Self-Care
3 Lively Escapades for Black Women Ready for a Little Adventure
No long vacation needed: These culture-rich getaways mix great food, Black-owned gems and playful surprises that shake up your routine.
Alamy Stock Photo
“Come on, baby, let’s get away.”
If Janet Jackson’s invitation to escape speaks to you, sis, follow her lead and make room for a little travel and leisure. These three rejuvenating getaways offer wellness, memorable meals, arts and culture, and Black-owned businesses—all without requiring a long vacation.
Each destination is paired with a Janet hit that captures its energy. Whether you’re traveling solo or with your favorite people, you may discover a new side of yourself and come home with stories you’ll retell for years.
Your Energy: “Made For Now” Urban Explorer
You are understated and cool in normcore and sneakers, but you also pack boho-chic fits and kitten heels for an elegant outing. You and your crew crave a mapped-out itinerary with stops at museums, art galleries, quirky shops and historic landmarks. After ample sightseeing, you wind down by wining and dining.
Your Escapade: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
With its vibrant art and music scene and abundance of Black-owned shops and restaurants, a trip to Philly delivers a soulfully curated experience that feels tailor-made for us.
What to do: For respite, retail therapy and reflective time, find your Zen at West Philly’s Rise & Ritual teahouse and apothecary with custom-blended herbal teas, herbal foot baths and sip-and-stretch sessions; peruse the quirky souvenirs at South Street Art Mart; and reserve a guided tour at The Colored Girls Museum in the historic Germantown neighborhood on the city’s northwest side.
Where to eat: For a quick bite, head to South Street’s Taste Taco Bar, billed as a taqueria with a Caribbean accent. To take your time and savor, try a tasting menu inspired by the African diaspora at Honeysuckle, a unique restaurant and community space on North Broad Street. Wanna keep the party going? South Restaurant & Jazz Club is a swanky staple for upscale Southern fare and live jazz, also on North Broad, and Savu is a hip spot in Center City for fine dining and craft cocktails. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a scoop (or two) at Sweet 45, an ice cream shop and listening bar in Northern Liberties.
Where to stay: Two Black-women-owned standouts are Yowie Hotel & Shop on eclectic South Street and walking distance to the striking mosaic art walls of Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens; and Akwaaba, a Victorian mansion bed and breakfast in the University City section with rooms and suites that salute hometown she-roes (“Like It’s Golden” for Jill Scott and “Ichi Gitchi Ya Ya” for Patti LaBelle). Put on your Sunday best for high tea at the nearby Akwaaba Tea Salon & Event Space.
Kimpton Hotel Palomar in Rittenhouse Square is another centrally located hotel near a bustling retail strip and the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.
Get the Must-Read Newsletter That Celebrates Black Women
Sign up for the free weekly newsletter with the latest stories, expert advice, community updates, and more.
Your Energy: “Black Cat” Roadtripper
You feel fly in hip-hugging denim and an eye-catching pair of boots—cowboy, ankle or thigh-high, depending on your mood. Like Tina and Beyoncé, you’re a little bit country and a little bit rock ’n’ roll. On the spur of the moment, you will gas up your car and go, whether you’re traveling solo or with your girls. You enjoy a sunset stroll as much as you do hitting the slots and line dancing at a Mardi Gras fête.
Your Escapade: Lake Charles, Louisiana
About two hours from Houston and three hours from New Orleans by car, this destination is full of art, natural beauty and Southern charm. Dubbed “Louisiana’s playground,” downtown Lake Charles is a draw for its Cajun and Creole flavor, boutique shopping and a walkable lakefront promenade.
What to do: Since temps are typically moderate year-round (not counting hurricane season from June to November), take an easy, breezy self-guided tour of the city’s murals and street art; visit the Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu, home to the world’s largest display of Mardi Gras costumes; and check out Nellie Lutcher Memorial Park, dedicated to the Lake Charles native pianist and jazz singer.
Where to eat: Grab a hearty breakfast at Biscuits N Jamz; get a taste of the French Quarter (think po’boys and red beans and rice) at Leonard’s Food Quarters; and pick up sweet treats like pralines, gingerbread and sweet potato pie at Mrs. Johnnie’s Gingerbread House. For live music and elevated bar bites, head to Panorama Music House.
Where to stay: Find reliable comfort at Wyndham Lake Charles, a short drive from both the Lake Charles Event Center, which hosts holiday events and theater performances, and the free Black Heritage Gallery, known for spotlighting local artists.
High-rollers can choose between Golden Nugget Lake Charles and L’Auberge Casino Resort, both of which offer luxe spas, restaurants and live entertainment, including performances by top talent like Joe and Leslie Odom Jr.
Nature girls will gladly pitch a tent with Bayou Glamping Co., a waterfront retreat with kayaking, movie nights and a campfire package with s’mores fixings for up to six guests (you had us at s’mores).
Your Energy: “All For You” Spa Lady
You prefer yoga pants and comfort shoes by day, but you pack a little black dress and pumps for ladies’ night. You prioritize self-care, eating well, and the finer things in life. You understand that you are at your best when you feel replenished and restored.
Your Escapade: Alexandria, Virginia
Alexandria is a quaint and quieter alternative to Washington, D.C., yet just a short Metro ride from District attractions like the National Mall and the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in September.
What to do: Channel your inner Janet (Miss Jackson, if you’re nasty) and book a hip-hop, heels or dance cardio class with DivaDance DMV. Take a DIY candle-pouring, jewelry-making, home decor or charcuterie workshop at AR Workshop Alexandria. Pamper yourself at JoyLife SPA, owned by massage therapist Roshelle Veney.
Where to eat: Cafe du Soleil is a cozy spot in cobblestoned Old Town for coffee, tea, wine and light fare like crepes, quiche and sammies. Della J’s is great for a cheat-day soul-food lunch. To dine in style, 1799 Prime Steak & Seafood is a polished modern steakhouse that attracts a handsome crowd for weekday happy hour and weekend brunch.
Where to stay: Conveniently located along Alexandria’s walkable King Street mile, the boutique Archer Hotel Old Town Alexandria has quality food and drink options, a charming brick courtyard and houses the aforementioned JoyLife SPA.
Nestled along the district’s buzzing southwest waterfront, Salamander Washington, D.C. (co-owned by BET co-founder Sheila Johnson), is a short car-share ride from Old Town and a prime pick for luxury accommodations and amenities like afternoon tea, a premium spa and gourmet Afro-Caribbean cuisine at the acclaimed Dogon by Kwame Onwuachi.
The hidden bed and breakfast gem, Private Stay by Madlygiving, in National Harbor, Maryland, is also a short drive from Old Town. Run lovingly by Mariby Corpening, the B&B offers three private guest rooms brimming with queen energy, daily complimentary continental breakfast, on-site massage therapy services and welcoming common spaces.
More from Sisters
Music & Playlists
Entertainment
More for you, from AARP
We are a community from AARP. Discover more ways AARP can help you live well, navigate life, save money — and protect older Americans on issues that matter.