How to Spend Widow's Weekend in Eau Claire: Shopping, Spas, & Girls Getaways

Grab your besties, pack your weekender bag, and get ready—Widow’s Weekend in Eau Claire is the ultimate girlfriends’ getaway. While the hunters head to the woods, Widow’s Weekend has become a beloved tradition for women to escape for a few days of shopping, brunching, spa days, and more. Eau Claire makes it easy to turn the weekend into something special, with its mix of local boutiques, cozy coffee shops, craft breweries, and lively downtown entertainment. And after a long few days of exploring, Hampton Inn is here to be a comforting home base with spacious rooms, modern amenities, and a convenient location to many attractions. Here's how to spend Widow's Weekend in Eau Claire!

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Book a Stay at Hampton Inn

The Hampton Inn Eau Claire is the perfect home base for your Widow’s Weekend adventure. Enjoy a complimentary hot breakfast, stay connected with free Wi-Fi, and enjoy the convenience of free parking. After a busy day of shopping, brunch, or exploring, you can relax in the indoor pool, soak in the hot tub, or get a quick workout in the fitness center.

While you're guaranteed a comfortable stay, you're also conveniently located in a quiet area on Eau Claire's southwest side, while also in close proximity to some of Eau Claire's favorites. You’re just a short drive from Carson Park, where you can stroll scenic trails or check out the historic baseball field. Hungry? Fella’s Loaded Goat, known for its all-day breakfast and lively bar, is nearby, as is Valley Burger Company for gourmet burgers that hit the spot. Or, Shanghai Bistro is located close by and serves up some of the best sushi in the area. Whether you’re here to shop, sip, or just unwind, the Hampton Inn makes it easy to enjoy everything Eau Claire has to offer while giving you a cozy place to recharge.

Grab coffee & brunch

Kick off your Widow’s Weekend in Eau Claire the right way—with coffee that hits just right and brunch that fuels the day full of shopping, crafting, or relaxing!

Start your day at the Informalist, where weekend brunch and coffee from ECDC go perfectly hand-in-hand. Over at the Good Wives, you’ll find inventive brunch options in a funky, welcoming space, and even have a few mimosas to celebrate the weekend. If you’re feeling creative, the Nucleus Cafe serves specialty crepes, breakfast sandwiches, skillets, and more in a bright, cheerful spot that’s ideal for mapping out your next stop.

For strong coffee and a modern, relaxed vibe, Kahvi Coffee is the place to be. And for something truly unique, take a short drive to Osseo Nickel Barn for coffee flights and antique shopping at this small town barn. Don’t forget the Nostalgic Bean in Altoona, where handcrafted drinks and incredible fresh pastries are undeniably delicious.

Click here to view more places to get coffee in Eau Claire, or click here to view the complete brunch guide.

Get a head start on holiday shopping

This weekend is ALL about retail therapy. Mostly for yourself, but it's a great time to start your holiday shopping and run into some small business deals. Eau Claire has a mix of quirky boutiques, local markets, and one-of-a-kind finds that give you your own little hunt for goodies. 

For locally made treasures and artisan goods, stop by Token Jewelry, Hello Adorn, Hive + Hollow, or The Local Store. Each spot is packed with unique gifts that you won’t find anywhere else, from handmade jewelry to clever home accents. If you’re looking for a little more variety under one roof, the Wisconsin Makers Market is a must, showcasing the best of local artisans in one bustling space.

Lot 3 Mercantile and Tangled Up in Hue are perfect for discovering those unexpected, Instagram-worthy finds that are sure to make your loved ones smile. And if you want the convenience of a traditional shopping experience, Oakwood Mall has all your favorite retailers in one place, making it easy to cross off your holiday list in style.

Need further guidance on shopping in Eau Claire? We've got you covered with our shopping small blog here!

Go on a wine & beer crawl

Raise a glass and toast to Widow’s Weekend with a wine and beer crawl through Eau Claire’s favorite beverage spots.

