Round up your best ladies and head to Austin for a blissed-out weekend. Get pampered, score amazing Austin boutique finds and dance and dine like queens.
Day One
Morning: Catch up over a leisurely brunch at Isla where Caribbean cantina brunch selections include tropical fruit mimosas, fried oysters and sweet potato biscuits. Or hit Olamaie for soulful Southern dishes inspired by vintage cookbooks and regional farms.
A Texas-style treat - Isla's Prickly Pear Margarita. Courtesy of Annie Ray Photography.
Mid-Day: Spend quality time lounging and melting cares away at a renowned Austin spa. Indulge in Viva Day Spa’s Viva Diva Spa Package, which includes a 90-minute Swedish massage, sugar scrub, hydrating body wrap, mint scalp treatment, foot reflexology, designer facial, deluxe mani-pedi, lunch, wine and chocolate. No wonder Austin Monthly voted it Best Spa Package. Or visit 2nd Street District’s urban day spa Milk + Honey for robe and slippers relaxation centered around natural and organic ingredients.
Evening: Refuel with happy hour sushi and sake at Uchiko and then head out on a live music crawl with Austin Detours to take in a variety of talent, venues and entertainment districts. Pause for a late dinner at Emmer & Rye and share small plates like smoked squid, lamb carnitas and burrata toast. Bar hop and dance your way down West Sixth Street or visit Rainey Street for laid-back bungalow bars.
Day Two
Morning: Austin knows how to do brunch right. If it’s Sunday, hit Stubb’s gospel brunch for smoked Texas barbecue sided with live music and a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar. Afterwards, take a refreshing walk around downtown’s Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail and Boardwalk.
Courtesy of Dave Mead.
Mid-Day: This afternoon is all about retail therapy. Pop in and out of original Austin boutiques, antique shops and retro outfitters along South Congress. Grab a champagne cocktail and breakfast for lunch at Snack Bar and for dessert, or an iced treat at Amy's Ice Creams. Shop chic retailers along the 2nd Street District, go thrifting and record shopping in the North Loop and be sure to hit The Domain for high-end names like Louis Vuitton, Tiffany and Co. and Neiman-Marcus.
Set your compass north for jaw-dropping savings at Round Rock Premium Outlets (think 25 to 65 percent off Michael Kors and Burberry) or drive south for 140 designer and name-brand outlets at San Marcos Premium Outlets.
Evening: Take a sunset flight over the state capitol, University of Texas campus and Zilker Park with Austin Helicopter Tours. Close out your epic girls’ weekend with an unforgettable gourmet multi-course Italian feast at east side spot Al Fico. Thirsty for more? Get your honkey-tonk groove on at the White Horse, catch a show at East Side Showroom, or chill at the Continental Club, an Austin classic.
Looking for a resort experience outside of the city? Check out these six resort and spas for the perfect girls’ weekend basecamp.