Alli Talley

October 8, 2021

3 Day Trips in Central Kansas

Alli Talley

October 8, 2021

If you couldn’t tell from our previous blog, we loved Wichita, Kansas. We'll definitely be back. There’s good coffee, tasty food and fun activities for the whole family - which is all we need (see here for more). But if you’re up for a little more adventure, there are a variety of day trips to be had in and around central Kansas. Here are our favorite day trips that we took during our last visit to Kansas.

Geographic Center of the contiguous United States

Starting with the most unique (especially to road trippers like us)... take a drive to the geographic center of the 48 states. We doubt many people can say they’ve done it! About 2.5 miles northwest of the town of Lebanon is a marker that claims to be the spot. If you watched the Super Bowl this past year (2021), the chapel on site was featured in a Jeep commercial with Bruce Springsteen.

To break up the drive from Wichita, we’d recommend a couple other quirky stops along the way (or one each way). One would be the Garden of Eden. Not the one you’re thinking of, but still pretty amazing. Known as one of the “Eight Wonders of Kansas”, a civil war vet began building this garden in 1907. Another fun stop would be Mushroom Rock State Park. Pretty straightforward… a giant rock shaped like a mushroom. Jude loved it!

Jude was the first one to the center of the 48 states!

The geographic center of the continental US!

We love finding places like the Garden of Eden. So unique!

Family photo at Mushroom Rock State Park

Lindsborg, Kansas

If you’d like to be transported to Europe, take the 1 hour drive to Lindsborg, also known as “LIttle Sweden”. Originally settled in the spring of 1869 by a group of Swedish immigrants, Lindsborg residents still take great pride in their Scandinavian roots. You can find Swedish influence all over the town - in the restaurants, shopping, and even the architecture. You’ll be obsessed with the colorful buildings and the horse sculptures (one of the national symbols of Sweden) throughout the downtown area. Be sure to visit Hemslojd for a souvenir and Black Smith Coffee for the best coffee in town.

You’ll find Scandinavian influence all around Lindsborg.

We were obsessed with the colorful buildings in Lindsbord.

Cottonwood Falls

Just over an hour northeast of Wichita lies the charming and historic town of Cottonwood Falls. Enjoy strolling the brick downtown and browsing the various antique shops and art galleries. Grab lunch at one of the restaurants in town and then spend the afternoon exploring Tall Grass Prairie Nature Conservancy. This sprawling park is great for a hike and some quiet time with nature (unless you’re traveling with a toddler like us). After your time in the park, head back downtown and grab dinner at Ad Astra, arguably one of the best restaurants in Central Kansas. You can’t go wrong with the Ribeye. :)

If you’re up for an overnighter, we’d recommend staying at the Grand Central Hotel. Boasting an incredible history and cozy rooms, you’re in for a real treat!

Hiking in the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve.

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve from the sky!

Chase County Courthouse in Cottonwood Falls.

We loved walking around downtown Cottonwood Falls.

For those that appreciate a good road trip and finding roadside hidden gems, these are the day trips for you. Since we only explored north of Wichita, we challenge you to explore other areas as well. Let us know what day trips we need to take on next trip to Kansas!

Alli Talley

October 8, 2021

USA, Road Trip, Kansas

48 Hours in Wichita, Kansas

Alli Talley

October 8, 2021

USA, Road Trip, Kansas

If you’ve been following us for awhile, you know that we’ve criss-crossed around the country numerous times in the past few years. While we’ve been able to see a LOT of this glorious country, there are definitely states that we’ve still yet to truly explore.

Kansas is one of those states. Aside from a few days in Kansas City (one of our favorite cities of all time), we’ve really only driven through Kansas on our way to other places.

That changed this summer, when we spent a week exploring Wichita and its surrounding areas. We were thrilled to find stunning scenery, amazing food and fun activities for the whole family. Initially assuming we’d write a recap blog of our time in Kansas, we decided to break it up and share one entire blog on Wichita alone. It’s THAT cool.

Whether you are passing through or enjoying a weekend adventure, here is how we would spend 48 hours in Wichita!

DAY 1

We flew into Wichita and it was an easy drive into town. And what is the first thing we do when we arrive at a new destination? Eat, of course! ;) A Wichita favorite, River City Brewing, came through in a big way. WIth a giant pretzel, sausage mac ‘n cheese, and tasty beers, we couldn’t have picked a better first stop!

