Sally Talley

November 20, 2019

Sally's Dog Friendly Guide to Columbia, South Carolina

Sally Talley

November 20, 2019

Hi furr-iends, Sally again!

Mom and dad decided they needed a break from writing blogs - something about their paws being tired, so they’re letting me fill in on this one. Which, is really a smart move on their part, because who better to write a dog-friendly guide to Columbia, South Carolina than ME?

We only had a few short days here, but we did and saw a lot. This city is paw-fect for furry friends, and I can’t wait to come back!

Here are some of my favorite things we did and some of my favorite places:

SODA CITY FARMERS MARKET

The farmers markets back in our hometown aren’t dog-friendly, so imagine my excitement when I found out that I could come to this one! My joy was through the moon! Little did we know just how epic this one is - it’s next level compared to the farmers markets at home!

Soda City Farmers Market is fun for the whole family, with everything from food and drink vendors, to local musicians, entertainers, artists, designers, and more. (They have over 150 vendors every week!) I made tons of four-legged friends, and I even got to try some local and artisan grain-free treats… what a dream! Soda City Farmers Market is open every Saturday, year-round, from 9am-1pm.

Sally loves all the new friends at the Soda City Farmers Market!

smallSUGAR

My paw-rents are big coffee drinkers. (Every once and awhile they let me lick the whipped cream, but that’s about as close to trying it as I’ve gotten.) Anyway, they LOVED smallSugar for coffee and breakfast, and I loved the fact that their cozy patio welcomed dogs. Even though I didn’t get to try them, their baked goods looked delicious, as well as their tartines!

COLUMBIA CANAL AND RIVERFRONT PARK

Going for a walk is always the highlight of my day, and the Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park was most definitely my favorite walking trail in Columbia. Not only is it beautiful, there are turtles and beavers in and around the river, too! (I would’ve chased them if I hadn’t been leashed.) It’s a great place to sightsee, get some exercise, and maybe even take a family picture or two!

RIVER RAT BREWERY

Don’t be fooled by the name - there aren’t any rats here. (Believe me, I looked.) River Rat Brewery is easily my top choice for an afternoon cold one - beers for my folks, water for me. I love their big, grassy yard for people watching and relaxing in the shade. And my dad said it was his favorite beer he had in Columbia!

PUBLICO KITCHEN + TAP

Now, if I had to pick ONE place to go in all of Columbia, it would be here. Publico Kitchen + Tap is basically my version of heaven. (My paw-rents loved it too, but that’s beside the point.) They have an entire menu just for dogs - and it’s a thousand times better than that Costco kibble I eat every day! Their grassy backyard patio area is great for families with pets, I’d come back to Columbia just to eat here!

Sally’s feast of ground turkey and other goodies…

GRADUATE COLUMBIA

My paw-rents were immediately obsessed with Graduate Columbia because of its colorful decor, and I was immediately obsessed because they gave me a Bark Box upon arrival! (The BEST!) I stay at a lot of dog friendly hotels with my folks, and Graduate hotels are always so accommodating. This one was of no exception, I felt so welcomed and loved by the staff and guests. I didn’t want to leave!

Did I miss a dog-friendly Columbia hot spot? Leave a comment and let me know, as I’m looking for a good excuse to go back. I was made for the South.

Alli Talley

October 24, 2019

USA, Texas

Sally's Paw-fect Stay at Calvary Court

Alli Talley

October 24, 2019

USA, Texas

Hi furr-ends! Sally here.

I’m a fluffy Bernedoodle that loves to roadtrip. I’ve been all over the country with my adventure-seeking paw-rents, discovering new cities and making new friends everywhere I go! I’m learning that some places are more accommodating to furry friends like me, and Bryan/College Station is 100% one of those spots. I WUFFED it!

Want to know what I loved most about “BCS”? Our puppy-loving hotel, Cavalry Court! It was paw-fectly accommodating to me in every way, and I’m already begging my humans to take me back. Here’s what I loved about it, and why I can’t wait to return. (Maybe for my fourth birthday, hint hint?)

THE GROUNDS

I knew I liked Cavalry Court from the moment I laid big puppy eyes on it. It’s “casual cool” (kind of like me), with a spacious green courtyard, cozy fire pits and chairs for relaxing, big yellow rocking chairs, and a sparkling pool with modern cabanas (more on that later).

The lobby was decorated with quirky, Texas inspired accents, and the people at the front desk were always so kind to me.

