Alli Talley

September 1, 2018

Paradise Exists: And it's at the Andaz Maui

Alli Talley

September 1, 2018

Our bucket list is long - really long. It grows daily, actually. Our wanderlust spirits crave new experiences, new cultures, new adventures. We’re not the types to go to the same place over and over again, there’s just too much on this earth we’ve yet to explore!

That being said, we have a small handful of spots that we would gladly return to. Places that we love, places that we crave, places that we start to miss the second that we leave… and Maui is one of them. There’s something about the people, the weather, the food, the wildlife. There’s just something so incredibly special about this little Hawaiian island. If you’ve been, you know. If you haven’t, keep reading.

We hit a point every year where we begin to have Maui withdrawals. It doesn’t take long before we have our flights, room, and rental car booked (If our budget allows for it). This year, we decided to head to a part of the island that we’d never been before : Wailea, and to a hotel that has been on our bucket list for years: the Andaz Maui.

Ever since we stayed at the Andaz Papagayo in Costa Rica, we’ve been hooked on this brand. Their attention to detail, the cool, modern style of the properties, the friendly and attentive staff, the food, the drinks, even the rainfall showers in the room. It’s all done SO well. One look at the Maui property online and it was love at first sight.

It’s even better in person! If you are planning a trip to Maui (and you should), we strongly believe this is the best hotel on the island. Yep, we said it. And we stand by it. Here’s why:

LOCATION

You simply can’t beat the location of the property. It’s right on what we consider not only the prettiest beach in Wailea, but the best one for snorkeling. Seriously, the coral reefs there made Alli cry. Highlight of the trip. The Andaz Maui is also walking distance to restaurants, hotels, Lapperts Ice Cream (very important), shops, and more. If you don't feel like walking, no problem! The Andaz has private cars that will take you wherever you want to go (within a two mile radius).

THE POOLS

Photos can't quite portray how breathtakingly beautiful their infinity pools are. At first glance it almost doesn’t look real! We spent the majority of our time pool-hopping around the different infinity pools, and it was glorious. There’s plenty of lounge chairs, complimentary Sun Bum sunscreen, books for guests to enjoy, cold water, Mai Tai’s, and ahi poke when you get hungry. One afternoon the Andaz staff handed out free mochi ice cream for guests to enjoy poolside. Heaven? Basically.

THE SERVICE

We’re big on guest experience. Nothing makes us happier than good customer service. If you want our loyalty, treat us well! At the Andaz Maui, guests are treated like royalty. From the smiling faces of the bellmen to the pool attendants, to the talented mixologists, everyone is eager to serve. The second you arrive at the pool they’re making sure your chair is set with towels, your umbrella is where you want it, and your every need is met. It’s absolutely spoiling in every way.

THE AMENITIES

Here’s the deal. The Andaz Maui isn’t cheap. You can google hotels in the area and probably find a handful of options that are significantly cheaper. But chances are you’ll make up that difference in all of the extra things you end up needing to buy/rent. Here’s just a few of the things that your resort fee covers at The Andaz Maui:

Fitness classes: bootcamps, yoga,
Outrigger canoe excursions
Snorkel gear
Stand up paddle board classes
Mixology classes
Ukelele classes
Lei making classes
Boogie boards

And so much more! There are SO many extra perks to staying at the Andaz. And if you’ve been following us for awhile, you know we LOVE good perks. Like we said, you’re paying a premium to stay in the best location on Maui, have everything you need at your beck and call, and have unlimited activities to keep the whole family entertained. When you’re in the mood to relax, nothing is better than a one-stop shop, and the Andaz Maui is exactly that.

Have we sold you yet? We could go on and on about how epic our room was, how insane their breakfast buffet is, how amazing the live nightly music was… But we’ll let the photos do the talking. Stay at the Andaz Maui. And take us with you. Please.

Alli Talley

August 22, 2018

Travel Essentials

Quick Camping Getaway with Coleman!

Alli Talley

August 22, 2018

Travel Essentials

We aren’t the typical camper-types.

Sure, we’re adventurous, we’re spontaneous, and we love the outdoors, but we’ve always been a little hesitant to camp. We equate camping with a lot of work and little sleep. For that reason, we’ve never considered ourselves “campers”...

Until now.

