A Weekend You Won’t Forget
Words by Ashley Locke
Photos provided by Visit Cullman
There are some weekends that feel like a reset button. A chance to laugh too loud, sip something sparkly, eat something indulgent, and spend time with the people who know you best. And there’s no better place to hit pause and soak up the magic of a girls’ weekend than Cullman, Alabama—a small town with big charm, bold flavor, and the kind of surprises that make you say, “Wait, this is in Alabama?”
Tucked halfway between Birmingham and Huntsville, Cullman feels like a secret too good to keep. With its walkable Warehouse District, buzzy wine bars, brunch spots that know how to do a sangria right, and plenty of local shopping, this is the kind of place where your group chat becomes a group trip—and it’s about time.
Saturday: Start with Sangria + a Side of Monkey Bread
Kick things off at Jubilee Kitchen and Bar, a jewel-box brunch spot on the ground floor of the historic Flying Fifty Hotel. It’s everything you want in a girls’ trip vibe: a little glam, a little cozy, and very carb-friendly.
Order a round of Queen’s Sangrias (white wine, brandy, triple sec, seasonal fruit—it’s a whole mood), then dive into breakfast empanadas with hot honey or the decadent monkey bread with cream cheese glaze. If you’re feeling virtuous, the acai bowl is almost too pretty to eat. But you should eat it anyway.
Whether you’re sipping espresso or something stronger, Jubilee sets the tone: slow mornings, good conversation, and the space to fully unwind.
Afternoon: Shop and Sip
From Jubilee, stroll into Cullman’s Warehouse District—a revitalized strip of boutiques, cafés, and locally owned gems that make it easy to shop local and look cute doing it.
Grab a caffeine refill at Karma’s Coffee House, where the cold brew is strong and the vibes are always good. Then wander into Ashley Mercantile for Southern-chic gifts and homewares and score a new outfit (or three) at Lavish Boutique, which somehow always knows what your wardrobe’s missing. If you want to keep going, explore outside of the Warehouse District and pop into Monograms Plus for personalized goodies.
By the time you’re shopped out, head back to the Flying Fifty for a wine flight at Sipsey Winery. Their small-batch wines include sweet fruit blends like Blue Bridge (blueberry Moscato) and Free State (blackberry-blueberry), plus local nods to Cullman’s history. Order a charcuterie board, settle in, and toast to your excellent taste in friends—and travel plans.
Evening: Tacos, Margaritas, and a Night at The Goat
For dinner, nothing says girls’ trip like TACOMARG. This place leans full fiesta with birria tacos, mango chicken quesadillas, churro bites, and a house motto that sums it up perfectly: Let yourself live. Whether you’re catching up over margaritas or just refueling after all that shopping, TACOMARG is your go-to for flavor-packed fun.
As the sun sets, make your way to The Goat at Cotton Creek—Cullman’s answer to live music, craft beer, and laid-back hangouts. With Goat Island Brewing’s full tap list, frozen wine slushies, and weekend performances from local musicians, it’s the kind of spot where you can kick off your shoes and dance under the stars… or just sip and sway from your seat on the patio.
Pro tip: if you time your trip for a Thursday, you can karaoke. You’ve been warned.
Sunday: Slow Sips and Sweet Goodbyes
Before you hit the road, circle back for one more stop at Karma’s or Jubilee for coffee and a pastry—and maybe one last photo in front of the Flying Fifty’s historic façade.
Cullman may be small, but it knows how to make a weekend feel full. Full of flavor. Full of laughter. Full of the kinds of moments you’ll talk about on the drive home (and in the group chat for weeks).
So gather your girls, pack your weekender bag, and head to Cullman for a trip that proves you don’t need a big city to have a big time.
Because when the vibe is right and the wine is local, the only thing missing… is you. Start planning your Cullman girls’ getaway now.
