Alli Talley

December 13, 2018

Our Love Affair with Taos

Alli Talley

December 13, 2018

Where do we even begin?!

The rugged beauty, the friendly and eclectic locals, the vibrant history, the cozy inns… Taos, New Mexico stole our hearts. Walking through the downtown, exploring the Pueblo, watching the snowfall… it all felt like a movie. A movie we didn’t want to end!

If you’ve ever been, you’ll know what we’re talking about. And if you haven’t yet made it to Taos, please add it to your list. Right now.

Once you get there (preferably around Christmas time), here’s what you should do:

1. STAY AT CASA GALLINA:

Have you ever stayed somewhere where you instantly felt at home? That’s Casa Gallina. Innkeeper Richard has done a phenomenal job with his rustic property - it’s that perfect mix of quaint and eclectic, and just about everywhere you turn is a photo opportunity. Spanish for “Hen House”, every morning we were greeted with fresh eggs (from the 40+ chickens they have on-site - hence the name), fresh coffee, baked goods, and even a frozen chicken treat for Sally! We’d sip on our coffee, whip up some eggs, and snuggle up by our fire. Our two-story casita (we stayed in the Bantam Roost) was so perfectly cozy we were tempted to never even leave the property! It’s THAT magical. Stay at Casa Gallina. Please. And bring us with you!

2. GO IN DECEMBER:

Don’t get us wrong - we’re anxious to experience Taos in another season, but the holiday season here is something special. Thanksgiving through December is “Yuletide in Taos” - a plethora of festive and unique New Mexican traditions and events. From yuletide caroling and tree lighting ceremonies to holiday fiestas and bonfires, it truly is the most wonderful time of the year in Taos!

We had a blast at the “Lighting of Ledoux”, where the historic street of Ledoux glows with the light of farolitos, luminarias, and bonfires. Local shops and galleries are open late, and locals and travelers alike are roasting marshmallows and swapping stories. It was beautiful.

3. VISIT THE PUEBLO:

Famous for being one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the country, the Taos Pueblo was built roughly 1,000 years ago. This historic (and tiny) village brings in tens of thousands of visitors each year, and it’s easy to see why. You feel as though you’re stepping back in time!

Built entirely out of adobe, over 100 Taos Indians still call the Pueblo home. $10 gives you access to the Pueblo, an informational walking tour (that we highly recommend), and the freedom to walk around and explore on your own. It’s incredible!

4. EAT EVERYTHING:

Ok, maybe not everything - but there’s a lot of good food in Taos! Whether you’re in the mood for something light and healthy, or you’re craving some hearty New Mexican cuisine, they’ve got it all. Here are a few of our favorite spots:

Orlando’s: New Mexican cuisine with a twist. This is what we consider to be the best place to try red and green chile. Our favorite was red!.
Lambert’s of Taos: Head straight up the stairs to their “Treehouse Bar”, where you can grab a seat with the locals and order off their bar menu (Which we prefer!). Nothing tastes better than their Flat Iron Steak and Mediterranean Plate after a long day of sightseeing!
Taos Cow: Located in Arroyo Seco, this ice cream shop has been named one of the best in the nation - and we have to agree. Try the Mexican Chocolate!
Parcht Bottleshop + Bites: We loved this little wine shop. The people are friendly and very knowledgeable when it comes to wine, and their cheese boards are top notch.
The Love Apple: This is the perfect date night spot. They serve local and organic food in a quaint and romantic setting. We’d go back to Taos just for this spot! Make a reservation in advance - and it’s cash only, so plan accordingly!
Manzanita Market: Cute, fresh and healthy - we stopped in this cafe numerous times for a snack or a breakfast sandwich.
Chokola Bean To Bar: Small batch, organic chocolates that are not only high in quality, but they’re also absolutely delicious. (And they’re happy to have you sample it.) If it’s cold outside, try their drinking chocolate!

5. DRINK A LOT OF COFFEE:

If you’ve been following us for a while, you know we love good coffee. We’re happy to report that Taos’ coffee scene is strong. Literally and figuratively. Two of our favorite spots were Coffee Apothecary (the new hip spot in town) and World Cup Cafe (where the locals hang). Try them both and let us know what you think!

