With the summer approaching and the world starting to reopen another ‘virus’ has begun spreading among us…Wanderlust. We need to travel and NOW! Maybe we still can’t make it to that far away island, but that shouldn’t stop us from exploring what’s in our own backyards. Now that small groups are growing, why not get together with a few of your female friends and set out on a Hot Girl Summer Getaway. Here are a few suggestions that won’t zap your vacation with travel time.

Many people have visited the bustle of Nashville, but Chattanooga (TN) has a laidback vibe all its own that makes it a great weekend.  While Chat’s not known for having a large night scene, it makes up for it with daytime attractions.  There are plenty of unique and fun hotels in Chattanooga that will spark your friends IG envy. Check out The Dwell Hotel or Hotel Indigo and reserve your room early, they sell out quickly. To make the most of your day, try and arrive the Friday night so you can get a jump on the next day.

There is plenty to do in Chattanooga, so grab your morning pick me up from Frothy Monkey or Wildflower Tea Shop and get a move on. Make memories and your own fragrance at Good Fortune Soap before heading to Look Out Mountain for the day. Located just a few minutes away, but in another time zone Look Out Winery pairs it’s wines with a variety of brick oven pizzas for an affordable mid-day meal. If you like the view from the top of the mountain, head underground to Ruby Falls for view of their cascading waterfalls.  Hungry post cave walk? Dinner options are not hard to come by in Chat and there’s something for every palette.  If you want to try something out of the ordinary, check out Flying Squirrel on Johnson Street.

Sunday is definitely the day for brunch in Chattanooga.  Locals and visitors flock to Stir and State of Confusion for food, but more importantly their $1 mimosas.  Make the most of their brunch hours since you won’t be doing much of anything after a few rounds.

Savannah, GA is a great girl’s getaway and frequent go-to for bachelorette weekends. This walking city allows you to take in the sights from all angles. During the day, beat the heat and stay in the shade in one of the city’s parks, take a trolley tour, or relax pool side at your hotel.  When the sun goes down, choose to mobilize on a Pedal Pub, socialize on a roof top bar or take your beverage to go (it’s legal there), it’s your choice.  For a crafted cocktail and a great turn on classic American, stop by Repeal 33 and try the Hendrix Gin Martini.  It tastes like a summer day in a glass, you’ll want a bottle to go. Or, if you are like me and you prefer a bar that feels a bit secretive then head to Whitaker St. and enjoy some shared plates at Flock the Wok. The food is not only amazing, but it will give you the much-needed base for the evening’s events at their speakeasy, Peacock Lounge, located right downstairs. You and your ladies can make reservations for dinner and drinks and never have to leave. When the night is over, you’ll be happy you made the choice to book a boutique hotel like the Kimpton Bice which offers personal attention, or the Adaz whose central location will save you a ton on Ubers.’

If you are lucky enough to be a GA resident, you might already know about the hidden gems that lie in the mountains of Northern GA. However, if you don’t, please allow me to spill the tea, because no one is going to spill wine, that’s for drinking!  And drinking will occur during your tour of the Vineyards of Northern GA, so it’s strongly recommended that you arrange a designated driver for your day drinking to drive you from Kaya, Wolf Mountain, or Montaluce to the Cottage and back again.  DSH is a great provider in the area offering both public/private wine tours and round-trip transportation via Sprinter van. So why not check-in to local hotel like the Limelight Inn or rent a cabin in Dahlonega and take in some live music at the Crimson Moon. Make the most of this local getaway and return home recharged.

Regardless of where you choose, it’s the people that help make the memories. Take this opportunity to reconnect with your friends, reinvest in your friendships and build new ones.