Whew, you made it! Summer is over, and the kids are back in school; it’s time to start planning your girls getaway weekend.

For the ladies that like to golf, the Willmar Lakes Area is a great option for a fun and fabulous golf getaway. Play a round at Hawk Creek Country Club in Raymond on their beautiful par 36, 9-hole course that offers golfing enjoyment at any level. You could also book a tee time at Island Pine Golf Club in Atwater and enjoy their gently rolling course with scenic natural wetlands and the largest greens in the area. The Little Crow Golf Resort in Spicer features 3 sets of nine holes, 5 sets of tees for players of all levels as well as a full-service driving range. Eagle Creek Golf Course in Willmar is an eighteen-hole semi-private golf club, with two very different nines that create a true challenge for all skill levels. Afterward, enjoy a delicious meal and a glass of wine at the club or one of the many unique local restaurants.

For those that love to shop, you’ll find a wide variety of boutiques and shops during your visit to the Willmar Lakes Area! Start out perusing the shops of downtown New London along the Crow River. From unique clothing, gift items, jewelry and home décor this is the perfect location for some retail therapy that is good for the soul!  A few shops we know you’ll love, include Ali J Boutique, Mill Pond Peddler, The Happy Sol, and Three Sisters Furnishings. Then make sure to cruise over to Urban Escape Boutique in Spicer, Lotus on Burlington and Shoppe 14 in Willmar, The Red Poppy in Prinsburg, and The Vintage Hub in Kandiyohi for even more unique shopping finds.

If you’re lucky enough to have a green thumb, you’ll definitely want to check out the local nurseries and greenhouses in the Willmar Lakes Area. You’ll find a large assortment of single and mixed varieties in hanging baskets, a variety of houseplants of all sizes that will provide a lovely backdrop in your home as well as a variety of fall plants that will extend the season and bring some color to the landscape. You’ll definitely have a smile on your face and feel the stress melt away as you browse the flowers, plants and décor at Creekside Greenhouses in Pennock, Stacy’s Nursery & Floral in Willmar, Tom’s South Spicer Nursery and Green Lake Nursery in Spicer, and Rustic Designs Flower Farm in Belgrade.

Whether you spent the morning golfing or shopping, no girls getaway is complete without that perfect spa treatment to fully decompress and de-stress! The Willmar Lakes Area has a variety of salon and spa treatments that’ll have you relaxing in no time! If you’re looking for that perfect mani or pedi we recommend booking an appointment at Bellezza Salon & Spa in Spicer, The Abode Salon & Spa in New London, or Elite Nails & Spa in Willmar. In need of a good massage? We suggest J.U.S.T. Massage in Willmar and Rejuvenate Salon & Spa LLC in New London. For more elaborate services such as facials, chemical peels, BOTOX, eyelash extension, and permanent makeup call Bloom MedSpa in New London, Mill Pond Salon in New London, and Glacial Lakes Aesthetics in Spicer. You can find out more about all of these salons and spas and more by clicking here.

Now that you know that the Willmar Lakes Area is the perfect location for your girls getaway, it’s time to book that hotel! Choose from a variety of relaxing hotel options that cater to your needs. The Best Western Plus is conveniently located in the same building as the Willmar Conference Center, Ruff’s Wings and Sports Bar and the Green Mill Restaurant. Another great hotel option is the Hampton Inn Green Lake Resort in Spicer. Along with your clean and comfortable stay in their hotel, you’ll be located right across the road from the Glacial Lakes State Trail where you can enjoy the beauty of nature during your walk, run or bike ride. Other great hotel options include GrandStay Hotel & Suites in Spicer and the AmericInn in Willmar.

You’ve been working hard all summer long keeping the kids busy and running them to all of their activities and appointments. Now it’s your turn to treat yourself to a weekend away. Call up your girls and get something on the books. And enjoy your girls getaway this fall in the Willmar Lakes Area!