6. EXPLORE

There’s SO much to see in this neck of the woods. Taos is filled with galleries, museums, shops, hiking trails, etc. Some of our favorite spots were places we randomly stumbled upon when we were exploring - so we encourage you to do the same! Earthship Biotecture (solar houses that you have to see to believe), The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge (the second-highest bridge on the US Highway), Taos Mesa Brewing for a beer (the “Mothership” location is on the way to the gorge), and the Millicent Rogers Museum (filled with fascinating exhibits on the American Southwest) are just a few spots that shouldn’t be missed. We also loved walking around the neighboring town of Arroyo Seco, sprinkled with eclectic shops and cafes!

7. SLOW DOWN AND ENJOY

Life moves at a slower pace in Taos… and we love it for that. Pack a good book, take a midday nap, practice yoga, and watch the sun set over the mountains. We’re typically “on the go” people when we travel, but that wasn’t the case here. We rested. We ate. We saw a lot - but we also relaxed. We found balance in doing both.

If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat, this is your spot. We have a feeling it just might be our new yearly tradition.

Alli Talley

December 12, 2018

Arizona, Weekenders, USA

Tempe-ted To Never Leave!

Alli Talley

December 12, 2018

Arizona, Weekenders, USA

Tempe, AZ is a city we knew relatively little about. We knew it was a college town, and had heard from friends that it’s a “foodie” city (reason enough to plan a visit) - but that’s about it! As we started planning our road trip up to Colorado, we figured this was the perfect opportunity to explore Tempe… and we LOVED IT!

Here’s why:

IT’S BEAUTIFUL.

Tempe is STUNNING - just look at the view from our room! The rolling hills, the colorful foliage, the rustic, desert terrain… photos don’t do this place justice. Our first morning in Tempe, we hiked the Kiwani’s trail to Dobbins Lookout in South Mountain Park - and the views were jaw-dropping. Even our dog Sally was in awe!! At least, she looked like it ;)

While we’re on the topic of jaw dropping-beauty, let’s talk about the sunsets in Tempe. They’re unreal. Both nights we were there we witnessed some of the most vibrantly colorful sunsets our eyes have seen in a long time. We recommend heading to the Mill Avenue Bridge and catching the sunset over the Tempe Town Lake. Only way it could get better if you’re on a boat during the sunset. We’ll make that a goal for next time.

THE FOOD SCENE IS UP AND COMING.

You can tell a lot about a destination by the food. What we learned from Tempe’s foodie scene is that it’s just getting started. There are so many new, unique and notable restaurants popping up in Tempe that it honestly overwhelmed us. We needed to stay at least five more days to eat at all the spots we read about! A few of the places we DID get to check out are:

Pedal Haus Brewery: If you love a good brewery, you’ll love this spot. Solid beers, a killer happy hour, and a hummus plate we’re STILL raving about. (If anyone knows their recipe, please share.)
Postino Annex: A hip wine bar with incredible bruschetta, paninis, and (of course) wine. You’ll likely find us here!
Culinary Dropout: Creative cocktails, delicious gastro-pub fare (get the pretzel bites!), and a variety of lawn games. Culinary Dropout is a great spot to not only dine, but hang out for the whole afternoon!
Morning Squeeze: Fresh, hearty and delicious breakfast spot. Their menu is extensive (almost too much to choose from!!) and their servers are SO friendly. Plus they have a dog menu. Any place that has a dog menu is basically a winner to us.
Cartel Coffee Lab: Some of the best coffee we’ve had in awhile. Get an oat milk latte with a little honey and your life will be changed. (Or be like Bobby and get a pour over - simple and smooth.)
First Watch: This breakfast and lunch spot has it all - but what we really love there is their green juice. It’s so tasty you’ll forget just how healthy and packed with nutrients it really is!

THERE’S SO MUCH TOO DO!

We thought we had lucky timing when we planned our trip to Tempe. There was a plethora of events and things going on in and around the city - but we later learned that’s normal here! No matter the time of year, there’s something fun to do, see, and explore. There’s great shopping, headlining shows, beautiful trails… However - if you’re planning on coming next November/December, here are two things you need to make sure are on your list:

Desert Botanical Garden: Open year-round, this is a botanical garden that is thoughtfully curated with a spectacular living art collection. If you happen to be there between now and mid-2019, you MUST come at night to visit the ‘Electric Desert’. The light show uses three-dimensional projection mapping to wrap animations around the cacti and other plants, simulating motion. It is mind-blowing! It feels as if you are walking in a dream, or hallucinating. Go, and thank us later!
Tempe Festival of the Arts: This is only the largest craft show in the nation (no big deal). There are over 375 vendors, live music, and all kinds of food and drink options. This festival is an all-day affair, and takes place along Mill Avenue, one of the main streets in Tempe. It’s a HOOT! It’s the perfect place to Christmas shop, make new friends, and sip on small-batch peppermint hot cocoa.

