Bobby and Alli here from Traveling Newlyweds, letting you in on a little secret. We may talk about how we came to Sun Valley to ski… but we really came to eat. The food in this little romantic town is absolutely incredible, and every place has a story and an ambiance that’s out of a movie!! While it’s nearly impossible to narrow down our favorites, we’ve compiled a list of our top ten favorite places to dine in Sun Valley!
Bobby and Alli here from Traveling Newlyweds, letting you in on a little secret. We may talk about how we came to Sun Valley to ski… but we really came to eat. The food in this little romantic town is absolutely incredible, and every place has a story and an ambiance that’s out of a movie!! While it’s nearly impossible to narrow down our favorites, we’ve compiled a list of our top ten favorite places to dine in Sun Valley!
1. The Pioneer Saloon - If you’ve been to Sun Valley before, chances are you’ve dined at The Pioneer Saloon, and chances are you waited in line at least forty five minutes to do so. (It’s that good!!) Built in the 1940s, The Pioneer Saloon is a hopping spot for locals and visitors alike, and famous for their prime rib. The Western decor and friendly ambiance makes it quite the experience, and their food really is amazing. We ordered as we were directed and were not disappointed - the prime rib and the Jim Spud (the biggest potato you'll ever see). Come hungry... they have big portions, and everything is hearty!
2. The Round House - Fondue by the fire? Say no more! Located at the top of Baldy, it’s quite the experience! We recommend going for a late lunch (they close at 2pm) and ask to be seated by the fire. Take off your boots, warm your toes by the fire, and brace yourself for some of the best fondue you’ll ever have. Warning… you may not get back on the slopes due to food coma. It will most likely be time for a nap.
3. Grumpy’s - Hands down the best bang for your buck, and a true “local” institution! Grumpy’s is the perfect stop after an afternoon of skiing. Grab yourself an ice cold beer (after gawking at the wall of empty beer cans), a cheeseburger, and a seat at the bar. You’ll be making friends and swapping stories in no time!
4. Lizzy’s Fresh Coffee - Tucked away in a little strip mall, Lizzy’s is the best-kept secret of Ketchum/Sun Valley! Their coffee bar is only open Monday-Friday 8-11:00 AM, so make sure you plan accordingly. Lizzy’s distributes their coffee to several restaurants and shops around town, so you can catch a glimpse of the roasting process as you sip your coffee. We had a blast chatting with Lizzy herself - she’s the sweetest!
5. Trail Creek Cabin - This is quite possibly the most romantic date to have in Sun Valley. You can take a horse-drawn sleigh to the historic Trail Creek Cabin for a 3 course dinner. Every element was picture-perfect, from the incredible starry sky on the sleigh ride, the cocktails that warmed us up, and the delicious meal. We highly, highly recommend doing this… But dress warm, the sleigh ride is cold!
6. Sushi on Second - Because sushi is ALWAYS a good idea, and this local favorite is one of the best!! We recommend making a reservation in advance, and come hungry - as everything on the menu is good! One suggestion would be to explore Ketchum one afternoon, get active with some ice skating at Christina Potter’s Ice Rink as the sun sets, and build up your appetite. We loved the laid-back ambiance of the restaurant, and how friendly and helpful everyone was. Make sure you order their home made ice cream for dessert!
7. Konditorei - This cozy little breakfast spot will have you feeling as though you transported to the Swiss Alps! They boast amazing coffee (they serve Lizzy’s!), to-die-for baked goods, a huge selection of hot sauces (be careful) and tons of healthy options too! This was one spot we wished they had in California - we’d be regulars!!
8. Enoteca - We’re big Italian food fans, and Enoteca blew us away. We ordered a pizza and a pasta and split them, and everything was amazing. The vibe is modern and clean - perfect spot for a date night! Definitely make a reservation, as it’s one of the most popular restaurants in Sun Valley!
9. Warfield Distillery - After an afternoon on the slopes, nothing sounds better than a whiskey cocktail! Warfield Distillery has some of the best drinks in town, and they actually make their own gin, vodka, and beer! No matter what your cocktail of choice is, they have it and know how to make it well.
10. Wiseguy Pizza Pie - If you’re spending the day exploring Ketchum (we had just strolled through some local art galleries) and need a little pit stop, Wiseguy is our recommendation. We’re not sure what the deal is with their crust - but it is INSANE!! We were passing by and rarely say no to a good-looking pizza pie, so we agreed to share one slice. We took one bite and instantly ordered another (and Bobby was begging for a third). It’s SO good. Go. And thank us later.