Just steps from the property was a spacious grassy area with a big tree, where I could run free, play fetch, and take care of my business. As you can tell by the smile on my face, it was glorious!

Sally’s favorite place to play at Calvary Court!

OUR ROOM

Oh boy, our room was grand! I’m not sure what I loved more, the big comfy bed or the nice cool tile in the luxurious bathroom!

My paw-rents kept talking about the stylish design - how they loved the big barn door, luxurious bedding, and the big SMEG fridge stocked with local beer and sparkling water.

I just liked that there was so much room for me to roam, and that they had treats for me upon arrival! Speaking of treats...

CANTEEN BAR

Cavalry Court’s in-house restaurant, Canteen Bar may have been the highlight of my trip. Sure, they have great “people food”, a free continental breakfast for hotel guests, specialty cocktails, live music and more… but they also have puppy ice cream. PUPPY ICE CREAM!

After spending a day in the warm Texas sunshine, it was a much-needed treat, and it sure was tasty! I licked the cup clean in no time!

THE POOL

Any puppy friends that are reading this know that hotel pools are typically a touchy subject. While they look so fun and inviting from outside the fence, it’s rare that we’re actually allowed inside the pool area. Imagine my excitement when I found out that at Cavalry Court, leashed pups are allowed inside (just not in the pool)!

I relaxed in the shady cabana and played on the warm grass while my paw-rents swam around, and we even ordered a yummy lunch from the Canteen Bar! (They even snuck me some bacon!)

Can you see me back there? I wish I was jumping with my dad.

THE LOCATION

And the best part about Cavalry Court? It’s killer location! Located steps from Century Square, a trendy retail, restaurant, and entertainment space. Many of the restaurants have dog-friendly patios (my favorite was Sweet Paris Creperie & Cafe), and their colorful Aggieland mural is a must-see!

We all enjoyed the convenience of walking to Century Square every morning - my dad would get a coffee at Harvest Coffee Bar, and my mom would get a juice at Clean Juice, and I inevitably made a few friends along the way.

See why I’m so obsessed with Cavalry Court? It’s a puppy paradise! I can’t wait to come back and relax on the cool tile, indulge in some ice cream, and cuddle up with my folks by the cozy bonfire. Who’s joining me?

Alli Talley

October 19, 2019

USA, Montana

Dog Friendly Guide to Missoula, Montana

Alli Talley

October 19, 2019

USA, Montana

Rolling hills, a glistening lake, plenty of shaded patios and friendly folk… Missoula, Montana is just as much of a dream for pups as it is for humans! Our Bernedoodle Sally swam, hiked, dined, and played with us all over this picturesque mountain town, and it’s safe to say that she loved every minute of it!

If you’re planning a trip to Missoula and are contemplating bringing your dog - DO IT! This blog is for you!

WHERE TO STAY

Comfort Inn Missoula :: Set along the Clark Fork River, the Comfort Inn Missoula is cozy, affordable, and incredibly dog friendly. There’s a big grassy field right outside the hotel that’s perfect for playful pups, and it’s walking distance to the best dog park in town (more on that later). They also have a free hot breakfast, free bike rentals, and a picturesque fire pit overlooking the Clark Fork River… it’s fun for the whole family!

Incredible sunset views of the Clark Fork River from the Comfort Inn

WHAT TO DO

Jacobs Island Bark Park :: We’ve been to a lot of dog parks during our road trips, and this one is definitely in our top 5. Jacobs Island Bark Park has over 6 acres of land for pups to explore unleashed, but the best part is - it’s right on the Clark Fork River! Our Bernedoodle Sally had the time of her life swimming in the river and chasing balls and other furry friends. She had so much fun, she was wiped out for the next two days!

Waterworks Hill :: Located on the north side of Missoula, Waterworks Hill is a 3.5 mile trail that not only has stunning views of Missoula - but is puppy approved too! We suggest hiking with your dog in the early morning or late afternoon, as there is little to no shade. And don’t forget to bring your camera!

“M” Trail :: The ‘M’ on Mount Sentinel has been a Missoula landmark since 1908, and the “M” Trail hike is now a favorite outing for people (and dogs) of all ages! It may only be less than a mile long, it’s a strenuous and steep climb to the top, so be forewarned. Make sure you bring plenty of water (For you AND your pup!), and again, we suggest going in the early morning or late afternoon. You won’t believe the views from the top!