IT’S DOG FRIENDLY

(Sally approves this message) We were honestly so impressed by how dog friendly Tempe is. Whether we were walking to coffee, hiking up South Mountain, or grabbing breakfast at Morning Squeeze, Sally was welcomed with open arms. Literally - everyone wanted to pet her!! Since we can’t always take Sally with us on our adventures, we really appreciate when we can. And we really appreciate a hotel that goes above and beyond for their four-footed friends. The Graduate Hotel Tempe did just that. She even got a Bark Box when we checked in!

IT’S AFFORDABLE

Something that’s really important to us, especially when we’re planning weekend getaways, is the affordability factor. We don’t want to spend an arm and a leg for a 48-hour trip. We’re happy to report that Tempe is as easy on the wallet as it is on the eyes! There are a lot of activities you can do that are FREE, hotel rooms are moderately priced, and there are a ton of fun, casual restaurants that won’t break the bank.

All in all, go to Tempe. You’re bound to have a blast. You might even be Tempe-ted to move. ;) (And keep your eyes peeled for a Tempe guide - we’ll have it up soon!)

Alli Talley

October 25, 2018

Maine, Massachusetts, Weekenders

Fall-ing for New England: Boston, MA and Kennebunkport, ME

Alli Talley

October 25, 2018

Maine, Massachusetts, Weekenders

Friends. We found fall. Not the kind of fall we experience in Southern California, i.e. “iced” pumpkin spice lattes, “light jacket” weather, and approximately ten total trees changing color (and you have to hunt for them).

No, the kind of fall that we’ve only seen in Hallmark movies. Trees with bright yellow, red, and orange leaves, apple picking farms, and crisp, cold air. We’ve officially been ruined by fall in New England. Here’s what we did in the hopes you can experience it one day too…

BOSTON

Now, we were only in Boston for a total of 18 hours, but we did it well (and we’ll be back). We stayed at the Beacon Hill Hotel, located in the picturesque neighborhood of Beacon Hill. We LOVED this spot. You’re surrounded by brick buildings with cute shops and quaint restaurants, plus the Beacon Hill Hotel makes you feel like a local. There’s only 13 rooms, so it has a quaint, homey feel.

We ate dinner just a few doors down at Figs, a thin crust pizza bistro that’s equally cozy as it is good. Order the Red Sox pizza and a glass of Octoberfest beer, and you’ll thank us later. Follow that up with a drink on the rooftop (bundle up!) at the Beacon Hill Hotel, and you’ve got the makings for a perfect night in the city!

The next morning we had breakfast at the hotel (get the breakfast sandwich), then ventured out to explore the city!

First stop: Acorn Street

This is Boston’s most photographed street, and it’s steps from the Beacon Hill Hotel. Get there early (like we did) and you’ll bypass the crowds!

Next up, Walk the Freedom Trail!

Now, we didn’t walk the entire Freedom Trail - but we did walk a good portion of it! Take it to Paul Revere’s House and do a self-guided tour inside. It’s well worth the $5 admission to see what life was like back in his day, as Paul Revere himself was an incredibly fascinating guy. (Who oddly really resembles Jack Black!)

Right down the street from Paul Revere’s house is Mike’s Pastry, world famous for their cannolis and decadent baked goods. We had no self control and ordered numerous things - and they were all amazing. Especially the cookies.

We closed out our 18 hour Boston sprint with coffee at George Howell. Not only do they have great branding (something we’re suckers for), but they have fantastic coffee. The baristas are well-trained and serious about what they serve, and the quality proves it. If you go in the fall, be sure to try the Hot Buttered Cider!

MAINE

Just two hours from Boston is Kennebunkport, Maine - our final destination. The drive to Kennebunkport is sprinkled with gorgeous scenery, cute seaside towns, and what seems like an endless amount of lobster shacks. It’s every bit as dreamy as it sounds!

We stopped at Bob’s Clam Hut in Kittery for a lobster roll, fish chowder, and their famous “Fishwhich”. All of which were mouth-wateringly good. If you’re a seafood lover, this is your heaven.