There are so many other great restaurants and bars in Sun Valley that we can’t wait to check out next time we visit. If we’re missing any of your favorites, comment on this post and let us know!! We’re already compiling a list for next time! :)
A couple weeks ago we went on a weekend adventure in one of our favorite cities, Chicago. We’ll start off by saying that a weekend is simply NOT enough time to explore this beautiful, friendly, and intriguing city. But boy did we make the most of those 48 hours!! (We’re working on a blog post with all that we did and saw… so more on that later.) We’re already dreaming about our next trip to the Windy City. Partially because we weren’t able to see everything we wanted to, and partially because we absolutely ADORED where we stayed! In two short days it truly felt like home to us, which says a lot about this stunning property!
If you’ve ever stayed at a Waldorf Astoria before, you know the high level of luxury, detail, and comfort you can expect at every location. The staff is attentive, friendly, and knows everything about the city. They upgraded us to the most beautiful suite, the "Astoria Suite" that had panoramic views of the downtown, a living room and the coziest little balcony! When we arrived, we found some tasty chocolates and a bottle of red wine waiting for us. It was so picturesque with the fire place in our room that we didn't want to eat the chocolate (hehe that didn't last long). Once we popped the bottle, we spent our time between our cozy fireplace and watching the hustle and bustle of the city below from our balcony.
Speaking of hustle and bustle - the location of the Waldorf Astoria is beyond ideal. Located in Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood, we were surrounded by tons of amazing restaurants, incredible shopping, as well as Lake Michigan. We walked EVERYWHERE and were just a few blocks from the water. For us, location is incredibly important when picking a hotel, and finding a spot that’s just right in a big city can be overwhelming. The Waldorf definitely did not disappoint!
We’re big critics when it comes to hotel beds. Let’s be real - there’s nothing better than a fluffy, comfy, hotel bed. And boy did the Waldorf Astoria deliver!! This bed was GOALS. The perfect amount of fluff and firm - and that balance is hard to find! We could’ve spent all day right there!!
Another bonus - They have 2 delicious restaurants, both curated by one of our favorite chefs, Michael Mina! Petit Margeaux is a french patisserie located in the lobby, great for coffee, cocktails, pastries, and savory baked goods. Margeaux Brasserie, which gives off the vibes of a Parisian cafe and combines it with delicious french cuisine and a fantastic bar. One we gauge the quality of a restaurant/bar is the bartender. You know you're at a good spot if the bartender can whip up a custom concoction based on what you say you like - which is exactly what we experienced here. If you stay at the Waldorf, you must go to Petit Margeaux for your morning coffee and pastry, and start your evening with a whiskey cocktail from Margeaux Brasserie. You're welcome.
We could really go on and on about Chicago’s Waldorf Astoria, but you truly have to experience it to believe it. Next trip to Chi-town give it a try… and take us with you. ;)
If you’ve been following us for awhile, you know by now that we’re big fans of weekend trips. They’re easy to plan, easy to prepare for, and they do wonders to what would otherwise be a monotonous week. Because we both have full time jobs, we LIVE for spontaneous (or planned) weekend getaways!! This past weekend we adventured to Dana Point, a quaint Southern California beach town (just south of Laguna Beach), and it was the PERFECT weekend destination! The stunning resorts (if you’re short on time – scroll to bottom for quick rundown on the resorts), delicious restaurants, beautiful views and crystal clear ocean… Dana Point is a dream. Here’s what we did:
FRIDAY:
First stop on our weekend trip was lunch at Coastal Kitchen. Located on the Pacific Coast Highway, we HIGHLY recommend stopping here - even for a drink! The ambiance is amazing, the servers are so kind, and the french fries are some of the BEST we’ve ever had. No kidding, we take french fries very seriously. Make a stop at Coastal Kitchen, if only for the french fries.
We had some time to kill after lunch, so we headed to one of our favorite hidden gems of Dana Point. Across the street from Doheny State Beach is the Doubletree Suites Doheny Beach. They have an amazing bar on their rooftop with KILLER ocean views. Best part is? It was just us and a few locals up there! This truly is one of the best kept secret spots in Dana Point… so don’t tell too many people. ;)
Next item on our agenda: check into our hotel! We stayed at the Monarch Beach Resort, a property that honestly blew us away. It sits atop a hill overlooking the Pacific, and it has it all: stellar service, amazing restaurants, and championship caliber golf. Our room was beautiful, with stunning views of the property and the pool. AND THAT POOL!! Absolutely dreamy. We took a quick power nap (the big comfy bed was calling our names!) and then headed out to explore.
Speaking of which: One thing that we LOVED about the Monarch Beach Resort is all of the transportation options. There’s a complimentary driver for guests, that will drop you off anywhere in an 8 mile radius! There’s also the Dana Point Trolley that stops at the resort every ten minutes, and makes a giant loop around the town. AND the Monarch Beach Resort has their own little trolley that will take you to the beach! But more on that later...