Riverfront Trail :: Take your leashed pup on an early evening stroll along the scenic Riverfront Trail, where the Clark Fork River and Downtown Missoula come together. It’s a great place for you and your dog to catch the sunset AND get some exercise. Make sure you stop for a picture on one of the pedestrian bridges (and if you’re feeling hungry, grab a slice of pizza to-go from Bridge Pizza)!

Sally a little tired after a hike on Waterworks Hill

Sally ready for some time on the Riverfront trail

DOG FRIENDLY PATIOS

Market on Front :: This restaurant/grocery store/coffee shop/deli has everything one would want (and more), including a dog-friendly patio! Whether you’re in the mood for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or just a cup of coffee, Market on Front has you covered. Their food is locally sourced and made to order, and their breakfast burritos may be the best in town. Need we say more?

Biga Pizza :: We’ve talked about Biga Pizza before (see our Missoula foodie guide here), and we’ll happily talk about it again. Beyond their mouth-watering wood fired pizzas, Biga has friendly service, a cozy, homey ambiance, and a quaint dog-friendly patio! If you’re anything like us, you’ll be tempted to sneak a piece of their homemade sourdough crust to your pup, and we won’t judge you if you do. ;)

Plonk Missoula :: Our food was so good at Plonk Missoula, we almost shed a tear (if they have Cashew Raclette on the menu, ORDER IT). And then, as we were leaving, we found out that their front entrance patio is indeed, dog friendly... We almost shed a tear again! Next time we’re in Missoula, we’ll be heading straight to Plonk - with Sally in tow!

Market on Front has a dog-friendly perfect patio!

We LOVED the pizza at Big, and next time we’ll bring Sally!

We left Sally in favor of a date night this time, but she’ll definitely come with us to Plonk next time we’re in Missoula!

When it comes to dog friendly activities in Missoula, this blog is just the tip of the iceberg. We can’t wait to come back with Sally and explore more of this beautiful town. If we’re missing any of your favorite puppy-approved spots, leave a comment and let us know!

Alli Talley

September 18, 2019

Michigan, USA, Weekenders

Dog Friendly Guide to Kalamazoo

Alli Talley

September 18, 2019

Michigan, USA, Weekenders

Being the embarrassingly proud dog “pawrents” that we are, we get overly excited when we discover a truly dog-friendly town. It’s probably the same kind of feeling (we imagine) as winning the lottery.

“Sally (our bernedoodle) can come WITH US?!”

“There’s MULTIPLE dog parks?!”

“We can bring Sally to a BASEBALL GAME?!”

There were multiple times a day that we were overcome with glee - not just because we were falling in love with Kalamazoo (it’s the coolest), but we just couldn’t get over how accommodating and welcoming this city is for dogs. Below is where we stayed, ate, drank, and played with Sally in-tow… and as you’ll see by Sally’s ever-smiling face and droopy pink tongue, she had just as much fun as we did. If not more!

STAY

Kara’s Kottages :: 95% of the time when we travel with Sally, we stay in traditional hotels. Sure, it’s tight and not always the most convenient, but we can always make it work. It’s a rare and beautiful thing when we find a bed and breakfast that’s not only cool, but dog friendly too. We were ECSTATIC to find out about Kara’s Kottages - a cozy, modern, and homey alternative to a standard hotel room.

We stayed in the Redwood Kottage, on Kalamazoo Avenue, and we loved having so many “at home” amenities at our disposal. It had a full size kitchen (stocked with complimentary breakfast items), a living room, a washer and dryer, and even a quaint covered patio! Sally loved having so much space to roam, and with the pet fee being only $15/night, it’s an incredibly easy and affordable pet-friendly option!

EAT & DRINK

Walnut & Park :: Summertime in Kalamazoo is magical - the weather was perfect (75 degrees and sunny) the entire time we were there, so we found ourselves sitting outside as much as we could! We loved Walnut & Park because of their relaxed and picturesque outdoor patio - and their specialty coffee and made-to-order breakfast sandwiches weren’t bad either! Plus, Sally was welcome to sit with us outside!

Factory Coffee :: We were anxious to try Factory Coffee, as there was a lot of hype surrounding this hip coffee shop, and it definitely suprassed our expectations. The coffee is strong, the ambiance is cool (it’s located in an old factory), the baristas are friendly, and the puppy-friendly outdoor patio is a great place to relax… for both humans, and pets!

