Our Louisville friend might not be able to travel too far for our annual girls' trip this year, so we're thinking of taking the girls' trip to her. We're looking for an area that has nice lodging, dining, shopping and spa options, within a 3-hour drive.

We're open to any and all recommendations. Thanks!

Oops, forgot to mention that this will be sometime in late Spring.

Hi there. I'm from Louisville and I think you should come here! We have some fabulous restaurants here and some excellent day spas. Of course, late spring might be pre-Derby so that might not work. Within 3 hours from Louisville are Cincinnati, Nashville and Indianapolis.

Thanks, LlindaC. We have enjoyed your beautiful city several times, once even during Derby Week. We would like to give her more of a little escape. (Our original intended destination was Grand Cayman.)

We were thinking more of small cities or charming towns in the area. Do you think Nashville would work for non-country music fans?

I have a couple of suggestions for small towns withing the driving distance you mentioned.

If you like walking through dozens of antique stores, Waynesville, Ohio, just southeast of Dayton is a nive place for a weekend trip. There are some excellent country inns and dining rooms in the surrounding area as well.

I also suggest a trip to Nashville but the one in Indiana, not the one in Tennessee. Brown County, in which it is located, has become a center for art and artists and is a fun place to visit.

I love Nashville, IN as well. In fact, if you gals want to rent a cabin, I have some excellent selections. It's best to go midweek before the weekend crowds arrive. There are no spas or luxury, but some nice regional restaurants, some trail/hiking plenty of galleries and all the tourist junkie shopping and beautiful countryside. I think renting a luxury cabin, sitting in the hot tub and eating shrimp while drinking wine sounds like fun. You could rent movies, play pool and games, etc. I've treated each of my teenagers to trips there with their friends and we have an absolute BALL. We took the short drive to Bloomington to check out all that town offered as well.

Thanks to both of you. I looked up some of the info. about Brown County and it seems to fit the bill.

I have emailed the suggestion to the others and am awaiting their reply. It will be tough to adjust their expectations of drinking umbrella drinks on the beach after a cold northeastern winter, but wine in the hot tub sounds good to me.

howdy again.
http://moondancevacationhomes.com/vi...bin=heartstone

That is a great spot....overlooks a large open area and woods...almost feels like the mountains. There were deer behind the cabin every day.

http://www.adventurewoodlogcabin.com/


I got that one in the mail after our last stay.

Be sure you read the location on any cabin....some are close to the town, others may be closer to Bloomington!

We also enjoy Nashville, In.

A couple of other options:

French Lick Springs and/or West Baden Springs Resort in Indiana. Both early 1900s spa hotels within a mile of one another. Georgeous architechure! They have both been renovated and re-opened. Casino, gardens, bowling alley, riding stables, indoor/outdoor pools, full service spas. Free shuttle runs between the hotels so guests can enjoy both.

Glendale KY. Quaint little town full of shops all within an easy stroll, Petticoat Junction B&B, Whistle Stop Restaurant, unsure of spa

As far as Nashville, TN.

Several nice museums and historical sites. Grand Old Opry is always fun and the Ryman Auditorium is a special place to visit. Opry Mills Mall for shopping. Opryland Hotel is worth a visit, even just for a walk. There is a spa. There are nice rooms, but we've been stuck in a dark distant hallway both times we've stayed.

Our favorite spa hotel when we want a little pampering is the Loew's Vanderbilt. Beautiful public areas, spacious rooms, superior service. Lounge on Concierge Floor is well stocked. Ruth's Chris is on the lower level. Great massage and really, really comfortable beds.

We just returned from West Baden Springs and French Lick Hotels to see Air Supply in concert. WOW. What an amazing place! And $$$ on the weekends, especially. They have it all, though, and you can use facilities of both places. We actually stayed in a B&B across the street, but are planning a fall sales meeting there for the company.