Alli Talley

June 27, 2019

IS IT TOO SOON TO GO BACK TO SOUTH LAKE TAHOE?

Alli Talley

June 27, 2019

It doesn’t take much convincing for us to go to South Lake Tahoe. Just a photo or two of that bright blue lake and we’re already loading up the car. Sure we love a good pool session or a trip to the beach, but there’s something really special about Lake Tahoe. Maybe it’s the crisp mountain air, or the towering pine trees, or the vast, clear water… or maybe it’s the fact that we feel one with nature when we’re there. Whatever it is, South Lake Tahoe is a dream and if you haven’t been, you NEED to go.

Here’s where we stayed, what we did, and where we ate (and drank) - feel free to copy everything about this trip and we promise you you’ll have the time of your life.

PINKY PROMISE!

STAY :: ZEPHYR COVE RESORT

This was our first time staying at the Zephyr Cove Resort, and it definitely won’t be our last. Their cozy lake-side cabins are spacious and quaint, and are situated just steps away from their own private beach! (Pets are allowed in the cabins for an additional $20/night, making it a perfect spot for us to stay with Sally!) While we didn’t end up having time to cook while we were there, we definitely will next time - as every cabin has a fully equipped kitchen!

DO :: BEACH, HIKE, BOAT, REPEAT

Beach: As we mentioned, Zephyr Cove Resort has their own private beach - and it was as idyllic as it was convenient. We spent hours there everyday, playing in the water, laying out, reading books… and the best part? They have a section that’s dog friendly! Sally loved splashing around in the lake, finding sticks and making friends.. And we loved that she could be with us!

Hike: There’s no shortage of pretty hikes around South Lake Tahoe, so don’t forget your hiking shoes! Our first night we walked the Rabe Meadows Trail to Nevada Beach to catch the sunset, and we absolutely loved it. It’s an easy (and beautiful) 1.5 mile paved trail that was as enjoyable for us as it was for Sally! Other South Lake Tahoe hikes that we love are the Skyline Trail, the Rubicon Trail, and the Cascade Falls Trail.

Boat: You can’t visit South Lake Tahoe without adventuring onto the lake. It’s a must! If you’re traveling with a big family, or want a leisurely way to see the lake, Zephyr Cove Resort has daily scenic (and sunset) cruises on their paddle wheeler the M.S. Dixie! If you’re looking for something active (and dog friendly), we highly recommend renting a Tandem Island Trimaran from Day Go Adventures. It’s easy to operate, pedal-powered, and SO MUCH FUN. Sally’s tail was wagging the entire trip!

She’s not a swimmer, but she loves being in the water :)

Taking in the last light of the day on the Rabe Meadows Trail

DINE :: PIZZA, NACHOS & SANDWICHES… OH MY!

BASECAMP PIZZA: Our tummies are rumbling just thinking about this pizza! It’s fresh and hearty, perfectly crispy, and full of flavor. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but our favorites is their signature Base Camp pizza and the Thai Chicken Curry pizza (they’ll do half and half if you order a large)! Ask for a table outside, it’s dog friendly and there’s live music every day!

AZUL LATIN KITCHEN: We knew we wanted to try this place after we saw photos of the food on Yelp… and it did not disappoint. We tried it all - from the tacos, to the nachos, to the margaritas, everything is fresh and full of flavor! We suggest going at happy hour (daily 2-6pm) when the house margaritas are only $7!

SPROUTS NATURAL FOODS CAFE: If we had this fresh, healthy, and organic cafe near our home in Orange County, we’d go every day. It’s SO GOOD. They have everything from hearty turkey sandwiches to delicious baked tofu bowls (sounds random, but trust us), and their juices and smoothies are amazing too!

DRINK :: COFFEE + COCKTAILS = YES PLEASE

CLYDE’S COFFEE ROASTING CO: This quaint, family-run coffee shop is as instagrammable as it is delicious. Their pastries are made in-house (the croissants are to die for) and the coffee is smooth and strong. Bring your book, order a cappuccino, and grab a seat by their cozy fireplace, and you’ll thank us later!