Arcadia Ales :: It’s probably a good thing we didn’t discover Arcadia Ales until our last night in Kalamazoo or we’d have been tempted to come to this waterfront brewery every day! Their pet-friendly beer garden has shuffleboard, cornhole, direct access to the Kalamazoo River, and their extensive beer and food menus are some of the best in town! We highly recommend their famous wood-fired pizza - the crust is incredible. (Even Sally got to try it!)

Wax Wings Brewing :: Have you ever been to a brewery where you walk in and immediately feel like family? That’s how we felt at Wax Wings Brewing, the ambiance is relaxed, the people are friendly, and they serve some amazing beer on tap. Best part is? Dogs are welcome!! We’ll cheers to that!

Sally wanted her own pizza at Arcadia Ales

PLAY

Fairmont Dog Park :: We know a dog park is a hit when Sally immediately collapses in the back of our car - exhausted, out of breath, and joyously panting for air. After a solid hour of playtime at Fairmont Dog Park, Sally did just that! It’s free to the public from 8am to sunset, and if we were Kalamazoo locals, we’d be there everyday!

Prairie View County Park :: This 210-acre lakeside park has everything from a swimming beach to picnic areas, to a super extensive, lush, and beautiful dog park! The fenced-in dog park spans over 7 acres, with plenty of room for pups to run free - and there’s even a shaded walking trail to enjoy!

Kalamazoo Growlers Game :: Call us weird, but we’ve always thought it would be fun to bring Sally to a baseball game… and this dream came true at the Kalamazoo Growlers “Bark in the Park” night! Leashed pups of all sizes came out to watch the game with their owners, and Sally had a blast making new friends and trying a bite of Bobby’s hot dog. Check their schedule for Bark in the Park nights, it was a night we’ll never forget!

Don’t see your favorite dog-friendly Kalamazoo spot on our list? Leave a comment and let us know! We can’t wait to return with Sally and visit more puppy-approved places!

Alli Talley

August 29, 2019

USA, Travel Essentials

16 Tips for Cross County Road Trips With a Dog

Alli Talley

August 29, 2019

USA, Travel Essentials

In case you don’t follow us on Instagram (which you SHOULD), in the past year we may have been better off calling ourselves the “Roadtripping Newlyweds”. If it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert on something, we’re probably getting close to that based on all of the long drives we’ve done. If you’re doubting our expertise, here’s where we’ve been (keep in mind all of this is within the past 12 months):

Aug/Sept 2018 - We embarked on a 5,000 mile drive from our house in California up to Seattle, east to Banff, back down through Montana and Idaho, and back home.
Sept. 2018 - We drove on a “mini” 1,100 mile road trip to hike the narrows in St. George. Worth it! Do it!
Dec 2018 - Also on the shorter side, we drove 2,100 miles to Tempe, Taos, and Aspen. All so pretty during the holidays!
Apr/May 2019 - We drove from our house in Costa Mesa to Savannah (GA) and up to Pittsburgh, then headed home. Just over 6,500 miles. There were plenty of stops and potty breaks.
Jun 2019 - Had a quick trip to Carson Valley, Lake Tahoe, and Bend. It’s weird that a 2,000 mile trip now feels like nothing.
July/Aug 2019 - We just returned from a nice “little” drive to Kalamazoo, Michigan. 5,800 miles in 19 days. Not the furthest, but definitely the greatest mileage per day. Woof.

Did we mention that we’ve had our bernedoodle, Sally, with us on these drives? And that we’ve done 3 of the 5 in our compact Toyota Prius? Pretty ridiculous!

With all of that in mind, it’s safe to say that we’ve learned a few things.

Here are our 16 tips (in order with the most important first) for a massive road trip with a puppy in tow.

