If you and your girlfriends are looking to get away, there are plenty of fabulous destinations throughout the South. Whether you’re in the mood for a charming small town rooted in history or a weekend of indulging at award-winning eateries and wineries, here are some of our favorite girlfriend getaways in the South: Helen, GA; Vicksburg, MS; Columbia, TN; Corinth, MS; and Clarksville, TN!
Helen, GA
Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Helen, GA, offers cozy lodging options, a collection of wineries, and plenty of shopping. These are some of our favorite things to do and see in the area.
To make the most of your time, we recommend booking a room at Valhalla Resort & Spa. In addition to luxurious guest rooms, you can enjoy on-site activities like pickleball, a guided safari wildlife tour, and art classes.
Helen also offers a variety of cabin rentals. For example, Smithgall Woods State Park is a popular option among many travelers. During your stay, you can enjoy an afternoon picnic or hike along the 28 miles of available trails.
Speaking of hiking, Helen is home to a few trails that lead to cascading waterfalls. Popular destinations include Anna Ruby Falls, Raven Cliff Falls, Dukes Creek Falls, and High Shoals and Blue Hole Falls.
Perhaps one of the biggest draws of Helen is its location along the Georgia Wine Highway. One of the best ways to soak it all in is by booking a trip with VIP Southern Tours. Offering private, public, and customizable options, you’re sure to find a tour that suits your group’s needs.
Serenity Cellars is a family-owned-and-operated boutique winery. Popular blends include the lemony Luce del Sole and Ghirardelli chocolate-infused Dolce Bello dessert blend. Both have been featured in Forbes magazine!
For sweeping mountain views with your tasting, visit Yonah Mountain Vineyards. The 200-acre family winey offers live music alongside its world-class wines that range from chardonnay to merlot, sauvignon blanc, and malbec.
SB Tip: We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of local wineries. To see a complete list of options, visit helenga.org.
Spend an afternoon strolling through the cobblestone streets of Downtown Helen while enjoying a bit of retail therapy. Offering 150 shops, you can find everything from clothing to one-of-a-kind antiques and home goods. You can see a comprehensive list of local shops HERE.
After a day full of wine tasting and shopping, visit restaurants like Cowboys & Angels, The Heidelberg, or Paul’s Steakhouse to relax and refuel with a hearty meal.
Vicksburg, MS
Dubbed “The Key to the South,” Vicksburg, MS, offers everything you need for a memorable girls’ getaway. For your stay, we recommend spending the night in a cozy bed and breakfast before exploring local museums and boutiques.
Boasting 11 historic tour homes — eight of which are bed and breakfast inns — a vacation to Vicksburg is like traveling back in time. To immerse yourself in the town’s history, book a stay at Oak Hall Bed and Breakfast, Bazsinsky House Bed and Breakfast, Corners Mansion Inn, or The Inn at Cedar Grove.
After you’ve settled into your room, it’s time to start exploring! Downtown Vicksburg is a popular destination offering a variety of options. Levee Street Marketplace and The Open Market are known for antiquing, while Sassafras and Peterson’s are sought-after for home decor.
You can also stop by the Dillard’s Clearance Center (the only one in the state of Mississippi!) and peruse clothing, accessories, and home goods — all marked 65% off or more of retail pricing.
Vicksburg is also home to a few art galleries that showcase work from talented artists. The Jackson Street Gallery at The Mulberry, Attic Gallery, and H.C. Porter Gallery are located Downtown and within walking distance of one another.
SB Tip: All three art galleries are also a part of Vicksburg’s Attractions Passport!
While there are plenty of indoor attractions throughout Vicksburg, you can also spend an afternoon cycling through a local park or canoeing down a nearby river. Local outfitters like Battlefield Bicycle and Quapaw Canoe Company offer all the required supplies for rent.
If you’d prefer to spend the afternoon pampering yourself, Vicksburg offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the perfect spa day — from massages to pedicures. Popular spots include The Loft Salon & Spa and Secret Garden Spa.
After a full day of shopping, exploring, and self-care, unwind at one of Vicksburg’s rooftop restaurants. Downtown’s 10 South Rooftop Bar & Grill offers a vast selection of food and cocktails, including popular libations like the Mississippi Sunset and “Kentuk” Mule.
Another popular rooftop to watch the Mississippi sunset is The Roof at 1311 at Key City Brewery. Enjoy views of the river below as you sip a craft beer or munch on a hand-crafted pizza.
Columbia, TN
Columbia, TN, is the perfect opportunity for a quick escape to experience the charm of a small Southern town. Make the most of your time with our favorite spots to eat, shop, and relax in the area.
To kick off your adventures, spend some time exploring Historic Downtown Columbia. With an iconic courthouse in the heart of the district, the town square has the perfect blend of shops, restaurants, and relaxation.
Popular home boutiques include Smith & York Co., Amy Montgomery Home, and The Faded Farmhouse. Meanwhile, Aubree P. Boutique and Woven are popular shops for clothing and accessories.
When you’re ready for lunch or a quick snack, stop by Square Market & Cafe to try the famous Granberry Chicken Salad. Buckhead Coffeehouse and Muletown Coffee Roasters are also perfect for a caffeinated pick-me-up.
If you find yourself in Downtown Columbia on the first of the month from April through December, you’re in for a real treat! The city’s First Fridays monthly street event includes live music, food trucks, and local vendors. A staple since 2017, this is the perfect way to experience the town’s local shops and eateries.
