When “girlfriend getaways” emerged as a popular travel trend about a decade ago, they mostly had three things in common: shopping, pampering and bonding. Not so today. While traditional shopping and spa weekends are still very popular, women may be looking for experiential and even adventurous getaways. The getaways below are anything but typical shopping trips.

RUN LIKE A GIRL

Fitness travel is one of the fastest-growing custom getaways for women. Ladies are packing their running sneakers along with their heels for a little competition and a lot of fun. Combining the love of running with a weekend getaway is a great way to bond with your training partners when the race is over.

Each June, nearly 1,000 runners take to the streets of downtown Lancaster to participate in the Red Rose Run. 2016 marked the 40th anniversary of the 5-mile race, which benefited Lancaster’s historic Central Market. Runners were invited to an after-race Beer Garden to quench their thirst courtesy of Michelob ULTRA.

From 5Ks to ultramarathons, races are held year round throughout the state. This would be a good getaway to couple with a soothing spa.

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There’s racing and then there’s racing. Why should NASCAR drivers have all the fun? Danica Patrick proves that like their male counterparts, some girls are looking for a whole other recreational gear. Adrenaline seekers will find their fix at the StockCar Racing Experience at Pocono Raceway. The hardest part may be deciding which experience to choose – packages start with a three-lap ride along with a professional driver and extend to an 80-mile drive weekend where you do the driving. Advanced racing is also available for more experienced drivers.

The thrill ride of your life awaits you at Pocono Raceway’s tricky triangle. This is one that will make your male friends jealous and that you’ll be talking about for years! There is nothing ordinary about this getaway or the women who seek it out.

The StockCar Racing Experience also offers ProKart, exotic car and drive-your-own experiences available. To make reservations, call 877-786-2522 or check out 877stockcar.com.

NATURAL TENDENCIES

For adventurers who love nature but aren’t interested in becoming “one with nature,” glamping may be a perfect compromise. I love camping, and I used to scoff at the idea of glamorous camping – it seemed like an oxymoron. But the ability to sleep in total comfort and wake to the sounds of the outdoors seems like serendipity to me. And, for travelers with physical limitations, this may be key.

Luxury glamping sites at Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort are very popular and sell out fast. These fully furnished tents sit on 20-by-20-foot raised platforms and include a queen-size bed, a sleeper sofa, electricity, Wi-Fi, access to men’s and women’s bathrooms, showers and hammocks. Guests now have the choice of riverside or island glamping at Shawnee. Island sites require a 20-minute paddle to your destination on the Delaware River. Breakfast is served every morning by the camping attendant who stays on the island with guests. In the evening, a communal fire pit welcomes glampers to its warmth.

Glamping gives you best of both worlds – comfort and camping. The older I get, the more enticing this sounds to me.

Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort
100 Shawnee Inn Drive
Shawnee on Delaware, PA 18356
877-769-4846
www.shawneeinn.com/camping-and-glamping
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The annual Women in the Wilds event is a great way to prepare for an adventure in the outdoors. For 17 years, Mount Pisgah State Park in Troy, Bradford County has been the site of the one-day event that introduces women to many outdoor activities. Instruction is given in archery and crossbow and shooting. Workshops in skills such as beekeeping, canoeing/kayaking and yoga were also offered at the August 2016 event. If you’re interested in planning your girls’ getaway around this event, register early because this event fills up quickly.

Women in the Wilds
Mount Pisgah State Park, RR #3 Box 362A
Troy, PA
570-297-2734

A GIRL’S GOTTA EAT

Edible Destinations by Epitourean is an online culinary travel service that offers cooking classes in famous locations. You may not be able to afford one of the service’s dream culinary trips to France or Italy, but Philadelphia may be in your price range. After all, Philly is close, and it’s a true foodie destination. The diversity of cuisine in the city is impressive.

Epitourean’s three-day, two-night Philadelphia getaway includes two nights at a luxury boutique hotel near Philly’s upscale Rittenhouse Square. Guests will be treated to a hands-on Fresh Market Cooking class with chef Anna Florio, owner and chef of La Cucina at the Market. In her class, Chef Florio uses equal parts of her love of cooking and her rich heritage while instructing chefs-in-training. Your group will take a Philly Foodie Tour where you’ll discover some of the city’s most popular food favorites. From cheesesteaks to chocolate-covered pretzels, this walking tour will give you a fun insider’s look at iconic Philly culture.

For rates and more information on Epitourean’s Philadelphia Culinary Escape check out epitourean.com/master/1011/The-Philadelphia-Foodie-Story.
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The Annville Inn, near Hershey, is another great culinary getaway for you and your friends. In addition to the elegant bed-and-breakfast, the Annville Inn offers Acclaimed Chef Cooking Classes on the premises. Chefs who have cooked for presidents and celebrities, as well as French chefs from the French Culinary Institute, use their expertise to teach how to create cuisine at home that is fit for a fine restaurant. Don’t let the credentials intimidate you; the atmosphere is fun and relaxed.

The inn’s close proximity to Hershey gives many sweet options for your group to enjoy during your stay.

Annville Inn
4515 Hill Church Road
Annville, PA 17003
Call for reservations at
717-867-1991
annvilleinn.com

BREW CREW

It goes without saying that exploring one of Pennsylvania’s 14 wine trails has become a favorite weekend road trip for many girls’ getaways. With the popularity of craft breweries, these too have made the list of excursions for travelers with a discerning palate. Brew masters are often on-site to educate visitors about the difference between ale and lager or what IBU and IPA mean.

One of Pennsylvania’s newest ale trails is the River Rat Brew Trail located in the Susquehanna River Valley and Columbia-Montour regions. Ten breweries currently make up the trail. Each is unique in how it infuses seasonal flavors in its brews, so there’s always something fresh on tap. Most of the locations also have restaurants with locally sourced creations that take bar food to a new level.

You and your friends will enjoy not only learning more about the local craft brews but also experiencing a region that is dotted with covered bridges, waterfalls, antiques shops and quaint small towns.

For more information on the River Rat Brew Trail, log on to www.riverratbrewtrail.com.

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