Hey party people!
Make sure you scroll all the way to the end of this post to learn how you can win a Girls Getaway Weekend to Tybee Island!
Do you ever have those moments where you wish you could escape?
Escape to a place that fills your soul with peace. A place that you’re able to laugh so hard your cheeks hurt. A place that’s a brief respite from the stress of every day life. A place where you’re heard. A place where you’re surrounded by people that are encouraging, that listen, that fill your heart with joy. Those same people can hear you, without judgement, pour your heart out. They are people that aren’t afraid of a good cry and that see that as cleansing. These people can toast to a fun-filled night on the town but also enjoy a long moment of silence as the waves crash upon the shore.
There are few things more precious than having those kinds of friends in your life. There are few places more perfect for creating memories and feeling renewed, than Tybee Island.
I didn’t realize that 4 1/2 hours away from Atlanta was a place that felt a world away. Tybee Island is the perfect setting for a Girls Weekend Getaway that will leave you feeling refreshed, renewed, and will give you memories to last a lifetime.
But before you pack your bags, check out this guide that will help you plan your Girls Weekend Getaway!
WHERE TO STAY | Mermaid Cottages
A perfect getaway is one where you feel as comfortable as you do at home. Mermaid Cottages, on Tybee Island, combine the comforts of your own home with charm & beauty that is awe-inspiring.
Lined with white picket fences, surrounded by palm trees and prime sunset-watching spots. Mermaid Cottages is like the home you always dream of away from home. They create the perfect setting for late night talks, morning coffee, and drinks before dinner. You & your girlfriends will adore them.
Check out the Mermaid Cottages website to see more of the beautiful homes.
The cottages have everything you need to enjoy a wonderful time with your girlfriends but if you want to get out, here are a few great options.
(Side Note: One of the things I absolutely LOVE about the Mermaid Cottages is that they allow dogs! We always have to search for vacation rentals that allow our dog Guinness to tag along. I was so excited to learn that he could come too!)
WHAT TO DO | Beach Ecology Trip
I’m not a science girl, but there’s something so fascinating about learning about some of the incredible creatures of the sea.
Dr. Joe shared his extensive knowledge with us about what we may find lying underneath the sand & the sea.
Whether you go with Dr. Joe or do some exploring yourself, Tybee’s beaches have so many treasures. And you can walk…or you can bike!
Bike Rentals from Tim’s Bike & Beach Gear
Waiting for us at our cottage, were these adorable bikes from Tim’s Bike & Beach gear! It’s only a $10/daily rental but worth so much more!
There’s something so relaxing about feeling the cool ocean air flow through your hair. Leisurely pedaling the streets of Tybee. Taking it all in.
And of course the journey is made sweeter with a friend (or group of friends by your side). This is Michelle, from Iron & Twine, a friend I met last summer during the Haven blog conference. We quickly became friends & were roomies during this weekened. (Thanks so much to Beth Bryan who was so gracious to take our picture, despite the wonky take-offs and crazy shadows.)
Check out the beautiful homes throughout Tybee.
Get a glimpse of wildlife.
After exploring the streets of Tybee, take a ride to the beach.
Then…take a moment to breath.
I did that. It seemed like hours, but was only 30 minutes. I sat on that porch swing, with my friend Michelle, and we were silent. Do you know what 30 minutes of silence, with just the sound of crashing waves, does for your soul? It’s better than yoga & a full body massage combined. Total peace. The entire trip to Tybee was worth it for that very moment.
But…we also had a lot of fun!
WHERE TO EAT | Social Club
The Social Club became our go-to place. If you go, you’ll see why!
There are few restaurants I’ve been to where I wished there was one exactly like it in Atlanta. We have so many options…so many great options. But what I wouldn’t give for there to be a Social Club in Atlanta!
The Social Club had the best fish tacos I’ve ever tasted! They didn’t just stop there. They serve Saturday & Sunday brunch that is unbelievable. And there is never a meal where you won’t be entertained with live music. We heard everything from bluegrass to rock to acoustic. That’s all in a weekend! Like I said, we were there a lot!
You can’t really blame us, because besides the mouth-watering menu, the drinks were unforgettable.
The most popular drinks amoung our group were the Social Club’s Porch Punch (on the left) and their Bloody Mary (on right).
Believe it or not, The Social Club wasn’t the only place to get amazing food!
I wasn’t aware of IGA (Independent Grocers Alliance) before my weekend in Tybee.
Now, I am in love!
What made me fall? These cinnamon rolls! They are perfection. Not only did they melt in my mouth, they were so inexpensive. We ended up getting 6 (they are small cinnamon rolls) for $1.63!
During your weekend stay, you must visit the IGA one morning & taste these delicious cinnamon rolls. Just head over to the bakery in the back & ask for them. Their scones are also delicious.
