Let’s Go Girls

Guide to a Southern Girl’s Trip 

There’s arguably nothing better than spending time with your girl gang – whether getting dressed up for big nights out on the town or sipping wine in your comfies at home. This year, up the ante on girl time by setting out on a getaway in the south.  

Across the region stand charming inns, seaside escapes, vibrant cities, and of course, wineries and vineyards, setting the scene for a perfect vacation among friends. This year, reunite with your long-lost besties, make mother/daughter memories, take book club on the road, or embark on a solo girly getaway. Here are the best places to visit on your girl’s trip.  

Germantown Inn, Nashville, Tennessee  

While belting alongside a live country band on Broadway is sure to make for a memorable girl’s night out, swap the chaos for a touch of historic charm in Nashville’s Germantown neighborhood. Located a mere two miles from downtown, Germantown is dotted with brick sidewalks, historic homes and businesses, and the incredibly quaint Germantown Inn.  

Built in the mid-1800s, the Germantown Inn is a beautifully restored respite in the heart of the neighborhood, perfectly located near some of the city's best restaurants. Settle into one of the rooms in the primary house, each named after a United States president and accented with hot pink or baby blue detailing. Or, book a room in the carriage house named after an influential woman in history. Enjoy an evening happy hour, then head to Taylor Street for a meal at 5th and Taylor or Rolf & Daughters. A continental breakfast is offered at the Inn each morning.  
visitmusiccity.com 

Hillbrook Inn, Charles Town, West Virginia 

Stay in the heart of history at the Hillbrook Inn in West Virginia’s Charles Town, an inn, spa, and restaurant with so much to do onsite, you’ll never have to step foot off property. Book a suite, ranging from quaint to spacious, and kick off the relaxation with a visit to the Gatehouse Spa. Book a relaxing massage, a rejuvenating facial, a detoxifying body treatment, or all of the above. While wandering the property alone is breathtakingly beautiful, the inn also offers onsite bike rentals for exploring.  

Grab the girls and head out on a chauffeur-driven winery tour, choosing from a visit to two or three nearby wineries. Not only does a tour come with a driver and a guide, but also covers the cost of tastings and gourmet snacks during the trip. Once nestled back on the meadowy property, opt for dinner at the onsite restaurant concept by Belgian chef Jan Van Haute.  
wvtourism.com

Charleston, South Carolina 

Charleston is arguably the most girl trip-friendly city in the South. From its colorful houses, decadent dining, and no shortage of Southern charm, the city is made all the more special thanks to its waterfront location. While you can become lost in the historic streets throughout the city, stopping for photos on Rainbow Row, taking in the history during a walking tour, or toting shopping bags through King Street and the City Market, you can also dead end into the Charleston harbor. Stroll Waterfront Park, cool your feet off with a dip in the Pineapple Fountain, or climb aboard the Charleston water taxi to cruise the harbor.  

Get the best of the city and coast with a stay at the Cottages on Charleston Harbor, located across from the bustling town on Patriot’s Point. The waterfront oasis offers breathtaking views from each of its 10 cottages, complete with two rooms, three bathrooms, a full kitchen, a living room, and a perfectly Southern porch.
charlestoncvb.com

Amelia Island, Florida 

There’s nothing more special than relaxing on a beautiful beach alongside friends, and Amelia Island is a breathtaking, exclusive place to enjoy the best of girl time. With 13 miles of pristine, uncrowded coastline and an accessible location in northwest Florida, settle in for a relaxing coastal escape.  

Stay in a quaint inn plucked right out of a storybook. The Seaside Amelia Inn, a 46-room boutique hotel conveniently located to the beach and all of the area’s top attractions, including neighboring state parks, trolley or carriage tour sites, horseback riding, and golf clubs. Or, experience coastal luxury at the award-winning Elizabeth Pointe. Whichever you choose, prepare to cozy up with your friends, coffee in hand, for a breathtaking sunrise, or cool off after a day in the sun with a crisp glass of sparkling wine.  

Take a break from the beach by biking through one of the island’s many trails and paths, enjoy a delicious meal at Lagniappe, or take to the water on a chartered boat ride.   

New Orleans, Louisiana 

Laissez les bon temps rouler (let the good times roll) in New Orleans, where indulgent food and good times flow as easily as the drinks. Before bopping down Bourbon Street, take in the sights in the beautiful French Quarter by booking a tour with the female-owned Two Chicks Walking Tours. Or, consider a self guided French Quarter cocktail crawl, stopping at famed spots like Pat O’Brien’s, Carousel Bar, or Arnaud’s French 75 Bar.  

The evening entertainment in New Orleans speaks for itself, though if you prefer to branch away from the shenanigans on lively Bourbon Street, consider a tour of ghosts and gravestones, climb aboard the Mississippi steamboat, or enjoy live music at any of the area’s notable jazz clubs.  

Come hungry, and be sure to try some of the city’s staples during your stay: sip a Sazerac, the official beverage of New Orleans and the oldest cocktail in America, grab beignets from Cafe du Monde, enjoy shrimp and grits from Daisy Dukes, and indulge in the delicacy that is boiled crawfish.  

Altus Wine Trail, Arkansas 

Altus is a tiny town located between Fayetteville and Hot Springs, perfect for a hyper-exclusive girl’s weekend or a detour on a larger Arkansas adventure. Why visit? Altus is the wine capital of Arkansas, need I say more? Thanks to its German-Swiss heritage, Altus is peppered with adorable Alpine-style buildings that will transport you to lands much farther away than Arkansas. As the wine capital, Altus is home to a number of wineries and vineyards perfect for sipping and enjoying the sights.  

Each of the area’s wineries offer free tours and tasting rooms. Visit Post Winery, a historic vineyard making wines since the 1800s, the long tenured Wiederkehr Wine Cellars rich with Swiss heritage, the family owned and operated Mount Bethel Winery, Chateau Aux Arc (pronounced “Ozark”), the first and only Arkansas winery owned and operated by a woman, and the adorably intimate Dionysus Wine and Brew.  

Indulge all you want by booking a room at Wine Country Cottage, a rental available within two miles of each winery complete with multiple bedrooms, a private deck and plenty of seating for the whole girl gang.
arkansas.com/altus  

Fort Lauderdale, Florida 

Miami’s neighboring town of Fort Lauderdale has become a destination for the girls, offering everything from relaxing beaches to rowdy nightlife. As the “yachting capital of the world,” splurge for a charter boat and take to the sea for a memorable outing, or for a more budget-friendly option, climb aboard the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi instead.  

If your group prefers to stay in land, start your day with yoga on the beach with Fort Lauderdale Beach Yoga & Fitness, spend the day soaking up the sun, or set out on a food tour. For fresh seafood and dockside views, head to Shooters Waterfront. For upscale seafood, grab a table at Coconuts. For lively Mexican fare with a stunning patio, reserve a spot at El Vez. Lastly, see all of the city from the sky at the Sparrow Bar rooftop.
myfortlauderdalebeach.com