First stop of the night was at The Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel, located right on the water. We arrived right as the sun was setting, and the views were glorious. We sipped our cocktails, made some friends at the bar, and watched the sunset. Could this night get any better?!
The answer is yes. Definitely, yes. While it was hard to leave the gorgeous views at the Ritz, we were getting hungry, and we’d made dinner reservations at a new restaurant in town called the Craft House. We sat outside, ate a delicious dinner, and tried some of their famous whiskey cocktails. Needless by the time we got back to our room we were exhausted - and that big hotel bed couldn’t have felt better!
SATURDAY:
Saturday morning, we slept in (obviously!) and then decided to take the complimentary car to the Dana Point Harbor. It’s one of our favorite spots in Dana Point - there’s several restaurants, shops and bars, and a really scenic walking path along the water. We walked for awhile and then grabbed a bagel and some juice at the local’s favorite, Coffee Importers. If you go, make sure you get the California Bagel: cream cheese, avocado, tomato, red onions, and lemon pepper. The BEST!
We meandered our way to yet another stunning resort, The Laguna Cliffs Marriott, located directly above the harbor. Another one of our favorite “secret” spots in Dana Point is the coffee shop inside the hotel. There's the perfect deck just outside to sit and drink your coffee and look out at the ocean. Plus, on Saturdays they offer free yoga classes on their front lawn, so we watched over a hundred people do yoga as we drank our coffee! Drinks and a show!! ;)
We took the trolley back to the Monarch Beach Resort (can we take trolleys everywhere from now on?!), and we headed straight to the pool! We had the most relaxing couple of hours reading, swimming, and napping in the sun. And then we decided to head to the beach.
Like we said earlier, the Monarch Beach Resort has their own little trolley that takes guests to their private beach resort.
Later in the afternoon, Alli treated herself to a trip to the Drybar - located in the Monarch Beach Resort’s lobby. If you haven't been to a Drybar, whether you're a girl or a guy, you've got to try it. $45 for them to wash your hair, massage it, and style it. YES PLEASE! It's really the best thing ever.
After Alli's hair was perfected (Thanks Caitlin!!), we headed to the Stonehill Tavern, the famous Micheal Mina restaurant, also located inside Monarch Beach Resort ( We're telling you - one stop shop)! This ended up being hands down one of our favorite "date nights" so far. From the sexy ambiance, to the amazing service, to the mouthwatering food... everything was perfect.
A few highlights for when you go:
1. The bread and butter. Serious - the homemade sourdough with the honey, ricotta, thyme, and sea salt spread was one of our favorite things we ate. And it's free - so ask for seconds. And thirds.
2. They have an amazing sommelier that will help you choose your wine - tell him what you like, and let him surprise you. He's really that good!
2. The truffle mac and cheese. Nothing else needs to be said - just get it. And eat it. And love it.
3. The root beer float and chocolate chip cookies dessert. Two of our favorite things together, it really doesn't get any better.
SUNDAY
This was the perfect morning to sleep in - not only because we were in the most HEAVENLY bed, but because the British Open was on, making it a great excuse for breakfast in bed! ;) We ate breakfast, watched Jordan Spieth rock the British Open, and packed our bags. Taking our time and leisurely leaving an amazing resort is our best way to say goodbye - we leave feeling like we truly maximized our stay.
We left Monarch Beach Resort (boo hoo) and headed to the Craft House (again!!) for brunch. Yep, we like it that much that we had to go again! We met some friends and enjoyed bottomless mimosas, avocado toasts, and really delicious breakfast sandwiches. Nothing like two breakfasts in one day!! ;)
Our last (and final) Dana Point outing was stopping by the "Concerts in the Park". Happening every Sunday afternoon through Labor Day, the city hosts an INCREDIBLE (and FREE!) outdoor concert series featuring the most amazing cover bands. We were lucky to hear an Abba tribute band, and boy did they rock. Perfect way to close out the most memorable weekend getaway we've had in awhile!!
Four Can’t Miss Resorts in Dana Point – QUICK SNAPSHOT
Strengths: Affordable, Clean and classic beach-y theme, Ocean views
Why Here? The Double Tree offers amazing views of the famed Doheny State Beach from rooms, rooftop bars, and secret patios. It is the most affordable of the four resorts, so if your on a vacation with the whole family this is a fantastic option. The Double Tree offers easy access to the Dana Point Harbor, and is walking distance (5 minutes) from Doheny, which is a great beach for surfing (lessons available), tanning, volleyball, biking, and chasing sunsets. Our favorite spot is the Longboard Rooftop Lounge! Bring the family and prepare for some long beach days full of sand castles, surfing, weenie roasts, and s’mores! The Double Tree won’t even be mad if you come back a little sandy…
Strengths: Dana Point harbor location, Hilltop views, Relaxed luxury
Why Here? The Laguna Cliffs Marriott is perched atop a hill looking over the picturesque Dana Point Harbor. The property is surrounded by pathways that meander their way to Doheny State Beach, the Harbor, and to the shops along PCH above. This is a prime location if you plan on nestling in the harbor or have any maritime activities planned. From the Marriott, your only steps away from eating a scrumptious brunch at RJ’s, learning to hang-ten at Doheny, educating yourself on local sea life at the marine institute, or indulging in a famous (and strong) mai-tai at Wind & Sea.
