All the Details on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Royal Wedding Rings

The impeccably dressed guests have arrived, the wedding dress details are here, now it’s time to turn our attention to the bling. What type of wedding rings did the royal newlywed couple choose? According to a statement released just hours before Harry and Meghan Markle said “I do,” they’re, quite literally, fit for a queen.

The couple chose British heritage brand Cleave and Company to create their wedding rings, the same label that crafted Markle’s three-stone diamond engagement ring. Per Kensington Palace, “Ms. Markle’s ring has been fashioned from a piece of Welsh Gold, gifted by Her Majesty The Queen. Prince Harry’s ring will be a Platinum Band with a textured finish.”The stunning jewelry complements Markle’s wedding day tiara, which was loaned to her from the Queen’s extensive collection.

As best man, Prince William was tasked with carrying both rings to St. George’s Chapel in Windsor. Aristocratic husbands typically don’t wear wedding rings, William among them, but Harry has chosen to rock a band of his own. Be still our royal-watching hearts.

(Photo via Chris Jackson/Getty, JONATHAN BRADY/AFP/Getty)

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I still remember the days when I'd walk (albeit, hesitantly) into Abercrombie & Fitch – at my local mall no less, gasp! – and be enveloped by a dense, dark cloud of their signature musk. Now, the A&F styles of my youth are being re-sold on eBay as 'vintage' items. Eek!

The fashion powerhouse went through a massive rebrand in 2021, and turns out, I'm still obsessed with the mall brand that ruled my teen years. Abercrombie & Fitch still sells all the basics (tees, tanks, jeans, and more), but what's really been living rent-free in my head is their wedding guest dresses! There are so many styles to explore, which come at an especially great time since wedding season's about to get real busy.

These 8 Abercrombie wedding guest dresses are all you need to pull a look at this year's ceremonies. With more mature silhouettes, flattering colors, and a variety of sizes to suit everyone, there's a perfect Abercrombie wedding guest dress waiting for you below!

Draped Skirt Maxi Dress

This figure-hugging (but still stretchy) maxi dress features a flattering cinched detail along the waistline that falls down into a long straight skirt with a tall slit. The high boat neckline is more modest, but the back opens up, allowing you to show some skin.

The open back on this satin dress secures with a dainty bow tie that evens out the entire look! Not to mention, this butter yellow color is super trendy right now (and very fit for summertime), so you'll be absolutely slaying as a guest at the next wedding you go to.

This Draped Skirt Maxi Dress goes for $130 and is shoppable in 5 other colors in regular, petite, and tall sizes.

The A&F Giselle Pleated One-Shoulder Maxi Dress

Give 'em some shoulder with this elegant maxi! The satin material is finely pleated throughout, leading directly to the heightened waistline that shapes and cinches you in the best way. This luxe-looking dress doesn't feature any stretchiness or adjustable straps, though customers say it accurately fits true to size. It secures with a discreet zipper on the side.

This Abercrombie & Fitch wedding guest dress is $150 and shoppable in 5 other colors and regular, petite, and tall sizes.

Angel Sleeve O-Ring Gown

This serene green gown comes ready to wear in a smooth satin fabric, which is fairly breathable for the warmer months. The maxi-length hemline falls around the ankles and juts up to form a flirty leg slit. While the bottom half of this wedding guest dress is reminiscent of your typical maxi style, the top has all things fun goin' on. Flutter sleeves and a cheeky o-ring neckline make for the perfect picture-taking and post-ceremony dancing dress!

The Angel Sleeve O-Ring Gown costs $140. You can also snag it in a blue hue in regular, petite, and tall sizes.

The A&F Giselle Pleat Release Midi Dress

Since pleats are an instant giveaway to more elevated styles, it's no wonder most of the Abercrombie wedding guest dresses feature them. This strapless midi design (also comes with removable spaghetti straps) is pleated all over and partners up with an adorable contrasting floral pattern for added visual interest. The straight neckline hugs your bodice with a flexible stretch.

This Giselle Pleat Release Midi Dress costs $130 and is shoppable in 3 other colors and regular, petite, and tall sizes.

One-Shoulder Asymmetrical Hem Midi Dress

A solid navy blue can do no wrong, IMO. This midi boasts an asymmetrical hemline that's anything but bland! It's crafted from a "sculpting stretch-enhanced crepe fabric" that'll hug you in comfortably. The tiered design is definitely more fitted up top, while the bottom half swings freely. This pick is an easy one-and-done type of style, as it's free of any adjustable straps, ties, or zippers.

The One-Shoulder Asymmetrical Hem Midi Dress is also shoppable in black for $130 in regular, petite, and tall sizes.

Ruffle Strap High-Low Maxi Dress

Bury me in this ruffle dress! It has me wanting to bring back the high-low look in full force this year. This wedding guest dress has ruffles galore – on the straps and along the waist and bottom hem. The wrap-around bodice is super flatting and a bit more revealing with a classy v-neck shape. The drop waist detail mirrors the asymmetrical length of the skirt, elongating your midsection. This chiffon dress secures in the back with a thin zipper.

