5 amazing getaways within a 4-hour drive of Birmingham for your next girls weekend

Everyone needs a getaway sometimes and nothing beats a classic girls weekend. Grab your girl gang and check out five of our favorite getaway destinations, less than four hours from Birmingham!

1. Mentone, Alabama

If beautiful scenery, waterfalls, pretty hikes, neat shops and restaurants sound good, then Mentone‘s cool mountain air is perfect for your group.

Stay

• The Mentone Inn is known for its cozy home atmosphere surrounded by beautiful scenery…count me in!
• The Cottages of Mentone are charming rental cottages located atop Lookout Mountain with magnificent views for you and your girls.

Eat

• You can’t leave Mentone without a slice of pie from the iconic WIldflower Cafe.
• Mentone Market is your one stop shop offering homemade food, local gifts and more.
• Elevation Bistro can’t be beat—fresh, yummy food while sitting atop beautiful Lookout Mountain.

Do

• Hike the trails of DeSoto Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in Alabama.
• Take a class or participate in a workshop at Mentone Arts Center
• Shop for fresh produce at the Mentone Farmer’s Market

2. Knoxville, Tennessee

The artsy town of Knoxville is the perfect weekend destination…not too far, but far enough.

Stay

• Stay right in the heart of Knoxville, just steps away from Market Square at The Oliver Hotel.
• Located on The Strip, Graduate Knoxville is perfectly decorated for your Instagram feed.

Eat

• Go for a delicious brunch at OliBea, a beautiful restaurant in the Old City. They have the best Bloody Mary’s, breakfast burritos, tacos and benedicts.
• Reserve a table for dinner at Vida, a pan-Latin experience with a bold atmosphere.
• The Phoenix Pharmacy is a classic pharmacy and fountain shop. If you have a sweet tooth, this is a must! 

Do

• Start your day shopping at local gift stores and retailers.
• Treat yourself at The Nail Room to a fancy medi/pedi while you sip on a complimentary margarita.
• Enjoy the views and handcrafted cocktails from Radius Rooftop Bar.

3. Blue Ridge, Georgia

Ranked by Southern Living Magazine as one of the 2022 South’s Best Mountain Towns, you can’t go wrong with a weekend to Blue Ridge. Unwind and sample craft breweries, wineries, surprisingly upscale shops, galleries and restaurants. A dream!

Stay

• 5 Star Lodge is perfect for a big group to enjoy spectacular views, custom woodwork throughout, a gourmet kitchen and more.
• Looking for a more resort-style getaway? Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa is the place for you.

Eat

• Blend Superfood Cafe offers smoothies, acai bowls, power bowls, healthy treats and more. 
• Enjoy a meal outside at Boat Dock Bar and Grill, a little jewel set on the shores of Lake Blue Ridge at the Lake Blue Ride Marina.
• Blue Ridge Mountain Food Tours will take you on a tasting adventure to local eateries, food shops and restaurants, while sampling delicious foods and beverages as you go.

Do

• Try a craft beer at Angry Hop’s Brewing.
• Catch unique trout artworks on the famous Trout Art Trail.
• Visit Mercier Orchards where you can pick apples off the tree, buy fresh apple cider and the best fried apple pies.

4. Lake Martin, Alabama

Lake Martin and its parks, marinas, points and islands have become known throughout the country as one of the best in the south. Sounds like the perfect weekend trip to me.

Stay

• Creekside Lodge is a rustic chic lodge where you can do as much as you want, or as little. There’s something for everyone.
• Paradise Bed & Breakfast offers private balconies and a screened porch with beautiful views of the lake.

Eat

• After a day at the lake, you’re sure to be hungry. A burger from Niffer’s Place never disappoints.
• Bluff’s Daquiri Bar has a fun, refreshing menu with live entertainment located right on the water.
• In the mood for a weekend brunch? The Social is Lake Martin’s go-to spot.

Do

• Play a round of golf at one of the golf courses in the lake town.
• Jumping off Chimney Rock is a must-do for the adrenaline junkies and thrill seekers in your group.

5. Franklin, Tennessee

This charming town of Franklin is an idyllic spot to spend a weekend, no matter who you’re with or what season it is.

Stay

• The Harpeth Hotel is Franklin’s first boutique luxury hotel with sophisticated accommodations in the heart of downtown Franklin.
• At Pot N’ Kettle Cottages, you get a Bed & Breakfast like experience, but with the comfort and of having an entire house to yourself.

Eat

• Puckett’s Grocery is a Franklin staple, serving up comfort food classics and meat & three specials in a laid-back and down home atmosphere.
• Grab a fresh coffee and pastry at Merridiee’s Breadbasket. The outdoor seating is magazine worthy.
• Mojo’s Tacos is an authentic, fresh & affordable taco shop with a Tennessee twist. Perfect for GNO!

Do

• Walk down Main Street to see the boutiques, art galleries, restaurants and more.
• If you’re looking for antiques and gifts, Leiper’s Fork is a great choice.
• Wine lovers, we have the perfect place for you. Arrington Vineyards includes 16 acres of vineyards to make all your wine tasting dreams come true.

Where will your next girls weekend take you? Let us know @bhamnow!