Alli Talley

March 23, 2020

AN ADVENTUROUS (AND ROMANTIC) BABY MOON IN MORRO BAY

Alli Talley

March 23, 2020

Since we’ve found out we were expecting, it feels as though we’ve been “babymooning” non-stop. We made a list of all of the spots we wanted to be sure to visit pre-baby, and did our best to make it happen. With the exception of the Maldives (one day!!), we hit up nearly every place on our list!

As we’ve neared the impending due date, we’ve followed our doctor’s advice and kept the trips closer and closer to home. We decided to make our last and final hurrah before baby a scenic road trip up the coast of California to the coastal town of Morro Bay. We loaded up our car seat (just in case), and headed four hours north of our home in Orange County… and it was the perfect ending to the most special season.

Below are some of the trip highlights that we highly suggest y’all do - we share about where we stayed here, and where we ate here. (Two very important details, that clearly demanded their own blog post.) ;)

KAYAK WITH CENTRAL COAST OUTDOORS

The friendly husband and wife duo that run Central Coast Outdoors offer all kinds of adventurous and scenic tours - from biking, to hiking, to kayaking! We went on a half-day private kayaking tour to the dunes, where John (our knowledgeable and witty guide) set up a picture-perfect picnic lunch. And the lunch was as good as it looks!

We saw sea lions, sea otters, and harbor seals, several types of rare birds, learned about the incredible National Estuary, and thoroughly enjoyed our time out on the water. I (Alli) expected to have a harder time sitting in a kayak at eight months pregnant, but it was actually quite comfy! (Just make sure you go to the bathroom beforehand.)

John prepped our lunch while we explored the dunes!

EXPLORE THE MORRO BAY EMBARCADERO

During our three days in Morro Bay, we basically lived on the Embarcadero. Our vacation rental was steps away, most of the restaurants we visited were there, and the shops and views kept us entertained for hours. This iconic stretch is a must-see, as it’s home to some of the best scenic overlooks and many of Morro Bay’s finest attractions. Some not-to-miss spots include Crills 2 (the best saltwater taffy in town), The Shell Shop (a famous seashell sanctuary), The Garden Gallery (a jaw-dropping plant and home shop), and The Morro Bay House of Jerky (for a delicious salty snack).

We wanted everything at The Garden Gallery

ENJOY A COUPLES MASSAGE AT THE BLOOMING ROSE DAY SPA

We’ll take any excuse for a couples massage, and when we heard about Blooming Rose Day Spa, we immediately booked an appointment! This waterfront day spa (located conveniently on the Embarcadero) is warm and inviting, and the owner Alexis and her team couldn’t be nicer. Our massages were excellent (Alexis gave me an incredible prenatal massage) - and we both said we’d drive back to Morro Bay just for this! They’re mobile as well, and will happily come to your hotel/vacation rental for a more personalized experience.

SEE THE SEA OTTERS

Hands down the cutest, most playful and photogenic friends in Morro Bay are their resident sea otters. This small, sheltered bay is a perfect habitat for these adorable furry creatures, and seeing them bob and play in the water is absolutely magical. We couldn’t get enough of them! Our favorite spot to watch the otters was near the T-shaped dock by the Great American Fish Company, where there’s a giant kelp bed for them to feast on. Don’t forget your cameras!

HIKE ALONG BLACK HILL TRAIL

For the best views of Morro Rock and the surrounding area, spend an afternoon hiking along the stunning Black Hill Trail. This is the perfect hike for a babymoon, as from the parking lot, it’s an easy .6 mile round-trip trail… yes please! (For those looking for a longer hike, you can start further down Black Hill.) The sights from this 661 foot volcanic peak left us breathless, and the best part is, it’s free to the public!

TOUR THE MORRO BAY MARITIME MUSEUM

Open Thursdays-Mondays, the small but mighty Morro Bay Maritime Museum is well worth a visit. Guests can learn about California’s fascinating maritime history, walk around a rescue submarine - and if you’re lucky, you may even get to go inside! (We did, and it was SO cool.) And just like the Black Hill Trail, this beautifully executed museum is free! Win/win!

TAKE A SUNSET CRUISE WITH ESTERO ADVENTURES

One of our favorite memories from our time in Morro Bay was the sunset cruise we did on a pontoon we rented from Estero Adventures. Starting at $90 for a one-hour rental, it’s a fun and leisurely way to take in the sights of Morro Bay - and see the sea otters up close! We had the boat to ourselves, but they seat up to 8 people, so be sure to invite your friends!

WALK ALONG THE MORRO STRAND STATE BEACH

On our last day in Morro Bay we went for a morning beach walk along the Morro Strand State Beach, and it was the perfect way to close out our trip. This gorgeous coastline is absolutely spellbinding, and the views of Morro Rock are unparalleled. We didn’t want to leave! (Depending on how much time you have, we recommend bringing some blankets and a picnic, and making a day out of it!)

Nothing like long walks on the beach at 8 months pregnant :)

We really feel like we ended our babymoon adventures in the best possible location… and we’re already dreaming about the day that we get to bring our baby back to Morro Bay! Until then, we’re hunkering down and getting our home (and ourselves) ready for the baby. Any day now!!

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

December 19, 2019

Babymoon, Florida, Weekenders

The Traveling Newlyweds' Itinerary From Our Babymoon on Captiva Island

Alli Talley

December 19, 2019

Babymoon, Florida, Weekenders

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

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

STAY

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

Steps from our room were paths to glorious beaches!

PLAY

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

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

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

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

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

Riding bikes to some yummy Mexican food!

Captiva Cruises whisked us over to Boca Grande

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

We were obsessed with the colors and the lighthouse!

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

DINE

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cheers to lunch dates and virgin piña coladas!

Feeling close to home at Cantina Captiva

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

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

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

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

The Sanibel Island Lighthouse in all its glory.

Alli Talley

December 19, 2019

Babymoon, Weekenders, Florida

Why You Should Babymoon on Captiva and Sanibel Islands

Alli Talley

December 19, 2019

Babymoon, Weekenders, Florida

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

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

IT’S EASY TO GET TO & EASY TO EXPLORE

Key word here, “easy”.

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

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

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

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

IT’S LUSH & TROPICAL & OFF THE BEATEN PATH

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

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

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

YOU CAN EAT FOR TWO - THE FOOD IS THAT GOOD

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

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

Bobby wanted to eat at Key Lime Bistro daily

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

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

Mexican culinary delights at Cantina Captiva

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

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

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

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

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

Mucky Duck sunset views are always glorious!

Exploring Boca Grande. We found some stunning hotels!

IT’S AFFORDABLE

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

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

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

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

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