There’s something special about a girls’ trip. It doesn’t have to be far, fancy, or expensive—it just has to give you space to breathe, laugh, and reconnect. Life gets busy fast. Between work schedules, family responsibilities, and the never-ending list of things that need to get done, it’s easy to go months without truly slowing down with the people who know you best. That’s why this weekend getaway to Murfreesboro, Tennessee turned out to be exactly what we didn’t know we needed.
We wanted something simple. A place close enough to feel easy, but different enough to feel like an escape. Murfreesboro checked every box. Just about 30 minutes outside of Nashville, it has that relaxed Southern charm that makes you feel welcome the moment you arrive. No rushing. No pressure. Just good food, great shopping, and plenty of opportunities to make memories. The drive itself set the tone. Windows down, music turned up, and conversations flowing effortlessly—some serious, some silly, all comforting in that way only longtime friendships can be. By the time we pulled into town, the stress we’d been carrying all week already felt lighter. That first deep breath when you step out of the car in a new place? That’s when the trip really begins.
One of our first stops was The Avenue Murfreesboro, an open-air shopping center that instantly made us feel like we were on vacation. The sun was shining, there was a soft breeze in the air, and the whole place felt unhurried. We wandered from store to store without a plan, which honestly might be the best way to shop. Sephora pulled us in first, as expected, followed by stops at American Eagle, Buckle, and Express Factory. Everyone found something—whether it was a new outfit, a beauty splurge, or just the satisfaction of browsing without a time limit. What made this special wasn’t just the shopping—it was the moments in between. Laughing in fitting rooms, giving brutally honest opinions on outfits, taking pictures we swore we wouldn’t post (but probably will), and teasing each other about who was taking the longest. Those small, ordinary moments somehow feel bigger when you’re away together.
After hours of retail therapy, hunger set in. We settled into lunch at one of the nearby restaurants, grateful to sit, relax, and catch up over good food. There’s something about sharing a meal that invites conversation. Stories came out that we hadn’t shared before—work frustrations, future dreams, old memories we hadn’t thought about in years. Dessert was non-negotiable, and we stopped by The Peach Cobbler Factory which did not disappoint. Warm cobbler topped with ice cream has a way of slowing everything down. No one was in a hurry, and no one needed to be.
That evening, we decided to keep things light and fun by heading to Main Event. Bowling turned competitive very quickly—friendly competition, of course—with plenty of laughter and playful trash talk. We played games, shot pool, and eventually grabbed drinks while replaying the highlights of the day. It felt good to laugh until our cheeks hurt, the kind of laughter that reminds you how healing joy can be.
When we finally checked into the hotel, exhaustion hit—but it was the good kind. We kicked off our shoes, sprawled across the beds, and talked late into the night. There’s something about hotel rooms that make conversations deeper. Maybe it’s being away from routine, or maybe it’s just the quiet. Either way, the night ended with shared stories, inside jokes, and promises not to wait so long before doing this again.
The next morning started slow, just the way we wanted. Coffee in hand, messy buns, no makeup, and no agenda. Breakfast was filled with laughter and light teasing about who snored and who stayed up scrolling on their phone. Afterward, we headed to Stones River Town Centre for another round of shopping and exploring. This mall had a comfortable, familiar feel—easy to navigate, plenty of stores, and even an AMC Theatre.
We decided on an afternoon movie, which turned out to be one of the most relaxing parts of the trip. Sitting in a dark theater with popcorn, drinks, and zero responsibilities felt like a small luxury. After the movie, we lingered a bit longer, chatting and wandering before deciding what was next. No rushing. No strict schedule. Just going with the flow.
Later that day, we made the short drive to Tanger Outlets Nashville, and this is where the real bargain-hunting began. The outdoor layout made it enjoyable to stroll, and the deals were hard to ignore. Nike, Coach, Fossil, Kate Spade—it felt like treasure hunting, and everyone walked away feeling victorious. Even those who claimed they “weren’t buying anything” somehow left with full bags. Funny how that happens.
One of the things I loved most about Tanger was the energy. Families, couples, groups of friends—all enjoying the day. We grabbed snacks, people-watched, and took breaks whenever we needed. The holiday season would make this place even more magical, but even outside of that, it had a lively, feel-good atmosphere.
No trip to the area would feel complete without a visit to Opry Mills Mall. It’s massive, and honestly, overwhelming in the best way. We quickly realized that this wasn’t a quick stop—it was an experience. From familiar favorite stores to unexpected attractions like Bass Pro Shops and the American Carousel, there was something interesting around every corner.
We split up for a bit, then met back up to share what we’d found—new clothes, fun souvenirs, and stories of getting momentarily lost. Wine lovers in the group made a stop at Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, sampling and savoring before picking out a bottle to take home. Meals at Opry Mills felt like mini-adventures of their own. With options like Rainforest Café, P.F. Chang’s, and the Aquarium Restaurant, even choosing where to eat became a group decision filled with laughter and compromise.
By the time the weekend started winding down, we were tired—but full in every sense of the word. Full of good food, full of laughter, full of connection. Sitting together one last time before heading home, we talked about how much the trip meant to us. It wasn’t about how far we traveled or how much we spent. It was about stepping away from everyday life and choosing each other for a few days. Murfreesboro surprised us. It offered just the right balance of excitement and ease, with plenty to do but no pressure to do it all. It gave us space to reconnect, relax, and remember why these friendships matter so much.