I wasn’t able to stop by the Breakfast Club, since I was stuffing my face with the cinnamon rolls, but I heard that it is a must-stop for breakfast.
WHERE TO SHOP | Seaside Sisters
Here’s a little tip: make sure there’s extra space in your suitcase! You can’t have a Girls’ Getaway without doing some shopping, and Seaside Sisters is the perfect fix.
They have some of the cutest gifts, home decor, souvenirs and books…like Mary Kay Andrews‘ books. Mary Kay Andrews is a New York Times best selling author and was a huge part of organizing our Tybee weekend. She actually owns several cottages on Tybee and is one amazing woman!
This picture was taken with my phone at our “PJ Party” so I’m sorry it’s a little blurry.
If you’re still looking for more to do, Savannah is only 20 minutes away.
DAY TRIP TO SAVANNAH | What to see, eat & where to shop
Disclaimer: I left my camera card at the cottage, so I used my phone for these pictures. Just so you know why some of them are a little blurry.
A walk in Savannah can be entertaining in and of itself.
Before you head out for your stroll, stop by Back in the Day bakery.
Called “The Best Bakery in the South,” Back in the Day serves made-from-scratch baked goods.
I won’t tell…if you start your day with a cupcake, but if a biscuit is more your style, try BITD’s savory ham & cheese biscuit. Pair it with a hot latte. My personal recommendation is to try the honey lavender syrup. It’s different but really good.
These lovely ladies are: Diane Kaufman (of Mermaid Cottages), Cheryl (owner of Back in the Day), and Mary Kay Andrews.
After seeing some of the sights of Savannah, you’ll have quite the appetite. There’s one place that you are guaranteed to find the best southern food around.
This was one of the best southern meals I’ve ever had! If you splurge on one meal, make sure this is it!
Not far away from Lady & Sons is one of the coolest shops.
The Paris Market & Brocante will make you feel like you are actually in France.
Not only are their goods unique & exotic, they have a really fun photo op at the front of the store.
I definitely was over the moon with this shop!
Another must-visit shop is Alex Raskins, a 12,000 square foot mansion filled to the brim with gorgeous antiques. The manager told me it was the second largest home in Savannah. Four stories high & filled to the brim with gorgeous antiques, Raskins is a place you must see. It’s more than just a store. It’s like walking through history.
If you’ve seen “Something to Talk About” with Julia Roberts & Dennis Quaid, you may even recognize this mansion. Part of that movie was filmed here.
If treasures are what you seek, check out Two Women & a Warehouse. I found so many but was only able to fit one of them in my suitcase. I bought this beautiful cream & gold ice bucket and adore it!
Don’t forget to take a stroll down the RiverWalk in Savannah before you head back to your cottage!
When I say that Tybee Island is the PERFECT setting for a Girls Getaway Weekend, just look at what is along the beaches. Swings. Perfect for heart talks with your friends, girlish laughter, silent reflection, and sifting through life’s twists & turns.
I will warn you. Tybee stays with you. It becomes this place in your heart that, every once and awhile, causes you to take a deep breath and remember. Remember the calm, remember the beauty, remember the healing heart talks with friends, remember the laughter of a seagull stealing part of your picnic lunch, and remember the way you felt completely at peace.
It will make you ache to return.
And I will probably do just that!
I asked Diane, from the Mermaid Cottages, if I could give away a little Girls Getaway tote to you. She said, “How about we just give them a Girls Getaway Weekend at the Mermaid Cottages!” Diane is amazing, in so many ways.
So, message, call or email your girlfriends & tell THEM to register too! More chances to win never hurts!
Here are the details:
GIRLS WEEKEND GETAWAY to TYBEE ISLAND GIVEAWAY (through Mermaid Cottages):
3 days/ 2 nights stay at one of our Mermaid Cottages. 2-3 bedroom. Valid from March 1st until May 18 2014 and Sept 3rd thru Dec 20th 2014. Does NOT include holidays – to include Easter, Pirate Fest, Thanksgiving. We cannot guarantee which cottage we’ll be putting you in until 7 days prior to arrival.
PLUS –
If you don’t win the giveaway, Mermaid Cottages is offering a 10% discount on any reservations you make any time in 2014. During certain times of the year, they will require a specific length of time. Just mention PARTIES FOR PENNIES in the comment section (or over the phone) when you make your reservation & you will get 10% off!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
This giveaway will last until March 1st, so get your list of girlfriends who you’d love to take on a weekend getaway and get them to enter!
These were all the amazing ladies on this weekend trip! They are all so inspiring, so talented & so beautiful. Mermaid Cottages & Tybee Island were the perfect setting, but these ladies made the weekend. You probably know most of them from their blogs. Click on their names & you’ll see the amazing things they do.
