Sometimes you just need to get away with the girls, and with the summer heat dying down, fall is the perfect time to make plans. Whether you arrange a reunion of old friends or a mother-daughter trip, these three cities will indulge everyone’s idea of fun for the perfect girlfriend getaways.
Asheville, North Carolina
Located in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville offers both stunning scenery and dynamic culture, especially during the fall as the landscape changes color.
“Because of the range of elevations here, we have one of the longest fall color seasons in the world,” said Landis Taylor, public relations specialist at Explore Asheville.
In addition to historic landmarks like the Biltmore Estate and the Basilica of St. Lawrence, Asheville is known for its impressive range of art galleries, breweries and restaurants, such as Local Provisions, which was recently named one of the best new restaurants in America.
“It’s a great place where you can go out during the day, enjoy a hike or waterfall tour, and then at night you’ve got this vibrant downtown scene,” Taylor said. One hidden gem for female travelers to note is the Battery Park Book Exchange, which encourages visitors to enjoy a taste of champagne or local cheese as they peruse the bookshelves.
Charleston, South Carolina
For those hoping to venture farther south, Charleston, South Carolina, never fails to impress. Characterized by beautiful gardens, cobblestone roads and Georgian brick buildings, this destination transports visitors through time as they explore one of the oldest cities in the United States.
The 70-degree temperatures also make it a prime fall destination, “a time when the scent of tea, olive and salt marsh perfume the air,” said Molly Waring, assistant director of media relations at the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. Several notable new venues include The Watch Rooftop Kitchen and Spirits, which offers an incredible 360-degree view of the city, and Library by Lauren Lail, a “vintage-made-modern” women’s clothing store.
Monterey, California
Women craving a taste of the beach life will find themselves at home in Monterey County, California, where seafood comes fresh from the docks and the coastline sets a breathtaking backdrop.
“Whether it’s spending a day whale-watching on the Monterey Bay, taking a wine tasting tour through Carmel Valley or attending one of the many events happening throughout the county, our year-round mild climate makes Monterey an ideal vacation destination,” said Tammy Blount, president of the Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
In October, the nearby beach town of Carmel-by-the-Sea will celebrate its 100th anniversary. Festivities will include concerts, art festivals and a parade led by actor Clint Eastwood, who was once the mayor there. Another major October event is the Butterfly Parade in Pacific Grove’s butterfly sanctuary, where visitors can watch thousands of monarch butterflies carry out their annual winter stop in the eucalyptus grove.
