Every now and then you just need to close the laptop and escape the busyness life throws at you for just a bit. That’s exactly how my friend Ashley and I found ourselves packing for an overnight girls’ trip to Perry. We were looking for something fun, quirky, and maybe even a little non-traditional…just our style.
We checked into the new Towneplace Suites by Marriott on the Georgia National Fairgrounds mid-afternoon, where we found a beautifully done, large hotel with a welcoming staff. From the front desk to maintenance, everyone was absolutely wonderful. We felt right at home with a crew that genuinely loves what they do and where they live, filling us with great recommendations.
Before dinner, we decided to take a ride down to Perry’s Historic Downtown and we instantly got “Gilmore Girls” vibes. Yes, we knew we were onto something good. Music pumped through the speakers along the street, cute storefronts, and flowers all drawn about. The shops offered everything from thrifting and sweets to boutique clothing, and even a local wine shop featuring its own sommelier. Naturally, we wandered into Gottwal’s Books to fill up on some of that irresistible book page smell. Ashley instantly spotted a book she’d hunted for months, staring right at her at a deeply discounted price, while I grabbed coloring books to add to my collection. A sweet clerk shared the shop’s history, noting they are famous for discounted rates. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel great about shopping locally.
Time got the best of us, and soon dinner called. Who knew what’s got to be the world’s biggest mozzarella sticks were awaiting us? Queue in Trattoria Di Napoli. Guys, you have got to eat here. This beautifully stylized eatery serves homemade Italian eats. We started with those unbeatably good mozzarella sticks, but y’all, I’d be remiss if I didn’t direct you to the Watermelon Salad. Diced watermelon, cucumber, green onion, chili pistachios, tarragon, and red wine vinaigrette make it the perfect hot-day appetizer.
After hearing locals praise it four times, we also ordered the Cacio e Pepe. Newsflash: if you love dreamy, creamy pasta, fresh bucatini noodles tossed in black pepper and parmesan sauce is your dish. For dessert, we ordered the Coffee Tiramisu and Peach Bourbon Tiramisu specials. 10/10 recommend but prepare for a carb nap. The service was incredible!
After dinner, we headed to Ciao Bella Market for a Paint & Sip class with Lush Art Studio. This was so fun! We painted an Italian coastline beach scene, where I learned that painting beach umbrellas is not one of my strong suits, and Ashley apparently doesn’t like people on her beach. We spent a couple of hours laughing, painting, and making friends while chatting about everything from chaotic book character arcs to scalable whale sharks. It was everything a girl could want for an afternoon away.
The next day delivered a dream lineup of our favorite things: fun drinks, shopping, paninis, and cats. First up was Morning by Morning Coffee House. If you consider yourself a coffee house connoisseur, you emphatically must go here. Beth Cleveland transformed a historic 1957 Pure Gas Station into a favorite coffee shop. They make syrups in-house and serve “Birdie’s Buns,” which sparked a Louisiana flashback because they taste exactly like king cake.
Beth told us she whipped up over 30 batches until she nailed a recipe the original owner swore to take to the grave. We filled ourselves with fun slushy Sweet Tea and Satsuma Cream drinks, pimento cheese biscuits with blackberry jam, perfect grits bowls and an iced “Almendra.” Just stop there. You won’t regret it.
Next, we returned to Historic Downtown for more shopping. We browsed into The Bold Kind, a curated vintage and sustainable fashion stop, where we met the owner, Tabitha. She is as kind as they come, and Ashley secured a beautiful top and purse for under $40 for her upcoming trip to Croatia, proving, again, how easy Perry makes it to shop affordably.
Afterward, we ventured back to Ciao Bella Market to experience how it operates during regular business hours. Brought to life by Daniele and Telisa Asaro to bring an authentic taste of Italy to Georgia, the market reflects Daniele’s deep Sicilian roots. We browsed shelves stocked with authentic Italian pastas, balsamic vinegars and oils, then grabbed a fresh caprese panini on fresh bread and a velvety frozen coffee. I’m not sure how lunch can truly go any better than that.
We finished our trip at Paws Awhile Cafe. Saying we are crazy cat ladies is an understatement, making this a must. The adoptable cats reside in a separate spot styled for socializing, climbing, and watching their favorite “tv shows,” where you can buy belly-safe treats for them while enjoying yummy human treats for yourself. Honestly, I could have stayed all day. We laughed watching them clumsily fall from perches and show off their distinct personalities. I instantly connected with a sweet smoky gray tabby named Ben, who brought me to tears as he lay on my chest making biscuits and purring. Ashley was a magnet for all kitties orange, surrounded on the couch by sweet boys wanting love. It was hard to leave, and we talked about them all the way home.
Perry was the hidden gem that hit us right in the soul. It gave us the perfect, slow-paced reset we needed. Between the unmatched hospitality we encountered just about everywhere, the picturesque magic of the downtown streets, the unforgettable food and the pure joy of the cat cafe, Perry didn’t just meet the expectations of our weekend getaway, it completely rewrote them. Don’t just add it to your travel list. Pack your bags, leave the work stress behind, and go experience it for yourself. You’ll be glad you did.
