Fall Girls Weekend
 

My friend and I are looking for ideas for a girls weekend in October. I'm a nature lover and like the idea of hiking, kayaking or yoga and she's a foodie (also enjoys shopping) ... we both like wine and/or spas ;)

We're open to any ideas - although are budget-conscious, so the location can't be too far from a major airport (no more than 90 mins) as she's in Chicago & I'm in Cincinnati. Our initial thoughts were somewhere in Colorado, Napa Valley, Maine, Montreal ... but we're looking for suggestions!

I think Portland, OR might be worth exploring. Fits both of your interests. Vancouver, BC fits as well- more higher end shopping there. Portland is better for foodies- Vancouver is probably more convenient for kayaking.

The Finger Lakes in upstate NY would be perfect. Driving distance for both of you or flying to Rochester, Syracuse or Elmira. Ithaca might be a great base, food, lakes, hiking and wineries galore! But..... Weekends in October are very busy, look for reservations right away!

Terrace by the Sea in Ogunquit is budget-friendly in October, about 45 mins from Portland Maine airport or 90 mins from Boston Logan. The only problem with maine in October, other than the evenings getting chilly, is that businesses such as kayak rentals etc tend to start closing up shop after Columbus weekend.

Kennebunkport would also be nice for a weekend trip.

http://www.dotcomcierge.com/home012.asp?id=3188

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-NWW_Akx8s

Jackson hole, Wyoming; fabulous time of year to visit Teton & yellowstone NPS, no crowds, weather can be great.

Red Mountain Resort near. St. George Utah. Perfect place for girls getaway. Classes, spa ,meals, activities. Lots included in the price.

http://www.redmountainresort.com

I doubt you'd be able to kayak, but Santa Fe sounds like it would fit the bill - hiking, yoga, spas, etc.

Lee Ann

@merlot99 - I dont know much about the Finger Lakes except that they're supposed to be beautiful. It seems like they are fairly spread out, do you have any recommendations of where to stay or what places are a 'must-visit'? Thanks!

I would think you could get most of what you are looking for in the Santa Fe area, as Lee Ann suggested.

I second Portland. You can rent kayaks or do A guided trip with Alder Creek Kayak.

You can do an Epicurian walking tour of Portland in which you will sample a variety of local foods as you are guided though some of Portland neighborhoods.

Lots of hiking in the Columbia River Gorge.

Wine tasting in the Willamette Valley close to Dundee and McMinnville.

A trip to the beautiful Oregon coast.

Napa is nice ( Sonoma is better) but a bit of a drive from a major airport.

LOL - I think Santa Fe is perfect for girls getaway but to me; it's almost next door. So when I wanted to get away, Red Mountain was it.

The big attraction for Red Mountain is that it is all inclusive - a big variety of classes, cooking demos, spa, meals, lectures, hike and more. There is a quaint town very near by with great shops.

You will need a car to get around the Finger Lakes. I would suggest Ithaca, Geneva or Watkins Glen for accommodations. There are hotels, B&B's, Inns, rentals or camping. Wineries, great hiking, kayaking, restaurants, museums are in the area. But you will need to find a room right away if you are traveling this fall. Rooms book up quickly!!

How about Vermont?