People are quick to say milestone birthdays are just numbers — but let’s be honest, some moments hit a little deeper. My recent milestone celebration, during a scenic road trip from Charlotte to Virginia, wasn’t just about blowing out candles or indulging in that melt-in-your-mouth pink almond cake from Bristol’s beloved Blackbird Bakery. It was more about the kind of reflection and gratitude that reminds us to give ourselves the care, space, and celebration we so freely give to others. I fell in love with this beautiful property during a wine tasting weekend in Bristol back in 2023 — one sip in and I was hooked. These days, a good vacation fueled by community and connection feels like the cure for everything, and I knew right then I had to come back… but next time, with my favorite people in tow. Some experiences are just too good not to share!
So we packed our weekender bags, left the noise behind, and escaped to the hills for a luxury birthday retreat at Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards in Bristol, Virginia — a hidden gem in the Virginia Highlands. And believe me when I tell you… this wasn’t just a trip. It was a wellness reset.
Tucked away in the Appalachian countryside, Nicewonder Farm and Vineyards is the perfect setting for unplugging. From the moment we arrived, everything slowed down. Your breath deepens. Your shoulders drop. Winding walking paths, wildflowers in bloom, and panoramic views of the vineyard create the perfect backdrop for luxury travel with intention.
Some of us stayed in the main inn, while others booked the luxury yurts — and if you think “yurt” means roughing it, think again. More like mountain-chic glamping with plush bedding, spa-inspired bathrooms, and cozy porches made for slow mornings and long conversations. Each yurt came with a kitchenette stocked with local Virginia snacks, craft beer, and award-winning wines from Nicewonder’s own vineyard.
The experience? Absolute magic.
I roasted s’mores by the fire, just like I did back in my childhood Girl Scout days — then sipped wine, fully embracing the woman I’ve become. We line danced under the stars to country throwbacks, laughed until our cheeks hurt, and shared stories no social post could ever capture.
By day, we tried archery and axe throwing, did yoga with breathtaking mountain views, and soaked up quiet moments that felt like instant medicine for the soul. No pressure to perform. No expectations. Just a group of women (some with their spouses) reconnecting with themselves and each other.
Here’s the truth:
This trip wasn’t so much about getting older and it was about getting clearer. Softer. Louder. We weren’t just celebrating my birthday — we were celebrating our stories. Our right to rest, reflect, and continue to rise.
If you’ve been craving a meaningful escape, a space to reconnect with yourself, and a community that sees and celebrates who you are — your journey starts here.
Wellness. Sisterhood. Wine. Virginia.
So, if you’ve been waiting for permission to pause, reflect, and pour into you— this is it.
Your next chapter is calling. And it starts with a getaway in the mountains.
FULL PHOTO GALLERY HERE