REVIVE COFFEE & WINE: Of course we HAD to include this place - it has two of our favorite things! Located just a few doors down from Sprouts Natural Foods Cafe, Revive Coffee & Wine is definitely a spot where the locals go, and we love that about it, It’s charming and unpretentious, and has plenty of seating both inside and out. Plus, they have an extensive coffee and wine menu - and you better believe we order both!

EDGEWOOD LAKE TAHOE: One of our favorite South Lake Tahoe traditions is having a cocktail and watching the sunset at the luxurious Edgewood Lake Tahoe. We’ll order our cocktails at the bar, then take them to their picturesque adirondack chairs and watch the sun set over the mountains… it’s heavenly!

So all that to say… is it too soon to go back? Asking for a friend...

Can’t get enough of these views! We’ll be back soon!

Alli Talley

June 26, 2019

Nevada, USA

CARSON VALLEY, NEVADA :: A LEGENDARY ADVENTURE

Alli Talley

June 26, 2019

Nevada, USA

You know those places in America that you stumble upon randomly and you can’t help but wonder, “Why haven’t I been here before?” You get those “I really like this place” feels from the moment you arrive, and then it just keeps getting better? Those places that feel like a second home, almost instantly?

Carson Valley, Nevada is one of those places.

We just spent two incredible days exploring this beautiful valley, and we can’t believe it wasn’t on our radar until now. Being only 30 minutes from Lake Tahoe, and 40 minutes from Reno, we’ve driven past (or even through) Carson Valley numerous times, and never even knew what we were missing!

Carson Valley is rugged yet refined, history-filled yet up-and-coming, easy to get to yet remote, safe yet thrilling. Heck, Carson Valley is downright legendary. Here’s why:

THERE’S WILD HORSES. ENOUGH SAID.

Yep. You read that right. Wild horses. We had the opportunity to spend one morning with Carson Valley’s famous photographer and wildlife expert JT Humphrey, tracking down the wild horses and getting an up-close look at these surprisingly complex and downright fascinating creatures.

JT picked us up at our hotel (side note: we stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Minden, which was clean, convenient, and served a delicious hot breakfast in the morning - AND they’re dog friendly), and we hopped in JT’s truck for a roughly 3-hour escapade.

As we made our way to the wide, mountainous land that the horses call home, JT shared more about the unique characteristics that wild horses possess - and why keeping horses truly wild is so important.

As people continue to make more and more demands for livestock and human use, the amount of wild horses has vastly decreased. In Carson Valley, they have around 100 or so wild horses, and you better believe that JT knows them all by name. Sure enough, we saw Zorro, Red, Blondie, and many, many more. We learned that wild horses group themselves in different herds (or “bands”), typically led by a dominant stallion.

The drama and politics and tension between these bands is enough to make your head spin (and to take up an entire blog post), so we won’t get into details. But it’s absolutely captivating, and JT is truly a legend. Add this to your bucket list.

Alli with the legend himself, JT Humphry

CUISINE FIT FOR A KING… OR A COWBOY!

Because there’s so much to see in this scenic valley, we’re guessing people don’t head to Carson Valley solely for the food. But you could!! It’s safe to say we ate our way through the valley and we thoroughly enjoyed everything we tried. The restaurants and cafes in Carson Valley served dishes that were not only packed with flavor, but the places were packed with history, charm - and cowboys, too!

+ JT Basque Bar & Dining Room: Unlimited soup, bread, salad, french fries, red wine, entree of your choice, dessert… Basque food is the BEST. And this iconic (and historic) restaurant excels at it! They’ve been serving award-winning Basque food since 1955… and from the atmosphere to the service, the experience is still as authentic as ever!

+ The Pink House: Built in 1855 (and listed in the National Register of Historic Places), this charming restaurant serves a seasonal menu filled with fresh hors d'oeuvres, charcuterie plates, rotating entrees, and more. Grab a seat on their wrap-around patio, order a bottle of wine and few plates to share, and you’ve got the makings of a perfect afternoon!

