Gather up your girlfriends and head to Concord for a weekend of shopping, pedicures, massages, wine, food and fun
Morning
Start your day in historic Todos Santos Plaza with some coffee from Peet's and delicious breakfast sandwiches from House of Bagels. Grab a seat in the park, catch up with your friends and enjoy the atmosphere.
From there, get ready for some pampering at Bollinger Nail Salon located just across the street from the park. They offer a full range of services including their plush, spa chair pedicures in a relaxing and elegant setting. The team at Bollinger is always happy to accommodate small groups at the same time.
For girls who love to shop, plan an afternoon at The Veranda. This stylish, outdoor shopping center features trendy eateries, a state-of-the-art IMAX Theater, and a full lineup of retail stores including Sephora, Barnes & Noble, T.J. Maxx and Gap and Banana Republic factory outlet stores.
After your shopping therapy, head across the street to The Willows shopping center for a well-deserved massage at Massage Envy. If you need a bite after your massage, grab some fresh & healthy fare at Panera Bread, just across the way.
Mid-Day
Check in to one of Concord’s nine great hotels. The Concord Hilton tops the list for travelers looking for a touch of luxury with a lovely outdoor patio with a heated pool, spa and fire pit. Enjoy a cocktail and soak in the spa before you and your BFFs head out for a night on the town.
Late Afternoon & Evening
Hit the happy hour at Residual Sugar Wine Bar and enjoy some stimulating conversation around their outdoor fire pit. If you’re hungry, share one of their charcuterie or cheese platters, or stroll over to Mikuni, a Japanese sushi bar for some of their fresh, delicious rolls. If Mexican sounds tempting, experience inspired tacos and margaritas at the fabulously stylish Puesto.
After dinner, finish the night off right at the Veranda Luxe Cinema and enjoy a kicked back movies experience in their plush, reclining seats. Or, if the girls are up for some clubbing, hit the Nica Lounge or Agave Grill & Cantina for cocktails and late-night grooves.
Morning
Start your day off with brunch at The Vineyards restaurant at Crowne Plaza Hotel and be sure to request Chef Derek's special Huevos Rancheros featuring his famous, homemade green chile sauce, or one of his signature omelets. You and your friends will also enjoy the restaurant’s lovely, enchanting setting abundant with living trees, koi ponds and skylights.
If you’re looking for some outdoor adventure, check out the ultimate wilderness playground surrounding Mount Diablo, the highest peak in the Bay Area. Hiking trails abound within Mount Diablo State Park—from the full-day base-to-summit climb, to the more manageable five-mile Donner Creek Loop Trail.
If you’d rather indulge in a day of vintage and antique shopping, Concord is home to some hidden gems, and this is a great time to head out and explore.
With every room inside one of Concord’s historic homes filled to the brim with antiques, art, jewelry, collectibles and oddities, Buy the Way Artiques encourages all to “indulge your inner treasure hunter,” ” – and it’s not hard to do here. Chances are you will find something you can’t live without! Henley's Antiques is an antiques wonderland and longtime local favorite that stocks new finds almost daily.
For curated home decor with a French flea market vibe, try Elsie Green. Shop owners travel the globe frequently in search of unique vintage treasures ranging from rustic farm tables and chip-y bistro chairs, to seasoned glassware, linens and kitchen items. Gracie James offers a fun mix of cool, upcycled and repurposed items at their “can’t-miss” warehouse pop-ups. The events occur monthly, so check ahead for details on their website.
Mid-Day
You may have heard about Concord’s Taco Trail and now is the time for you and your friends to get acquainted. In Todos Santos Plaza, you’ll find Taqueria Los Dos Gallos a popular spot with locals that serves up tasty tacos, seafood specialties and a top-notch salsa bar. Or, venture over to the Monument Blvd neighborhood to check out some of the authentic stops at the heart of the Trail. We suggest Tortellaria El Molino, Salsa Verde Mexican Cuisine or El Faro Mexican Foods.
Walk those tacos off at Concord’s beautiful Markham Nature Park and Arboretum. Located in the heart of the city, this 16-acre oasis of greenery welcomes the public to stroll through its expertly designed gardens. Don’t miss the self-guided Markham Tree Walk, which introduces visitors to 45 different tree species native to California.
Evening
After a full day of fun and adventure, head back to the hotel for a dip in the pool and happy hour cocktails. Then, celebrate a final special night with good friends at the renowned Plate & Vine restaurant located inside the Concord Hilton. Relax and enjoy the beautiful setting, extensive wine selection and inspired menu.