’ll find an array of shops, galleries and restaurants that will keep you entertained (and stuffed!) for hours.

Nuestros Dulces Candy Factory: While yo’re in Tlaquepaque, tour an authentic Guadalajaran candy factory- where you’ll be able to taste, and even make, some delicious treats!

Mundo Cuervo tour & tasting: If you visit Tequila and don’t do the Mundo Cuervo tour, did you even go to Tequila?! This is a must do, and definitely one of the highlights of our trip! We learned all about the tequila making process, from the agave plant to the distilling… and everything in between! And of course, it comes with a generous tasting too!

5. THE LUXE ACCOMMODATIONS

Over the past few years we’ve come to a realization about ourselves. We’re kind of hotel connoisseurs. We love staying at places with character, places that surprise us, places that aren’t only visually pleasing, but have amazing customer service and care. Both spots we stayed at on this trip were exactly that. We’d book them again tomorrow if we could!

Casa Habita (Guadalajara): Think Ace Hotel meets Guadalajaran minimalism. (If that’s a thing?) It’s effortlessly cool yet inviting, with all the right features and perfectly calculated design. Our only regret is that we didn’t have time to utilize the super-chic pool!

Hotel Solar de las Animas (Tequila): We both said we’d return to Tequila just to stay here. It’s five-star service and elegance that we haven’t experienced in awhile. The spacious rooms, the perfectly manicured grounds, the decadent breakfasts… everything is perfectly executed, and fabulously romantic.

Tranquility at Hotel Solar de las Animas

Insane beauty at Hotel Solar de las Animas

There you have it. Our five reasons to visit Guadalajara and Tequila. We could give you 500 more but A) we don’t have that kind of time and B) we don’t want to give all of its greatness away! Experience this part of Mexico for yourself—and let us know what you think! Better yet, take us with you. We’re already itching to go back.

Alli Talley

July 13, 2021

California, Weekenders, Road Trip

48 Hours in Santa Monica for the Whole Family

Alli Talley

July 13, 2021

California, Weekenders, Road Trip

These past few months have been wild.

We’ve transitioned from baby parents to toddler parents. Jude is walking, talking (sort of), and has endless amounts of energy. It’s one of the best seasons of being a parent so far, but quite possibly the most exhausting. He is, and thus we are, always on the go. Since Jude easily gets bored of his toys and being inside, we were recently craving a change of scenery. Our ideal spot is an easy drive, has a nice air-conditioned hotel (we don’t have that at home), good food options, and plenty to do within walking distance of where we stay. At just over an hour from home, Santa Monica checks all the boxes! So we packed up and got on our way.

For those of you unfamiliar with the area, Santa Monica is a coastal city just west of downtown Los Angeles. It boasts 4 miles of beaches and you’ll discover it’s the perfect combination of a vibrant urban scene and a laid back coastal beach town. With amazing hotels, restaurants, and shopping, it’s the perfect place for a weekend getaway with the whole family (or just mom & dad!)

Opting for luxury in a prime location, we stayed at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows. It’s directly across the street from the beach, so every room has a view. We had a Premier Ocean View Room on the top floor, which looked down on the pool and out over the coastline. We started and ended most of our days on the balcony, either with coffee or a cocktail in hand. (Sometimes both!) The sunsets specifically were INCREDIBLE! We felt like we were in Hawaii!

One of our favorite reasons to visit Santa Monica is that we can park our car and not get back in until we’re heading home. Everything is so walkable!. And there is so much good food that we appreciate being able to walk off some of the calories.

For breakfast, our favorite spots were Jinky’s Cafe and Huckleberry Bakery. Jinky’s is a small neighborhood cafe where we’d recommend the Huevos Rancheros and/or the pancakes. Huckleberry has the most insane fresh pastries, and Bobby was obsessed with the breakfast sandwich.

For lunch on the sand (literally), Back on the Bay Beach Cafe is a MUST. You can’t beat the ocean-front location, and the food is all really good. Alli’s still raving about their tuna sandwich! Another must-visit spot is The Albright on the Santa Monica Pier, where they serve up some drool-worthy seafood, sandwiches, and more! We shared the fish tacos, oysters, and a quesadilla (for Jude) and it was all amazing!

For a hearty, authentic (and surprisingly affordable) Italian dinner, look no further than Fritto Misto! There’s a reason this place has become a Santa Monica staple—and with one bite of their homemade pasta with pink sauce you’ll understand why! We’d drive back to Santa Monica just for that! Art’s Table is also a local favorite, with to-die-for specialties like their Cuban Style Charred Corn (don’t ask, just trust) and their perfectly chopped Art’s Chopped Salad. I’ve since tried to perfect it and I can’t even come close!

Our last night in Santa Monica was spent at Fig Santa Monica, located inside the Fairmont. It was heavenly. The stunning ambiance, specialty cocktails, fresh halibut, cacio e pepe pasta… Everything was perfect, full of flavor, and beautifully presented. It was one of those meals where we didn’t want it to end. (But then our toddler started screaming.) Next time we’re bringing a babysitter.

