A Mom’s Guide to Girlfriend Getaways and Southern Foodie Dreams

There’s something magical that happens when a group of moms takes a weekend off. The schedules, the carpools, the bedtime routines—they all fade into the background, replaced by laughter, sequins, and the occasional mimosa before noon. On a recent girls’ trip to Nashville, I was reminded just how important it is to say yes to adventures—especially the kind you didn’t have to plan yourself.

Why You Should Say Yes to the Invite

One of my personal travel rules? Never turn down a trip planned by an ultra-organized friend. My friend Lisa Marie is that person—the one who books the Airbnb, reserves the restaurants, builds the itinerary, and thinks of everything from weather forecasts to group texts. These trips might take a little advance rearranging (work, kids, budgets), but once you’re there, it’s nothing but good memories—and maybe a four-day hangover.

On this particular trip, our group was a mix of longtime friends and new faces, all brought together by months of group emails and shared excitement. It was a weekend packed with historic tours, bar hopping on Broadway, spontaneous dance floors, and one unforgettable brunch that deserves its own spotlight.

The Art of the Champagne Brunch (Even When You’re a Little… Fragile)

By Sunday morning, we’d been in Nashville for two days. Let’s just say we’d made the most of it. My head was ringing, my energy tanked, and yet—brunch was calling. I pulled on my just-right pink dress (you know the one that only fits perfectly once a year), dusted on a little makeup, and mustered enough motivation to Facetime my husband… who promptly laughed and told me I looked rough. I reconsidered the “five-minute face.”

We arrived at Husk, a beautiful Southern restaurant nestled in a historic home just outside downtown. The room was filled with bright dresses, floral hats, and the subtle scent of biscuits and Bloody Marys. Our group was quiet at first (church crowds + hangovers = polite volume), but that changed as soon as the champagne arrived.

What We Ate: Southern Staples Worth the Hype

After a few sips and some storytelling—because no brunch is complete without swapping wild holiday tales—we dove into the food:

Pimento Cheese with Benne Wafers – Creamy, tangy, spicy, and very Southern. Served on a slab of dark wood, it set the tone for the meal beautifully.
Shrimp and Grits – A must-try dish that balances richness with soul. If you’ve never had the real Southern version, brunch in Nashville is the place to start. (Pictured Right)
Coddled Egg with Chicken Boudin – Served in its own little cast iron pot with pickled okra and tomato cornmeal gravy. It was cozy, flavorful, and deeply comforting—exactly what you want when your head is still spinning from Broadway the night before. (Pictured Above)

Planning Your Own Nashville Mom Getaway?

Here are a few ideas to add to your list:

Brunch: Husk, Biscuit Love, or Adele’s
Historic sites: Belle Meade Plantation, Belmont Mansion
Nightlife: Broadway Street honky-tonks and rooftop bars
Relaxation: Spa day at Rhapsody Spa or a quiet morning at Pinewood Social
Group photo ops: The Gulch murals, Pedal Tavern, or the Parthenon at Centennial Park

If you’re thinking of saying yes to a girls’ trip this year—consider this your sign. You might come home tired, possibly sunburnt, and in need of a juice cleanse… but you’ll also return with stories that last a lifetime.

And possibly a new favorite brunch dress.