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Girls Getaways

There are many appealing girls’ getaways here in the Burlington area whether you are a visitor or a local and looking for a staycation.  Here are a few ideas which you can mix and match to suit the time you have, your budget, the season and your gal-pals interests.  To help you determine the best time to visit we have also highlighted some prime weekends where more things are happening in the city.  We are happy to help tailor your getaway by giving you other ideas– just call us at 1.877.499.9989 or 905.634.5594. Visit our Girls’ (just wanna have fun) Getaway Blog and our Outdoor Adventure Getaway itinerary.

Retail Therapy Heaven

PP Springridge bestgourmet

One of my personal favorites, shopping!  With two shopping centres and numerous other popular and unique retail destinations, you can spend all weekend and not see the same old, same old.  A perfect day for me is meeting a friend downtown where we browse the fabulous fashion and home furnishing stores, enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the quaint outdoor cafes then take a walk along the pier and promenade all the way to the canal and lift bridge and finish off with a gelato …heaven!

Best Weekends

Arts Galore

Feathers made out of stained glass by Theresa Seaton
Feathers by Theresa Seaton

For a city of its’ size Burlington is very fortunate to have a thriving local arts scene with various galleries featuring talented area and Canadian artists, plus some cool public art installations.  You can get really hands-on by taking one of the interesting and creative courses and get in touch with your inner artist!  I have attended jewelry making and weaving course from local arts organizations and they were a lot of fun plus I made some unique handcrafted items for myself and for gifts.  (Ok mostly for myself but the thought was there! )   We often purchase gifts for visiting dignitaries, departing board members, and special recognition items from the gift shops at Art Gallery of Burlington or the Royal Botanical Gardens as they are often one of a kind and a great memento from Burlington.  Another great option is Central Library which has a Makerspace where you can register for programs and make interesting items.

 Best Weekends

  • Art in Action Studio Tour – 1st weekend in November – various locations in city
  • Art Gallery of Burlington Soup Bowl and Christmas Sale – weekend in November (we have often attended this event and always enjoy picking out our own personalized bowl)

Spatastic!

FB_SpaInTheVillageManicure

Going to a spa is an indulgence that many of us don’t treat ourselves to so it is a perfect outing for a girls getaway whether for a special occasion (wedding, post-baby, birthday) or just because.  Being pampered, having a relaxing massage, enjoying a glass of wine or specialty tea, and chatting with your BFF is one of those small luxuries that help reduce stress and rejuvenate you.  In Burlington we have some wonderful day spas and other services that you can enjoy including:

Best Weekends – anytime!

Edutainment

For those who want to get educated as well as entertained here are a few ideas:

  • Screeners – Award-winning movies from the Toronto International Film Festival are shown the 2nd Wednesday of each month.
  • A Different Drummer Bookstore –independent bookstore in downtown

Best Weekends

Night Owls

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If you are looking for something fun to do once the sun goes down, the entertainment scene has live music, dancing, and comedy.   Downtown Burlington is hopping with lots of night spots to enjoy a drink, dance or catch a band.  Movie buffs can find more than just chick-flicks on the big screen at various theatres around the city including Silver City which features games, lounge, club rooms, bowling, pool tables and much more.  Further uptown, Burlington is the centre for comedy clubs and nightclubs where it is always party time!

  • Midtown Night Clubs – Club 54
  • Historic Downtown Pub Crawl – The Dickens Pub, The Poacher, The Queen’s Head
  • Downtown Digs – Fuel Lounge (Joe Dog’s), S.B. Prime, B& B Grill & Taphouse, Cinestarz
  • Live Music – weekend nights throughout city – numerous locations

Best Weekends

Fitness Fanatics

Cycling on the Waterfront

If you like to be active while getting away from it all, being situated along the waterfront and minutes from the escarpment means Burlington has many active choices.  In spring/summer the girls can enjoy swimming, paddling, walking, hiking, cycling at the waterfront, in local parks or conservation areas.  In cooler weather, there are indoor options for fitness, sports of all sorts, climbing etc.  Why not stay in a local hotel and cycle or hike and then enjoy a massage?  Here are a few of the more unique opportunities… call us for more ideas or check the website:

 Best Weekends

Foodie Fix

PP chefs at work

Let’s face it, often getaways involve discovering great food.  When you come to Burlington you may be surprised by the wonderful variety of culinary experiences and we encourage you to discover our local terroir (taste of the earth). If you like to combine learning with dining, a number of local restaurants encourage you to find your inner chef!  Choose from cooking classes, demonstrations or enjoy award-winning cuisine and chefs. Make sure to check out the calendar for information on the next culinary experience!  I have attended the cooking school at Paradiso several times and it was a wonderful night out where we worked in teams, learned new recipes and enjoyed the fruits of our labour.  Bon Appetit!

Best Weekends

Chocoholics

cocktail chocolate

So I have yet to meet a woman who doesn’t like chocolate? Personally, I think it should be its own food group!  You can indulge in a wide variety of chocolate treats, artisan food, and drink and spa treatments.  We have local chocolatiers making amazing creations; artisan food producers with a wide variety of chocolate treats, chocolate-themed events and spas where you can relax with a chocolate treatment. Refer to our sweet things section for luscious options.
Best Weekends – ANYTIME

Divine Dining

You simply can’t have a girls get-together without stopping for a bite once or twice.  With over 400 dining establishments in Burlington, there is something to suit all types and budgets.  Here are a few suggestions but visit our website for many more.

  • Location, Location – great views –  Spencer’s, B&B Taphouse
  • Cute & Quaint – Lakeshore Coffee House, Tamp Coffee Co.
  • Upscale & Trendy – Carriage House – CAA 4 Diamond, Martini House
  • Lusciously Local – Spencers at the Waterfront
  • Quick & Tasty – Burlington Charcoal Pit, R.C.’s Boardwalk Fries & Icecream (seasonal), Easterbrooks Hotdogs Aldershot
  • Forget the Diet – The Works, Gelato (seasonal), Cakes, Sweets & Treats, Kelly’s Bake Shoppe, Nothing Bundt Cake
  • Good 4 U – Lettuce Love Cafe and Pure Love Smoothie Bar, Bodhi Bar, Boon Burger Cafe,
  • Late Night – Montforts, Luganos Pizza (see restaurant page for all open late options)

Best Dates:  During A Taste of Burlington program

Stay When You Getaway

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If you want to get the full girls getaway experience you have to pack an overnight bag and actually get-away!  You can do the slumber party thing and talk into the night over a glass of wine and indulge in some treats bought along the way. Stay at local hotels.  Camping (seasonal) – okay you may not want to rough it but you could try a yurt at Bronte Creek Provincial Park or cabin at KOA which is more glamping than camping!
Enjoy your getaway.

Links

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