Grab your girlfriends and head to Napa and Sonoma. Sip fine wines and tour the wine cellars of some of California's most prestigious estates such as Chateau Montelena or Domaine Chandon. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the shade of nearby tree, your favorite bottle of wine and vineyards that stretch for miles. Consider a little pampering from one of the local spas for an afternoon escape from wine tasting. Think about spending a few days in San Francisco, if time permits. Watch the sunset over the Golden Gate Bridge and enjoy a variety of fresh dinner options. Visit the Bubble Lounge in San Francisco for an extensive list of champagnes and sparkling wines.
Chateau Montelena, 1429 Tubbs Lane, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 942-5105, www.montelena.com
Domaine Chandon, 1 California Drive, Yountville, CA 94599, (707) 944-2280, www.chandon.com/web/homepage.cfm
The Bubble Lounge, 714 Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA 94111, (415) 434-4204, www.bubblelounge.com
Jet off to the big apple for shopping and culture with your girlfriends. Consider planning a trip to New York City during Fashion Week and view some of the newest collections from some of the biggest designers. Organizing a trip to New York City is the perfect time for you and your girls to hit the stores, especially those you might not have back home such as Zara, a Spanish label with moderate prices, or visit Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn for a mix of antiques, boutiques and international flare. Purchase theater tickets for the evening or make reservations at a restaurant you've been wanting to try. Visit broadway.com for the most current listing of Broadway shows and to purchase tickets.
Zara, 750 Lexington Ave.(near 59th St.), New York, NY (212) 754-1120, zara.com
Escape to a tropical destination without all the hassles of international travel. Visiting Puerto Rico is the same as visiting any other state. American travelers from the United States do not need a visa or passport to travel to Puerto Rico. Both English and Spanish are spoken and the dollar is accepted as currency. Relax on the beach and enjoy the sun, as average temperatures remain in the mid-80s year-round. Tour some of the art galleries around San Juan such as Galería Botello or Obra Galería Alegría. Galleries vary from large exhibitions to small personal collections. Stroll the streets of Old San Juan and enjoy views of 16th- and 17th-century architecture. Wind your way through the streets, shops and cafes the area has to offer. Go to one of beachfront casinos and try your luck at a hand of blackjack or on the roulette wheel.
Galería Botello, 208 Del Cristo, Viejo San Juan, (787) 723-9987, www.botello.com
Obra Galería Alegría, 301 Calle de la Cruz, Old San Juan, (787) 723-3206, www.obragaleria.com
El San Juan Hotel & Casino, 6063 Isla Verde Ave, Carolina, (888) 579-2632, www.elsanjuanhotel.com
Conrad San Juan, 999 Ashford, San Juan, (888) 722-1274, www.condadoplaza.com/index.cfm
