A Girls Weekend Getaway in Alamance County, NC
Burlington, Mebane, and the cluster of surrounding small towns in Alamance County, NC, boast the perfect mix for a weekend of shopping with the girls: serene vineyards with beautiful views, and a growing food scene to rival that of Franklin Street in Chapel Hill and Asheville’s River Arts District. Feeling the urge to plan a getaway with the girls? Cleanse your palates and channel good vibes to your credit cards – it’s time to go shopping and winery-hopping in Alamance County NC!
Sponsored by Alamance County Visitors Bureau
A fall fashion show at The Elegant Relic, bright smiles and flower arrangements at Candor Market, selection from Persnickety Books.
Have a Shopping Field Day on Clay
Start your girls weekend with a shopping spree in downtown Mebane. Work 9-to-5 bopping into the shops and cafes along Clay Street, Alamance County NC’s fashion and home decor heaven. Whether you’re searching for the perfect wedding guest dress, bold-patterned jumpsuits, or overalls with a feminine flair, you’ll find all of the above and more at your new favorite clothing boutique – The Elegant Relic – which carries sizes XS-3X.
With a tagline like Cool Stuff From Weird People, how can you resist taking a lap through Impulsive Creativity? Featuring arts and crafts from nearly 100 NC vendors, you’re guaranteed to snag some early-bird stocking stuffers and thoughtful hostess gifts.
Browse vintage clocks, coins, oriental rugs, porcelain pottery, and more well-preserved items browsing the aisles of The Curious Peddler and Carolina Pickin’ Antiques & Collectibles. Follow the pleasant aroma to Grit and Grace, which specializes in unique fragrances, lotions, and soaps. Alternatively, paint your own candles and pick up a personalized souvenir from Solgarden.
Candor Market and Eclection Emporium are your go-to treasure troves for striking garden wreaths, seasonal potpourri, marbled melamine serving trays, and the cutest table linens you ever did see. We could also stay in The Go Girl Shoppe for hours admiring their fancy pastel-colored glasses, whimsical bird feeders, and Southern cookbook selection.
We can't stop dreaming about this oatmeal cream pie cake from Martinho's Bakery & Deli…
Girls Just Wanna Have Lunch (and Dinner, and Mimosas…)
Set your shopping bags down and grab a bite at a variety of cute coffee shops and lunch counters along Clay Street. All of the boutiques above and Alamance County NC restaurants below are within a five-minute walk!
Bottomless brunch or ladies’ leisurely lunch? Why not both on your girls weekend, at 2 Twelve Seasonal Kitchen + Bar. Opt for Southern classics like Praline French toast and crab cake benedicts complemented by a peach bellini cocktail, watermelon mimosa, or perfect Aperol spritz.
The fresh-baked bread at Martinho’s is something to write home about. Nosh on cold cuts from the deli or hot subs like the chicken cordon bleu wrap. You wouldn’t be wrong if you took a cannoli to-go…
Filament Coffee + Tea is the go-to in downtown Mebane if you need a pick-me-up before launching into full shopping mode. Don’t miss out on the house-made hazelnut, butterbeer, and lavender syrups.
Come to Muffin’s for a scoop of banana pudding ice cream or pomegranate raspberry sorbet – return for the customer service (and more Maple View ice cream flavors!)
Snap a selfie at the Haw River mural at the Rambling River Mercantile
Choose Your Adventure!
Start your second girls’ day in Graham, NC, where you can dig into hash brown waffles or sweet and savory selections from
European-inspired Press Coffee + Crepes. Spend time perusing shops such as Sandy & Co., Gelah Couture, The Main Line or Maricle Metals, to name a few. From there, choose from one of three adventures depending on your group’s preferences.
Shopping
Those who still have shopping on the brain will find no shortage of eclectic galleries in Burlington like Persnickety Books, home to three floors of books, Owl & Rabbit, headquarters for local artist curations and Haand Pottery, proudly designed and made in Burlington.
Outdoor
For a gentle workout and scenic ride through the countryside on your girls weekend, head to Saxapahaw for a hike on the Haw River Trail or take
a serene morning paddle with Haw River Canoe & Kayak Company.
Exotic Animals Animal lovers will gravitate to the Animal Park at the Conservator’s Center in Burlington, where exotic animal encounters – think lions, tigers, lemurs, and New Guinea singing dogs – are up-close and personal.
After an exciting afternoon of exploring, the perfect ending awaits in Gibsonville—whether it's unwinding at Grove Vineyards & Winery where Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, Tempranillo, and other varieties thrive in the mineral-rich Haw River Valley soil, or dinner at Saint Jacques in the Burke Manor, which maintains the best wine list in Alamance County. The on-site restaurant additionally hosts seasonal cooking demonstrations, wine dinners, and festive brunches.
Hunt for autumn decor at the Gibsonville Fall Festival
Plan Your Girls Weekend Around These Alamance County NC Fall Events
Pack more fun into your Alamance County girls’ weekend by planning your stay around the following autumn affairs.
Gibsonville Fall Festival
When: October 12, 10 AM to 5 PM Where: 314 10th St, Gibsonville, NC
What: 130 vendors descend upon the Gibsonville Fall Festival to offer everything from fresh flowers, jewelry, and home décor to baked goods, clothing, and handmade crafts. Kids can have fun with bounce houses, a climbing wall, a magician, and a balloon artist.
Occaneechi-Saponi Pow Wow
When: October 12-13, open at 10 AM Where: 4902 Dailey Store Rd, Burlington, NC
What: Witness traditional Native American dancing, drumming, and storytelling alongside arts and crafts vendors, food stalls offering indigenous cuisine, and the Grand Entry parade at the Occaneechi-Saponi Pow Wow.
Downtown Graham Pumpkin Bash
When: October 25, 6-9 PM Where: Court Square, Graham NC
What: Bring your coven (don’t forget to dress up!) to one of the most epic small town Halloween celebrations in Alamance County NC! Tap into your young witch at heart with face-painting, ghost tours, trolley rides, and more at the Downtown Graham Pumpkin Bash.
Sleepy Fest
When: October 26, 10 M to midnight Where: Haw River Ballroom, Saxapahaw, NC
What: This annual one-day music and arts fete is anything but sleepy. Wind through the public arts market in the morning and enjoy live music and DJ sets late into the evening at Sleepy Fest.
Textiles & Tar Heels Heritage Festival
When: October 26, 10 AM to 4 PM Where: Textile Heritage Museum, Burlington, NC
What: Celebrate the 101st anniversary of Burlington’s textile manufacturing prowess with museum exhibits, immersive history programs, and fun, free games in Historic Glencoe Mill, home of the Textiles & Tarheel Heritage Festival.
The Saint Jacques French restaurant at the Burke Manor Inn is an essential stop on your culinary tour of Alamance County, NC.
Stay in Alamance County NC
TerraStay Farm in Saxapahaw offers a charming rural retreat, perfect for enjoying the crisp autumn air and vibrant foliage. Disconnect from the hustle and bustle in cozy farm-stay cabins with scenic views. Discounts to Saxapahaw Village are available for guests during their Alamance County, NC stay.
The Inn at Elon combines modern comfort with a touch of Southern charm. Located near Elon University, it provides a convenient and elegant base for exploring the county’s fall festivities. The Inn’s luxurious rooms and warm hospitality make it an ideal spot for a restful girls’ getaway.
Achieve peak B&B vibes with your girls at The Burke Manor Inn & Pavilion in Gibsonville. This sophisticated bed and breakfast exudes classic Southern hospitality with its picturesque gardens, gourmet breakfasts, and fall foodie events.
