Planning a wine-soaked girlfriend vacation

Just because you need to get away with your girlfriends, doesn't mean you know where to go, what to do and where to stay - there's a lot to plan. But with vineyards in every direction, Niagara-on-the-Lake is the perfect spot for your next girlfriend escape. What's more, there's no shortage of places to eat, sleep and play.

Niagara wine countryGoGirlfriend loves Ontario's wine region, not only for the amazing wine choices but for how much it offers travelers. Actually, when we're not jetting around North America on press trips or speaking engagements, it's our close-to-home getaway spot. Contrary to popular belief, it's not just a summer destination either -  year round, you'll find stuff to do here.

Check out GoGirlfriend's favorite places in Niagara-on-the-Lake to eat, sleep and play.

Eat ~ in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Harvest Barn MarketHarvest Barn Country Market - This is our first stop as we head into Niagara-on-the-Lake (it's in Virgil). Overflowing with goodness from nearby farms, it's also got a kick-ass salad bar and more baked goods than your grandma's pantry. We like to stock up here, for late night chats (blueberry pie) and anytime munching (hello morning-glory muffins!). Bring a cooler so you can stock up on fresh fruit too. Visit them online at HarvestBarn.ca or chat with them on Facebook.

Shaw Cafe and Wine BarShaw Café & Wine Bar - Perfect for lunch, the Shaw Café is owned by the Oban Inn and located smack in the middle of the action of downtown Niagara on the Lake. In the winter, we dine upstairs overlooking the restaurant but in the summer we're on the patio, near the fountain. Everything here is delish, but save room for dessert - or return for an afternoon reprieve from shopping.  For more info, visit them online at the ShawCafe.ca or chat with them on Facebook.

the Prince of Wales HotelNoble at the Prince of Wales Hotel - For an evening out, the Prince of Wales is sublime. Dress up for your night out and travel by taxi so no one has to serve as designated driver. Plan spend a minimum of 2 hours (3 is better) to truly enjoy your visit here. Enjoy engaging your sommelier for the perfect wine(s) for you and your friends and move slowly through each course - a meal this good should never be rushed. Visit them online at VintageHotels.com.

Sleep ~ in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Oban Inn ~ a fave!Oban Inn - This divine inn could fit in all three (Eat, Sleep & Play), so bear with us while we wax poetic. For overnight accommodation, I prefer the Oban House (an English country-style home adjacent to the inn) because of the cozy, inviting décor and the privacy. The chic elegance of the restaurant is perfect for long and lingering dinner after the spa ... Ah yes, the spa. You'll immediately feel welcomed as you slip into fluffy white robe and cuddle up on the sofa prior to your treatment. We highly recommend the "Glorious Skin" facial with an added eye treatment. You can thank us later. Visit them online at ObanInn.ca or Facebook or Twitter.

visit Niagara-on-the-LakeNiagara on the Lake Bed & Breakfasts - There are more bed & breakfasts packed into Niagara than all of Canada. We're exaggerating but you get the picture. We love a B&B for getting away with a group of girlfriends because you can rent a whole house (so no worrying about disturbing other guests) and breakfast is prepared fresh every morning. Perfect, right? These sites will get you started on your research.

• Niagara on the Lake Bed & Breakfast Association
• Niagara B&B Finder
• BedandBreakfast.com
• TripAdvisor NOTL B&B Reviews
• and Airbnb, of course!

Play ~ in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Strewn's cooking schoolWine Cooking School at Strewn - Weekend classes run from 10 am - 3 pm and wrap up with a three course meal made with locally grown ingredients. You do everything except the dishes. The best part? The wine comes out when the knives go away. For more information, visit them online at StrewnWinery.com.

Vinyasa ~ Yoga in the VineyardVino & Vinyasa at Southbrook Vineyards - Yoga in a vineyard has a delish sound, don't you think? Come for a cleansing of the mind, stick around for a delighting of the palate. Classes run throughout the summer - consult their website for more info: Southbrook.com or chat with them on Facebook.

Shaw Festival TheatreShaw Festival - From April to October, the Shaw festival produces Broadway quality (according to the Toronto Star) theatrical performances of the works of Bernard Shaw and Shavian playwrights. If you've never been before, there's a play here to please every palate. Especially if you visit with your girlfriends. Visit the ShawFestival.com or visit them on Facebook or Twitter and let yourself be tempted.

Niagara on the Lake Shopping - Strolling through the historic downtown of Niagara-on-the-Lake with your friends, winding your way through eclectic stores you won't find anywhere else in the world - sounds wonderful, doesn't it? We adore The Apothecary, Greaves Jams & Marmalades (yum!) and Just Christmas (just because).

start of a new seasonNiagara on the Lake events - For a robust listing of events in the area, check out this online calendar. We dare you to come up dry.

Need more inspiration for your girlfriend getaway? Fill up on these ideas:

• Wine Country Travel for Novices
• Stratford Ontario Getaway
• The Briars Resort & Spa
• Ontario Girlfriend Getaways

Have you explored Niagara on the Lake with your girlfriends? I'd love hear what you discovered! Connect with us on Twitter and Facebook - and let's continue the conversation!