The Ruffle Strap High-Low Maxi Dress clocks in at $130, and you can shop it in 3 other colors in regular, petite, and tall sizes.

Drama Bow-Back Taffeta Gown

For a more casual wedding guest ensemble, this flowy frock is my #1 pick. It's less fitted than other Abercrombie wedding guest dresses, featuring a babydoll silhouette that hugs the chest more than the belly. This way, you'll have ample room to breathe during the big day! Though less structured, the cinching along each tier of this maxi brings forth the drama – plus there's an adorable bow in the back.

The Drama Bow-Back Taffeta Gown goes for $150 and is available in 3 other colors in regular, petite, and tall sizes.

Taffeta Off-The-Shoulder Midi Dress

The stretchy taffeta fabric this midi's made from hosts a nice, shiny finish for taking your look to the next level. The structured bodice is brought up to an off-the-shoulder neckline with elegant puff sleeves that don't feel too overdone. The straight skirt boasts an equally elegant leg slit that hits around the top of the thigh.

The Taffeta Off-The-Shoulder Midi Dress is also shoppable in a bright magenta color for $130 and regular, petite, and tall sizes.

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One detail that the covers of the new books coming in May have in common are shades of pink, blue, and green — perfect summer colors. You'll find your classic rom-com books, but there's also a little devious behavior and a touch of magic to look forward to. But, don't just take my word for it. Let your imagination get lost in our top 11 new books coming in May!

Mistakes We Never Made by Hannah Brown (May 7)

Emma Townsend and Finn Hughes are involved in a classic cat and mouse situationship that's turned incredibly sour. They went from inching their way towards several romantic turning points to deciding they actually don't like each other anymore. One can assume their hearts got tired of being shown that almost doesn't count.

However, they have to put on their adult undies to get through a wedding weekend where everyone's expected to be on their best behavior because of the joyous moment at hand. It sounds too good to be true and the pair quickly realizes it is when the bride-to-be vanishes.

Forced to race against an invisible winding clock, Emma and Finn embark on a momentous journey to figure out if this wedding can actually be saved. Somewhere along the lines, they begin to remember what it was like when their undeniable attraction towards each other led to much more. Maybe a weird wedding mystery is just the thing they needed to prove that it's time to make things official.

The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley (May 7)

The Ministry of Time is a the modern time travel book you didn't know you needed to read until now. It shines a light on a young woman — aka the "bridge" — who's new job comes with a hefty salary and more responsibility than she considered. She's meant to help an expat called "1847," or Commander Graham Gore, adjust to living in a modern world when all he remembers is what it was like to live in the 1840s.

The more 1847 adjusts to life around him with other expats and this young woman whose so different than what he's used to, the more the bridge crosses the lines and allows herself to become immersed in his world beyond what her profession calls for.

This isn't without consequences and it's up to the bridge to decide what it really means to live in the future.

The Five Year Lie by Sarina Bowen (May 7)

Ariel Cafferty was head over heels in love with a man she thought she knew until it feels like he ghosted her without an explanation. She thought she was beginning to move on, but a vague text from him (Drew) years later brings back emotions she's tried to forget.

Suddenly Ariel begins to piece together clues that something is seriously wrong. Not only that, she can't shake the feeling that the truth is still being kept from her. In order to possibly save her and her son's life, she'll have to work to understand what happened to Drew and how far the mystery surrounding his disappearance actually goes.

Alternate Endings by Ali Rosen (May 7)

Alternate Endings is one of the new books releasing in May that I immediately connected to because I can relate to some aspects of Beatrice Leal's life. She's a working mother who's as dedicated to her son as she is to her job, but the only difference between us is that she's dealing with a tough divorce. To make it even more complicated, her boss also gets divorced and decides she wants to live in Ireland full-time.

This means she's requiring the team — including Bea — to be there twice a month and this throws a huge monkey wrench in the custody plans she and her ex-husband Lucas have half-heartedly agreed on. Still, Bea loves her job and reluctantly makes the first trip to Ireland where she meets the new CTO at her job — the sexy Jack Sander who ghosted her while they were in high school.

Despite the two decades that have passed since they've seen each other, there's no denying that the two still have electric energy that they acknowledge during one of their trips to Ireland. But as time passes, the lie they keep telling themselves gives way to something more and Bea finds that she may just have to change her approach to everything in life — especially when it comes to love.

The Paradise Problem by Christine Lauren (May 14)

Is it obvious that my favorite new books I've read involve some form of love? Besides this amazing cover that caught my eye, The Paradise Problem offers a completely new approach to being married that I've seen in a book.

Anna Green is impulsive and makes decisions solely so she survive from day to day. It's the main reason she married Liam "West" Weston when she needed a place to stay. It was supposed to be a marriage of convenience between two strangers. So when she doesn't bother looking at the "divorce" papers he had her sign and is surprised to find out they're still married when he visits her years later, Anna's more than flustered.

See, West is set to inherit a large fortune attached to his family's name and has to prove that he's been enjoying married life with his wife Anna. The problem is that they don't really know anything about each other and his family is demanding to see her.