+ Overland Restaurant & Pub: The latest prodigy from acclaimed chef Mark Estee, this neighborhood smokehouse is old-school country western with a modern flair, and we dig it. Order their Smoked BBQ Platter and be prepared to leave with lots of leftovers!

+ Minden Meat & Deli: What at first glance may appear to be your average butcher shop, is actually ANYTHING but average. With 31 craft beers on tap (and hundreds more available), made-to-order burgers and sandwiches, and locally made ice cream, this deli is more like a destination! Whether you grab a seat outside or sit at the bar, you’re sure to make a friend or two. And you might even meet a cowboy!

Love the interior at the JT Basque Bar! Look at all the money on the ceiling!

We’d probably drive back to Genoa for the Porchetta Sandwich

Incredible views at the Overland Restaurant

Delicious sandwiches and beers at Minden Meat and Deli

SPEAKING OF COWBOYS, THEY KNOW HOW TO DRINK!

You can tell a lot about a place by sitting down at a local’s spot and having a drink. One of our favorite pastimes when we’re traveling (or when we’re home) is finding a good happy hour, striking up conversations with the people around us, and learning more about the place we’re in from a local’s perspective. We did this twice during our stay in Carson Valley, and we learned so much! Not to mention, the drinks were awesome. ;)

+ The Corner Bar: When the weather is warm, and the sun is just beginning to set, this is where you want to be! While the inside is quaint and enjoyable, we fell in love with the outdoor seating at this neighborhood hotspot - and their happy hour deals are the best in town! (Our bill was $6.50 for TWO drinks!!)

+ Genoa Bar: You can’t beat the ambiance here, or the fact that it’s the “Oldest thirst parlor in Nevada”! Dating back to the 1850’s, this historical drinking establishment has seen its share of legends pass through their doors - everyone from Clark Gable to Theodore Roosevelt! If only these walls could talk! Our Genoa Bar recommendation? Order a cold one, sit back, and get to know the people sitting around you… Chances are they have stories to tell, too!

THE SCENERY IS STUNNING

It goes without saying that Carson Valley is beautiful. The snow capped mountains, lush, green fields, towering pine trees, wild horses (we will never get over them!) - it’s all so picturesque! We wanted to see as much of the valley as we could, so we did two epic excursions to give us a “birds eye view”, starting with:

+ The Genoa Loop Trail: Not only does this 8.2 mile trail provides jaw-dropping views of the Carson Valley, but there’s even a waterfall! You climb through several switchbacks, cross over glistening streams, and marvel at how high this hike can take you! But if you’re itching to go even higher...

+ Glider Rides: The most epic, thrilling, and exhilarating way to see the Carson Valley (in our opinion) is on a glider ride with the friendly folks at Soaring Nevada! You’ll fly more than 3,000 feet above the ground in an engine-free glider. It’s surprisingly peaceful and smooth, and the views are absolutely spectacular. We flew over mountains, the many quaint towns of Carson Valley, even over Lake Tahoe! It was a ride we will NEVER forget.

Bobby was a little freaked out but it was so WORTH IT

AND THE TOWNS ARE QUAINT

Genoa, Minden, and Gardnerville - three lovely towns in Carson Valley, each with their own personality and quirks. We found ourselves hopping around the different towns throughout the day, as they’re all extremely close and easy to get to.

+ Gardnerville: Downtown Gardnerville had us from the moment we arrived, with their old brick buildings and their colorful flower baskets lining the Main Street. There’s restaurants, antique shops, and galleries a-plenty, and we can only imagine how cute it is at Christmas. We might need to come back for that… ;)

+ Minden: Located right next to Gardnerville is the town of Minden, where adults can tour (and taste) some of the finest spirits in Nevada at the brand new Bently Distillery. (Unfortunately it was closed the days we were there, but it’s on our list for when we go back!) Kids can cool off (and get their wiggles out) at Minden Park’s new Splash Pad - and we’d be lying if we said we didn’t contemplate jumping in too!

