Your Guide to a Fabulous Girls’ Weekend – Part 3
Don’t miss out on part 1 and part 2 of this series.
There’s nothing quite as fun as a girls’ night, so stretch it into a long weekend for good times and great company. If you own a home in Naples, Sarasota or Tampa, or maybe a vacation house in Orlando, Florida you’ll have plenty of adventures to plan. Same goes for Charlotte and Raleigh, North Carolina. Because Taylor Morrison only builds communities in exceptional locations.
This is the final installment of girls’ weekend adventure ideas in regions we love. Be sure to see Parts 1 and 2 for the complete set.
FLORIDA
Fort Myers/Naples
Friday: What’s a weekend in Southwest Florida without lolling about at one of its world-famous beaches? Your choices for where to enjoy warm Gulf waters and white sands are mind-boggling. There are other options, of course. Take a kayak tour of Rookery Bay or choose from a variety of other kayaking tours. Then there all the acclaimed Naples golf courses. Afterwards, dine at a waterfront restaurant for delectable food and incredible views. Then head to Fort Myers to enjoy the vibrant nightlife.
Saturday: After all the fun you had on Friday, you’re going to need a little TLC at an deluxe spa. Once you’re properly relaxed and rejuvenated, it’s time for some luxury brands at Waterside Shops.. For dinner, you can’t go wrong with one of these Gulf Coast restaurants.
Sunday: Plan the perfect Sunday brunch. Choose your destination from this guide to the best, which organizes by location.
Orlando
Friday: Bring some drinks and food with you on a Limo Cycle tour around charming historic downtown Sanford. This unique party cycle ride comes with a tour guide who doubles as your designated driver. Later, grab dinner at a Universal CityWalk themed restaurant followed by karaoke with backup singers at Rising Star.
Saturday: If you don’t feel like going to one of Orlando’s funtastic theme parks, shopping might be in order. Visit Mall of Millennia, Orlando Premium Outlets or both. For dinner you’ll have lots of options of all kinds. Warm up the night at IceBar, a happening drinking establishment carved entirely out of ice.
Sunday: Wind down the weekend at the Orlando Farmers Market. Billed as “more than your average farmers market,” this Sunday event features live music and a Beer and Wine Garden.
Sarasota
Friday: It’s beach day! Siesta Key Beach offers azure waters, sparkling white sand and a stress-free vibe. Save enough energy for shopping and dining at St. Armands Circle, an island paradise of a staggering variety of stores, boutiques, restaurants and eateries.
Saturday: Get up close and personal with the Gulf. Charter a three hour sailboat excursion off of Sarasota. Or visit the Marine Laboratory & Aquarium for a good view of the life that teams under the water’s surface. Then catch the local nightlife. For an out-of-the-ordinary time, consider a Rumba Saturday at Ivory Lounge.
Sunday: Don’t waste your time with average coffee. Instead go to Perq Coffee Bar and quaff a cup or two of craft coffee.
NORTH CAROLINA
Charlotte
Friday: Your friends will love getting to know historic Charlotte from an old fashioned carriage with a Carriage Tour. Later, paint your hearts out and have fun at a Wine & Design class (be sure to book ahead). It’s BYOB but tables, easels and instructors are provided. Afterwards, satisfy your sweet tooth with champagne and chocolate at Bar Cocoa dessert boutique. For a night out on the town, you have some lively options.
Saturday: At this point, some pampering at a first-class spa is called for. The Spa at Ballantyne offers nurturing services and elegant amenities. For something a little different go to Studio Movie Grill, where you can eat, drink (there’s a full bar) and watch a first-run movie.
Sunday: Whether you want traditional or food with flair, you’re sure to find the perfect brunch spot on the Thrillist 12 Best Brunches in Charlotte.
Raleigh
Friday: Wander the huge Raleigh Farmers Market, where you can stop for lunch State Farmers Market Restaurant. Dinner at Angus Barn steak house will tantalize your taste buds while creating a memorable dining experience. Afterwards, party at Solas. The one-of-a-kind venue offers dancing to a DJ on the second floor as well as on the Rooftop.
Saturday: Sip, socialize and be soothed by live harp music at the Ulmstead Afternoon Tea. For a more party-like atmosphere, take a pub-crawling tour of Raleigh on the Trolley Pub, a pedal-powered trolley. For dinner go downtown, where you’ll have your pick of several popular outdoor restaurants.
Sunday: Wake yourself up with a warm cup of Joe or two at a coffee shop. You have quite a few to choose from, including these local favorites.
