Best Girls’ Night Out Ideas Around Atlanta

We moms love a good Girls’ Night Out (GNO), but it’s not like we get the opportunity on a weekly basis. That’s why, when we are able to escape for a few hours, we want to make the most of it. Here are our favorite ways to let loose and have some much-needed girl time.

Visit Decatur

Just a few miles east of the BeltLine, Decatur is the perfect moms night out getaway! Make it a date night at one of their 80+ destination dining hotspots ranging from critically acclaimed cuisine to cozy local favorites. Or gather your gal pals for a round of hand-crafted cocktails and tapas. Relax inside or unwind outside at street-side patios and tucked-away backyard decks.

Explore the downtown square – does it look familiar? That’s because it’s the setting for HBO’s “Watchmen” series and many other popular productions. Catch a live music performance or enjoy the music and magic that buskers bring every evening to the city streets. End the night with after-dinner drinks or a tropical nightcap.

Book an upscale stay at the freshly renovated Marriott Courtyard or the newly opened Hampton Inn and Suites one block north of the square.

Hop Around

Why go to one place when you can go to three? And even better if you don’t have to drive from place to place. That’s why spots with several restaurants and bars in one location are ideal. Take Ponce City Market in Midtown, for instance. Your group can start the evening with cocktails at 12 Cocktail Bar, have dinner at Bellina Alimentari, and finish the night at City Winery. We also like Avalon in Alpharetta, Town Brookhaven, The Battery and Virginia-Highland for good hopping-around GNO’s.

Get Crafty

If you have shied away from those painting or sculpting workshops because you fear your artistic skills aren’t up to par, fear no more. We are here to tell you anyone can do it. These events are idiot-proof and fun. We especially enjoy AR Workshop, where you can build those Joanna Gaines-style signs and boxes. They have locations in Chamblee, Milton, Smyrna, Lawrenceville and Rome. Also, check out Painting with a Twist (which has seven area locations) and Sips N Strokes (three area locations). These places often offer ladies’ nights and let you BYOB.

Sip and Sample

When you go out with your husband, he typically wants a hearty meal. Not true with the ladies. Finally, you can enjoy tapas-style without hearing someone complain about the small plates and big prices. Our fave places for small plates? Gypsy Kitchen in Buckhead, Whiskey Bird in Morningside and Eclipse di Luna in Dunwoody and Buckhead. Also, your girlfriends probably prefer sipping rather than chugging, so check out Atlanta’s options for wine and beer tastings. We like Deep Roots in Roswell, Hop City in West Midtown and Krog Street Market and Vino Venue in Dunwoody.

Pamper Yourself

Your whole group can get gorgeous with blowouts from Drybar in either Buckhead, Midtown or Alpharetta. Have your makeup done at one of Van Michael’s with eight area locations. Relax in massage chairs while getting manis and pedis at…well, just about anywhere.

GNO Tips

Don’t drive: Ubers, Lyfts or taxis are a necessity even if you plan to have just a couple of drinks. Don’t risk it; nothing ruins a GNO more than a DUI (or worse).

Be budget conscious: When planning a GNO, think about your audience. Chances are, many of your gal pals are watching their finances. No need to make plans to go to a five star restaurant; your group will have just as much fun with fewer stars.

Check out Ladies’ Nights: Johnny’s Hideaway in Buckhead offers Ladies’ Night on Wednesdays. Fridays and Saturdays are Ladies’ Night at Sage Woodfire Tavern at the Perimeter.

Make time for talking: Even if your girls’ night includes a movie, play or comedy show, be sure to also schedule time before or after to gab. Catching up is the best part of getting together.

Don’t forget daytime: GDOs (Girls’ Day Out) can be just as fun as GNOs and sometimes easier to coordinate. You could do an extended lunch, have a spa day, or go shopping.