+ Genoa: Nestled at the base of the Sierra Nevada Range (and just seven miles away from Minden) is the historic - and adorable - town of Genoa. Known as “Nevada’s Oldest Town”, Minden is just as charming and picture-perfect as you would imagine, with quaint buildings and pretty parks, all with a distinctly country-western feel. It’s like something out of a movie!

+ Topaz Lake: While we drove through and briefly saw Topaz Lake, we didn’t get a chance to spend much time there. However, this is another beautiful part of the Carson Valley, and we’re planning to stop for some fishing and paddle boarding (without Sally) on our next visit.

Next time you’re roadtripping to Tahoe (or beyond), carve some time out of your drive for Carson Valley. Chase wild horses with JT, grab some mouthwatering sandwiches at Minden Meat and Deli, glide through the sky with Soaring NV, and have a drink (or two) at Genoa Bar…

Or keep it simple! Hike, relax, and enjoy the natural beauty that the valley has to offer. Whatever you do, we promise your time in Carson Valley will be nothing short of legendary.

Alli Talley

June 22, 2019

Virginia, USA

Why the Shenandoah Valley Should be on Your Bucket List... And Why Your Pup Should Tag Along

Alli Talley

June 22, 2019

Virginia, USA

If you’ve been following us for awhile, you’ll know that our family changed dramatically in the summer of 2016. We had know idea how a little 4 pound bernedoodle would change our home and our hearts, forever. Since then, Sally has grown into a fluffy, snuggly, 60 pound dog who loves travelling as much as we do.

For that reason, the way we travel has changed quite a bit. We are constantly on the hunt for destinations where Sally can tag along. Not that she needs to be with us 24/7 (our travels almost always involve a visit to the closest doggy daycare), but we love seeing the world through her cute little puppy eyes!

We just returned from a trip to the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia, where we did exactly that. And whether you decide to bring your pup along or not, the Shenandoah Valley deserves to be on your bucket list. In this blog we’re going to share exactly why this place is so special, and highlight some of our favorite “Sally approved” spots along the way. Here we go!

Exploring the cute downtown areas throughout the Shenandoah Valley were definitely Sally approved!

HISTORY

Located across the Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountains, the Shenandoah Valley is extensive (over 200 miles long), and brimming with history. Nicknamed “The Breadbasket of the Confederacy” during the Civil War, there’s battlefields, historical sites, plantations, museums, and more!

:: SALLY APPROVED :: The quaint town of Staunton happens to be the birthplace of President Woodrow Wilson, where you can visit his beautifully maintained Presidential Library. Leashed dogs are allowed to walk around the gardens and the gift shop, resulting in a fun, informative outing for all three of us! (Keep in mind that while dogs are allowed inside the gift shop and grounds, they are not allowed inside the library.)

A few of Staunton’s other notable attractions are the American Shakespeare Center and the Frontier Culture Museum. The American Shakespeare Center is the world’s only recreation of Shakespeare’s famous indoor theater, and their rotating, nightly performances are absolutely spellbinding. The Frontier Culture Museum is a living history museum that tells the story of thousands of people that migrated to colonial America, and the life they built for themselves. From West Africa to Ireland, it’s a trip back in time that will captivate all ages!*

*Dogs aren’t allowed at either of those attractions (which is fine - they wouldn’t understand the historical significance anyway ;), so thankfully there are several outstanding doggy daycares closeby. Rainbow Springs Kennels and Home Away From Home Dog Boarding are both great options. You can get your history fix, and your pooch can get their wiggles out - it’s a win-win!

Family photo in front of Woodrow Wilson’s home

A working blacksmith at the Frontier Culture Museum

We loved exploring the Frontier Culture Museum

Amazing talent at the American Shakespeare Center

NATURE

Adventure seekers, chances are if you name a mode of outdoor recreation, the Shenandoah Valley will have it. You can go tubing in the summer and ski in the winter, and mountain bike in between! And you better believe your pup will adore all of the wide, rolling hills and picturesque parks!