We also recommend a scenic drive through Columbia’s countryside to visit Amber Falls Winery in nearby Hampshire. In addition to intimate tastings and award-winning wines, Amber Falls is also known to host live music, so check the events calendar to see what’s happening during your visit!
If you’d prefer to stay closer to Downtown Columbia, Farmstead Cellar is also a great place to enjoy a glass of wine or cocktail. Located on the second floor of the Farmstead Community Market, you can pair your wine with a delicious chocolate or cheese tasting board.
Seeking a bit of self-care? You and your girlfriends can book an appointment at Elia Day Spa. Offering toxin-free spa and skincare services like dermaplaning, facials, and massages. After your appointment, peruse the spa’s collection of skincare products available for purchase.
River Terrace is the ideal spot for a delicious yet elevated meal before heading home. In addition to waterfront views of Duck River, you can enjoy scratch-made entrées like voodoo ribeye, duck a l’orange, and lamb chops. A perfect way to end the day!
Corinth, MS
For a taste of authentic Mississippi charm, head to Corinth, a small Southern town known for its unique lodging options, delicious eateries, and trendy boutiques.
When it comes time to pick a place to stay, the Generals’ Quarters is a popular boutique hotel offering luxurious guest suites. Amenities include high-speed internet, Monarch linens, and daily housekeeping services.
If you prefer a vacation rental, The Cottage is a bungalow nestled in the heart of Downtown Corinth. For larger groups, The Carriage House is a renovated rental with four bedrooms that can accommodate up to eight guests.
Once you’re settled in, we recommend booking reservations at Rossi’s Relaxstation Boutique Spa. Located in Corinth’s SoCo District, guests can enjoy everything from a hair refresh to manicures and facials.
After your spa appointment, spend time perusing Corinth’s leisure district, where visitors can sip cocktails as they browse. Popular stores for on-trend clothing include Shirley Dawgs, Sage & Willow, and Lipchic Boutique.
To truly enjoy the sights of Downtown Corinth, take the self-guided tour — aptly named “60 Sights in 60 Minutes.” Visitors can explore parks and historic sites using an interactive Google map or a brochure from the Visit Corinth office.
After a day of exploring, it’s time for dinner. Abe’s Grill is a Corinth staple as the oldest diner on Highway 72. The eatery is known for its legendary biscuits, tenderloin, and burgers.
You can also stop by Mississippi’s oldest drugstore, Borroum’s, to try its famous Slug Burger paired with a beverage from the old-fashioned soda fountain.
Another popular casual eatery, V Taco, offers delicious tacos, paninis, and margaritas. Be sure to grab a seat on the restaurant’s rooftop deck to enjoy sweeping views of Corinth!
Vicari Italian Grill is a fabulous fine-dining restaurant that offers more than just Italian dishes. In addition to craft cocktails and elevated desserts, standout entrées include the fried lobster tail, lollipop lamb chops, and eggplant Parmesan.
Its sister restaurant, Conservatory by Vicari, offers a great open-air option with a fabulous rooftop patio and serves everything from salad and sandwiches to flatbreads. You’ll be spoiled for choice for a delicious way to round out a long day of exploring!
Clarksville, TN
From beautiful riverfront views to a charming downtown district, here’s how to make the most of your girls’ getaway to Clarksville, TN.
While there are a variety of quaint and cozy themed Airbnbs to choose from, The Pink House is the perfect home base for your girl-centric trip. Located in Downtown Clarksville, the beautifully renovated home includes a serene sunroom, three bedrooms accommodating up to six people, and luxury linens.
After settling into your adorable Airbnb, head to The Amsterdam Local Café, The SōlPress Co., or Café 931 to fuel up on a hearty breakfast paired with your favorite coffee, tea, or juice.
Art lovers will enjoy perusing the Downtown Artists Co-Op, which features a variety of artwork from over 30 local artists. DBO Gallery also offers a collection of beautiful artwork and a selection of hands-on classes!
You can also book an afternoon at ArtLink to create your own piece of artwork or The Candle Loft, which invites you to choose a fragrance and make your own candle!
No girls’ trip is complete without a little self-care. Whether you’re looking to break a sweat or indulge in some pampering, Clarksville offers a bit of everything. Sanctuary on Main offers yoga classes and massage sessions, while Isabelle Sophia is the ideal spot for manicures and pedicures.
Clarksville is also home to a variety of local boutiques. Made by Adelaide is known for its beautiful handmade jewelry, and Anew U Boutique is an upscale shop offering women’s apparel and accessories.
Another popular shopping destination, Miss Lucille’s Marketplace has over 200 booths and vendors selling clothing, antiques, home decor, and handmade goods.
For outdoor fun, grab a pair of sneakers and visit the Cumberland Riverwalk or Clarksville Greenway to soak up some sunshine.
There are also a variety of local wineries and shops to choose from. Beachaven Winery is a popular option if you want to enjoy wine in a beautiful outdoor setting, and they also have a tasting room downtown! The Vine on Franklin and Trazo Meadery are also popular stops.
Grab your girls and get out there!
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All photography provided unless otherwise noted.
This article is sponsored by Alpine Helen-White County CVB, Visit Vicksburg, Visit Columbia TN, Visit Corinth, and Visit Clarksville.
