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There's no denying it—everyone needs a break from the family once in a while to kick back and relax with the gals. Luckily, North Carolina's High Country is full of things to do for a fun-filled girls-only weekend. Indulge yourself at a spa, bond over a glass of wine or speed things up with a rafting trip. Ladies of all ages and dispositions will be pleased with the many offerings of High Country. Whether you spend your weekend with the girls indoors, outdoors or a little of both, you'll find ample activities to bond over, excellent restaurants in which to chat and a great away-from-it-all atmosphere.
Girls Gone Wild
Keep the ladies on their toes in a wild, adventure-filled weekend of white-water rafting, rock climbing and caving. You'll love seeing your best friend drenched in rapids or filthy with mud from the cave. Safe excursion services can also be customized to your group, ensuring a personal trip full of memories. For the less intense, try a floating trip down slower rapids, a peaceful hike, or discover what your male counterparts see in fly-fishing. Your outdoor adventures, no matter how wild, will leave you healthier, happier and full of fond memories.
Check out North Carolina Extreme link for a complete listing of ways to get wild outdoors.
Wineries
North Carolina may be the new Napa—it is now ranked 10th nationally in grape production and 12th for wine production. Just to the west of the Blue Ridge Mountains is the Yadkin Valley, North Carolina's first Viticultural Area. The Yadkin, a true river valley with a unique climate and ancient soils, produces world-class wines in varieties such as Pinot Grigio, Bianco, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Merlot. There are 15 vineyards in the Yadkin Valley, many close enough to tackle in one day. Pick a designated driver and hit the vineyards—many offer lunch, shops and other services for visitors.
Before you go, download a winery guide and map, research for your favorite wines, and see what events are taking place at www.ncwine.org
Shop 'Til You Drop
Shopping may be yet another high-risk activity in High Country—numerous galleries and specialty shops can satiate even the most credit-hungry shoppers. Top it off with Tanger Outlet Mall in Blowing Rock and you've got a bona fide shopping adventure. Find art from across the spectrum, unique crafts, jewelry, pottery, clothing and furniture all in a stroll in downtown Boone or Blowing Rock. Dancing Moon and Gladiola Girls are on King Street in Downtown Boone. The Dancing Moon is more than a bookstore offering activities for spiritual and personal growth. Farther down King Street, you will find Bob Meier at work creating functional stoneware at Doe Ridge Pottery. Don't forget your checkbook—even if you're browsing, you're bound to find something you just can't live without.
Spas
High Country is a great place to unwind, relax and be pampered, so indulge yourself at one of the many spas around the area. One option is to make the spa your destination, like at Westglow Spa in Blowing Rock. The newly-renovated spa features luxurious rooms, healthy and delicious food, a full service hair and nail salon, indoor pool, fitness center and the best spa and fitness services around, including facials, body wraps, massages and stone therapy. If you don't want to dedicate your whole vacation to a spa, visit one of the many other spas catering to visitors, such as the Lavender Fields Skin Care Salon. Many High Country resorts also offer services; Chetola Resort offers massages, reflexology and stone therapy at affordable prices.
Chetola Resort at Blowing Rock Massage Therapy
Highland Sports and Recreation Center
North Main St. • Blowing Rock
828-295-5535 • 828-295-5506
www.chetola.com
Lavender Fields Skin Care Salon
820-C State Farm Rd. • Boone
828-265-1029
Westglow Spa
2845 HWY. 221 S • Blowing Rock
800-562-0807 • 828-295-4463
www.westglow.com
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