Because of our late start out of Boston, we got there around 2pm and there was no line. From what we hear, lunch can be crazy - so take note!

Next stop was our “home” for the next three nights, the Inn at English Meadows.

This charming B&B completely changed how we view B&B’s (more on that here). It was the perfect blend of cozy and luxurious, and the hospitality and attention to detail that the Innkeeper Elizabeth showed us was unparalleled. We had the “Carriage House Suite” which included a living room, kitchenette, private balcony and walk-in closets. It was like our own private casita - and we can’t imagine staying anywhere else!

We walked to dinner at Old Vines Wine Bar, a welcoming little wine bar that specializes in tapas, wine, and specialty cocktails. Three of our favorite things! If you go, make sure to order the meatballs!

We woke up early the next morning to explore the town of Kennebunkport, and we were so glad we did. We basically had the town to ourselves! We grabbed coffee at Mornings in Paris and Dock Square Coffee House (yolo!) and oo-ed and awe-ed over the picturesque buildings and town square. We enjoyed a delicious breakfast back at our inn, and headed out for a drive!

We were on a mission to find the best fall foilage - and we figured the best way to do so was to explore the old country roads. Sure enough, we were quickly surrounded by colorful trees and farms that looked like they were out of a storybook! We embraced not having a set schedule, and stopped numerous times for photos, leaf frolicking, and...apple picking!

Located on Bridgetown Road, Five Fields Farm is an apple picking dream. They hand you a bag, explain the different varietals, and point you to the fields. The trees are dripping with the juiciest, crunchiest apples we’ve ever had, and picking them was SO much fun. This is a must-do if you’re in Maine in the fall!

We slowly meandered back to Kennebunkport, where we relaxed at our inn before going out for the night. We had drinks at a local favorite, The Pilot House, and then dinner at the newest (and coolest) restaurant in town, The Boathouse. We’re still dreaming about their lobster mac n’ cheese!

Our final day in Kennebunkport was spent exploring. We stopped at Snug Harbor Farm to pet their mini horses and walk around their stunning farm. And then we made our way to Ogunquit, where we walked the famous Marginal Way path along the ocean.

Conveniently, it led us straight to Barnacle Billy’s, where we had the best Lobster Roll of our trip! (Make sure you order the rum punch, too.) We sat along the water and watched the sailboats pass through. The view, the weather, the lobster roll… it all was too good to be true!

The rest of our day was spent shopping in Kennebunkport and enjoying a leisurely happy hour at Stripers Waterside Restaurant. It was the perfect way to close out a perfect (and too short!) trip to New England. We can’t wait to return.

*Do you have a favorite spot that we missed? Leave us a comment and let us know - we’re looking for reasons to return! ;)

Alli Talley

October 25, 2018

Maine, Weekenders, Romantic

B&B’s Are Cool Again: How the Inn at English Meadows Shifted Our Perspective

Alli Talley

October 25, 2018

Maine, Weekenders, Romantic

Have you heard the news? B&B’s are making a comeback.

What for so long has been considered “outdated” and “old school” is being reinvented. For awhile it seemed as though millennials (ourselves included) had moved away from traditional B&B’s - as boutique hotels, larger chains where we can use our points and “status”, all-inclusives, and even Airbnb’s had taken the lead… But friends, the tide is beginning to turn.

We just returned from a stay at The Inn at English Meadows, a charming B&B in the seaside town of Kennebunk, Maine. From the friendly Innkeeper, to the attention to detail, to the seemingly endless amenities… this experience has completely changed the way we view B&B’s. Here’s why:

1. The Experience

Now, this is the first time we’ve ever stayed in a B&B together. We’ve always had this perception that it would feel like we’re sleeping in a stranger's home, and that just sounded weird. We were SO FAR OFF.

We checked in with Elizabeth, the innkeeper, who offered us some cookies and a tour of the property. It was something out of a movie. Fireplaces crackling, freshly baked cookies, cozy sitting rooms, and lush grounds complete with comfy places to sit and relax. We could’ve easily spent our entire trip at the Inn - and never need to leave!

Elizabeth was amazingly attentive - making sure that our every need was met. Restaurant recommendations? She sent us to the best spots in town. Best drive to find fall foliage? Done. Looking for lighthouses? Here’s a list of the closest ones to town. She was like our private concierge, and we truly wouldn’t have done and seen all that we had if it wasn’t for her!