After our hearty meal, we checked into the Hyatt Regency Wichita. Situated right on the Arkansas river and near all downtown attractions, the Hyatt was a perfect spot for us. The rooms are clean and spacious, and we had beautiful views of the river.

For our first full day, we’re always craving to start it off with a good coffee shop. We found Leslie Coffee Co. and were obsessed with their coffee and overall vibe. (The other people there probably weren’t obsessed with us, since Jude was just running around getting in everyone’s business. Ha!) From there we headed to Homegrown Wichita for breakfast. Located right on Naftzger Park, this is an ideal restaurant to take a toddler. Reason being, we let him run wild on the grass and get all his wiggle out, and then he is (relatively) chill while we have breakfast. Make sure to get a pop tart!

Be sure to get the pop tart at Homegrown!

If we had to pick our favorite family-friendly adventure from our time in Wichita, it would have to be Tanganyika Wildlife Park. Drive 15 minutes from downtown Wichita, and you’ll feel like you aren't in Kansas anymore (had to do it once). You’ll feel like you’ve arrived on an African safari or that you’re out on the Australian outback. With 10 interactive encounters where you can touch, feed, or ride unique species, both kids and adults will love feeding giraffes and kangaroos! Jude was freaking out over the penguins and giant tortoises.

Jude a little nervous. Probably because the giraffe’s head is bigger than his body!

Jude was also unsure about the Kangaroo’s.

We had a tasty lunch at Chicken N Pickle (Get the deviled eggs and hot chicken sandwich) and then had a quick nap time to recharge. Post-nap it was time for more coffee exploration, and Reverie Coffee Roasters was the winner. (We’d go as far as to say that it’s the best coffee in town!) They roast their own coffee and Bobby is a bit of a coffee nerd, so he loved chatting with the staff about the beans, processes, and their favs.

We walked around town after coffee and landed at Piatto Neapolitan Pizza for an early dinner. It’s always mind-blowing when you find culturally authentic cuisine thousands of miles away from it’s inspiration. This pizzeria had their 6,000 pound oven built brick by brick in Naples, and it cooks the traditional way - at 900 degrees for just over a minute. The result is a light an airy crust with fresh ingredients that truly makes you feel like you’re sitting in Italy. But you’re in Wicihta. Such a treat! Of course we had dessert after, because Alli can’t resist (Bobby and Jude too)... We shared ice cream from Milk Float and didn’t regret it :)

Go to Chicken N Pickle and get the deviled eggs!

On our final day in Wichita we started it off at Reverie Coffee Roasters again. It’s that good! We grabbed donuts at The Donut Whole and then tried to feel good about ourselves by getting juices at 86 Cold Press.

We spent the next couple hours exploring the Keeper of the Plains and the surrounding plaza. The Keeper of the Plains is a 44 foot tall steel sculpture that stands where the Little and Big Arkansas Rivers converge in downtown Wichita. It’s considered an icon of Wichita that keeps an eye on the downtown. Jude loved running around on the bridge and the nearby parks. It’s a great spot for a family photo!

From here, we headed out to explore other parts of central Kansas (see our blog for three day trips!). But we still had a list of a few restaurants we missed out on - Leslie Coffee Co. for breakfast, Newport Grill for a date night (maybe Grandma can come next time to babysit), and Prost for German beer and brats. We’ll definitely be back!

Cool

Alli Talley

October 1, 2021

Alaska, USA, Family Travel

Family Friendly Adventures in Sitka, Alaska

Alli Talley

October 1, 2021

Alaska, USA, Family Travel

Chances are if you’re a fan of cruising or romantic comedies, you’ve heard of Sitka, Alaska. Most recognizable as a cruise stop or the setting for the movie The Proposal, this charming seaside town tucked at the base of glacially carved mountains needs more appreciation. Especially as a destination for families traveling with kids.

Having recently returned from exploring Sitka with our toddler, we can confidently say it is an INCREDIBLE spot for families. The wildlife alone is reason to visit, but pair that with a variety of kid-friendly activities and good food, and you’ll have some happy campers.

Check out the Russian Orthodox church. Stunning!

This lighthouse is actually a vacation rental that sleeps 6. Next time we’re staying there :)

Here are some of our must-do’s when you go to Sitka:

Wildlife

If you go to Alaska and don’t see eagles, bears, or whales, did you even go to Alaska?!