While we loved our quick visit to Santa Monica, we definitely could have stayed another day or two. There is SO MUCH TO DO! We’d recommend going a little slower than we did (toddler life = always moving), but doing any (and all!) of the following activities:

Third Street Promenade: World-class shopping, street performers, and great food. What more do you need? Jude was on overload with so many things to look at.
Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier: It doesn’t matter if you’re a solo adult or traveling with a toddler, Pacific Park has something for you. Jude loved the Kid’s Cove area where there are rides for little ones, and we all enjoyed the ferris wheel together!
The Beach: this is a no-brainer. Miles of sand are a short walk from any of the Santa Monica hotels. Why wouldn’t you spend your afternoon there.
Annenberg Community Beach House and Splash Pad: Speaking of the beach… if you have a small child (like us) who isn’t ready for the ocean, the Annenberg Community Beach House is right on the sand and has a giant splash pads for kids to play in. Jude had so much fun for a few minutes, but then he got a little intimidated by the water (he’s 1- we’ll try again at 2).
Pool at the Fairmont: For us, pool time is solo time. Jude naps and one of us stays in the room, and the other has poolside cocktails. Whether you’re alone, with your person, or have the whole family, this place is paradise.
Heal the Bay Aquarium: Did you know there is an aquarium under the Santa Monica pier?! We didn’t! Mind blown! You can get up close with over 100 species of local marine life, and you’ll learn so much! The staff is so knowledgeable, and they have a variety of touch tanks where you can touch many of the sea creatures. A must do!
Farmer’s Market: Since we were there on a Saturday, we were able to enjoy Santa Monica’s Farmer’s Market. With all kinds of fresh produce, flowers, nuts, jams, and more, it’s one of our favorite ways to spend a Saturday morning. The market typically runs Wednesday and Saturday, but check the website for updates.

As the Traveling Newlyweds, it’s not uncommon for us to hop in the car and drive 7,000 miles to the most random parts of the country. This visit to Santa Monica reminded us that there are so many epic destinations right in our backyard, and that we have to take advantage of them more. For SoCal residents, Santa Monica is easy to get to and has the setting to instantly put you in vacation mode. So if you’re in need of a tan, a delicious meal, or need to be pampered at a hotel like the Fairmont, you should definitely indulge yourself. And thank us later.

Alli Talley

April 1, 2021

Family, Arizona, Weekenders

Why Scottsdale Was Our Toddler's First Trip

Alli Talley

April 1, 2021

Family, Arizona, Weekenders

After a short visit in 2016, we knew Scottsdale would be a place we’d be coming back to in the future. Fast-forward to 2019 when we discovered the unbelievable food scene, and we knew Scottsdale would now become an annual trip (at least). A pandemic and a newborn held us back in 2020, but it didn’t stop us from taking our first trip with our toddler (we CANNOT believe he’s one!) in 2021.

Now, when traveling with a mobile, always-hungry, always-busy, and always-loud toddler, you have to be selective. We need a spacious hotel room, tons of time outside, good food and drinks (because #toddlerlife), and ideally a dash of luxury. Scottsdale not only checks ALL of those boxes, but it’s an easy drive for us from SoCal.

Here’s why we think Scottsdale is a perfect family getaway!

Hotels Offer Space, Scenery, and Luxury (without breaking the bank)

When traveling with a toddler and a dog, it’s hard to travel light. Between our bags, a pack-and-play crib, Sally’s things… our hotel rooms can quickly feel extremely tight. But that’s not the case here! We’ve now stayed at four different properties in Scottsdale, and every room has been extremely spacious.

This trip, we split our time between the J.W. Marriott Camelback Inn and the Hotel Valley Ho—and both rooms were glorious. The J.W. Marriott sits at the base of Camelback Mountain, and we had a huge room with absolutely stunning mountain views. The Hotel Valley Ho could not be in a more ideal location (right in the center of town), and we joked that our Tower Suite room was bigger than our house.

And while we’re on the subject of hotels, we’re blown away by the amount of beautiful, luxurious, and unique properties there are in Scottsdale. It’s insane. Some of the best, most iconic and award-winning resorts are here, and they are often times running some incredible offers. And as temps start to heat up during the summer, the deals will only get better. We’re talking 60% off peak season, better. If we’re off the grid in August, it’s probably because we’re living luxuriously in a chic Scottsdale hotel cranking our AC. Keep an eye on ItsThatHot.com May-September to score some of these phenomenal deals! You’re welcome.

Not a bad sunset to be welcomed to Scottsdale!

Pool with a view at the J.W. Marriott Camelback Inn

We were obsessed with the layout and landscaping!

Sunsets from our balcony at Hotel Valley Ho!