Friends, we recently got hold of some Coleman camping gear and tested it out at O’Neill Regional Park, and we’ve been transformed. We actually really love camping, and we’ll say it loud and clear, “WE’RE CAMPERS.” Why you ask? Because camping means something different to everyone, and we did it our way… with the snazziest, “glamp-iest” Coleman equipment in town! (Or should we say, in the woods?) Here’s what converted us:

The 6 Person Dark Room Tent

Before this trip, the thought of setting up a tent made us cringe. You know those movies where it takes the dad all day to set up an old, ricketty tent? That’s what we thought of. But we kid you not, this tent took us MAYBE 20 minutes to put together. IT WAS SO EASY. SO EASY. It’s lightweight, sturdy, and incredibly spacious - which is important to us. We like having the ability to walk around in our tent, and the ability to have a…

Queen Double High Airbed

Oh boy oh boy, this airbed was the real gamechanger. Not because it was easy to blow up (which it was), or because it fit perfectly in our tent with plenty of room to spare (which it did), but because we slept like BABIES. It honestly rivaled our bed at home!! Speaking of which, instead of using traditional sleeping bags, we brought our sheets and bedspread - which was not only super comfy, but looked super cute as well!

50 QT. Extreme Wheeled Cooler

Say hello to the Cadillac of coolers! This beauty not only kept our food and drinks cold without a hitch, but it was incredibly easy to operate and move around. Depending on where we were hanging out, we’d cart it over closer to us. (You know, to grab that extra drink or piece of chocolate.) We also loved the size - it’s deep enough that it holds A LOT, but it’s not as wide as typical coolers, so it’s easy to pack in our car!

360 Sound + Light Lantern (used with your personal phone)

We’ll let you in on a little secret… Alli’s afraid of the dark. Nothing spooks her out more than dark, mysterious places, and not being aware of her surroundings. We were AMAZED at how bright this Coleman lantern could be. She was never nervous or frightened in the least, and you better believe that everywhere she went, that lantern went too! It has three light settings, so it works great no matter your whereabouts. But you know what the best part is??

IT’S ALSO A SPEAKER!!

Yep! The lantern connects easily to your phone, giving you the ability to play all of your favorite tunes while beating your partner in a round of “Tick” (currently our favorite card game). Or, it gives you the excuse to have a dance party in the middle of the day - we did!

Cooler Quad Chairs

Like we said earlier, we’re not the “typical” campers - and there is nothing typical about these chairs. Assembly is easy (as in, there is no assembly, they just pop open!), and they have the coolest features.

There is a cooler in one of the armrests, that holds up to four cans of beer. How genius is that?!?
On the other armrest there’s a side pocket that’s big enough to hold your magazines, a book, an Ipad, whatever you want!
The seat is fully cushioned, making it SO incredibly snug!

These Coleman products totally changed our views on camping. They showed us how fun, stylish, and COMFORTABLE a few nights at a campground can be! Even our pup Sally had the time of her life! So, where should we camp next?

Alli Talley

August 21, 2018

Canada

Stoked on Revelstoke! We'll Be Back!

Alli Talley

August 21, 2018

Canada

Revelstoke definitely took us by surprise. We didn’t know much about this little mountain town in British Columbia, but when the word “stoke” is in the name, you know it just might be cool. And it definitely was.

Just a couple hours north of Kelowna, Revelstoke sits in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, and attracts ski, snowboard, and ski-jumping enthusiasts. You may not have heard of it, because their runs are not for the faint of heart. Steep, challenging, and advanced level are all words that locals use to describe Revelstoke’s ski runs. In short, this is where the pro’s go. And in the summertime, it’s a nature-lovers dream! There’s stunning scenery, epic trails, and even a “Pipe Mountain Coaster”! (More on that below) Here’s where we stayed, where we ate, and what we did (you know, the most important things) during our time in Revelstoke… Enjoy!

WHERE TO STAY

We stayed at the quaint Regent Hotel, right in the middle of downtown Revelstoke, for two nights. Not only did we love this hotel’s location, we loved how attentive they were to their guests. The staff was incredibly friendly and accomodating - and in two short days they felt like family! They also are home to a few of our favorite Revelstoke restaurants… more on those below!

WHERE TO EAT

River City Pub (located in the Regents Hotel): Typically when we think of “pub food” we think of mediocre burgers, cold french fries, and flavorless mac n’ cheese. Not the case with this cozy pub! Not only is the food REALLY good, but the vibe is fun too! Play pool and make some friends while you’re there!

112 Restaurant & Lounge (located in the Regents Hotel): Intimate, romantic, and downright delicious… 112 is the premier “date spot” in Revelstoke. This steakhouse is the perfect mix of modern and classic - and their menu is mouth-wateringly good. You won’t go wrong.

Dose Coffee: This trendy coffee spot not only has super fast wifi (always a plus!!), but really great coffee, and really friendly service! We came here three times! (We didn’t try the food, but it looked good!)

Big Bend Cafe: Hearty breakfasts and fresh, substantial lunch. This is the spot to come for nourishment after a long morning hike. We were big fans of their salads!

The Modern Bakeshop and Cafe: Oh man, we’re still craving their baked goods… everything we tried was delicious! Several gluten free options and “healthy” baked options, so you won’t feel as bad for ordering a few!

