Spring is a beautiful season.  One that symbolizes rebirth, renewal and growth.  As temperatures rise, the days get longer, flowers bloom, and mother nature breathes new life into the world.  Relationships are to our lives like beautiful flowers are to any garden.  You must water, care for, and nurture them to keep them alive. 

All too often, life gets in the way. It can get harder to make time for those friends who are the flowers in our garden of life. Aligning schedules can seem out of reach or something we will get to “tomorrow.”  Well ladies, let this Spring be the one that plants the seed of new experiences, resulting in new actions that lead to creating new memories.  May this inspire you to pull out your calendar, gather up your gal pals, and book that trip! 

Nashville

If you want an unforgettable vacation, head to Nashville.  There’s much to do here! Pack your walking shoes and your dancing boots.  This city’s southern hospitality combined with non-stop live music, bustling bars and restaurants, as well as the Iconic Country Music Hall of Fame, and The Ryman Theatre (Home to the Grand Ole Opry) create a perfect recipe for fun.  Not into the party scene? No problem.  Other great ways to spend time over your weekend include a visit to Belle Meade Historic Historic Site and Winery, the Nashville Parthenon (the centerpiece of Centennial Park and an exact replica of the Parthenon in Athens, Greece) or Cheekwood Estate and Gardens (Botanical Garden, Art, and Seasonal Festivals) and more.

When you work up an appetite, grab some breakfast at Biscuit Love Gulch or the Hermitage Café (open 24 hours serving breakfast and brunch) or some great BBQ on Broadway. For those who prefer Farm-to-table New American fare and craft cocktails, served in chic digs, the 404 Kitchen located in the heart of the Gulch does not disappoint.  

When you’re ready to slow down for the night, stay at the Bobby Hotel. Just minutes from the famed Printer’s Alley clubs and bars of downtown,  unwind on their rooftop pool, complete with an airstream ripe for the ‘gram, or enjoy a cocktail at the stunning lobby bar. 

Austin / Waco, Texas

Austin maintains a quirky, laid-back atmosphere, different that you would find in other parts of Texas. Aside from its buzzing live music, Insta-worthy hotels, many flock to this eccentric city to enjoy its gorgeous landscape and the outdoors. Blessed with an average of 300+ days of sunshine per year.

Keep yourself entertained on Rainey Street, a row of historic, bungalow-style homes turned bars. Another favorite is the SoCo District (South Congress Avenue) filled with great restaurants, funky vintage shops, chic boutiques, cool bars and live music. There are also tons of outdoor activities. Go cycling or hiking along Butler Hike + Bike Trail or McKinney Falls State Park. Looking for something more relaxing? Spend a sun-filled day at Lady Bird Lake followed up with a sunset bat cruise or a dip in Austin’s beloved Barton Springs Pool.  Your weekend to Austin will not fall short of activities and offers something for everyone.  Between the food trucks, brunch spots, and BBQ joints, we promise you won’t go hungry.   

If you can fit in an extra day, we highly recommend you make the day trip to Waco, TX.  Waco is home to Chip and Joanna Gaines, their hit TV show, Fixer Upper and the Magnolia Silos, Shops, Restaurant, and so much more that makes this a “not to miss” on our hit list!  That’s our Founder, Dawn Berry, on the far right, with three of he best girlfriends of 30+ years during our trip to Austin/Waco just a few years back. 

Phoenix / Scottsdale, Arizona

This desert paradise has something for everyone.  Chill by the pool, relax in a spa, go shopping, sip a cocktail, savor great food.

Scottsdale, Arizona, has long been synonymous with spa resorts; believed to have more spas per capita than any other place in the United States.  A couple of our favorites are the Arizona Biltmore, a long-time favorite playground for Hollywood A-Listers, world dignitaries, presidents, and royals for decades, Fairmont Scottsdale Princess where the open-air rooftop pool (pictured) is a huge draw along with PGA Championship golf. 

Outdoorsy types can hike the myriad trails at Camelback Mountain, located in the middle of the city, a quick hike and offering amazing views of the Valley of the Sun. 

Another reason this makes our Top 10 Destinations is its year-round activities to include, and far from limited to: Art Festivals, Music Festivals, Food Festivals, MBA Spring Training Season, Botanical Garden events, PGA Golf, Barrett Jackson Car Show, Music Concerts, Bentley Scottdale Polo Championships, and the Arabian Horse Show to name a few.  No matter what time of year you plan your trip, there’s always more than enough to fill your schedule and have fun in this desert oasis.    

Boulder, Colorado

For all, of our outdoor and hiking fans, there are few destinations as thrilling as Boulder. Located just a few hours from Denver International Airport, this destination offers a great central location for friends and groups spread across the country.  With over 150 public trails, available to explore for free, you will have plenty of time with your girlfriends as well as good ole’ Mother Nature. 

Situated in the foothills of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, visitors to Boulder are near Rocky Mountain National Park and Eldora Mountain Resort as well as world famous ski resorts, just a few hours away.

The city offers year-round, seasonal, outdoor recreational activities including over 200 miles of biking and hiking trails, over 40,000 acres of open space, and the popular Boulder Creek Path. With over 30 Art galleries, a handful of great museums, and more than 30 stage + movie theatres (offering a collection of festivals throughout the year), this destination is a culture and art lover’s haven.   Popular favorites include Flagstaff Mountain, and Andrews Arboretum

San Diego

Consistently sunny weather and 70 miles of magnificent coastline are what draw us and sun seekers alike to San Diego throughout the year and what makes this an excellent option for a girls’ getaway.    

Retreat to Mission Beach to catch the waves and take a surf lesson, or to La Jolla to soak up the sun or perhaps to Coronado for a leisurely seaside bike ride or stroll.  For those who like to be out on the water, take in a whale watching tour, coastal boat tour, or try your luck with a fishing charter. 