Covid or Not, Dining Outside Can be the Norm

While we are currently in the midst of a global pandemic and dining outside is normal, it’s nothing new to Scottsdale. When we’re bundled up in the fall and winter, Arizonians are enjoying their happy hours outside with sunny 80 degree weather. It might be obnoxious when you’re looking at Scottsdale through social media and you’re sitting in a blizzard, but it is PURE BLISS when you’re there. Scottsdale offers a never-ending array of culinary delights (see next section), and it is always nice to enjoy a meal al fresco (especially if you have a baby in a high chair and a dog under the table).

Taking Jude on a stroll through Historic Old Town!

Let’s Talk Food.

I’m shocked we haven’t yet written a food-specific blog on Scottsdale. There are SO many amazing restaurants. They’re so good that it’s hard to branch out because every time we go we have to hit our favs. Here’s a list of our 10 current must-visit spots:

Cartel Coffee Lab - Always our first stop when we arrive. I (Bobby) bought some beans on this last trip and wish I would’ve brought more home. So good!
Fourtillfour - Our newest discovery, this coffee shop in Old Town Scottsdale has some delicious coffee. And they have epic car shows on the weekends.
Berdena’s - We love the vibe, and love the cappuccinos even more.
Kaleidoscope Juice - We eat a TON when we’re in town, so some days we need a juice or smoothie to start our day.
Hash Kitchen - Speaking of eating a ton… the food here is outrageous. Everything has incredible presentation and even better flavor. If you aren’t a Bloody Mary fan, this is the place to give one a try!
Belle’s Nashville Kitchen - A honky tonk featuring upscale comfort food and handcrafted cocktails? Sign us up! We went for breakfast and indulged in the hot chicken biscuit with a Bloody Mary (Bobby) and the French toast sticks with a mimosa (Alli). Enjoy shopping around Old Town after your meal!
Herb Box - A new favorite! From the salads to the sandwiches, everything here is healthy and SO tasty. It’s a perfect spot after a late-morning hike at the nearby McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
Farm & Craft - One of our favorite lunch spots, here you can order anything and know that it’ll be amazing. Trust us.
The Mission - I’m sorry that we talk about The Mission’s guac on every blog we’ve ever written about Scottsdale. It is worthy of the praise. This Mexican restaurant is a must-eat on your first visit.
Postino WineCafe - Perfect for a date night, Postino boasts incredible bruschetta boards and an impressive wine list. You can bring the whole family, but this is a great date night spot.
Brat Haus - Brats and beers are always a good idea. Especially if the mustard is on point (for Bobby, not Alli). Brat Haus has a perfect beer garden to bring the kids (and dog), with house-made sausages and craft beer that will keep you there all afternoon.

Brunch at Hash Kitchen never disappoints! What a spread!

It looks like Jude has a giant Old Fashioned to himself :)

Here’s the thing… if you Google “Best restaurants in Scottsdale”, you’ll probably get a list with a variety of other spots sprinkled in. Go to those too! You can’t go wrong! (And leave a comment below telling us your favorites—you know we’ll be back!)

Hikes, Trains Sharks, Butterflies, and Stagecoach Rides

Now that it’s time to walk off all the calories, the easiest activity is to stroll around Old Town Scottsdale and do some window shopping. Our favorite shops include Cricket + Ruby, Leela Market, and The Merchantile of Scottsdale. If you’re traveling with the whole family, or you just want a little more adventure in your day, here are some of our favorite activities.

McDowell Sonoran Preserve - A hike among the Saguaro cacti is the perfect way to start out a morning. With trails for all levels of hiker, this protected area of land is a good to unplug and for the kids to get some wiggles out!
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park - This railroad museum will blow your kid’s minds with the model train exhibits, and there’s a train to ride on too!
OdySea Aquarium - Definitely one of the highlights of our visit, the aquarium is a perfect balance of education, entertainment, and technology. The best part? The bathroom. Have an undersea experience as you wash your hands!
Butterfly Wonderland - With the largest butterfly pavilion in the US, you can enjoy both interactive exhibits along with a lush rainforest atrium full of thousands of butterflies! Amazing!
Stagecoach Ride at MacDonald’s Ranch - Located out in the stunning Sonoran Desert, MacDonald’s Ranch is the best place for a horseback or stagecoach ride. Feeling like you’ve stepped back in the Old West, there are great photo opps and areas for the kids to play. Jude loved it!

The early morning desert landscapes never get old!

Trains, trains, and more trains! Insane!

Felt like we’d transported back to the 1800s on this stagecoach ride. So fun!

Christmas in Scottsdale!

If you happen to be in Scottsdale during the holiday season, check out our blog about Christmas in Scottsdale. It couldn’t be more magical!

So as you can see, we’re obsessed with Scottsdale (and we’re pretty sure Jude is too)! We can’t wait to come visit again, there’s still so many beautiful hotels to explore, restaurants to try, and family-friendly spots to show Jude! Who’s joining us next time?