jan

Hi all. Three childhood friends are meeting in Houston where one of us lives and want to spend a long weekend together. All "girls", 50 something. Think it'll be in summer so don't want to stick around Houston. Any suggestions? Spa would be nice or small artsy town with good restaurants and a bit of history. We would drive from Houston or rendevous elsewhere. Thanks. Jan

Arabella

Had a girls weekend, actually Spring Break, in Galveston a million years ago when I was in my early 20s. We stayed at The Galvez, a beautiful old place that has been wonderfully refurnished.

Galveston has a 40-block residential historical area. We toured the beautiful old homes and learned about the devastating hurricane of 1900 that leveled the island and killed 6,000 people.

Lots of art galleries. Lots to do.

connie

How about Fredericksburg. Sounds like your description. They have a wonderful downtown with lots of neat shopping and restaurants. If you are really into antigues and flea markets, you might check out when Round Top (the town) does their antique market. I see it listed in my national magazines all the time as one of the best in the country.
Of course, San Antonio is always a good place to go.
I agree with Galveston being fun too. There are many unique, older homes that are open for tours as well as Moody Gardens which is one of the best planetariums in the country.

texasgirl

I second Fredericksburg _ tons of great little cottages and B&Bs, great shopping downtown, a few cute restaurants _ love the wine bar just off main street _ and a great day spa, at the herb farm, which also has great plants and herbal products. There are a couple small interesting museums. One is on World War II, another on the history of the Germans who settled the community. The town has a nice old-fashioned feel. Plus, you are close to several other interesting towns in the Hill Country.

Personally, I'm not that big a fan of Galveston, but probably because I don't think the beach is very pretty. Also, it could be pretty humid in the summer. The Galvez has nice public areas and anice pool, though. And the Tremont is even nicer.

lisa

Fredricksburg is charming for all that has already been said. Great shops, B&B, antiquing, etc. Perfect for "girls" who are only 50 something...

Another thought is Wimberley, a few miles SW of Austin. Very artsy town. But much less to do than Fredricksburg.

I am not a fan of Galveston either. I don't care for the beaches or humidity (and it's pretty close to Houston).