It’s a secret society. A whisper. A nod.
Girls’ Trips.
Some more out in the open than others. But an understanding that yes, we are going and we may not ever really tell you what we did there, but we will be changed and renewed (and exhausted and possibly broke) afterwards. It is the trip I look forward to every year. It is a chance to talk, to reconnect, to make you realize why friendships matter. A chance to laugh, to spa, to indulge and to get back to your true self.
I took a straw poll of readers as to their favorite locations to go and the same few kept rising to the top. Here they are, our six favorite great girls’ trips:
Charleston
Whether you stay in the city of Charleston or at a beach nearby, the shopping and eating in Charleston are favorites with StyleBlueprint readers.
Beautiful homes in Battery Park.
King Street shopping with fabulous shoe stores and clothing boutiques including The Copper Penny, Bob Ellis, and much much more. As for eating, we highly recommend The Charleston Grill, Fig and The Fat Hen (in Kiawah). If you are looking for more of a beach vacation, head to the Sanctuary at Kiawah Island for five star treatment with spa, beach, golf and tennis.
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island. Image credit: The Sanctuary.
StyleBlueprint wrote a great article about a weekend getaway to Charleston that covers where to stay and where to eat. Read it here: www.styleblueprint.com/charleston-perfect-weekend-getaway.
New York City
Everyone has their favorite places to stay. Some go near Central Park to the Ritz or near Rockfeller Center to Le Meridian. But shopping at the big girl stores, and the fabulous boutiques in SoHo top the list. See a play, shop, eat, go to museums and just enjoy the hustle and bustle. A great place for a girls’ group, where there is something for everyone to do.
Concrete jungle, yes please. Image credit: superbwallpapers.com
Chicago
Think New York with less people and more of a midwestern flair. The shopping on Michigan Avenue and in other pockets throughout the city is outstanding.
Chicago River runs through it.
If you can get into a Rick Bayless restaurant, like Frontera Grill (even if that means lunch at 2:30 on a Saturday like I did), do it.
Always a line at Frontera Grill, as it seats only 65 people.
Museums are great here too. Another girls’ secret is an incredible outlet mall (think Ferragamo, Burberry, Kate Spade) just north of the city in Aurora.
Miami
Miami is a great getaway, especially during cooler months. South Beach has a European feel, with food and wardrobes way out of our norm. Love the shopping in South Beach, in the city of Miami and at the Neiman’s Last Call outlet outside the city (some of the best clothing scores ever, as we spent almost 6 hours there).
Dining alfresco is everywhere. Image credit: Haute Living
Food is great everywhere and there are lots of options for al fresco dining, from a food truck to one of my favorite restaurants Michael’s Genuine in the Design District in Miami. Stay at the Ritz in South Beach, where you have a tanning butler (seriously), great club level inclusives and a spa that lets you stay there all day in your robe (which I did).
Introducing … your tanning butler. Image credit: smartertravel.com
Arizona
This seems to be a popular destination for big birthday celebrations. Whether it be the Phoenician, Miraval or the Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain, spa and resort are all on the docket here. The theme of Arizona getaways is wellness and relaxation.
If you want to go off campus, the sightseeing, restaurants and shopping are all top notch here.
The Phoenician. Image credit: The Phoenician.
Sonoma and Napa Counties, California
Wine, check. Food, check. Scenery, check. California wine country is not just about all the great wineries, it is a foodie’s delight, as well. This is a trip to remember. StyleBlueprint readers love staying at Auberge du Soleil in Napa for their five star treatment. Another option is staying in San Francisco and driving up to wine country for the day.
Image credit: Auberge
If you can get in, French Laundry is one of the best restaurants, or try The Girl and The Fig for a great lunch.
French Laundry. Image credit: Wikimedia Commons.
As for wineries, there are many to pick from, so choose your favorites and go there. If you have the chance I highly recommend Korbel, simply because it is stunning and located in one of my favorite areas, the Russian River Valley.
Korbel, just one part of this lovely place. Image credit: Sonoma Uncorked.
In my opinion, and I’ve been going on girls trips for 15 years, there are three important features of successful girls trips:
1. Manageable-sized group of girls with a similar agenda. Too few or too many people really sets the tone. Minimum of 4 people, maximum of 10 would be my advice here.
2. Luxurious accommodations. You’re worth it. Save up for it and do it.
3. Good food that you don’t have cook. You are on vacation, let others wait on you for once.
All of these great places were compiled by StyleBlueprint readers. Recommendations for lodging and food came from readers, and I can vouch for most all of them as well.
My advice is plan your girls trip and stick to the date. You can make it happen and it will be worth it. Slow down and do something for yourself. Your family will appreciate it!
Happy Travels!
