Shopping, spa-ing – plus a distillery, kayak adventure, quail hunting and more in South Georgia
Cooler temps mean one thing: Football and lots of it. Ladies, leave the guys with their TVs and take a girls’ trip this fall to Albany, Georgia. Whether you’re a college student needing a break from the books or a retiree looking for adventure, Albany is the place to go with your best girls. And Moms…for two-and-a-half-months it was all about the kids’ fun, it’s YOUR turn! Just off of I-10 in Southwest Georgia, and only 30 minutes from I-75, this idyllic city is the perfect escape. From the outdoorsy types to the fashionistas, this small town charmer has something for every gal in the group.
Day 1:
Head straight to Pearly’s for breakfast. There’s a reason they’ve been voted “Best of the Best” three years running! This family owned diner will take you back to the way grandma made it. 814 N. Slappey Blvd., Albany, GA 31701;
PearlysFamousCountryCooking.com
Go burn off some of those calories by going to Kayak Attack Adventures and paddle down the gorgeous Flint River. 229-669-1259
Annie, get your gun! Engage in the South’s quintessential quail hunting experience at Wynfield Plantation. 5030 Leary Road, Albany GA 31721;WynfieldPlantation.com
Shop ’til you drop and find a souvenir worthy of the trip in Albany, Georgia. Credit: Albany Convention and Visitors Bureau
Rest easy at Merry Acres Inn, with its Southern historic charm, and continue gab sessions over cocktails at the Manor House Pub located at the hotel. Stay in the Paula Deen cottage, complete with two bedrooms, living area, small kitchen and memorabilia showcasing the Albany native. 1500 Dawson Rd., Albany, GA 31707; MerryAcres.com
Once you and the girls are unpacked, take the inn’s free shuttle to The Catch Seafood Room & Oyster Bar for dinner. Start off with the best hush puppies the South has to offer! Order from their oyster bar-eat em’ raw off the shell or baked to perfection. 2332 Whispering Pines Rd., Albany, GA 31707; Catch.Stewbos.com
Day 2:
Wake up and enjoy your complimentary hot breakfast right in the comfort of your own hotel.
Take a quick day-trip to Still Pond Vineyard and Distillery. Enjoy the crisp notes of autumn air while strolling through the lush vineyards. Sample some of Still Pond’s 18 award-winning wines and savor sips of the vodka awarded a Double Gold medal by The Fifty Best, an online guide to fine living, featuring rated listings from unbiased proprietary blind tastings by judging panels including wine/spirits journalists, spirits professionals, retailers, mixologists, spirits consultants and connoisseurs. Plan to return in December for the Still Pond Festival, when Santa helps introduce the year’s Christmas wines. 1575 Still Pond Rd., Arlington, GA 39813; StillPond.com
Take it easy at Oasis Day Spa and Salon. You and the girls can kick back and relax while getting spa mani-pedis, a massage or try a Vitamin C Facial. 1410 Dawson Rd, Albany, GA 31707; (229) 405-2931
After getting pampered, it’s time to eat like royalty. The best place for an elegant dining experience? Henry Campbell’s Steakhouse. Choose from their seven cuts of premium steak. 629 N Westover Blvd. Albany, GA 31707; SteakHouse.Stewbos.com
Day 3:
Start your day with a boost at Elements Coffee Bar. Enjoy a gab session with the girls while sipping on one of their delicious lattes or mochas. 2726 Ledo Rd, Albany, GA 31707; (221) 435-1163
Grab a cup to go and head to Plantation Pointe. Get an early start on Christmas shopping by picking up a unique gift at the Place on the Pointe. Next door, the shops at Lancaster Village feature upscale boutiques. Grab one of kind duds at The Royal Collection boutique. Pick up a statement piece at Envy or Blush. Or score something for the house at Kay Fuller Interiors or Livi and Company; VisitAlbanyGa.com/shop
Before hitting the road choose between Southern cookin’ to round out your trip at the Mayberry Diner or go for a lighter option at Health Hut. 2349 Lake Park Dr, Albany, GA 31707; (229) 883-3538/ 2345 Lake Park Dr, Albany, GA 31707; (229) 344-2025
With Albany’s quaint feel and variety of fun options, this will be a trip you and your girls will talk about for years to come!