Yes! “Momcations” are a thing and becoming ever so popular among tired mamas yearning to unite with their girlfriends and truly relax without the ongoing chores and snack requests that tend to fill their days, especially during a pandemic.
Motherhood holds so much goodness and joy, but like all wonderful and worthy things in life, it definitely requires hard work and selfless giving. Reconnecting with girlfriends can fill you up in ways other relationships can’t and is a valuable opportunity to help moms prevent burnout.
These escapes naturally create great opportunities for your children to also garner more respect for all the ways you love and provide for your family. Whether it’s just an evening out with your gal pals or an extended weekend trip, making time for yourself will go a long way for your mental well-being in this new year while also enriching your relationships with other moms.
The ideal momcation usually calls for finding calm, quiet spaces to simply be present with your friends, allowing for much-needed (and uninterrupted) conversations. Of course, sharing good food, wine and some moments of bliss in a spa can be a welcomed change of pace as well! Check out several of my favorite destination ideas when planning your next mom escape.
Schedule a soothing staycation
Vacations can be hard to swing if budgets are tight or extended childcare isn’t readily available, but even a quick outing to grab dinner and drinks with friends can be a great way to step out of mom mode.
The Bradford House, a historic home transformed into a boutique hotel and restaurant, is an ideal starting point in uptown OKC for ladies looking to stay local. From the moment you step inside you will experience the magical ambiance of vibrant-colored décor and smiling hosts ready to greet you with tailored hospitality. The gorgeous wraparound porch and common courtyard beckon all to relax and enjoy peace and quiet while sipping on coffee or a cocktail from the bar.
For moms looking to extend their stay, choose from one of 12 historic rooms or a modern guest room, all curated with impeccable design and luxurious amenities. The restaurant serves tried and true dishes for breakfast and dinner, with a focus on beautiful presentation. The café features freshly baked pastries along with the highest quality coffee and teas to start your day.
The nearby Paseo Arts District is the perfect area for a mid-day excursion to browse art galleries, shop various boutiques and gift stores or dine in one of the many restaurants, such as the popular Picasso Café or Gorō Ramen. Moms looking to restore their inner zen will enjoy a group class at This Land Yoga, where staff offer encouraging instruction to help even beginners find and nurture their internal energy, bringing deep relaxation to muscles and minds.
If brunch is what you’re after during your mom getaway, Café Kacao is within walking distance from the Bradford House and you’ll never regret a visit to this award-winning restaurant. The Latin fare, emphasizing traditional Guatemalan cuisine, is consistently made with fresh, versatile
foods that are bright in flavor and color. It’s hard to name crowd favorites when everything is delicious, but consider the migallas, huevos rancheros or empanadas for a start. Café Kacao also delivers some of the most flavorful hand-crafted coffee and brunch drinks in the city. It’s amazing what a good meal and some quality time with friends can do for our hearts and minds,
even if it’s just a brief getaway.
Relax and revive in Sulphur
Located in the heart of Chickasaw country, Sulphur has become an inviting setting for moms eager to recharge and reconnect with their closest friends. The Artesian Hotel is the premiere accommodation in Sulphur, offering guests spacious suites, spa services and on-site dining. It is quite the oasis of history, luxury and modern amenities.
Springs at the Artesian is a fine-dining restaurant without the elevated prices one might expect, serving up elegant, homestyle dishes from morning to night. Soak up some quality time together while relaxing in the hotel’s indoor-outdoor pool or check out the modern bathhouse, where whirlpool jets and cascading falls will help you release any pent-up tension.
Explore beyond the hotel with a short walk to Rusty Nail Winery, where they offer a wide range of varietals for wine tasting, or try a Cork & Canvas class for some fun, therapeutic painting while sampling the menu. Another noteworthy attraction is the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, nestled among the foothills of the Arbuckle Mountains and known for its mineral and freshwater springs. This area is brimming with gorgeous waterfalls, trails and descending creeks. Being in the great outdoors with friends while sharing meaningful conversations can restore your sense of peace and serenity.