Photo Credit: Beth Bryan
Top: (L-R) L&S Staff, Rachel Bowen Frey, Michelle Smith, L&S Staff, Leslie Anne Harrison, L&S Staff, Brittany Bailey, Lucy Farmer, Rhoda Vickers, Vanessa Hunt, Kim Wilson, Diane Kaufman (you can just see her head peeking out), Jen Schmidt, (I can’t remember the beautiful lady beside Jen #fail), Kathy Trocheck,
Middle: (L-R) KariAnne Wood, Miss Elaine (from L&S), Cindy Barganier, Holly Lotterhos, Claudia Deen (Bobbie Deen’s wife & author of a wonderful blog), Heather Patterson, Kathy Welch
Bottom: (L-R) Laura Putnam, L&S Staff, Gayle Horner, Me, Jenny Walker, and Beth Bryan.
Hope you get a chance to get away with your girlfriends! It truly is soul-soothing. If you want to see more pics from the weekend, check out the hashtag #TybeeSleepover.
Stop by this Friday, because I’ll share a healthy beach picnic!
p.s. This is YOUR official invite to the party… join in on the Parties for Pennies Facebook page, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram & Bloglovin!
It’s been years since I visited Tybee. Your blog makes me want to go back!! Thanks for the great suggestions and beautiful photos!!
You’re so welcome Cindi! I hadn’t been there since I was a child. So thankful I was able to go back & experience it now! <3 Heidi
Great post, Heidi!! You captured it so well with your words and pics. Loved spending time with you and Michelle, you both are precious ladies. Hugs!!
Thank you so much, Rhoda, for including us in such an amazing weekend! Memories to last a lifetime! <3 Heidi
Would love to visit there been a long time!!!!
This year has been a rough year no vacation, lost both grandmothers and my daughter went thru chemo and I had to close my store to take care of her. I love being at home but this was a shock for us in our 2nd year of store ownership. Then to have my mother in law to find her stage 4 breast cancer had spread and came back at Christmas. My husband and I would always take our vacation in this area before our kids but with special needs children we don’t get very many. I would love to take a break with my beasties and catch my breath for a change!
Oh wow, Cindy! Sounds like you could use a break! Sorry for such a hard year! <3 Heidi
I would live to take my daughter here for her 16th birthday what is best way to find out more info thanks
Oh that would be so wonderful! What a perfect Mother/Daughter getaway! You can find out more by visiting the Mermaid Cottage website: http://mermaidcottages.com. Just make sure they know you found out about them via Parties for Pennies so you can get your 10% off! If you have any other questions about it, feel free to email me: heidi@heidirew.com <3 Heidi
I’m not sure if my entry was accepted. I clicked on the “log in with Facebook” button but I wasn’t asked any information.
Susan, you may have already been logged in to facebook. Did a box come up with additional entry options, such as liking P4P on FB? If not, maybe try & refresh the page then try it again. Sorry for any frustration you’ve had with this! <3 Heidi
What a wonderful post!! What a magical place Tybee Island is!! Thanks for offering the Girls Weekend. I am headed over to sign up for that right now!!
I will be back to visit your wonderful blog!
Sherri
Thanks so much Sherri! Doesn’t it just pull you in? It was such a magical weekend! Thanks for stopping by! <3 Heidi
I have wanted to visit Tybee Island since I had read one of Mary Kay Andrews books. Did she just happen to be in the place you were or had you met her before? Thanks for sharing all the great photos and ideas.
Aren’t her books fabulous?! She actually was involved in planning it. She’s so sweet & down to earth! You’ll have to stop by tomorrow because I’ll be giving away an autographed copy of one of her books! <3 Heidi
Oh Heidi. This sounds wonderful. I care for my 86 year old mother who lives an hour west of Savannah. I could still be close enough if there were an emergency but also relax a bit. Being in that sandwich of caring for parent and kids (and husband) is such a strain sometimes.
Oh wow Renee! It sounds like you could use a little rest & relaxation! Good luck! Either way…I hope you get a little time to escape! <3 Heidi
I know you’re GF, were these cinnamon rolls? Or did you cheat? 😉
lol! You got me Laura! As I was writing this I thought, “I wonder if anyone is going to catch that? Should I explain?” ;p I have these gluten pills that I can take, if I’ve had gluten, and I won’t get any of the symptoms. I try to save them & only use them if I’m out of town or at someone’s home…places where I may not be able to control what I’m being served. But let me say that those cinnamon rolls were SO worth taking that gluten pill & I must admit I ate all three mini ones. If I can only have gluten occasionally, I am going to make it count! ;p <3 Heidi
This post was great, Heidi! I think everybody can use a peaceful little dose of the ocean sometimes. So refreshing and renewing. Looking forward to trying the Social Club too. I love Back in the Day Bakery! Next time you’re in Savannah check out The Green Truck! It’s an awesome local place to eat.
