I’m just getting back from a girls’ night out with some friends, and I was reminded tonight like I am after most nights spent out, that friends are really what make the world go round!
As moms, we spend our time doing the usual mom things, playing, cleaning, cooking, working, managing meltdowns, breaking up sibling rivalries, and making sure our partners are happy. A night out with friends has a way of recharging my soul, and elevating my mood that I only can get from surrounding myself with awesome friends!
Although life is busy and family commitments are a priority, I will take every opportunity I can to spend a night out with a close friend or two, or a group of other moms. With the little time I get to spend with friends, I want to make sure that a.) I’m spending time with people I really want to be spending time with and b.) that we are doing something fun!
Here are my favorite girls’ night out ideas:
1. Dinner and a Movie– An oldie, but goodie! Having the chance to sit down to a meal that I didn’t cook with an adult beverage that has a likelihood of being consumed (not spilled) with fun conversation and mom banter is a win in my book. Follow this up with a movie that can have a rating higher than PG, with a bowl of popcorn and a box of milk duds that I don’t need to share, now that’s a triple win!
2. Drinks at Home– Put the kids and husband to bed, and call some friends over to enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail, a card game, or just sitting around to chat. It’s cheaper than going out and- if you all live in the same town, it means minimal driving, and you can show up in your pajamas! And because we are all moms, no one will be offended if you fall asleep, get buzzed after one cocktail, or need to leave at 10 because the baby woke up and needs to be nursed. We all get it!
3. 80s Night at Metronome– It may sound corny, and you may be thinking, dancing? At a club? YES, YES, and YES. It is all of those things, but also, so much fun! When else do you get the chance to listen to music that makes you want to dance, while dancing with friends who also grew up listening to that same music? Dance like nobody’s watching because really, they aren’t. We are old, and they are watching the 21-year-olds with the great moves and hot non-mom bodies.
4. Paint and Sip– Although I was skeptical of how this would go because I have zero artistic ability, pair that with me having a drink and I was positive this was going to be a bad experience, but I was WRONG. We went to celebrate a friend’s birthday, and it was a blast. First of all, you don’t have to drink, so there’s that. Secondly, the instructor literally walks you through each step of the painting. I walked out of there with a painting I was proud of. It’s also a great way to boost your self-esteem because if everyone is drinking, it’s guaranteed they will think your art is fabulous.
5. Bowling– No, seriously! From the moment I put bowling shoes on until the last ball is rolled down the lane, I don’t stop laughing. You can be the best or the worst, it really doesn’t matter because everyone will have fun, and you can play as many games as you want, and not have to worry about little hands dropping a heavy ball on little toes.
6. Morning Hike (or run) and Brunch– I realize this isn’t a “night out”, but still, it’s a good option! It’s a great way to get some exercise in, a perfect time to chat, and it’s always useful to get your heart rate pumping… A few of my favorite hikes for this are:
- Prospect Rock in Johnson followed by a stop at the Dream Cafe.
- Sterling Pond in Cambridge followed by a stop at The Farm Store for a yummy pastry and coffee, or at 158 Main for a sit-down meal.
- Mills River in Jericho followed by a delicious meal at Jericho Cafe and Tavern.
- In the Winter- Hike up 108 from Jeffersonville to Stowe and back on the closed road, Followed by at stop The Farm Store for a yummy pastry and coffee, or at 158 Main for a sit-down meal.
7. Group Exercise Class– This is another great way to get some exercise in, as well as some friend/mommy time. A lot of the local gyms offer a free first class, so it is also a great time to try out a new club or gym. If you carpool, you will get even more time to catch up! Some local places to check out are:
- Body Resolutions with locations in Williston and South Burlington
- Pulse Studios in their new location in Williston
- Jazzercise of Williston
8. Coffee Shop– Whether you drink coffee or tea, or are just in it for the pastries and conversation, it is a great way to enjoy some friend time in a relaxed environment, most likely, also with other adults!
So, call an old friend, send out a group message to the other soccer moms, or email the moms from playgroup… whoever it is, make time to connect, commiserate, and relish in all the wonderful mom moments with some good friends who just get it!
What is your favorite thing to do with friends for Girls’ Night Out?