Monashee Spirits Craft Distillery: Both nights we spent in Revelstoke, this was always our first stop. Not only are they dog friendly (you read that right - you can bring your dog INSIDE!), but their cocktails are incredible. Bobby loved the Caesar (Canadian Bloody Mary that's like a whole meal!), and Alli loved the Julip!

WHAT TO DO:

The Pipe Mountain Coaster: If you love a good thrill, you HAVE to do the Pipe Mountain Coaster. After all, it IS Revelstoke’s #1 summer attraction! This coaster takes you down a track over a mile long, through lots of twists, turns and drops… it’s a freaking BLAST!!

Hike to Bigbee Falls: This was one of our favorite hikes on our trip. It’s lush, and green, and the falls are the most perfect shade of blue. You can roam all along the falls - just be careful!

Explore Downtown: Downtown Revelstoke is storybook cute. Spend some time exploring the shops and restaurants, and on Saturday’s the have an amazing farmers market!

There you have it. Our list is rather short, simply because we were only in Revelstoke for two days. But it’s safe to say we are Revel-STOKED and can’t wait to come back!!

Alli Talley

August 19, 2018

Canada

Great Wine North of the Border - Kelowna, Canada

Alli Talley

August 19, 2018

Canada

Driving into Canada was quite the thrill. We had no idea what to expect - having heard mixed reviews as to whether it would be an all-day ordeal, or a drive-right-in kind of experience. Thankfully, it was the latter. (Make sure you have your passports, and if you’re bringing your pet(s) that you have their proper documentation!) We waited maaaaaaybe 20 minutes to cross the border - and just like that, we were in Canada!!

We entered through the Oroville/Osoyoos area (which was SO FAST), and the drive into Kelowna was absolutely breathtaking. We passed through lush farmland with dozens of produce stands (we stopped for peaches and cherries- and they were DELICIOUS), and made our way through rolling, green vineyards, all the way to the picturesque town of Kelowna.

Kelowna is one of those towns that makes you think, “How come I’ve never heard of this place before?” Located right on the Okanagan Lake in the Okanagan Valley, Kelowna boasts beautiful hotels, award-winning restaurants, lake activities, golf, breweries, cideries, distilleries, picture-perfect wineries, and SO MUCH MORE. (Whew. That was a long sentence.)

We checked into the Delta Hotels Grand Okanagan Resort, located right on the Okanagan Lake, jaws dropped and in awe… It’s truly a stunning property! Sally was welcomed right away with a goodie bag full of treats and pampering deals, and the welcome desk was incredibly helpful and kind.

Our room was bright, airy and spacious - with plenty of room for the 3 of us to stretch out. The Grand Okanagan team even left some treats for Bobby and I too… which is always a fun surprise! Our room looked out at their charming pool area, and while we never had time to take advantage of it, we ALWAYS appreciate a good pool where we stay!!

Now, let’s talk wineries. We had NO IDEA Kelowna had such incredible wine. The Okanagan Valley is British Columbia’s premier grape growing region, with over 180 licensed wineries! Because of high import fees and taxes, these wines rarely make it outside of Canada - which makes them extra special! Tasting fees are usually only around $5/person, and are waved if you buy a bottle or two. Some of our favorites wineries we visited were:

Hatch Winery: Awesome branding, great wines, great staff. A local favorite - and for good reason!
Quail's Gate: Beautiful views and delicious wine! Definitely one of the more popular, touristy wineries, but worth a stop!
Mission Hill: Another popular/touristy spot, but their property is STUNNING - and we absolutely loved their wine!
Arrowleaf Cellars: This boutique winery may have been our favorite. They have incredible views of the lake, and several delicious varietals. Next time we’ll do lunch on their veranda - it’s breathtaking!

It goes without saying that we did NOT go hungry while we were in Kelowna. The Grand Okanagan Hotel is walking distance to just about every good restaurant in the city, and we’re pretty sure we hit up most of them. Some notable ones that should not be missed, are:

Bean Scene for Coffee: We went here every day. Our friend Holly told us about their famous “Cosmic Cookie” and how it changed her life. It changed ours too.
Sunny’s Modern Diner for Breakfast: Delicious, hearty breakfasts with a twist. Bobby ordered Chicks on a Raft, which had scrambled eggs, bacon, green onion, sharp cheddar and PEANUT BUTTER, all on a baguette - sounds weird (and is), but he's still raving about it.
BNA Brewing Co: Awesome beers and cocktails, but if nothing else, come here for the zucchini fries. One of the best things we had in Kelowna. (Oh, and they have a pretty sweet bowling alley in the restaurant too!)
Antico Pizza: Thin crust pizza that tastes like it’s fresh off of the streets in Italy. Need we say more?