Leave early - This is our most important tip if you are a road trip rookie. Specifically on the days of your big drives (300+ miles), get up as early as possible for your drive. You’ll be sleepy, but trust us - you’ll wake up. To us, there is nothing worse than leaving somewhere at noon, and having to end the drive and arrive at your destination in the dark. On the contrary, if you leave before the sun rises, you’ll probably arrive at your destination mid-day, with plenty of time for a nap (praises!) and to start exploring.
Pack right - You’re going to be taking your luggage in and out of the car A LOT, so you want luggage that is durable, lightweight, and easy to move around. For us, that is our American Tourister bags, along with a couple of backpacks (Bobby has a Lowepro Camera bag and Alli has a Herschel backpack). Oh, and we of course have a little tote for all of Sally’s things! :)
Optimize your vehicle’s layout for humans - This is a big one for comfort. For us, that means knowing where everything is at all times. The car is packed the same way, so that you could ask me right now (a week after our last road trip) where I keep my computer, sunscreen, Sally’s food, Alli’s bag… it all has a place. This is your second home, so it will make it much easier if you piece it together effectively.
And for dogs - Speaking of second home, you have to have your fur baby’s safety and comfort in mind when you’re going on a long drive. For safety, we have a harness that hooks Sally in (a pet seatbelt), but also allows her to be mobile in the backseat. For comfort, we have a backseat bridge that extends the backseat so there’s no gap, giving Sally a lot more space. Lastly, we have a dog hammock that drapes over the whole backseat and makes it all one consistent surface. Yes, we are those dog people. And yes, Sally loves us.
Stop frequently - Aside from having to use the restroom, get out and move a little. Having Sally with us may seem like an inconvenience, but she actually forces us to get out and run around every hour or two.
Have your thing - If you’re traveling with a partner, there’s only so much you can talk about. For us, we listen to audiobooks together, talk about anything and everything, play with Sally, and we always run out of things to say. Other than music, we each have our own thing in the form or unique podcasts that the other person doesn’t really care for. For Bobby, it’s the Fantasy Footballers. He knows it’s kind of nerdy, and he loves it. For Alli, it is the Morning Toast. While we each do our own thing, the other person naps (although Bobby is totally a “Toaster” now, and Alli’s never been more proud.).
Take your wallet out of your pocket (Bobby) and throw on your comfy pants (Alli) - You’re going to be sitting for awhile, so make it as comfortable as possible. Don’t worry about how you look - just wear whatever you’re most comfortable in! (Also in the comfort category, for this last trip we bought these sun shades and it was a TOTAL gamechanger. Nothing is worse than trying to take a nap and having the sun beating down on you the whole time.)
Hydration > Caffeine - While coffee will definitely do the trick during those early morning drives, it should not be your solution whenever you get sleepy while driving. We’ve found that staying hydrated (with water), is actually the best thing we can do on our road trips. Yes, you will have to pee more. But you will absolutely feel better that night and the next day. Trust us on this one!
Pack light - Assuming you’re driving through the US or Canada, pack as light as possible. You can pick up anything you need along the way, and there are plenty of laundromats to keep your wardrobe fresh.
Nap - When you’re sleepy, stop driving and take a nap. The end.
Decide your absolute maximum mileage for the day (and stick to it) - Also important. If you want to get to a spot 500 miles away but think maaaayyyybe you can get 100 miles further, then decide that no matter what you will stop if you get to the 600 mile destination. If you keep playing the, “Oh let’s just drive for another hour” game, you’ll put yourself at risk for dangerous fatigue or a speeding ticket. Not worth it.
Be a tourist while on the road - Seven Magic Mountains, Car Henge, the World’s Largest Ball of Twine, Wall Drug, etc. There are countless strange roadside attractions. Whether you plan them out, or see a sign that it’s a mile up ahead, you won’t regret making the stop (even if you’re making fun of it as you leave).
Research your route - The shortest distance may not be the fastest. The scenic drive may be the most beautiful drive you’ve ever set your eyes on. Or the “scenic drive” is pathetic. Do some research on where your driving, beyond your endpoints.
Be honest - Unless you’re traveling solo, this just means to be honest about when you don’t want to drive any more. Or, when you shouldn’t drive anywhere. Bobby always wants to set personal long distance driving records (currently he’s gone 575 miles with a couple potty breaks), but sometimes he has to give up and hand over the keys because he’s sleepy. Know your limits and communicate with your partner.
Pace yourself - What we mean here is pace yourself over the course of the trip. If you’re whole trip is two weeks and 4,000 miles, don’t drive 800 miles on 5 different days. Spread it out. If we ever have more than 2 days driving 300+ miles, we take at least 1 day off.
Cruise control is your friend, but be smart - Bobby LOVES cruise control. But he only uses it when there’s barely any traffic, and early on in his drives. It’s a little risky if there are other cars, or if you’ve been driving for awhile. Just because your foot isn’t on the gas doesn’t mean you don’t have to pay attention…

Can you see the sunshade on the left? Game changer…

Lots of gas station stops (We call Sally “Stinker”)