Do you really need a reason to plan a Girls Summer Getaway in the Rocky Mountains? I think not. If you like good food and wine, music festivals, spa days and adventure, then Winter Park has it all. So grab your besties and enjoy a few days where you can ditch all responsibilities. Who’s ready for a good time?
RETREAT, RELAX & REJUVENATE
The beauty of coming to Winter Park is that you have the best of both worlds. You have adventure at your fingertips, yet you can escape and disconnect from the everyday race. Make sure to indulge yourself for a few hours of pampering with a deep tissue massage or maybe a wrap, soak or scrub from the Ranch Creek Spa at Devil’s Thumb Ranch. You can sit back, relax and enjoy the rustic mountain views all while resetting your mind, body and soul. Don’t feel like leaving your living room? Winter Park Mobile Massage will come to you ladies to spoil and revitalize your bodies with facials, massages and more!
DO A LITTLE SHOPPING
Feeling guilty about leaving your husbands, boyfriends, kiddos and woofers at home? Well now you don’t have to with all of the great shops and boutiques Winter Park has to offer. Pick your loved ones up a souvenir or splurge on some new threads or jewelry for yourself. Be Boutique and Peezie Marie’s at Cooper Creek Square will help style your wardrobe and check out the unique designs of mixed metals and semi-precious gemstones to help complete the perfect outfit at Altitude Jewelry. You can find upscale accessories for your home at Haven, a fun game or puzzle for the kids at Imaginations, and collectibles or resort wear at Moose Hollow Trading Company.
If you need a little pick me up during the day, walk on over to The Sweet Life Candy Shop in downtown. This is the perfect place to grab a drink or coffee, play a game and satisfy your candy cravings. Take advantage of Charlie’s Frozen Treat Shop for some delicious and mouth watering ice cream, frozen yogurt or some Italian ice on those hot summer days.
GET THE BLOOD PUMPING
Whether you are in the best shape of your life or prefer a leisure activity you came to the right place. You can cruise down Colorado’s longest alpine slide at the Winter Park Resort or throw out the old gym idea and hit the trails. The Fraser River Trail is fun to bike or hike along the river and take in that fresh mountain air. If you are feeling a little more energetic and craving a challenge you should try Columbine Lake Trail. The views of the lake and surrounding mountains at the top are breathtaking and well worth the seven mile round trip.
If hiking isn’t your thing, then throw on your bathing suit and hit the lakes. Grand Lake, Lake Granby and Shadow Mountain Lake are among the top favorites. Here you can kayak, canoe, paddleboard or rent a pontoon boat for an afternoon of bliss and relaxation in the great outdoors. Experience the ospreys making nests in the trees, fishing for some trout or just soaking up that vitamin D and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and peaks. If you are really up for an adventure sign up for a wild ride with MAD Adventures for a thrilling white water rafting trip down Clear Creek or the Upper Colorado. If that doesn’t get your heart racing then try off roading in a Side by Side ATV up the Continental Divide. That outta do the trick!
MUSIC & EVENTS
Summertime in the mountains is a hidden treasure. Add in music festivals, tasty food and beverages and great friends to the mix and you have a little slice of heaven. Don’t deprive the ladies of an afternoon of tequila and taco tastings while listening to live music at Tequila & Tacos. If tequila isn’t your jam, then maybe the Winter Park Beer Festival would be a better choice. Come and taste different beers from all over and take some of your favorites back home with you. If I know my ladies, then Winter Park Uncorked is a must! With over 17 different wine sponsors you will be sure to find a perfect match for your taste buds. Enjoy wine tastings, delectable snacks from multiple food trucks and vendors and happy feet dancing to the music.
FEEDING FRENZY
Number one rule on your girls trip is to NEVER let yourself get hangry. Grab some doughnut holes or table bacon at Wake N’ Bacon to tide you over before the Feeding Frenzy begins at Sharky’s Eatery. Make sure to wash that down with a Mimosa, Bloody Mary or Screwdriver! Have no fear and no bellies grumbling here, lunch is just around the corner. Devour some mouthwatering BBQ at the Smokehouse BBQ in downtown Winter Park. Make sure to try every sauce to find out which one makes your tongue burst with flavor. Just can’t get enough of the melting pot of restaurants we have to offer? Don’t miss out on happy hour at Deno’s Mountain Bistro. Grab a table on the front porch and relish in the views while gobbling up some clams and mussels, gorgonzola fondue or pepper bleu filet tips. Take a stroll down the street and work up your appetite. Stop by Idlewild Spirits and order a refreshing craft cocktail. Don’t stop there! You can’t come to Winter Park and not try out the most amazing pizzas at Hernando’s Pizza Pub. Make sure to bring a dollar bill to stick on the walls and let’s be honest. Life’s too short to eat bad pizza.
HOME SWEET HOME
What is the best part of going on a girls trip to the Wild West? Choosing the perfect home away from home, duh! Some extraordinary place you get to come home to at the end of all of your daily adventures, share lots of laughs and reflect on your experiences. Lakota Summit, a five-bedroom home, is the perfect place to retreat. This magnificent home is spread out over three stories giving everyone their own space with tons of natural light flooding through the floor to ceiling windows. Immerse yourself in the private hot tub and soak up the lavish views of the Winter Park Resort and ski slopes. End the night snuggled up with your most important gals while watching movies in the theater room. Make sure to add extra butter on that popcorn!
If you are looking for something a little more casual, look no further than Trailhead Lodges 134. Located right in the heart of downtown Winter Park, this four- bedroom condo offers a spacious and open layout, all new furnishings and decor and front row seats to the music fests. You don’t have to leave your home to enjoy some live music directly from your wrap around balcony overlooking the park.
Don’t miss out on the spectacular views from the one and only rooftop deck with a private hot tub at Arrow 264. This modern and eclectic four-bedroom townhome looks over downtown Winter Park. As soon as you walk in the door you know you can relax in style.
This magical town is definitely a place where you ladies can Play Hard and Rest Easy.