Even though we were only there for a few nights, Kelowna could easily be a week-long destination. From going out on the lake, to wine tasting, to exploring the city center.. There’s SO much to do. From what the locals told us, fall is an epic time to come. The leaves are changing, the air is crisp, and it’s not as busy as the summer season.

We’re in.

Alli Talley

August 18, 2018

Oregon, USA

Bend Lived Up to the Hype

Alli Talley

August 18, 2018

Oregon, USA

Bend is one of those cities that our friends RAVE about.

The river, the hiking, the friendly locals, the epic breweries, the food trucks… We’d heard it all. When we set our minds on doing a road trip, it was one of the first cities we decided on. It was about time we saw what all the Bend hype was about… and wow, our friends were right.

Out of all of the places we’ve visited on our roadtrip, Bend is one of the few spots we actually said, “We could live here”. It really has it all. Beautiful weather, incredible scenery, awesome locals (for real - Bend attracts cool people), and some of the best food we’ve had on our trip! Because there was so much to see and do, our stay in Bend was one big dreamy whirlwind, but we’ll do our best to share what stood out!

WHERE WE STAYED

Tetherow is a resort in Bend that borders the forest, has an 18-hole golf course, has a pool, three restaurants, and is minutes from downtown. Oh - and they’re dog friendly!! It’s incredible.

Some of our highlights were sitting on our porch watching golfers tee off, or watching the sunset behind the mountains. Tetherow felt like our own little oasis.. It was peaceful, cozy, and had all the luxuries of a 5-star resort. Their beds are SO plush and comfy, even Sally couldn’t resist them!

We could’ve easily spent our whole time there! But like we said, there was too much to see, do, and eat in Bend, so we tried to pull ourselves away from the amazing Tetherow Resort at least once or twice a day! ;)

WHERE WE ATE (AND DRANK)

Oh man, the food options in Bend are limitless!! We did the best we could for only being there for 3 days, but there are soooo many other places we have yet to discover. For now, here’s what we tried (and loved):

The Sparrow Bakery: Delicious coffee, mouth-watering pastries (try their famous Ocean Roll!), and breakfast sandwiches we’ll be craving for months.. This place is a must.
Backporch Coffee Roasters: Solid coffee, chill vibes. You can’t go wrong.
McKay’s Cottage: If you love a good hearty breakfast, you’ll die and go to heaven at McKay’s. It took us a solid 20 minutes to decide on what we were going to order, everything sounded amazing… And it is. (Don’t leave without a chocolate chip cookie!)
Fix and Repeat: The cutest little juicebar (that even has smoothies for dogs)! Order a toast or two while you’re there because why not? It’s healthy! (And SO GOOD)
Crux Fermentation Project: Probably our favorite brewery in Bend (that we’ve been to so far, at least.) Crux has awesome drafts in a really fun, chill, and dog-friendly environment. Bring a deck of cards and chill on their lawn for a few hours, just like the locals do!
Spoken moto: What do motorcycles, good coffee, craft beer, live music, and food trucks have in common? Not much - but you can find them all at Spoken Moto! It’s laid-back atmosphere is perfect for a Saturday afternoon, or pretty much any day really!
Spork: Global cuisine that is crave-worthy. This place is popular (be prepared to stand in line for 30+ minutes), but it’s worth the wait. Order the Lomo Saltado and the Spicy Fried Chicken and mmm.. You’ll thank us later!
Thailandia Food Truck: Best pad thai we’ve ever had. Fresh, healthy, and full of flaver. Oh, and it’s from a food truck. That’s Bend for ya!

WHAT WE DID

To be honest, we mostly ate our way around Bend.

We did walk a lot, and enjoyed meandering our way along the Deschutes! We also went to the Oregon High Desert Classics, which is a free horse show in Bend. Dogs are allowed, so we had a blast introducing Sally to some horses… she wasn’t as entertained as we were!

These are some awesome trails that we heard about from some friends, and definitely some fun spots to float along the river, but we just didn’t have enough time. We have to save some things for our next trip, right?

Not only does Bend have it all, it still has the small-town charm that makes it relatable. We quickly learned our way around town, and numerous times we’d recognize people or run into someone we’d already met! We left feeling like honorary Bend locals. (Even though there is still SO much we have yet to discover.)

Winter road trip to Bend, anyone?

Sidenote - for those of you that love road tripping in an RV, Bend is the PERFECT destination. One way to cut hotel costs (and add to the adventure!) is by renting an RV with RVshare. They're the largest, safest and most trusted RV rental marketplace with wide ranging inventory from affordable pop-ups to luxury motorcoaches. Whether it's just you and your significant other out on the open road, or you're planning a trip with your family - they have something for everyone! They even have pet friendly RV rentals too! RVshare also has 24/7 emergency roadside assistance on every booking, making it a very safe and trustworthy travel option. Head to RVshare.com to learn more!