Life can be so busy this time of year, it’s important to give yourself a break. It’s a perfect time to escape for a weekend with college roommates, your mom squad or your family members.
Girlfriends’ getaways have been gaining in popularity for the past two decades. Whether it’s a shopping trip at the shore, or a wine-fueled trek in the Virginia countryside, these getaways offer the perfect escape for a group of girlfriends this fall.
Wine and Dine in Jefferson Country
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Charlottesville, Va.
Head south for the ultimate girlfriend getaway in Virginia’s wine country. Charlottesville boasts a booming restaurant scene, Jefferson’s birthplace, and more than 33 vineyards, all a part of the Monticello Wine Trail.
Start your weekend by checking in to the luxurious Boar’s Head Resort (from $200; boarsheadresort.com). With miles of hiking trails, a golf course, and an award-winning spa, one could enjoy an entire weekend without ever leaving the resort.
Kick off your Friday night with the Boar’s Head complimentary wine hour featuring local wines before heading into town for a dinner at the Alley Light (alleylight.com), an eclectic speakeasy with mouth-watering small plate dishes.
On Saturday, start your wine tour at Jefferson Vineyards (jeffersonvineyards.com),
just ten minutes outside of town. From there head to Blenheim Vineyards (blenheimvineyards.com), a sustainable vineyard just south of Charlottesville owned by singer Dave Matthews. That night relax with a quiet meal and spa treatment at the Boar’s Head or head to the lively Red Pump Kitchen (redpumpkitchen.com), in the heart of downtown. End your weekend with brunch at the Farm Bell Kitchen (farmbellkitchen.com), a homey spot with killer eggs benedict.
Shopping at the Shore
Rehoboth Beach, Del.
Everyone knows the beach is better in the off-season! Check in to the luxurious Bellmoor Inn and Spa (from $150; thebellmoor.com), a boutique hotel located within walking distance of downtown.
Start your Friday night with a meal at Salt Air Kitchen and Bar (saltairrestaurant.com), a restaurant known for its delicious cheese boards and locally sourced cuisine. On Saturday morning, fuel up with the Bellmoor’s complimentary breakfast before a day of shopping at the Tanger Outlets. There you can check off everyone on your Christmas list as your explore the 110 outlets.
On Sunday, burn some calories with a stroll on the boardwalk or at nearby Cape Henlopen State Park. If you want to keep the party going, finish off the weekend with a bang at the Starboard (thestarboard.com) in Dewey Beach, where the make-your-own Bloody Mary bar is the stuff of legend.
Brotherly Love and Big City Nightlife
Philadelphia
This city has world-class art museums, American history, and a growing reputation as a hip destination for foodies. Start off the weekend by checking in to the Kimpton Hotel Monaco (from $250; monaco-philadelphia.com), where the colorful décor and complimentary wine hour will have everyone in the mood for fun. For a cozy dinner experience nearby, try The Plough & The Stars (ploughstars.com), an authentic Irish pub.
On Saturday, you’ll find more than just the Rocky statue at the Philadelphia Museum of Art (philamuseum.org). With works like Van Gogh’s Sunflowers and masterpieces by Monet, Cezanne, and Degas, the museum rivals some of the best in the world.
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For lunch, try the Reading Terminal Market (readingterminalmarket.org), an open-air market with dozens of merchants. Spend the afternoon shopping the designer boutiques along Rittenhouse Row. Splurge for a dinner at Zahav (zahavrestaurant.com), offering modern Israeli cuisine.
For nightlife, check out one of the many happening spots in the Old City, or head back to the hotel’s rooftop for drinks at the Stratus Lounge (stratuslounge.com), one of the hottest bars in the city. On Sunday, wrap up your weekend with brunch fare like chicken and waffles benedict and huevos rancheros at Butcher Bar (butcherbarphilly.com) on Chestnut Street.
—Katie Riley