:: SALLY APPROVED :: We spent some time in the breathtakingly beautiful Shenandoah National Park, where there are over 500 miles of trails to explore - with Sally, our Bernedoodle, in tow! We hiked to waterfalls, scenic vistas, and deep into the lush forest - all in one day! We highly recommend spending at least a night at the Skyland Resort, the stunning resort located in the park… Sally even had her own bed! (Leashed dogs are allowed on most trails, and the Skyland Resort has a pet fee of $25/night.)

Another must-see is the largest (and most popular) caverns in Eastern America, the Luray Caverns.* Guided tours lead guests through towering stone formations and rooms that are over ten feet high! There’s even the world’s only “Stalacpipe Organ”, which produces varying tones by tapping stalacpipes. It’s unheard of (hehe)!

*While dogs are not allowed inside the Luray Caverns, the neighboring Mystic Pet Resort & Spa will take incredible care of your pooch!

WINE

If you’re a wine-o (like us), you’ll adore the many picturesque wineries scattered throughout the Shenandoah Valley. The Shenandoah Valley Wine Trail has 22 wineries, many of which have award-winning wines and sweeping views of the mountains - AND many of them welcome dogs!

:: SALLY APPROVED :: Some of our favorite dog-friendly wineries were CrossKeys Vineyards, OxEye Vineyards, and White Oak Lavender Farm (visit in June and July for peak lavender season)! All of these charming spots welcome pups (leashed, of course) on their outdoor patios. They even have water bowls out and ready, ensuring everyone gets a drink! ;)

Sally doesn’t want wine… just the snacks.

BEER

Maybe you’re more of a beer connoisseur? If so, you’re in luck too. The Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail has 13 fantastic breweries, all within an hour from each other! Many have on-site restaurants or rotating food trucks, and many are kid and dog friendly!

:: SALLY APPROVED :: The Shenandoah Valley Brewing is a brewery and tap house in Staunton that is popular with locals and visitors alike, and dogs are welcomed on their patio! Pop by on the weekend, and chances are you’ll even catch some live music!

Another fantastic brewery is Stable Craft Brewing, at the beautiful Hermitage Hill Farm and Stables.* Located on a working farm, guests can enjoy their ales in their modern tasting room or exploring the expansive grounds. And be sure to come hungry, their Farm Hand Burger is not to be missed!

*Since Stable Craft Brewing is situated on a working farm, it’s unfortunately not dog friendly. Luckily, Home Away from Home Dog Boarding is just minutes away - and they’re great! Our dog Sally spent an entire afternoon there, and loved every minute!

Delicious lunch at Stable Craft - and tasty beer of course

They had Clydesdale horses at Hermitage Hill Farm!

DINING

Shenandoah Valley’s culinary scene is extremely impressive. Farm to table is taken seriously here, as many of the amazing restaurants source produce and livestock from independent farms across the state of Virginia. And everything we ate was really, really good.

:: SALLY APPROVED :: If you’re looking for the ultimate dog-friendly dining experience, head to Staunton and go straight to Table 44! This friendly bakery and restaurant just opened their new dog-friendly patio, cleverly referred to as the “Doggio”! They even have a special menu just for pups - complete with dessert!

Another Sally-approved restaurant is Moonshadows Restaurant in the quaint town of Luray! We brunched on flavorus eggs benedict and fresh vegetable omelettes, and Sally basked in all of the attention she received from the hostess, our waitress, and even the chef!

If you decide to drop your pup off at the local pet boarders for a “paw-rents night out”, we highly recommend going to Zynodoa Restaurant, where they have phenomenal craft cocktails and locally-inspired small bites, then end the night with fancy artisanal grilled cheeses at Yelping Dog Wine. (Both are in Staunton.)

