3 Days in Dunwoody: Girlfriends Getaway

Located just a few minutes from Atlanta, Dunwoody is among the best areas in Greater Atlanta for shopping, dining and relaxing—making it a perfect destination for a girlfriend getaway. With the City's fantastic hotels, walkability and lots of fun things to do, Dunwoody is an ideal getaway destination. And when you’re with your girlfriends, you won’t want to miss Dunwoody’s boutique stores, art galleries, spas, wine bars and more. Here’s a three-day guide to all the things to do and see in Dunwoody on a girlfriend getaway.

Day 1: Shop Until You Drop

Cross things off your wish list by hitting up some of the best stores that Dunwoody has to offer. Fab’rik at Perimeter Center West sells affordable bohemian wear like leather pants, military jackets and rompers. Additionally, Fab’rik has quirky accessories on display including fringe boots, artsy earrings and hair candy. Most items are reasonably priced, making it ideal for shoppers to add to their wardrobe without breaking the bank. When visiting the shop, don’t be surprised if a staff offers you a complimentary glass of wine or champagne. For more urban attire, Dress Up is known for its seasonal but hip clothing like sweater dresses, plaid ponchos and kimonos. Three stylish sisters who wanted to offer locals affordable ways to shop for the latest fashions started the shop. The store is popular for its bargain finds like jewelry and other items as low as $3.99.

Next stop; head over to Nancy’s Shoppe on Chamblee Dunwoody where store owner Nancy Hoffman selects the best boutique clothes to sell. Shoppers will find Parisian style scarves, Italian purses and hippie-meets-modern inspired shirts. After browsing through modern and boutique items, it’s time to go retro at Consigning Women on Mt. Vernon Road. Only the highest quality (think designer brands) items in perfect shape are on display at bargain prices. This is the type of place to shop for Chanel dresses from the 60s and 90s Prada purses. Shoppers are advised to monitor Consigning Women’s website for daily deals and new items. Lastly, Dunwoody’s most famous Perimeter Mall provides a convenient way to shop. The mall is hailed as one of the largest in the Southeast with more than 200 specialty stores and premier dining establishments. The mall has several large chic department stores including Von Maur, Nordstrom and Macy’s.

For guests that are looking to purchase souvenirs or gifts for friends and family, Dunwoody has plenty of creative shops. For a one-of-a-kind art piece, the Spruill Gallery Gift Shop sells posters, mugs and original art pieces from talented locals. While shopping, swing by the gallery to see featured paintings and masterpieces created by local artists (admission is free). To shop for whimsical and fun housewares, Enchanted Forest is an ideal place to do so. Items found at the store include boutique plates, unique candles, and tea towels. During the holidays, Enchanted Forest is known for going over the top with seasonal items such as Christmas pillows and Thanksgiving silverware. They even carry a large selection of game day gear for College football fans. Under the Pecan Tree is a perfect place to visit if you are hunting hostess, birthday and shower gifts. Their home decor will brighten up an living space and this unique boutique is known for carrying brands that aren't found anywhere else in Atlanta. Shoppers who want to purchase gift-wrapped gourmet foods, wine, and cheeses can swing by E. 48th Street Market. The bakery stocks freshly made pastries, bread and imported goods from Italy. 

Day 2: Refresh and Rejuvenate

After a long day of shopping on your first day in Dunwoody, unwind and treat yourself to the area’s best spas on your second day in town. Head to Mt. Vernon Road to Angela Michael Skincare and Spa where guests will receive massages, listen to soothing sounds, and facials with anti-aging creams. While there, treat yourself to a pedicure and a manicure with your girlfriends, too. If you want to spend a whole day being treated like royalty, schedule a trip to Woodhouse Day Spa and choose from more than 70 rejuvenating treatments including volcanic stone massages, Vichy showers and lavender dreams (sleep treatments). This luxury spa is a haven for girlfriends to spend their day being pampered.

Another spot to relive some of that day-one shopping soreness is Heavenly Foot Massage on Jett Ferry Road. Girlfriends will receive rejuvenating foot massages with scented salts while sitting on comfy recliner chairs and drinking Tazo teas. Face Haven is another Dunwoody favorite, specializing in facials. Treatments at Face Haven include dermaplaning (peeling away dead skin), turbo lift (skin tightening) and jet clear (pressure washing your skin). Each guest will be treated individually based on skin type and condition. 

If your idea of what’s rejuvenating doesn’t happen inside a spa and instead happens when you’re outdoors, Dunwoody has what you’re looking for. First, get outside and head to Brook Run Park, a 102-acre park with a multiuse trail for bikers, hikers and skaters. For thrill seekers, the park features a one-of-a-kind Tree Top Quest—a designated zip-lining area with 52 obstacles and four different courses. Dunwoody Nature Center is another great way to check out local scenery. This nonprofit center has several gardens to explore, and it also offers adult programs like Yoga on the Porch at various times throughout the year.

Day 3: Arts, Culture, Food and Wine

Spend the third day immersing yourself into the local art scene at Spruill Center for the Arts, where you can your girlfriends can register for various workshops for activities like making holiday ornaments, watercolors and jewelry making. Each workshop course is geared toward certain ages and groups. Later in the day, catch an evening show at Stage Door Players at the same center or a Sunday-only matinee to see fun plays like “The Last Romance” and “High Society.” Tickets can be purchased online or at the door.

Girlfriends that worked up an appetite are advised to swing by at least one of the fun local hangouts to sip wine and enjoy a delicious meal. Vino Venue is an ingenious spot for girlfriends to enjoy over 50 wines with its tapas, charcuterie and chef inspired dishes. The bar includes an Enomatic (self-pouring) machine for visitors to sample wine. The venue also has specialized cooking classes where you and your girlfriends can learn wine pairings or the art of whipping up a romantic meal. Novo Cucina is another popular wine bar with an Italian twist. Diners can enjoy the swanky interior of Italian mosaic floors, modern red chairs and rustic wooden tables. Although its authentic Italian pizzas, pastas and lasagnas are to die for, girlfriends are encouraged to try out the gelatos with fabulous flavors like stracciatella, cappuccino, pistachio and sea salt caramel. 

Other great local restaurants in Dunwoody include Eclipse di Luna, which has a party-like atmosphere specializing in tapas and live music on the weekends and Sage Woodfire Tavern, a contemporary American restaurant with Latin influence. From Tuesday to Saturday, Sage comes alive with live Latin music, served up alongside the restaurants delicious menu items including black-angus burgers, goat cheese stuffed chicken and Maine lobster tails. Seasons 52 is a great choice near Perimeter Mall, where all ingredients are locally sourced and features more than 100 wines to choose from. Finally, those with a sweet tooth will want to consider ordering a European-style cake at Cafe Intermezzo with an impressive menu featuring more than 100 sweet delicacies. The menu also consists of breakfast, sandwiches and burgers.