Before you go
We set a few guidelines these shopping getaways towns needed to meet:
1. Must have small town charm with holiday vibe.
2. Must have a day's worth of really cute shops.
3. Must have surprises! (Deals! One of a kinds!)
4. Must be an escape (but not too far)
5. Must pamper, great food, a special inn or two
6. Must have chocolate!
Perfect holiday shopping
Lebanon, Ohio, rests in pretty, snow-dusted farm country 30 minutes north of Cincinnati. This Yankee-influenced town has all the ingredients of the perfect holiday shopping weekend -- dozens of stores, inns and food worth throwing away the calorie counts.
But in the Midwest, we're fortunate to have many places that meet our guidelines for this girly trip: Stillwater, Minnesota; Cedarburg, Wisconsin; Weston, Missouri; Nashville, Indiana; and Marietta, Ohio.
A gift to yourself
There are plenty of gift possibilities in places like Exotic Art and Antiques, one of two dozen shops in Lebanon. Shimmering jewelry is so tempting that you may want to buy some for yourself. And why not? A weekend with the girls -- your daughter, your sister, your mother, your friends -- is a gift all by itself.
Lots to look at
A weekend like this is sure to involve a lot of looking, catching up and laughing. In places like Lebanon, you can stroll beside evergreen-decked brick storefronts and stop in whenever something catches your eye. At Oh Suzanna (left), colorful bedroom accessories and a forest of decorated trees tempt shoppers.
Breakfast by candlelight
Hardy's Bed and Breakfast in Lebanon offers a collection of redone houses. A two-bedroom Victorian includes a parlor tailor-made for chatting. In the morning, Hardy's serves a trademark candlelight breakfast. Owner Al Hardy, wearing a navy suit and tie, ushers guests to a table gleaming with silver and china. It's one of many places in this town that caters to guests looking for special touches.
Stillwater, Minnesota
This nicely preserved St. Croix River town, known for its antiquarian bookstores, makes a great shopping getaway. We especially like the upscale bed and breakfasts, contemporary dining and varied shopping.
Easy escape Stillwater is a half-hour northeast of Saint Paul.
Cute shops At least 35: clothing, candy, antiques, art and jewelry.
Pampering stays Eight B&Bs, plus four chain motels. We love Ann Bean Mansion's airy rooms.
Great food Stillwater has at least 30 independent restaurants and cafes. Marx Wine Bar and Grill's homemade pappardelle pasta comes bathed in rich basil cream.
Holiday vibe Stillwater's full calendar of holiday events includes weekly teas and a festive B&B tour.
Bonus Find holiday appetizer inspiration at the Chef's Gallery shop and cooking school.
Cedarburg, Wisconsin
Much of Cedarburg's 19th-century downtown appears on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, those photo-ready stone buildings house a trip's worth of gift shops and galleries.
Easy escape Cedarburg is a half-hour north of Milwaukee.
Cute shops Nearly 70, with fun surprises such as luxurious bath and body shop Savon Nouveau.
Pampering stays Both of Cedarburg's inns are nice, but it's hard to beat the sausage and cheese scones at Washington House Inn (left).
Great food Many restaurants lean traditional (think Lake Michigan whitefish), while Java House's eggnog latte adds contemporary spice.
Holiday vibe Don't miss a trio of Christmas-themed garden and crafts.
Bonus The Rivoli Theatre opened in 1936 and shows discounted flicks.
Weston, Missouri
Just 2,000 people live in Weston, but the town has been a commercial center since its 19th-century heyday as a Missouri River port.
Easy escape Weston is a half-hour northwest of Kansas City.
Cute shops Nearly 30, with a nice balance of new and antiques. Try Pacific Breeze for Asian-style clothes, jewelry and home accessories.
Pampering stays Several B&Bs welcome Weston's girlfriend travelers. You'll find a Christmas tree in every room at the Inn at Weston Landing.
Great food A more limited selection than some towns, but we loved the bread pudding at Avalon Cafe.
Holiday vibe Candlelit homes tour kicks off the holiday season.
Bonus Listen to live piano music at Saint George Hotel Wine Bar.
Nashville, Indiana
The Brown County seat forms the heart of a thriving artists' colony, but it's also a friendly small town that gets into holidays in a big way.
Easy escape Nashville is an hour south of Indianapolis.
Cute shops Some 250, including working artists' studios. One favorite: Handmade in Brown County, with 13 local artists' works.
Pampering stays Walk to shops from the Artists Colony Inn or the Cornerstone Inn. We love the big, upscale, newer and redone vacation homes for rent in the countryside.
Great food Try the Story Inn in a reborn general store in a tiny nearby town for inventive dishes created with fresh ingredients.
Holiday vibe Visitors stroll past decorated windows and join in the Christmas Tree Walk.
Bonus Classes teach fabric art and more at the Ferrer Gallery.
Marietta, Ohio
Marietta was founded in 1788 as Ohio's first permanent settlement, but an impressive lineup of shops (including tempting Putnam Chocolate!) makes this Ohio River town more than just a historical spot.
Easy escape Marietta is two hours southeast of Columbus.
Cute shops More than 20 gift shops, including Turquoise Spirit for Native American rugs and accessories.
Pampering stays Most visitors choose downtown's historic Lafayette Hotel, but we also like the House on Harmar Hill.
Great food The casual restaurant mix is promising, with one stand-out, Austyn's, for surprisingly fresh seafood.
Holiday vibe Merry-Etta Moon-light Savings features carriage rides, a tree lighting and deep discounts at downtown shops.
Bonus Across the river in Williamstown, West Virginia, century-old Fenton Art Glass offers factory tours and striking glass creations (left).
A version of this story was originally published in Midwest Living® November/December 2008.