One of our first stops during our stay was the Alaska Raptor Center, a rehabilitation center that treats over 200 birds each year. You’ll see eagles, owls, falcons, and other species around the center, and you may even spot some wild eagles hanging out just outside the grounds.

Another incredible experience just a short drive from downtown Sitka is Fortress of the Bear. The team here protects and cares for orphaned brown and black bears, and has an amazing facility for the bears. You can get within 25 feet of these beautiful giants and will enjoy learning about each of the bears from the staff. It was most definitely one of the highlights of our trip!

If you want to explore out on the water, take a day trip with Captain John from Alaska Wild Coast. Regardless of where you’re traveling from (coastal California like us or landlocked central USA), a day on the Sitka Sound will be a rejuvenating experience you won’t soon forget (And we say that having done it with a toddler!). As Captain John finds the best spots to view whales, sea otters, and other Alaskan species, be sure to soak in the snow-capped peaks and dormant volcano Mount Edgecumb as you cruise along. Our adventure had us out on the water for a couple hours followed by picnicking on our own private island. It was magical in every way!

Family-Friendly Activities

While all of the above would qualify as family-friendly, they are so wildlife focused that we figured they needed their own section. If Jude were writing this blog, all he would care to tell you is that Crescent Harbor Park in Sitka is the greatest place on earth. Although Sitka experiences rain nearly 250 days a year, this park is built for it. We were there daily and Jude would bounce from the slides to the musical instruments to the swings… and we all burned a ton of calories chasing him. (Win/win!)

Speaking of burning calories, just past the Crescent Harbor Park is the Sitka National Historic Park where you can stroll the Totem Trail Loop. This 1 mile loops features 18 replica and original totem poles carved by Alaska Native carvers. You can meander through at your leisure, chase your child from pole to pole like we did, or join a ranger-led talk where you can learn the history of the poles and carvers.

While Jude was a little too young on this trip, the Sitka Sound Science Center would be a huge hit for kids. Also near the Crescent Harbor Park, the science center boasts an aquarium, salmon hatchery, and research center. The aquarium will allow kids to touch a variety of tidal critters and learn about all the animals that live in Sitka’s surrounding oceans. You can also visit the Sheldon Jackson Hatchery, which is the oldest operation salmon hatchery in Alaska. You could spend the whole day here and your kids may leave wanting to be a marine biologist, or a salmon dinner :)

The final activity we wanted to highlight was probably the most entertaining, and that was Sitka Checkered Tours with Jeff. Jeff is a certified Southeast Alaska naturalist that guides tours of Sitka from his 1973 Checkered Marathon car. He drove us the full length of Sitka (14 miles) on a one-hour tour and shared Sitka’s history along with hilarious anecdotes about local culture. His warm and kind demeanor will have you wondering if the tour will end with dinner at his house. We hope to drive with him again!

Jude was a big fan of Crescent Harbor Park

Food

For a small town in Southeastern Alaska, we were very impressed by Sitka’s food scene. From tasty acai bowls to Russian dumplings, these are the spots you need to hit while you’re in town:

Fisheye Cafe - Tasty coffee, fresh juice, smoothies, and acai bowls… we don’t need much more than this. Except that they also have incredible lunch options that we didn’t get to try!
Bayview Pub - Too many burgers to only visit once, but if you must choose one get The Wade (because bacon and garlic aioli.)
Mean Queen - Go for the oysters and stay for the pizza (Fortress of the Pigs, please)
Ludvig’s Bistro - This needs to be near the top of your priorities. Two words: clam chowder. Make it happen.
Mangiare - A perfect spot for the whole family with tasty Italian food. And if you know the movie “The Proposal”, a cocktail server that works there (named Ramon) is who Oscar’s (from The Office) character is based on. IYKYK.
Beak Restaurant - An ideal date night spot that serves fresh, local Alaskan fare. If you look at their menu, you’ll want to be transported there now. Take us back for the Alaskan vegetable barley soup and the seared Sitka salmon. This was one of our favorite meals of the trip!

As we’ve transitioned from literal traveling newlyweds to traveling parents, we’re always on the lookout for places like Sitka. A spot where we know Jude will have plenty of places to get his wiggles out and have fun, but that we’ll enjoy ourselves too (and get to eat good food). Whether you’re traveling with toddlers or teens, Sitka has a wide range of adventures and activities that will be everything you need in a family vacation!

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.