To eat some of the best fish tacos, check out the local wineries and breweries and take in the local nightlife at Gaslamp Quarter. 

Miami / Fort Lauderdale, Florida

A little more fast-paced, you’ll find sun, surf, and fun in Miami nearly any time of year. South Beach is filled with Caribbean music, vibrant night life, and extravagant parties.  Miami proper boasts an artsy vibe throughout your experience.   From the hotels designed and displaying local artists and their work, meander through murals at the Wynwood Walls Insta-worthy art installation. You can also shop for mementos of the trip along the outdoor Lincoln Road Mall or Espanola Way. 

This American multi-cultural city is a Florida playground.  For a taste of Miami Beach, take in one of the city’s best boat tours, where you’re sure to marvel at the glitzy skyline from the water on a boat tour or via parasail for more adventurous types. 

Florida tourists often overlook Fort Lauderdale and head straight to Miami. Depending on what you’re looking for, Fort Lauderdale offers an alternate option that’s less crowded. The beaches are just as nice (some would argue that they are nicer), and the city offers plenty of spas, shopping, and dining. Fort Lauderdale Tiki is a super fun floating tiki bar charter (yes, you read that right) for up to eight people.  Looking for something a little tamer? Consider the Jungle Queen, an iconic dinner and show sightseeing cruise that will sail the group through the “Venice of America.”

Las Vegas

Let’s face it, Las Vegas is an obvious pick for a girls’ weekend getaway.  Whether you want to bust out that sequin dress and heels, toss back a few martinis, or hit the slots, there’s something for everyone.  You’re sure to win big when it comes to world-class entertainment, delicious food, and five-star hotels and resorts along The Strip.  The downtown area has been fully redeveloped over the years. Now referred to as “Glitter Gulch,” Fremont Street is in the heart of downtown Las Vegas. This pedestrian-only thoroughfare features live entertainment, a zipline, and a light show. 

For those who may not have visited since their bachelorette days, there are also a lot of fun things to do that don’t involve casinos. Top-Tier music talent such as Celine Dion, Adele, and Carrie Underwood have or are rumored to have residencies in the works at the all-new Resorts World Las Vegas. 

Food has also come a long way from the all-you-can-eat buffets to celebrity chef favorites like CATCH, Hell’s Kitchen, Giada, and Michael Mina.  It goes without saying there are endless options for resort pools and spa experiences.  Explore the history of Las Vegas from a truly unique perspective and visit the “Neon Boneyard” as you take a trip back in time with this historical collection of Vegas’s iconic neon signage at the Neon Museum.  Visit Downtown Container Park and Hoover Dam.  Lastly, shopping, shopping, shopping. 

Santa Barbara, California

Known as the American Riviera with its beaches, wine trail of more than 30 wineries, Spanish colonial-style buildings, abundant shops in Paseo Nuevo, spas and sunny weather, Santa Barbara proves to be a quintessential Southern California vacation. 

For our recreational foodies, seeking a well-rounded taste of the region, you will be pleasantly overwhelmed by the many standout options this relaxing and hidden paradise has to offer. 

Tour this beautiful part of the Country by horseback, electric bike, or Trolley.  Take in a pottery class, food tastings, wine tastings, and scenic sunset cruises on the California coast.  Home to the International Film Festival, Museum of Art Van Gough exhibit, Santa Barbara Symphony, Theatre, Concerts at the Santa Barbara Amphitheatre (April – October) and the Fall Harbor Seafood Festival are just a few unique experiences that put Santa Barbara in our Top 10 and a “not to miss” destination. 

Charleston, South Carolina

You’ll feel like you’re stepping back in time, to 17th-century America while on vacation in Charleston. This charming southern port city is home to preserved historic landmarks, cobblestone streets, beaches, award-winning food scene, and of course, shopping. 

Charleston’s popular attractions are easy to explore, whether on foot or by bike.  Take in a candle-making class at Candlefish, enjoy the ultimate girls’ brunch at Miller’s All Day and end your night inside Camellias pink champagne bar located inside Hotel Bennett. 

Rainbow Row’s, candy-colored facades, is one of the most colorful streets in the world and a must see when you’re there.  Charleston’s adorable downtown town is bright and cheerful, a city filled with majestic church steeples and 19^th– century mansions. This charming southern destination a super fun place to explore and leaves no shortage of Insta-worthy sites to capture those memory-making moments. 

New Orleans, Louisiana

We wrap up our Top 10 in the Big Easy. From munching on beignets at Café du Monde to the cool jazz scene, New Orleans has a spirit unlike any other. And it’s a vibe that’s meant to be shared with friends.

While one might think its all about sipping hurricanes on Bourbon Street, this mother of jazz town has much to offer beyond it most infamous drag and Mardi Gras.   

You won’t fall short of daytime activities like shopping at the chic South Market District, hanging out on Frenchmen Street for some incredible live music, visit Jackson Square to buff up on the local History, take a streetcar ride down St. Charles Avenue that features some gorgeous mansions, book a mural and graffiti art walk that takes you to the best hidden art in the city and hang out in the famous French Quarter where you’ll find a reimagined French Market, modern boutiques, and artisan cocktails mixed with beloved antique stores and old restaurants. 

Aside from its vibrant nightlife and live music scene, NOLA doesn’t mess around when it comes to its cuisine fusion of French, Spanish and African influences.  Dig into a bowl of shrimp gumbo, crawfish etouffee, or a fried-oyster po’boy.   When it gets dark, take the girls to an intimate music venue called Bacchanal, which has a shady courtyard for small-stage performances and an incredible wine list.

Book that trip, have fun, and nurture your friendships! 

– everything HOSPITALITY