INSANE Grilled Cheese at Yelping Dog Wine

As far as we’re concerned, planning a trip to the Shenandoah Valley, and bringing your pup along for the adventure is a no-brainer. We’re convinced that if our Bernedoodle Sally could talk, she’d agree! From hiking the many dog-friendly trails in Shenandoah National Park, to sipping wine with Sally by our side, to exploring Woodrow Wilson’s scenic gardens, we were amazed at how often Sally could tag along!

(And as we’re sure every dog owner can relate, we also enjoyed the times where we dropped her off at doggy daycare, too. ;) Just make sure that your dog is up-to-date with their vaccinations, and to always travel with their paperwork!)

So? Have we convinced you to plan that road trip yet? And do you have room in your car for three more?

Sally was so sad to leave the Shenandoah Valley :(

Alli Talley

June 21, 2019

Virginia, USA, Weekenders

VIRGINIA IS FOR LOVERS

Alli Talley

June 21, 2019

Virginia, USA, Weekenders

Being the “Traveling Newlyweds”, we look for destinations that inspire adventure, that inspire discovery, that most importantly, inspire romance. Places that are off-the-beaten path - but easily accessible, places where we could escape for the week - or visit for an epic weekend getaway, places that we’ve heard about before - but never knew just how special they really are….

Places where our love story can further be told. Places like Virginia.

That’s right, Virginia. Their slogan “Virginia is for Lovers” was created 50 years ago, and it’s as true today as it was in 1969. From the rolling green hills to the quaint, family-run wineries... I guess you can say that we’ve fallen in love with this enchanting state. It’s approachable and down to earth, but at the same time Virginia is one of the most romantic and enchanting places we’ve been. It’s the perfect spot for a honeymoon or anniversary. And when their slogan is “Virginia is for lovers”, can you expect anything else?

WE FELL IN <3 WITH THE LOVEWORKS

We’re the kind of people that will take any excuse for a photo opportunity. Whether it’s a funny sign or a pretty mural, you better believe we’ll stop and strike a pose (or two). When we found out that Virginia has more than 150 LOVE artworks across the state, we immediately went into planning mode, hoping to see as many as possible.

While we didn’t get to see ALL 150 Loveworks signs (that’s a goal for next time), we did visit quite a few. This map was a super helpful tool for finding the Loveworks signs on our itinerary (which you can learn more about and gain inspiration for other LOVE trips here)!

WE FELL IN <3 WITH THE COZY HOTELS

The hotels we stayed at in Virginia were something out of a postcard. They were quaint, and classy, and all of them had a story to tell.

Hotel Laurance is an inviting and historic boutique hotel in Luray, that dates back to the 1800’s. All 12 rooms have a full kitchen, luxurious amenities, and perfectly fluffy beds. It’s located right on the Main Street of Luray, and they’re incredibly dog friendly. It’s not very often that we get a hotel room with a full kitchen, so being able to have a freezer for ice cream and make our morning smoothies was a game changer. Not to mention the whole staff at Hotel Laurance were all incredibly friendly and welcoming… We could’ve easily stayed for a week!

The Stonewall Jackson Hotel, located in Staunton, is another Shenandoah Valley hotel that’s rich in history and charm. Dating back to 1924, this Colonial Revivalist style hotel is still as enchanting and grand as it was when it first opened. The Stonewall Jackson Hotel is steps away from Staunton’s main street, Woodrow Wilson’s Presidential Library, the American Shakespeare Center, and so much more. Plus, they have a beautiful indoor pool, hot tub, and spacious work out room!

Located in the Shenandoah National Park, the Skyland Resort is an oasis for nature lovers. With sweeping mountain views, snug cabins and spacious suites, it’s a destination that will leave you breathless. Our jaws dropped the moment we stepped out onto our balcony, and it became our go-to spot to watch the sunrise and sunset. The rustling of the leaves, the birds chirping, the crisp, mountain air… The Skyland Resort is truly a calming and tranquil escape. Even our pup, Sally, was obsessed!