Strengths: Grandiose five-star luxury resort vibes, Incredible restaurant options, Pool-side AND Beach-side service
Why Here? We may be a bit biased (because we stayed here), but the Monarch Beach Resort may be our favorite when it comes to resorts in Dana Point. It has it ALL. It is a large (but not overwhelming) property on a beautiful golf course overlooking the Pacific, and it boasts five-star service, rooms, and restaurants. One of our favorite aspects is that you can spend your day tanning by the pool and when you get tired of the pool-scene you can hop on their private trolley to head down to their beach club. So it’s your choice… margaritas by the pool, or by the crashing waves? After the day in the sun, indulge in AVEO Table + Bar for Mediterranean food, or Stonehill Tavern for elegant tavern fare. You won't regret either, we promise. From the moment the valet attendant opens your door, the Monarch Beach Resort takes you to the blissful vacation mode that everybody hopes for.
Strengths: Unrivaled ocean and coastline views, Impeccable five-star service, Timeless décor, Best overall beach access
Why Here? The grand-daddy of them all, the Ritz has a history of luxury, flawless experiences, and knowing how to spoil their guests. Honeymooners, splurgers, and those in need of a pampering… the Ritz may be for you. You can be confident that if you book a room at the Ritz, you will have an unforgettable experience and likely will return home with tan skin and a full belly. Indulge in their amazing Raya, spend the day at Salt Creek beach, and watch the sunset from the best viewpoint in all of DP, 180blũ. This oceanfront lounge sits on the edge of the cliff where you can watch the surfers, as well as catch the last moments of color and light as the sun tucks below the pacific curtain. “Ritz Carlton” is synonymous with luxury, and the Ritz Laguna Niguel will likely exceed whatever you envision prior to your stay.
Thank you to Visit Dana Point for sponsoring this post!
One of our favorite things about traveling is the random bucket-list experiences we get to share together. Sometimes we don't even know how bucket-list they are until we actually experience them!!
Anyway, a dude ranch is one of those experiences. We didn't really know what to expect or what we were in for, and man... was it epic. Have you seen the show, "Hey Dude" on Nickelodeon? It's pretty on point...
Ghost Canyon Ranch is in the heart of the Black Hills of South Dakota, minutes from Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, and the Crazy Horse Memorial. The ranch was established in 1878, and recently was taken over by Trevor and Laura Bryan and their family. They are passionate about family, nature, and horses and will definitely show you a great time. Ghost Canyon Ranch is a PERFECT place for a group gathering (family reunions!), as it has a capacity for 20 and offers an all-inclusive Western experience. You'll enjoy refreshing mountain air, gorgeous evenings, horseback riding, fishing, and relaxing. All this to say, or stay at Ghost Canyon Ranch was far to short. We basically got a taste of what a vacation on the ranch could be, and we can't wait to be back.
We arrived in the afternoon and were greeted warmly by Trevor and Laura. We had a pretty long day of travel and we were tired, hungry, and pretty wiped out from the drive. They welcomed us with a big hug, showed us our room (more like a house!), and led us to the dining room where they had a full steak dinner waiting for us. And it was SO GOOD!
We shared stories of our travels, learned about how they met, and got the scoop on what a "Dude Ranch" really is - a working ranch that accepts guests. So you can come to relax, or get to work! These past few years since they took over Ghost Canyon Ranch has been really busy for them, as word has traveled about how amazing their ranch really is. We went to bed feeling full, excited, and really honored for the opportunity to be there.
The next morning we woke up to picture-perfect views of the ranch, and the smells of breakfast calling us to the dining room. Laura greeted us with another home cooked meal, and told us to get our sneakers on. It was time to feed the horses!!
Laura and Trevor told us all about each horse, where they came from, their temperament, and how they daily care for each of their animals - they even let us help brush them! Odie the goat was the highlight of our morning, as he followed us around and ate from our hands - of course we HAD to get a picture with him!
As we said above, our time at Ghost Canyon Ranch was too short. We had some amazing home cooked meals, got to enjoy a beautiful evening, a lazy morning, and the peaceful silence you can only find in nature. We didn't have time to go on a horseback riding trip through the mountains, watch the sunset from their jacuzzi, or get get to work as a couple of ranch-hands... but we'll be back.
We'll definitely be back.
Thank you to South Dakota Tourism for sponsoring this post!
