Planning a girls’ getaway to Chestnut Cottage? Sip wine on Vashon Island, beachcomb and watch the sunset at Chambers Bay, browse Gig Harbor’s waterfront boutiques, paddle Lake Steilacoom or unwind with a massage, facial or Sunday-evening stretch class. Here are seven of our favorite ways to turn your stay into the perfect South Sound girls’ weekend.
The best girls’ weekends leave plenty of room for wandering, lingering over lunch and changing plans whenever the mood strikes. Whether your perfect day involves island wine tasting, waterfront dining, boutique shopping, a little pampering or simply paddling around the lake before dinner, Chestnut Cottage makes a lovely home base for exploring the South Sound.
Here are a few of our favorite ways to enjoy your time together.
1. Ferry to Vashon for an Island Day
A day on Vashon Island feels like a miniature vacation within your vacation.
Drive through Point Defiance and take the short Point Defiance–Tahlequah ferry across Puget Sound. Bring your car so you can explore the island at your own pace.
Start with wine tasting at Palouse Winery, a small, family-owned winery with a wonderfully relaxed island atmosphere.
For something a little different, visit Nashi Orchards for island-made cider and perry crafted from Asian pears and heirloom apples. Tasting-room schedules can change, so confirm current hours before heading out.
From there, browse the galleries, bookstores, boutiques and specialty shops in Vashon’s walkable town center—known locally as Uptown.
Then drive to Point Robinson Lighthouse and Park to see the historic lighthouse, walk along the beach and enjoy views across Puget Sound.
Finish with lunch or dinner at The Hardware Store Restaurant, a beloved island gathering place housed in Vashon’s original hardware store.
Chestnut Cottage tip: Check the ferry schedule in both directions before leaving and allow extra time for weekend vehicle lines.
2. Walk Chambers Bay, Beachcomb and Stay for Sunset
For sweeping water views and one of the prettiest sunsets in the South Sound, head to Chambers Creek Regional Park, home of Chambers Bay.
The trails wind through rolling hills above the golf course, alongside open meadows and down toward the shoreline. Complete the full loop if you want a good workout, or take a shorter walk and spend some time on the beach.
Wander along the water’s edge, pick up and admire the interesting rocks and shells, and take in the expansive views across Puget Sound.
Time your visit for golden hour. The soft, warm light just before sunset makes Chambers Bay a photographer’s dream—and the perfect place to capture beautiful photos of your time together.
Afterward, settle in at Chambers Bay Grill for dinner or drinks as the sun goes down. The restaurant is open to the public and offers panoramic views of the golf course and Puget Sound. If patio seating is available, this is the place to request it.
Bring layers. Even on a beautiful day, the temperature can change quickly once the sun begins to set.
3. Have a Lake Day Close to Home
Some of the loveliest days require almost no driving.
Begin with a walk around Waughop Lake at Fort Steilacoom Park. The nearly one-mile paved lakeside loop is an easy walk, while the park’s 340 acres offer open meadows and additional trails if you feel like exploring farther.
Then return to Chestnut Cottage, change into something comfortable and head out for a paddle on Lake Steilacoom.
Follow it with a slow evening beside the water—music playing, drinks poured and no reservation required.
For an easy dinner, pick up a par-baked pizza from Casa Mia Italian Restaurant in Lakewood and finish it on the grill using the pizza pan. Add a simple salad and a bottle of wine, then dine outside overlooking the lake.
It may be the least complicated day on this list—and one of the most memorable.
4. Browse and Graze at the Olympia Farmers Market
Make a morning of the Olympia Farmers Market, one of the largest and longest-running farmers markets in Washington.
Browse seasonal produce, fresh flowers, artisan foods, baked goods, handcrafted gifts and local specialties. Prepared-food vendors make it easy to assemble an impromptu lunch or collect treats to enjoy later at the cottage.
Afterward, wander along Olympia’s waterfront and Percival Landing or browse the independent shops downtown.
Market days and hours change seasonally, so check the current market schedule before making the drive.
5. Stroll Tacoma’s Waterfront and Eat at Duke’s
Tacoma’s Ruston Way Waterfront is made for a leisurely afternoon by the water.
Walk the waterfront path along Commencement Bay, watch the boats and look across the Sound toward Vashon Island. Continue toward Point Ruston if you feel like browsing shops, grabbing coffee or simply extending your walk.
Then ask for an outdoor table at Duke’s Seafood on Ruston Way. The waterfront deck is especially lovely in the late afternoon.
Duke’s is known for its award-winning chowder, and the chowder sampler is perfect when nobody wants to commit to just one. Add seafood, cocktails and a view of the bay, and you have a quintessential Tacoma afternoon.
6. Lunch, Boutiques and Harbor Views in Gig Harbor
Gig Harbor delivers exactly what a girls’ day should: a picturesque waterfront, good food and locally owned boutiques within strolling distance of one another.
Begin with lunch or an early dinner on the patio at Morso Bistro, a waterfront wine bar and restaurant known for seasonal food, wine, shareable plates and a lovely harbor setting. Please note that Morso welcomes guests age 21 and older.
Then explore the marina and follow Harborview Drive through the historic waterfront district. Pop into locally owned boutiques, galleries, bookstores and gift shops along the way. The Gig Harbor Downtown Waterfront shopping directoryis helpful if you want to choose a few stops in advance.
Leave time to sit beside the harbor and watch the boats. Gig Harbor is best enjoyed without rushing.
7. Make It a Wellness Weekend
Balance all that exploring, dining and wine tasting with a little restorative time.
Book a massage or facial at Serenity Spa in University Place, a peaceful urban spa offering massage therapy, customized facials, body treatments and infrared sauna sessions.
Weekend appointments—especially simultaneous treatments for several guests—can fill quickly, so advance reservations are recommended. You can review the spa’s offerings and book your treatments online.
For yoga or Pilates, visit Revive Yoga Co., a beautiful, welcoming Lakewood studio just minutes from Chestnut Cottage. Revive offers yoga, mat Pilates, barre, fitness classes and reformer Pilates for a variety of experience levels.
One of our personal favorites is the wonderfully relaxing Sunday evening stretch class at 7:00 p.m. It is a lovely way to unwind together, loosen up after a weekend of exploring and end your stay feeling restored.
Check the current Revive class schedule and reserve your places in advance. Plan to arrive at least 5–10 minutes early—the studio doors close promptly when class begins.
If the Weather Turns
A rainy afternoon is a good excuse to visit Tacoma’s Museum District.
Watch artists at work in the Hot Shop at the Museum of Glass, explore the exhibitions at the Tacoma Art Museum or spend a few hours at the Washington State History Museum.
The museums are located close together, and the Chihuly Bridge of Glass connects the museum area to downtown Tacoma.
Or simply stay in. Make coffee, open a bottle of wine, put on a favorite playlist and enjoy the cottage. Sometimes the best part of a girls’ weekend is having nowhere else you need to be.
A Little Planning Goes a Long Way
Restaurant reservations are recommended for weekend patio dining, while spa treatments, fitness classes and island tasting rooms can fill up or maintain limited hours. Ferry schedules, market dates and operating hours also change seasonally, so check directly with each destination before leaving.
Then choose an adventure, leave a little room for spontaneity and enjoy your time together.
Ready for a Little Girl Time of Your Own?
Chestnut Cottage was made for slow mornings, lake days, long conversations and the kind of weekends you’ll still be talking about months later.
Explore available dates and start planning your stay at Chestnut Cottage.
And if Chestnut Cottage becomes one of those places you want to return to, bookmark our website so you can always find us—and book directly with us—next time.