The biggest fan of the Stonewall Jackson Hotel

Views from our room at the Skyland Resort!

WE FELL IN <3 WITH THE CHARMING MAIN STREETS

Being “big city” California kids, we’ve always just assumed that quaint main streets exist only in the movies. Little did we know that almost every city and town in Virginia has a bustling main street that belongs in the next big romcom. Lined with locally run boutiques, cafes, wine bars, ice cream shops… these main streets are typically the hub of the town! (And they’re typically adorable.)

Luray, Virginia is a small town in the Shenandoah Valley that has a darling main street that dates back to the 1800’s. It has everything from family-owned antique shops, cute restaurants like Moonshadows and Gathering Grounds, and a stylish (and popular) wine bar, The Valley Cork. It’s easily walkable, fun for the whole family, and the perfect spot for an afternoon of exploring. (And the ice cream at Stephan’s Sugar Shack is not to be missed!)

Staunton, Virginia (also in the Shenandoah Valley), has one of the most iconic Main Streets in the USA! Architectural Digest, USA Today, Fodor’s, Huffington Post, and the Reader’s Digest have all featured Staunton’s Main Street in countless awards and publications. And in the name of love, Expedia even recently named Staunton one of the “Best Places to Propose in the US”! (We agree!) With its striking brick buildings, lush green trees, and quaint shops and cafes, Staunton’s Main Street gave us “heart eyes” nearly immediately!

Keeping our day low-calorie by starting with a yummy treat from Gathering Grounds :)

WE FELL IN <3 WITH THE LOCAL BUSINESSES

We were instantly amazed (and inspired) by Virginia’s respect and commitment to their local economy. From the restaurants that we frequented to the boutiques where we shopped for souvenirs, these places celebrate and support their local farmers, entrepreneurs, and businesses. Most everything we purchased was indeed “Made in Virginia” - and we LOVE that.

Reunion Bakery (Staunton) serves melt-in-your mouth pastries (their croissants are to die for), freshly baked quiches, and bold, strong coffee. Inspired by the high-quality bakeries in France, Reunion Bakery’s owner and head baker, Bryan Hollar, has worked hard to perfect his baked goods… and it shows.

The Yelping Dog (Staunton) is a family-run wine, cheese, and gourmet shop that has just about everything we love in life. Delicious wine, mouth-watering charcuterie boards, fancy grilled cheeses, and a love for dogs. The owner, Nancy, is as warm and friendly as they come - you instantly feel like family!

CrossKeys Vineyards (Mt Crawford) is a family owned and operated winery set on 125 stunning acres in the Shenandoah Valley. Chances are that when you come for a tasting, you’ll be greeted by one of the Bakhtiar family members, who will graciously welcome and invite you to try some of their 12 delicious varietals. And what’s more romantic than a day of wine tasting?

Reunion Bakery became a daily routine. So good!

Yes, we loved the wine. But oh my goodness, the grilled cheeses at Yelping Dog are INCREDIBLE!

Nice little afternoon of wine tasting at CrossKeys

WE FELL IN <3 WITH THE OUTDOORS

The Shenandoah National Park is one of the most naturally beautiful, picturesque National Park’s we’ve seen in awhile. Not only that, but it’s a mecca for hiking enthusiasts, with over 500 miles of gorgeous trails! We could talk about its beauty for days, but we’ll let these pictures do the talking instead..

If you haven’t heard of the Luray Caverns before, are you living under a rock? (Pun intended!) They’re the largest and most popular caverns in the eastern United States, dating back over 4,000,000 years! This U.S. Natural Landmark is quite the adventure for you and your lover - and if that’s not enough, you can even get married in the cave!

Stunning views all over Shenandoah National Park

The drive through Shenandoah National Park (and view points) is worth the trip!

Alli Talley

June 19, 2019

USA, Virginia

Our Dog-Friendly Guide to Williamsburg, Virginia

Alli Talley

June 19, 2019

USA, Virginia

The following post is from a sponsored trip with Visit Williamsburg

We travel with our pup as much as we can. We love it. We joke that’s preparing us for traveling with a kid someday. Frequent stops, naps, park time, potty breaks… good golly, there’s some truth to that!