Not far from Sulphur is the small town of Tishomingo, offering up more delightful venues for spa and wine enthusiasts. Spa 211 draws clients from near and far with its quaint, welcoming atmosphere and professional staff ready to restore healing and wellness to their guests. You are guaranteed to have an indulgent experience with their high-end massages, facials and other med spa services.
Step next door to the newly opened Mulberry Wine Bar, a remarkable and thoughtfully designed space offering an incredible collection of curated wines and craft beer. They also proudly showcase locally made merchandise in the retail section, such as Glacier Confections chocolates and Craig Proper pottery. Old Silo Winery is another popular destination in Tishomingo, recognized for their limited seasonal and small-batch wines, all of which can be enjoyed on their patio deck or in their uniquely converted silo tasting room.
Travel to Texas for exceptional eats
Just outside of Dallas and Fort Worth awaits the charming city of Grapevine, where Southern hospitality and premier shopping and dining coincide for a perfect momcation experience. The historic downtown area is dotted with art galleries, tasting rooms, boutique shops and eateries, all anchored along Main Street. Moms will enjoy settling into the sophisticated accommodations offered by Hotel Vin, a refined hotel just steps away from the downtown district. Guests can appreciate locally-sourced cuisine on site at Bacchus Kitchen + Bar while being immersed in the quiet ambiance of a private dining room that overlooks the vintage railroad station.
A vibrant wine culture is featured resolutely in Grapevine, where wild grapes have been growing abundantly since the mid-1800s. The Lone Star State is the country’s fifth-largest wine producer, and Grapevine sits right in the heart of this industry, offering year-round festivals, urban wine trails and tours. Book a Grapevine Wine Tour shuttle bus to take you and your friends on a fun day trip exploring three local wineries, which includes generous tastings at each location.
If you’d prefer to venture at your own pace, consider a visit to Cross Timbers Winery, located in the Historic Brock Family Farmhouse built in 1874. The tasting room presents 11 varietals grown in the High Plains and the property offers both indoor and outdoor seating for your group to relax while sampling exclusive wines. Messina Hof Grapevine Winery is another highly-regarded Texas winery showcasing more than 50 wines, with favorites like the Private Reserve Papa Paulo Port and Cabernet Franc.
With more than 200 restaurants in Grapevine featuring everything from modern, upscale dishes to southern comfort food, your momcation will include an ample mix of dining options to consider. Main Street Bistro & Bakery will impress your crew with a delectable French-inspired menu served amid a welcoming, casual atmosphere certain to make you feel right at home.
For an elevated take on American classics, grab lunch or dinner at Winewood Grill. The restaurant features an open kitchen concept centered around a wood fire grill; dine in the renovated dining area or choose from one of their private rooms. Let the flavors of Mexico round out your Grapevine dining experience at Mí Día from Scratch, where they harmoniously blend traditional Mexican recipes with modern Santa Fe cuisine. Guests rave about the table-side made guacamole, street tacos and top-shelf margaritas, all made from the freshest ingredients and best enjoyed on the beautiful patio.
Grapevine offers a few additional hidden treasures to entice any group of moms seeking unique places to reconnect with friends. Dr. Sue’s Chocolate is a remarkable confectionery on Main Street, offering gourmet chocolates, fruits and cookies made with premium ingredients to inspire healthier dessert options. Dr. Sue, a local practicing physician, also welcomes guests to sign up for a 2-hour class to learn the art of making decadent chocolates like truffles and ganache.
Finally, a trip to the Botanical Gardens of Heritage Park offers therapeutic rewards as you stroll through this tranquil haven of Grapevine. It’s a gorgeous place to share with friends while admiring the lush, ever-changing foliage and floral colors of any season. Admission is free and the gardens are always open from dawn until dusk.
Momcations are beautiful respites but coming home with a refreshed spirit to a family eager to see you can be equally wonderful.
