It’s time to beat the winter blues! After cold temps and dreary days spent on the couch, go grab your girls, crank up that audiobook, and hit the road. Nothing ushers in spring quite like a long weekend away with your besties hitting up new cities. Here are a few of our favorite warm-weather weekend getaways that are easily drivable from Indy.
*Each city feature includes a variety of hotspots so you can mix and match to create your perfect trip itinerary.
HOLLAND, MI
About a 4-hour drive from Indianapolis
Festive, quaint, scenic
Whether you’re here for the tulips, the toes-in-the-sand moments, or the perfect girls’ weekend toast, Holland is calling!
Downtown vibes and brews
This lakeside town has a cozy, walkable downtown district with some Dutch charm sprinkled in. As you and the girls are browsing boutiques, make sure to check out New Holland Brewing Company that also has craft cocktails.
It’s tulip time
Hundreds of thousands of people come to Holland to catch the millions of tulips blooming all over this small town during the famous Tulip Time Festival (May 2–11), so plan accordingly!
Get beachy
Even with the springtime chill, taking time to see Lake Michigan is so worth it. Both Holland State Park and Tunnel Park are great spots to catch a sunset with the girlies.
A dose of Dutch history
Dutch culture is all over Holland, and Windmill Island Gardens is no exception. This 36-acre park is also home to the historic De Zwaan windmill–the last working windmill to leave the Netherlands. If you’re still buzzing from the Tulip Time Festival, you can catch 100,000 tulips popping up in the spring. The gardens will open for the 2025 season on Monday, April 14.
NASHVILLE, TN
4 hours and 15 minute drive from Indianapolis
Musical, charming, energetic
Nothing beats Nashville’s blend of vibrant culture and southern charm, which makes it a must-visit destination for a road trip. With live music spilling from every street corner and bars brimming with energy, there’s no better place to enjoy the sights and sounds this spring.
Chow down on some comfort food
For our ladies who brunch, there’s no better spot than Biscuit Love in the Gulch–a trendy neighborhood with tons of boutiques. Whether you want cocktails or coffee, biscuits or eggs, this spot has something for everyone in the crew. Fun fact: they recently opened a location in Cincinnati as well!
What says Nashville more than some incredible BBQ? Jack’s Bar-B-Que is located in the heart of music city and is rumored to have kicked off the revival of Broadway, the hottest spot in Nashville. Get ready to lineup for some of their amazing food, and don’t you dare miss out on that mac n’ cheese!
Grab a drink
Chasing a view of Nashville’s stunning skyline? ACME Feed & Seed has a rooftop bar with a beautiful view over Broadway that looks out at the river. It has amazing food and drinks, is close to everything going on downtown, and is a town favorite to kick off the night out. Once the sun sets, head downstairs to enjoy live music. Other top rooftops downtown include lou/na and Nashville Underground.
Spend a lowkey afternoon playing lawn games and relaxing at the dipping pools at Pinewood Social. The space has a bowling alley if you’re feeling a bit competitive and a rooftop bar with great city views.
Festival fun
Get a little slice of Japan right in the Midwest with the Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival! This free, family-friendly event is the perfect way to kick off springtime with a day full of entertainment, vendors, and cherry trees. Make a pitstop at Public Square Park on April 12.
CINCINNATI, OH
1 hour and 45 minute drive from Indianapolis
Welcoming, historic, underrated
Cincinnati combines the same small city charm as Indianapolis, while the riverfront makes it feel like a totally different vibe. The city’s mix of culture, nature, food, and entertainment makes it the perfect weekend getaway.
GNO
Ready for a night out with the girls? Head to Over-the-Rhine, a trendy district with craft breweries, bars, and restaurants. Hop on the free street car to get from one spot to another. Check out The Eagle for a laid-back dinner vibe. After that, spend the evening bar hopping at some super cool spots.
If you’ve been to any brewery in the Midwest, you’re probably familiar with Rhinegeist. Head to the place this iconic beer was born and check out the Rhinegeist Brewery. It’s got a great outdoor space and taproom, which makes for the perfect place to spend a sunny spring day.
Ghost Baby is an underground bar with a history that dates back over 150 years, giving a little throwback to the jazz era of the prohibition.
Sunshine adventures
For a one-of-a-kind Cincy experience, take a hidden cavern tour. Go beneath the city exploring historic underground brewery tunnels, which also includes a beer tasting.
There’s nothing more Midwest than baseball. If you’re a baseball fan, this is your closest option to see a major league team play, so make sure to grab a ticket to see the Reds play. Their home opener is at the end of March, with regular games through September.
Scenic views and shopping
Findlay Market is Ohio’s oldest operating public market where vendors sell freshly-made snacks and handmade goods. Spring is a perfect time to visit to find some fresh flowers and produce.
Take a scenic stroll across the iconic Roebling Suspension Bridge, which connects Cincinnati to Kentucky or get your steps in at Smale Riverfront Park. Both are lovely spots for photos and some fresh spring air.
About Sippin’ Sangria
Caroline and Lexa are a traveling duo who have visited several local, U.S., and international destinations together. Through these adventures, they’ve learned the ins and outs of traveling with friends and love connecting with other female travelers. When they’re not booking their next flight, Lexa and Caroline plan trips – honeymoons, girlfriend getaways, weekend trips, etc.
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