Our Bernedoodle Sally has been to more states than most of our friends. 25? To be exact! And if we’ve learned anything about dog-friendly travel, many destinations claim to be “puppy-approved”, but that’s really not always the case. Many have very limited options when it comes to dog-friendly hotels, eating out, activities, etc… but that’s not the case in Greater Williamsburg, Virginia! We’ll even go out on a limb and say that Williamsburg is JUST as much fun for pups as it is for humans (if Sally could talk she’d agree)!

If you’re heading to Williamsburg with your pup in tow, here’s where you should go (we rhyme!):

COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG

You may not be able to venture inside the buildings and museums, but you are free to stroll with your dog all around Colonial Williamsburg (on leash, of course)! If you’re lucky, you might even spot Liberty, their own doggy mascot!

While we didn’t make it to Busch Gardens on this trip, we found out that they have doggie daycare - so we could have! We’ll be sure to take advantage of this next time we’re in town with Sally!

Sally loved exploring Colonial Williamsburg!

HISTORIC JAMESTOWNE

While your pup might not actually understand the significance, we still think it’s pretty cool that they’re allowed to visit the first permanent English settlement in America! Pets aren’t allowed in the buildings, but leashed animals are allowed anywhere on the grounds!

*While you’re in the area, we highly recommend going kayaking at the James City County Marina! (Just be sure you bring a doggy life jacket!)

Stunning grounds at Historic Jamestowne!

Kayaking with your pup is quite the experience! Ha!

DOG-FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS:

AROMAS WORLD SPECIALTY COFFEE: This quickly became our go-to breakfast spot - not just because we loved the food (and the coffee!), but because they welcome dogs on their front patio!

MOBJACK BAY COFFEE ROASTERS: While dogs aren’t allowed inside the building, grab a cup of coffee to go and explore Historic Yorktown with your pup! Leashed dogs are welcome at the Yorktown Battlefield, too!

CASA PEARL: We fell in love with Casa Pearl’s creative Latin-inspired southern seafood focused menu, but we fell even harder when we found out their summer patio is dog-friendly. If you’re heading to Williamsburg this summer, this is the spot to be!

THE TRELLIS BAR & GRILL: Located in Colonial Williamsburg, The Trellis Bar & Grill serves sophisticated (and local) American bar fare - and they have ten pet-friendly outdoor tables! We always appreciate it when restaurants go out of their way to accommodate their four-legged guests… and they definitely do here!

DOG-FRIENDLY BREWERIES:

ALEWERKS BREWING COMPANY: Not only does Alewerks Brewing Company brew tasty craft beers and homemade pretzels, but they have a pet-friendly picnic area, too!

VIRGINIA BEER CO: We’re sure glad that they allow well-behaved (and leashed) dogs in Virginia Beer Co’s on-site beer garden, because it’s one of our favorite spots to sit when the weather is warm!

BRASS CANNON BREWING: We love the small-batch beers and the laid-back, community atmosphere at Brass Cannon Brewing (often referred to as “The Cannon”) and their outdoor area is as pet-friendly as it gets!

BILLSBURG BREWERY: Located at the James City County Marina, you can’t beat the views (and the friendly service) at Billsburg Brewery! They welcome dogs on their outdoor patio, and if you’re luck you might even catch some live music! (Take a look at the schedule here.)

Brass Cannon Brewery had some amazing beers!

DOG-FRIENDLY HOTELS:

We stayed at the Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel and Suites, and loved the convenient location and the lush grounds for Sally to play in and explore. Plus, they only charge an added pet fee of $25/day! Other pet-friendly options nearby are the Williamsburg Inn and the La Quinta Inn & Suites (which doesn’t charge an added pet fee - always a plus in our books!)

Sally LOVES hotel beds. The Woodlands was no exception :)