Southern Travel + Lifestyles

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Girls Trip!

Sometimes, girls just wanna have fun, and what better way to do that than with a girls trip! Take your besties on an unforgettable trip to a private island or keep it low-key in a charming small town. The South offers plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options that are sure to please everyone. 

 

Fairhope, Alabama 

Fairhope, Alabama is the perfect destination for a relaxing vacation in a beautiful setting. With flowers on every corner, a gorgeous waterfront, fabulous boutiques, walking trails along Mobile Bay, and a wide selection of restaurants, this scenic town is a great place to unwind with your girlfriends. Book your stay at the lovely Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa and enjoy beautiful sunsets from the pier that overlooks Mobile Bay. You’ll find several award-winning restaurants throughout town serving delicious cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Get some fresh air along the biking trails that wind along the coast and through historic neighborhoods. Fairhope also offers plenty of shopping opportunities. Find your next favorite home decor piece along the Antique Trail, fill your closet with fashions from the boutique clothing stores, or add to your self-care routine by purchasing some locally made soaps, bath bombs, and candles. This charming town has something for everyone! 
fairhopers.com 

 

St. Petersburg, Florida 

St. Petersburg, Florida is known for its emerald green waters and white-sand beaches. This girlfriends getaway is perfect for soaking up some sunshine with a day at the beach. Or, book a kayaking tour, where you’ll go around mangrove trees to a pristine beach where you and your girlfriends can hunt for seashells. You may also encounter local wildlife, such as dolphins, manatees, mangrove tree crabs, and several varieties of birds and fish. Art lovers will enjoy visiting the Salvador Dali Museum, which is filled with the famous surrealist’s eclectic and beautiful art. Satisfy your appetite at one of the many local restaurants and enjoy a variety of cuisine, including Cuban, European, and American foods, as well as fresh oysters and local-caught seafood. St. Petersburg is also home to one of the most iconic hotels in Florida, the Don Cesar. This stunning pink hotel offers a variety of luxurious amenities, including a private beach, heated outdoor pools, a poolside bar, and a full-service spa. Don't miss the bustling St. Pete Pier, which offers a variety of fun dining options with spectacular waterfront views. 
visitstpeteclearwater.com 

 

Sunset Key, Florida 

For a truly luxurious girls trip, book your stay at the Sunset Key Cottages in Florida. Sunset Key is a private island spanning over 27 acres just west of Key West. There are no roads or cars here, and you can only access the island through a private charter or the island’s private ferry. This lesser-known destination lets you get away from the crowds at the Sunset Key Cottages resort. The private cottages are nestled among bougainvillea and exotic orchids for a beautiful vista of the lush resort gardens and sparkling blue waters. Relax at the spa, walk along the soft, white sands, enjoy the sunset while sipping your favorite cocktail, or get your blood pumping with a game of tennis. A stay at the Sunset Key Cottages is sure to leave you and your girlfriends relaxed and rejuvenated! 
opalcollection.com/sunset-key-cottages 

 

Hot Springs, Arkansas 

Hot Springs, Arkansas provides the ultimate spa experience through the natural hot springs that run through the town. Many of the historic hotels were built in the Art Deco style during the Great Depression. The thermal waters here are said to have healing properties, and they will certainly leave you feeling relaxed. Visit Bathhouse Row along Central Avenue for your authentic thermal springs experience. After your relaxing soak, learn about the history of Hot Springs with a visit to the Gangster Museum or mine for your own “healing crystals.” For a beautiful panoramic view of the city, drive to the top of the Hot Springs Mountain Tower. Another popular attraction is the Garvan Woodland Gardens. This lush, botanical garden spans over 210 acres on the shores of Lake Hamilton and features amazing architectural structures. This unforgettable trip is sure to leave you feeling refreshed! 
hotsprings.org 

 

West Memphis, Arkansas 

West Memphis, Arkansas is a charming small town with a variety of great restaurants and shopping, but the main attraction is the Southland Casino. You and your girlfriends can try your luck at one of the 2,300 slot machines or 50 live table games. Feel the excitement of winning big with penny and high limit slots or try your hand at the blackjack, roulette, or craps tables. After a long day of gaming excitement and entertainment, spend the night in one of the luxurious rooms or suites available in the high rise hotel. There is also a range of dining options to excite any palate, whether you’re seeking comfort food or a tasty cocktail. Even if you don’t win big, you’ll still have fun memories to last a lifetime. 
southlandcasino.com 

 

Savannah, Georgia 

Savannah, Georgia is the epitome of Southern charm and hospitality. Enjoy a fun girls trip in this historic city with period architecture and trendy boutiques nestled among veils of Spanish moss. Discover world-class hospitality, fresh coastal seafood, and the best boutique shopping the South has to offer. Take a tour of the city to see gorgeous gardens, edgy artwork, and gorgeous Victorian-era homes lining the streets. After a fun day of exploring the town, enjoy a wild night of cabaret and karaoke. History buffs will love visiting historically significant sites like Old Fort Jackson, Fort Pulaski Monument, and Bonaventure Cemetery. Be sure to stop by the Forsyth Fountain for some Insta-worthy photos! 
visitsavannah.com 

 

Elizabethtown, Kentucky 

Elizabethtown, Kentucky is a favorite destination for a cozy girls weekend. This quaint town is bursting with cute little boutique shops filled with unique home decor, jewelry, fashion, and art. In addition to the wonderful shops, you’ll discover an array of local eateries serving Southern cuisine with new twists that make each dish unique. Treat yourself to a facial and massage at one of the local spas and be sure to snap plenty of group photos in one of the town’s many stunning murals. Stop by Waters Edge Winery & Bistro to create your own unique memento of your trip with a personalized wine label. Enjoy a show at the historic State Theater and cap the evening off by visiting the Cavern Club, a genuine speakeasy with a password at the door. Elizabethtown provides an experience you won’t find anywhere else.  
touretown.com 

 

Charlotte, North Carolina 

For the perfect girl’s weekend getaway, grab your besties and head to Charlotte, North Carolina! This city is packed with fun and exciting things to do, but without the high price tag of other large cities. Choose from a wide variety of activities suited for almost any interest, including a spooky ghost tour, a sporting adventure at the U.S. National Whitewater Center, an art show at the Mint Museum, retail therapy at the Charlotte outlet malls, or watching a live show at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. Top your weekend off with a tasty Sunday brunch of mimosas and indulgent Southern breakfast fare like chicken and waffles. With so many options, your stay in Charlotte will be unforgettable! 
charlottesgotalot.com