Start your crawl with a tasting flight at River Bend Winery & Distillery, where locally crafted wines pair perfectly with a relaxed, countryside atmosphere. Infinity Beverages is another great stop, offering a variety of wines, spirits, and seasonal cocktails. For craft beer enthusiasts, The Brewing Projekt, Lazy Monk, and Northwoods Brewpub each offer unique brews, cozy vibes, and friendly staff.

Looking for a spot to mix things up? 2 Roots Art & Wine Gallery or 3rd & Vine is a great place to unwind with friends, enjoy a creative drink, and take in the lively energy that makes Eau Claire nights so special.

Take a crafting class

On those cold November days, sometimes it's best to spend them indoors channeling your creative side! With workshops, classes, and pop-up events all over Eau Claire, there's a wide variety of ways to sit back, relax, and use your hands to create something special.

Get in the seasonal spirit with the porch pot workshops at Down to Earth Garden Center, where you can design planters that will beautifully spruce up your front door. Or head to the Glass Orchard to make sparkling ornaments that bring holiday cheer to your homes.

If pottery calls your name, Half Moon Clay is the perfect spot to spin, shape, and sculpt your own one-of-a-kind creations. Prefer painting? Board & Brush lets you turn a blank wooden canvas into a custom sign that’s uniquely yours—perfect for your home or a special gift! Tune into our event calendar for more workshops and events throughout the season.

Book a spa treatment

Unwind, refresh, and recharge—Eau Claire’s spas make it easy to turn Widow’s Weekend into a mini retreat. Whether you’re craving deep relaxation, glowing skin, or something a little out of the ordinary, you’ll find the perfect spot to indulge in self-care.

Lotus Spa is a local favorite for massages, facials, and body treatments that leave you feeling completely renewed. Eau Claire Body Care takes a holistic approach, offering services that balance both body and mind. For a truly unique experience, Globeauty Oasis Head Spa specializes in scalp and hair treatments that feel downright luxurious. And at Rejuve Lounge, get your muscles, skin, and entire body feeling right with a variety of comforting therapies.

No matter which you choose, booking a spa treatment is the ultimate way to slow down, pamper yourself, and make Widow’s Weekend feel like a true getaway.

Have dinner in downtown Eau Claire

After a full day of shopping, sipping, and treating yourself, there’s no better way to cap off Widow’s Weekend than with dinner in downtown Eau Claire. The city’s food scene is buzzing, and whether you’re in the mood for upscale, cozy, or adventurous, you’ll find it just steps away.

The District delivers everything from wings to sandwiches to hearty burgers, and The Livery pairs rustic charm with hearty, elevated comfort food in a historic barn setting that feels quintessentially Eau Claire. If sushi is calling your name, Ninja Japanese & Chinese rolls out fresh favorites alongside inventive creations you’ll want to share. Houligans keeps it classic with warm, inviting vibes and a menu full of steaks, seafood, and supper club-style staples. And if you missed it earlier in the day, The Informalist offers a farm-to-table menu that’s just as impressive for dinner as it is for brunch.

Catch a show at the Pablo Center

Wanting to add a little nightlife entertainment to your Widow's Weekend? The Pablo Center at the Confluence is the place to be. This stunning riverside venue brings big-city entertainment right to downtown Eau Claire, with a lineup that’s as diverse as it is exciting. One night you might catch a Broadway tour lighting up the stage, the next a national touring concert, a laugh-out-loud comedian, or a thought-provoking theater performance.

The best part? Pablo’s modern design and intimate atmosphere make every seat in the house feel like the best one. Whether you’re dressed up for a night of theater or keeping it casual for live music, an evening at the Pablo Center is the perfect way to keep Widow’s Weekend rolling long after the shopping bags are set down. Check out the Pablo Center here to learn more and to see what's coming to the stage!

Bonus! Catch a ride on the Widow's Weekend Craft Crawl

Hop aboard the Chippewa River Trolley for Widow’s Weekend, a fun and relaxing way to explore the Chippewa Valley’s craft fairs. On Saturday, November 22, 2025, the trolley will take guests to curated stops featuring handmade goods, holiday décor, and local treats, including a complimentary drink at River Bend Winery. Click here to learn more and to book your spot on the trolley!