Everyone needs to plan a little time away with their girlfriends. They are our soul sisters who remind us of who we were before our lives of becoming, wives, mothers, caregivers, employees and mentors. You know way back when we were actually FUN! This year I celebrated my big 50 and I was lucky enough to go away with my girlfriend of 30 years to celebrate this milestone. She picked the perfect location Icona Golden Inn in Avalon NJ—Paradise found to say the least.
I spent my entire childhood vacationing on the Jersey Shore and continued the tradition with my kids. Our destination of choice was always Ocean City NJ. I had never journeyed as far as Avalon and after our weekend I can never imagine going anywhere else.
Icona Golden Inn was the perfect destination. Our room was elegant perfection and overlooked the ocean. Yes every morning we sat on the terrace, listened to the waves and planned our adventures for the day. 
We had miles of our own beach to explore. The Inn was just renovated and was an inviting coastal retreat. Every detail was considered and we enjoyed lunch at the Shimmers Bistro which also served amazing craft cocktails in the evening.
The Sand Bar Village is a perfect pool side hot spot for drinks, relaxation and fun. The Avalon Brew Pub is also being added to their onsite restaurant choices. You honestly never need to leave with those kind of options.
The Icona was the ideal home base for a weekend. Secluded enough to feel like a true get away yet close enough to the beach and several adorable towns. We ventured out every day and were never disappointed.
In Avalon there were several cute restaurants and bars. We loved the Sea Grill in Avalon’s trendy atmosphere with an interesting menu. The best part was you place your order directly with the chef. This was the biggest win for my gal pal who usually orders custom at every restaurant anyway, so she took every opportunity to tweak her order and tell the chef exactly how to prepare it. He was spot on with both orders. 
Cape May was less than 30 minutes away. An adorable town with great history, a cute shopping area and many fabulous restaurants and bars. Our all-time favorite place was Salt Water Cafe I would honestly drive there just to have their Roasted Corn and Crab Chowder. Creamy heaven on a spoon with what looked like several full crabs throughout.
Wild Wood NJ was on the list. I had never been to Wild Wood so we had to check it out. It is very different from the Ocean City Boardwalk where I spent so many summers. We of course had to hit the Roller Coaster and Ferris wheel to relive our glory days at the carnivals and we survived both. At 10pm we almost succumbed to our growling stomachs and have some boardwalk food when one of the shop owners recommended Beach Creek Oyster Bar & Grille. We headed back over the bridge and could hear the music from the parking lot. Another great find! Waterfront deck, live music, raw bar and a menu that offered so many choices of steak and lobster combos we could not even decide. Lobster Risotto and their sushi oysters were the favorites plus a beautiful cucumber martini and to think we almost settled for boardwalk pizza-yikes.
Every evening, we wound down on our balcony, savoring the beach views and taking peaceful strolls along the shore. We made the most of our girl time with makeovers, facials, and indulged in the luxury of our beautiful room. It was truly the ultimate girls’ getaway, and we’ll always be proud to call ourselves #IconaGirls!
This looks like a great place for a girls getaway. I will have to tell my girlfriends about it, we take a trip together every year and we are always looking for new destinations.
It’s so pretty there! I have to say, when I think of New Jersey, I don’t think of such a picturesque area. I’d love to stay there.
It sounds like you had a great time. I had no idea New Jersey had such beauty. The only thing I know about New Jersey is that Kevin Smith and a few of the Comic Book men are from there.
I’d love to get to New Jersey and explore. From beaches to nightlife, it looks like it’s the perfect destination for a girlfriends getaway!
What a lovely looking place to spend a weekend girls getaway. I love how spacious the room looks and the fact there sounds like there is so much to do in the area is amazing.
I don’t know which view is better the beach and ocean or those drinks. I have got to check out Avalon on my next trip to the south shore.
Sounds like a great getaway. You had an awesome place to stay and all of that food sounds really tasty!
My daughter goes to college in NY, and NJ is not too far. We will have to consider visiting sometime. Looks like a gorgeous destination.
This is actually only a few hours from me! I think this would be a great idea for a girls weekend!
This place looks amazing! Sounds like a perfect weekend getaway!
This looks like such a beautiful weekend for a girls getaway! I need to have more girls weekend getaways, they really are the bestest ever! Looks like New Jersey offers a great place to stay 😉
Totally agree about that time away with your girlfriends! I miss them so much and it’s a must to see them and just getaway and have loads of fun. It’s the best way to refresh and rejuvenate! Love this place, it looks like you had an amazing time there.
Looks like such a great time. I have never been to Jersey myself, but would love to visit. A girls weekend would be lots of fun!
I haven’t been to Jersey in ages, but this post has me ready to plan a trip. Your room and view at the inn looks amazing and oozes relaxation. Glad you guys enjoyed your trip.
You two sure did treat yourselves. It looks like you had a ton of fun!
The Icona Golden Inn looks like a really nice place to stay. I love the view of the ocean from your balcony! Your room is fantastic. Two large beds, with a kitchenette too! I have not been to NJ yet but if I do, I know where to stay!
Looks like an awesome place to stay. The beach is not too far, the restaurants and bars are within walking distance, and the room is awesome. I will have to book a stay here if I am in the area.
Wow that hotel is really swanky! I would love to stay there looks so plush!