How a Mother's Day getaway evolved into a Nashville girls' trip

A mother’s annual tradition of spending Mother’s Day away from home took a new turn in 2026. Instead of her usual solo hotel stay, she turned the weekend into a girls’ trip with a friend in Nashville, Tennessee. The pair returned late on Saturday night, just in time to wake up with their children the next morning. The idea began in 2024, when the author first booked a hotel for herself on Mother’s Day weekend. She repeated the tradition in 2025, valuing the chance to relax alone. But by 2026, she decided to invite a friend along for a change of scenery.

Nashville was picked for its mix of lively attractions, a growing food scene, and a size that felt easy to explore. The two stayed at Caption by Hyatt Downtown Nashville, using it as their base for the trip. Their first stop was R+R Wellness at Grand Hyatt Nashville, where they enjoyed a spa treatment. Over the weekend, they visited the 1865 Club and the National Museum of African American Music. They also stopped by The Spot by Dre and Snoop, a venue linked to the two famous rappers. Evenings were spent on Broadway, known for its bars and live music, including a night at Vibes Bar & Lounge for hip-hop. Despite the fun, they made sure to fly back late on Saturday. This way, they could still be home in time to celebrate Mother’s Day Sunday with their children—one of whom was born in 2023.

The trip marked a shift from solo relaxation to shared adventure. Both women returned home refreshed but still present for their families. For the author, the real gift remained the same: a break that let her recharge before rejoining her kids.