By Staff Writer: Kayla Reichenbach
After moving to eastern New Mexico for a military assignment, I never expected to find a best friend. Over a year later, she invited me on her annual girls’ trip with a longtime friend. Initially hesitant and not wanting to impede their tradition, I almost didn’t go. Now, I couldn’t be happier that I did!
Just a 2-hour drive away, Amarillo was the perfect escape. We kicked off the trip with a meal at Olive Garden (because when you live in a town without one, it’s a big deal). Then we checked into the Cactus Cove Inn, complete with an indoor heated pool, bar, and live music. To our surprise, a local craft market was set up in the lobby, filled with homemade jams, salsas, and artisan goods.
We made our way to Buc-ee’s, where my friends experienced the Texas-sized convenience store for the first time. At Westgate Mall, we wandered through stores we don’t have back home. We especially loved Earthbound Trading Co. Of course, no girls’ trip is complete without squeezing into a classic mall photo booth, where we giggled our way through a strip of overpriced keepsake pictures.
Our creative side came out during a Black Light Paint Pour class at The Art Plug-In, where neon paints swirled into glowing, abstract masterpieces. We followed that with an elegant, dressed-up afternoon at Golden Rose Tea Room, sipping unlimited teas from delicate china and nibbling on tiered plates of finger foods and desserts.
Next, another dinner. Kabuki Romanza featured hibachi-style cooking turned into a lively performance, and the unexpected indoor rainstorm added to the ambiance. The next day, we played HyperBowling at Cinergy Entertainment, a twist on classic bowling where bumpers light up with interactive targets.
We also tried out Hot Yoga at HOTWORX gym, where infrared heat intensified the experience. Feeling accomplished (and very sweaty), we balanced it out with ultimate relaxation at Indulge Spa, where we got amazing full-body massages.
Before heading home, we couldn’t resist one last stop at Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt. Creating our own custom sweet treats was the perfect way to wrap up an unforgettable trip.
This weekend getaway proved that adventure doesn’t require traveling far, it just takes the right company and a packed itinerary.