Thanks Del! Thanks for the recommendation! I’ll have to try it. I’m trying to see if I can take Mike down to Tybee & Savannah for a trip so we’ll check it out! <3 Heidi
I LOVE Tybee! Certainly is a hidden treasure!
Isn’t it awesome, Dawn?! Good luck! <3 Heidi
This weekend giveaway would be wonderful! I LOVE the Paris Market! Thank you for posting. My fingers are crossed!
Love your blog. I have not been to Savannah in a long time. Would love for the chance to go back with my girlfriends. Would love also to visit your warehouse! And the Paris Market is indeed a special place to go.
I would love to stay at Tybee Island. Mary Kay Andrews talks about it all the time on Facebook . Would love to visit Seaside Sisters and sit on the beach with my friends!
Molly…I know…it is such a wonderful place! Mary Kay Andrews is such a wonderful woman! <3 Heidi
Yes! I do have those moments where I wish I could escape…to Tybee Island and land in a Mermaid Cottage! I love the beach, this is described as a perfect girls getaway indeed! I’m ready to learn Beach Ecology as I rent a bike from Tim’s Bike & Beach Gear. Would love to grab a bite to eat at the Social Club, and shop at Seaside Sisters. The day trip into Savannah sounds wonderful. I have been to the Paris Market…LOVE. Could easily gain some pounds at Back in the Day Bakery..and would love Two Women and a Warehouse for sure. Everything about this getaway would be memorable and fun! Thanks for the chance to enter.
You are welcome Elizabeth! The whole weekend truly was so wonderful! Good luck. I hope you get to experience the magic of Tybee Island. <3 Heidi
What a wonderful idea! Thanks so much, Heidi! I’ve never been to Tybee Island….My entry is in!
You’re so welcome! Good luck!! <3 Heidi
Thank you for sharing and I am praying for you and your family.
Glad for the opportunity to win. Looks like a place I definitely need to visit after I find a job.
Thanks Dawn! Good luck & I hope you find one soon! Definitely know how tough that can be! <3 Heidi
Heidi
You just made me want to see your sweet face and hear Michelle’s giggle and sit on the beach with everyone. What a special trip. I hope it is the first of many!
Xoxo
Cindy
I know Cindy…it made me miss everyone just writing it! :p I hope we all can get together soon! Amazing the wonderful friendships we gained over a weekend. Hope you’re doing well & I can’t wait to feature your daughter! Miss you! <3 Heidi
What a beautiful place! I really enjoyed reading this and looking at your lovely photos 🙂 thanks for adding warmth to my dad through this wonderful post.
Thanks Nicole!! I really appreciate it! <3 Heidi
Oh sweet Heidi! It was so wonderful meeting and spending the weekend with you on Tybee! You were such a burst of pure energy and beautiful joy! I loved this post and your perspective of the girl’s getaway. I’ve been craving crunchy fish tacos from the Social Club for days! Cant wait to return with hubs. : )
Fish tacos & friends…just doesn’t get much better! Oh yeah…and wine! I adored getting to know you, Kim. You were such a sweet encouragement to me & so much fun! Thank you for that! <3 Heidi
After reading this, I simply must get to Tybee Island and stay at Mermaid Cottages with a side trip to Savannah for some shopping! thank you! Here’s to hoping I win! My girls and I would have a blast!
You will not regret that at all! :p Good luck! <3 Heidi
So fun! I’d love to go to Tybee Island. And what a cute pic of you and Michelle with your bikes!
Thanks Erin!! I’m sure after the move & your awesome work with Dwelling with Dignity you could use a little getaway! <3 Heidi
Thanks for the chance!
You are so welcome Kristy! <3 Heidi
Sounds like heaven!
It kinda is…on earth. ;p <3 Heidi
would love to visit tybee.. girls weekend away.. love to meet knew people and enjoy great conversation.. would be fun.. love love love the ocean!!!!
You would adore Tybee, Tracy! Good luck! <3 Heidi
I’d LOVE a girls getaway to Tybee! I am a mom of 7 and owner of a Day Spa in Downtown Social Circle. I’ve never been on a girly vacation and would love a beach getaway! My life is very busy and nonstop from dawn til dusk. There is not time or money for mom to get away alone. The only problem I can see is that someone may have to come looking for me when it’s over 😀
lol Julia! Wow…you made me exhausted reading this!! Good luck! <3 Heidi
Would love to get away with the girls, never have extra money to go anywhere, hoping to win!!!!
Good luck Glenda! I know how valuable those weekends are! <3 Heidi
I would love to win this. I would take my cousin who is fighting breast cancer.
Aww…that’s so sweet Janet! It would be a perfect getaway for her! <3 Heidi