Girlfriend Getaways

Out West

5. Southwestern Beauty -- Santa Fe, New Mexico The town where our nation's Native past comes to life through arts and architecture. The rich red hues of the rocky landscape, enhanced by displays of turquoise set against sterling silver, are echoed in the beautiful jewelry found in Santa Fe. It's hard to resist buying a few trinkets to take home with you.

Activities & Highlights:

• Georgia O'Keefe Museum: A museum devoted to the life and works of O'Keefe. 505-946-1000.
• Palace of the Governors: Originally constructed in 1610 for the Spanish government, the building is now a museum (as well as a historic landmark) depicting the history of Santa Fe and New Mexico. 505-476-5100.
• Hotel Santa Fe and Amaya restaurant: Visit this hotel run by the Picuris Indians and enjoy a meal served in a tepee, or catch a lecture. 800-825-9876.
• Museum of Indian Arts and Culture: Learn more about the culture of three Southwestern tribes: the Apache, Pueblo, and Navajo. 505-476-1250.

Mirror Lake and Whiteface
Mountain copyright Peter Finger

6. Outdoor Exploring -- Lake Placid, New York If you're looking for outdoor adventure, Lake Placid has plenty of it! Once the home to the Winter Olympics, this upstate New York area is too often overlooked. Did you know they say that the Adirondack Park is bigger than the Grand Canyon and Yosemite? If you're looking for outdoor adventure, or just want to marvel at your surroundings, this is a great spot.

Activities & Highlights:

• High Peaks Mountain Adventures Guide Service: Located on Main Street, this establishment will help you find the right sport -- cycling, canoeing, climbing, backpacking and more. 518-523-3764.
• Lake Placid Pub & Brewery: With two floors for fun you can play pool, sit by the fireplace, or grab a stool and sample the local ale and lagers. Any time of year, it's a good spot for a brew. 518-523-3813.
• Essex County Fish Hatchery: You can fish all year long at this environmentally-conscious fish hatchery. Try your hand at angling and see what you can catch, or just take a tour. 518-597-3844.
• Mirror Lake Inn: Dine at the formal Averil Conwell room or the more relaxed Cottage. You'll find fantastic fare and beautiful views. 518-523-2544.

7. Fun in the Sun -- Phoenix, Arizona Who says there's nothing to do in the desert? You don't have to be a camel to enjoy the arid climate. Be a sport and give it a try. See why Phoenix is building fans and attracting visitors year-round.

Activities & Highlights:

• Desert Botanical Garden: Botanists and bird watchers will be delighted to explore the grounds, with its year-round blooms. 480-941-1225.
• The Phoenician Golf Course: Arizona is famous for golf; play nine, 18, or 27 at this 27-hole USPGA championship course. 480-423-2449. (Golf and spa excursions may cost extra.)
• The Arizona Biltmore Hotel & Spa: Treat yourself to a luxurious experience at this outstanding spa, housed in the Arizona Biltmore and nicknamed the "jewel of the desert." Choose a body therapy, massage, or salon service. 602-381-7632. (Golf and spa excursions may cost extra.)
• The Arizona Diamondbacks: If sports are your thing, go see one of the youngest teams to win the World Series (they beat the Yankees in 2001). See if you can catch them (and maybe even a fly ball to take home) while in town; visit the Diamondbacks' Web site or call the box office. 888-777-4664.

8. Relax to the Max -- Ojai, California Nestled in the Topa Topa mountains, the Inn and Spa at Ojai pampers your every nerve. It's as if tranquility falls from the sky and washes over every inch of this valley retreat. Take advantage of lower rates while the property is undergoing a renovation in 2003. You'll still be able to enjoy all the spa options.

Activities & Highlights:

• Ojai Valley Inn and Spa: Test out the 28 treatment areas in the Spa. Indulge in the Spa Escape package which starts at $165 per person, per night (for double occupancy) and comes with a complimentary facial or massage with each night. The mind/body studio at the Inn offers restorative yoga, creative visualization, guided meditation, healing bowls classes and more. See their Web site below or call the Inn. 800-422-OJAI.
• The town of Ojai: Explore beyond the Spanish style Inn and wander the Ojai streets and the plentiful galleries, shops, and boutiques. Call the Chamber of Commerce for information. 805-646-8126.
• Suzanne's: For dinner try this restaurant owned and operated by a mother-daughter team. Suzanne, a.k.a. Mom, cooks savory yet simple dishes and sprinkles plates with herbs from her very own garden. Visit Suzanne's Web site (below) or call for more information. 805-640-1961.

Amy Ziff is the editor-at-large for Travelocity. When not traveling the world, she makes her home in Dallas.