Women’s Month in Parys: The Perfect Girls’ Weekend Itinerary
Women’s Month is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the women who inspire, encourage and support us every day. Whether you’re planning a weekend away with your mom, sisters, daughters or closest friends, there’s no better excuse to press pause on everyday life and spend quality time together.
Less than 90 minutes from Johannesburg, Parys offers the ideal setting for a relaxing girls’ getaway. With boutique shopping, local markets, exceptional restaurants, unique experiences and plenty of opportunities to unwind beside the Vaal River, it’s a destination that caters to every kind of traveller.
Here’s how to spend a memorable Women’s Month weekend in Parys.
Friday: Arrive, Shop and Dine
After checking into one of Parys’ boutique guest houses, country retreats or self-catering accommodations, ease into the weekend with an afternoon spent exploring the town’s charming streets.
Parys has long been known as one of the Free State’s favourite shopping destinations, where every street reveals something different. Browse independent boutiques, discover beautifully curated home décor stores, explore antique shops and find locally made products that you won’t come across anywhere else. Whether you’re searching for a thoughtful gift, something special for your home or simply enjoying a leisurely afternoon with friends, shopping in Parys is all part of the experience.
As evening approaches, settle into one of the town’s many restaurants for dinner. From relaxed riverside settings overlooking the Vaal River to cosy eateries tucked away in town, Parys offers a wonderful variety of dining experiences. Pair your meal with a glass of wine or a handcrafted cocktail and take the time to reconnect, laugh and celebrate the weekend ahead.
Saturday: Markets, Experiences and Time Together
Wake up to a slower pace and spend the day discovering why Parys continues to attract visitors throughout the year. If your visit falls on the first Saturday of the month, make time for the much-loved Hartelus Market.
Filled with local makers, talented artisans and food vendors, the market showcases everything from handmade crafts and boutique clothing to freshly baked treats, preserves, fresh produce and beautifully crafted home décor. It’s a wonderful place to meet local entrepreneurs, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and find something unique to take home.
After the market, the day unfolds at your own pace. Whether your group enjoys sport, creativity or spending time outdoors, Parys offers experiences to suit every interest.
Golf enthusiasts can enjoy a round at either the Parys Golf & Country Estate, one of South Africa’s oldest inland golf courses, or Vaal de Grâce Golf Estate, home to South Africa’s first Nick Price signature golf course. If you’re planning another visit, don’t miss the Parys 150 Golf Tournament this September, where golfers will have the opportunity to experience both courses as part of the town’s 150th anniversary celebrations.
If you’re looking to slow the pace, spend a few relaxing hours at Klei, where you can paint your own handcrafted ceramic piece while enjoying good conversation and plenty of laughter. Once glazed and fired, your personalised creation becomes a lasting reminder of your girls’ weekend in Parys.
The outdoors offers just as many opportunities to unwind. Step aboard a scenic boat cruise with Willow Banks and experience the tranquillity of the Vaal River from the water or lace up your hiking boots and explore the remarkable landscapes of the Vredefort Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its fascinating geology and natural beauty. If wildlife is more your style, join a guided game drive at The Savannah Africa, where giraffe, zebra, a variety of antelope and other wildlife can be spotted in their natural surroundings.
As the afternoon gives way to evening, there’s no better way to end the day than around a table filled with good food and even better company. Choose another of Parys’ popular restaurants, share a selection of delicious platters, enjoy a bottle of wine or handcrafted cocktails and let the conversation linger long after the meal has ended. On selected weekends, live music at local venues provides the perfect soundtrack to a relaxed evening spent celebrating friendship.
Sunday: Relax Before Heading Home
Sunday mornings in Parys are made for slowing down. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at one of the town’s welcoming cafés before taking one last stroll through its streets.
Browse a favourite boutique once more, pick up a few locally made treats to enjoy at home or simply savour a final coffee overlooking the Vaal River. There’s no rush. It’s the perfect way to bring a memorable weekend to a close before heading home feeling refreshed and reconnected.
Why Parys is the Perfect Girls’ Getaway
Whether your group enjoys shopping, outdoor adventures, creative experiences or simply spending quality time together, Parys offers something for everyone.
During your weekend you can enjoy:
• Boutique shopping and independent stores
• The Hartelus Market on the first Saturday of every month
• Ceramic painting at Klei
• Scenic boat cruises on the Vaal River with Willow Banks
• Guided game drives at The Savannah Africa
• Hiking in the Vredefort Dome
• Golf at both the Parys Golf & Country Estate and Vaal de Grâce Golf Estate
• The Parys 150 Golf Tournament this September
• Exceptional restaurants, sharing platters, wine and handcrafted cocktails
• Comfortable accommodation to suit every style and budget
• Easy access from Gauteng and surrounding provinces
One of the many reasons visitors return to Parys time and again is how effortlessly everything comes together. Shopping, dining, outdoor adventures and unique experiences are all within easy reach, allowing you to spend less time travelling and more time making memories with the people who matter most.
Celebrate Women’s Month in Parys
Women’s Month is a celebration of friendship, family and the women who make every stage of life more meaningful.
Whether your perfect weekend includes browsing boutiques, painting your own ceramic masterpiece, enjoying a round of golf, cruising along the Vaal River, exploring the Vredefort Dome, spotting wildlife on a game drive or lingering over a delicious meal with friends, Parys offers the ideal setting to slow down, reconnect and celebrate.
Gather your favourite ladies, book your stay and discover why Parys remains one of the Free State’s favourite weekend destinations. This Women’s Month, make time for meaningful moments, shared laughter and new memories in a town that always welcomes you back.