We often stay at hotels that include breakfast. Which typically means it’s a standard continental buffet, nothing fancy. Not at The Inn at English Meadows! Included with your stay is a 3 course breakfast - and it all looks (and tastes!) as though Martha Stewart herself made it just for you! Fresh baked scones, scrambled eggs with goat cheese and asparagus, pumpkin pancakes with cinnamon butter… these were honestly our favorite meals of the entire trip! Oh, and did we mention we dined in their garden patio? It was a dream!

2. The Amenities

The Inn at English Meadows has 13 rooms - all of which are beautifully decorated. They feature Vera Wang and FRETTE bedding, flat screen TV’s, fluffy towels and robes, Malin+Goetz toiletries (our favorite!), and so much more. These rooms have more amenities than most nice hotels would!

There were multiple mini fridges around the home, stocked with water bottles and seltzer water for guests to enjoy. They had a station for hot coffee and tea, available 24/7, and had freshly baked cookies for guests to enjoy every afternoon. If guests were in the mood for a cocktail or a glass of wine, Elizabeth and her team were happy to serve. Like we said earlier - our every need was met here!

3. The Affordability

When you factor in all of the amenities (three course breakfast, coffee and tea, cookies, etc.), a B&B like the Inn At English Meadows can be extremely affordable. There aren’t any added “resort fees”, and all of the little added costs like water bottles are taken care of! That may sound little - but those things add up over time. Add to that the convenience of having it all at your disposal, and it’s truly an amazing value!

Have we convinced you to try a B&B yet? We hope so. And we hope you’ll start with the Inn At English Meadows… we can’t wait to return!

Alli Talley

September 17, 2018

Weekenders, USA

Forever Honeymooning - Even With a Dog in Tow!

Alli Talley

September 17, 2018

Weekenders, USA

Every once and awhile we get some slack about being the “Traveling Newlyweds” when we’ve been married for over four years. “You’re not newlyweds!”, they say — and to that we reply, “It’s a mentality, not a time frame!”

And that’s become our motto. We believe that no matter how long you’ve been married, you can forever cling to that “newlywed mentality”. Traveling is bonding - and why not spread out the fun with more than one honeymoon?! Keep the party going!!

We’re seeing more and more actual newlyweds do this too. Sometimes it’s hard to take off work for an extended period of time, so they take multiple weekend trips instead of a traditional honeymoon. You don’t have to use up all of your vacation time, and you’re able to explore more than one destination. It’s genius!

It’s time for y'all to enjoy “MANYMOONS”.

One of our favorite hotel brands, Kimpton, just launched a “Manymoon” campaign targeting these kinds of travelers. Millennial couples (like us!) that are more interested in the long weekend trips to hip, urban cities. Several of their properties in Portland, Austin, Pittsburgh, and Nashville have what’s called a “Manymoons Rising” offer, where couples get hooked up with all of the honeymoon perks and a free night stay at their fourth stop! And let’s be real, who wouldn't want to honeymoon in all four of those cities?!

We recently stayed at a couple of the Kimpton properties, the Hotel Monaco Portland (included in the Manymoon campaign), and the Palladian in Seattle. We absolutely loved both properties - they’re stylish, conveniently located in their respective cities, and instantly became our home-away-from-home. We’ve said it before, and this trip solidified it - Kimpton absolutely has the best customer service. Their attentiveness and attention to detail makes you feel not only like a valued guest, but like an A list celebrity! (Which is exactly how you want to feel when you’re honeymooning!!)

DON’T FORGET THE PUP!

Having a hard time leaving your “fur baby” behind on your Manymoon adventure? Don’t!

All Kimpton properties are extremely dog friendly, and the pups get the same royal service we do (if not more)! From dog-friendly wine hour, to treats and toys in the room, to the fact that there is no additional pet fee (let that one sink in), it’s a win/win for dogs and owners alike. Our pup Sally lived like a queen during her stay at both Kimpton hotels, and we joke that it’s spoiled her for life!

Whether you’re actual Newlyweds, or just taking on that “newlywed mentality” like us, we highly suggest that you consider a Manymoon weekend adventure with Kimpton. You’ll have the time of your life, you won’t miss too much work (if you make it a true “Weekender”), and you don’t need to find a pet sitter!

Let us know when you plan your weekend getaways… we’ll come meet you in Nashville. ;)