Whether you’re with your local friends, college crew, or childhood bestie, it’s great to spend a few days with your girlfriends, away from the responsibilities of work, family, kids…and the list goes on. And if this year’s trip is slated for somewhere in the Northeast, we’ve got a few great ideas for where to go. Here, we rounded up four places to visit and things to do while there—from hikes to spas to simply hanging out.
For spa and relaxation head to:
Aurora, NY for a stay at Inns of Aurora Resort & Spa
This Finger Lakes resort has been described as “straight out of a Hallmark movie”—and between the setting and the offerings, we couldn’t agree more. Set on 350 acres, the resort is home to a 15,000-square-foot wellness center, where you can soak in one of the six pools, try a treatment, hang by the outdoor firepits, or do a scheduled activity, like essential oil blending or “animal spirit card readings”. Beyond that, there are other wellness-centered options, including morning and sunset hikes, yoga classes, and art workshops as well as activities like archery, biking, or heading to nearby winery via the resort’s shuttle. There are multiple on-site dining and accommodations to choose from, including rooms with lake views.
For beach and walks through town head to:
Newport, RI for a stay at The Vanderbilt
If you haven’t been to Newport recently, it might be time for a revisit. And this hotel—the former mansion of Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt—is a great spot to spend a long weekend. The rooms have all been recently renovated (they just finished up last spring) and the various shades of blues contribute to the cool, calming vibe. If you’re planning to stay together, consider the two-bedroom suite, which can sleep up to six and has a private garden terrace. Visiting in the warmer months? Don’t miss The Garden and The Roof Deck, the latter of which is an excellent place to take in the sunset. While there, walk to Thames Street, head to the beach, or meander down the famous Cliff Walk.
For an active trip, head to:
Livingston Manor, NY for a stay at Antrim Streamside
This 250-acre property in the Catskills gives guests the privacy of an Airbnb—all the accommodations are standalone—with the amenities of a hotel, like free breakfast and “room service” (charcuterie boards, fresh eggs/meat) from their nearby farm. With its enviable spot on Willowemoc Creek, there are lots of great activities to try, including fly fishing and hiking—plus private activities, like yoga classes or a chef ‘s dinner can be set up, too. There are six different cabin/cottage options, the largest of which are The Stone Cottage and The River House, which sleep up to 6 and 8, respectively. They all have kitchenettes or kitchens, and The River House also has a fully furnished outdoor space.
For a city experience, head to
Portland, Maine for a stay at Blind Tiger
If your crew is more city than country, Portland, Maine, which offers lots in the way of culture and things to do, is a great place to explore. While there, consider staying at the Blind Tiger. The hotel actually has two buildings—one on Carleton Street with 6 bedrooms and one on Danforth Street with 9. Both design-forward spaces—the colors and the details!—have amenities like a free toast and yogurt bar and picnic blankets and baskets you can use, with the Danforth Street location also boasting a billiard room. You can check out the city easily from either spot—and this guide offers a great place to start. Two not-to-miss restaurants? Terlingua Restaurant & Market (there’s an outdoor seating area called the “margarita garden”) and Scales.
