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 in the High Country. Whether you spend your weekend with the girls indoors, outdoors or a little of both, you’ll find ample activities over which you can bond, excellent restaurants for chatting 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 floating down slower rapids, taking a peaceful hike or discovering 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.

Wineries
North Carolina may be the new Napa—ranking high nationally in grape production and wine production. Visit the High Country’s first winery and inn, Banner Elk for a splendid variety of fine wines. Sip the Cabernet Sauvignon and sample the High Country Rose. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, try the North Carolina Ice Wine, a rare dessert wine made from Seyval Blanc grapes frozen while still on the vine. Spend a relaxing and luxurious night at the inn after splitting a bottle between the girls, or get a designated driver and hit some of the other vineyards—many offer lunch, shops and other services for visitors. Use this opportunity to try new a grape or hybrid that you’re unfamiliar with or take in the scenery while sipping one of your favorites.

Shop ’til you drop
Shopping is an obvious girls’ getaway activity in the High Country—numerous galleries and specialty shops can satiate even the most credit-hungry shoppers. Find art from across the spectrum, unique crafts, jewelry, pottery, clothing and furniture all in a stroll in downtown Boone or Blowing Rock. Or fish for the best bargains at the outlet mall, filled to the brim with brand-name designer outlets. Even if you’re browsing, you’re bound to find something you just can’t live without. There are also plenty of shops that offer unique home items or gifts for those loved ones who couldn’t be a part of your vacation.

Spas
Even after a few deep breaths of the High Country fresh air, you’ll feel rejuvenated. But the High Country is also a great place to unwind, relax and be pampered. Indulge yourself at one of the many spas around the area. One option is to make the spa your destination to spend the day. Some spas offer more than just a facial—you can find a variety of services that will pamper every part of you. Then enjoy a healthy and delicious lunch to pamper your appetite as well. If you don’t want to dedicate your whole day to a spa, visit one of the many other spas that offer a variety of services at affordable prices, many that can be enjoyed in an hour or less. Many lodges in the High Country offer spa services. So if you’re looking for something special, choose to stay somewhere that offers more than just a place to rest and a scrumptious southern breakfast.

Dining
After a day spent exploring the outdoors or indulging yourself at a spa, head into town to experience the signature flavors and dishes this mountain region has to offer. While North Carolina is known for its barbecue, there are many other culinary inspirations to try. Chefs use local ingredients in many of their dishes, creating unique and seasonal menus at the many gourmet eateries. The streams and rivers of the High Country provide several types of trout, which chefs prepare in a multitude of ways, and all the High Country dishes are served with a side of Southern charm.

After a girls’ weekend in the High Country, you may find that this weekend getaway turns into an annual excursion.