A friend and I are looking for a place to go for an affordable and relaxing girls' weekend in Oregon or Washington. Any ideas for a good place to go? We're hoping to find some place with a day spa or at least massages nearby/onsite to get pampered a bit. Thanks for your help!

How old are the girls? Most places discourage or ban minors from booking rooms, etc. Can you find a woman to go with you?

Breitenbush Spa is around 2 hours out of Portland. Just a relaxing place. Spas, vegetarian meals, and good hiking in the area.

Coupla ideas, McMenamin's Edgefield, near Portland and the Columbia Gorge, see www.mcmenamins.com (brewery and winery, golf, party-hearty types abounding); or Sleeping Lady, near Leavenworth in the WA Cascades, more organic, upmarket, a little more woowoo than yahoo. www.sleepinglady.com

Britenbush is somewhat of a nudist colony, at least my friends go there to be nude. Absolutely nothing wrong with that but you should know.

Also be aware that Britenbush is a little rustic, not a luxurious place by any means. It's a fun experience, but I'm not sure "pampered" exactly describes it.

On the Oregon Coast, Inn at Spanish Head has spectacular views (as if you're right ON the ocean) and luxurious surroundings. There are some good special rates this time of year. Their web site is www.spanishhead.com.

Head to Seattle for shopping, spa (Spa Belissima is my fav), great dining and nightlife. Stay downtown by the Market- Pike Place Inn.

I haven't been since I was a girl (wink to Jenny) in high school for the Shakespeare Festival, but I wonder if Ashland, OR fits the bill? I've been researching it a bit as I'm dying to go again, and there appear to be many nice lodging options, tons of shops and good restaurants. Can anyone comment on Ashland as a ladies' getaway destination?