With no other choice, West convinces Anna to keep up the married act and prays she'll be able to impress his family. However, he begins to realize that maybe he's had it wrong all along. Maybe he's supposed to fall in love with this feisty, art-loving, impulsive woman that's stealing his heart. Maybe he's supposed to protect hers.

Lovers and Liars by Amanda Eyre Ward (May 14)

The Peacock sisters aren't as close as they used to be and they have time and a lot of heartache to blame for that. Of course, there's always the roles they played in the fallout of their familial relationship.

Sylvie Peacock finds herself facing marriage again after being widowed and she thinks it might be time to move on. Cleo Peacock is the successful sister who can do no wrong and has the cushy lifestyle to prove it. So when her sister Sylvie falls for the charming Simon Rampling, her criminal defense intuition starts ringing. And Emma Peacock? Well, she's hiding secrets that's turned her into a woman who lets silence lead her. At the center of the sisters is their less than stellar mother who's domineering presence makes it clear these sisters have cowered in her presence for far too long.

One weekend will change everything for the Peacock family and nothing will be the same. — good or bad.

The Honey Witch by Sydney J. Shields (May 14)

Marigold Claude is ever popular with the many men who want to court her, but she couldn't care less. Her freedom lies in the nature and she gladly revels in it. Things seem to get even better when her grandmother feels she's worthy to become a Honey Witch. But, she can never fall in love.

Deciding she's okay with this rule, she carries on merrily until she meets Lottie Burke, someone who doesn't think magic exists. Intending to prove Lottie wrong, Marigold starts doing things out that feel out of character for her. Soon, something must darker presents itself and Marigold finds that she may have to break multiple rules just to save what she cares about.

One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware (May 21)

Lyla is experiencing one bad situation after the another. From research that's gone awry to a relationship that's gotten off track, she feels like she's almost at the end of her rope. Suddenly it seems like her prayers are answered when she and Nico are given a chance to be on the TV show One Perfect Couple to win a grand prize that could help them out financially.

They're pit against four other couples and being to sense that something is horribly wrong when disaster strikes the minute they set foot on the deserted island where they're meant to compete. One Perfect Couple becomes more than a reality show and involves whether people can actually survive or not.

Goddess of the River by Vaishnavi Patel (May 21)

Ganga went from being a carefree goddess of the river to a mortal after she failed to control the godlings near her. With no other choice, she decides to become a queen after marrying King Shantanu so she can prove that she's worth of being a goddess again. While she is granted freedom, she can't bring the son she bore in her human form with her.

Once Prince Devavrata gets older and decides he doesn't want to take his father's place, he finds himself on a journey that puts him lock and step with his mother Ganga.

Swiped by L.M. Chilton (May 21)

What would you do if all of your dates from Tinder, Hinge, or Bumble ended up dead after you'd last seen them? Swiped helps Gwen Turner answer that very question when she's thrown into the wildest predicament of her life.

First thing's first — she's in a terrible rut and can't figure out how to put the pieces of her life back together again. She feels hopeless in the romantic department and has to contend with the fact that maybe leaving a great job to serve coffee might not have been the smartest decision.

So, she decides to download a dating app and goes on a series of dates that leave her more confused than ever. To make matters worse, they begin to turn up dead after she's been the last person to go on a date with them. This doesn't bode well with the police and she soon finds herself being carefully watched.

The more frequently things begin to happen, the more Gwen rushes to figure out who the date killer is. As she gets closer to finding out the truth, she'll find that she also has to contend with a dark secret that she thought no one else knew about.

I Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie Sue (May 21)

Not to be confused with Dolly Parton's "Jolene," I Hope This Finds You Well's main character of the same name finds herself in a work bind when HR sentences her to "sensitivity training." Her crime? Being exposed for sharing her negative opinions about co-workers. Restricted from certain interactions, Jolene decides to do whatever it takes to get through her training period.

So when an IT plunder allows her to see what everyone else has been privately talking about, Jolene feels conflicted about whether to report them or not. She even discovers that potential layoffs are about to affect her job so she does everything she can to make sure her role is secured.

Soon she'll have to decide what's more important: her job or the truth.

Which of the best new books coming in May are you looking forward to reading? Be sure to check out our storefront for even more reading recs!

Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

Lead images via Amazon

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's relationship has captivated us throughout the years. Their story has love, family, loss, and of course, royalty. But how did the Duke and Duchess of Sussex come to be the powerful, independent couple they are today? Here's everything we know about the pair's relationship timeline, starting from the first time they met!

Mike Coppola / Getty Images for 2022 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Gala

July 2016: Meghan and Harry meet

After initially meeting on Instagram (a classic plot point for 21st century relationships), Meghan and Harry met for a first date in London.

“I was scrolling through my feed and someone who was a friend had this video of the two of them [and Meghan], it was like a Snapchat,” Harry said of is digital introduction to Meghan in the Harry & Meghan Netflix docuseries. He remembers asking himself, "Who is that?"

Chris Jackson / Getty Images

November 2016: Meghan and Harry reveal they are officially dating

It was an official statement from Kensington Palace that confirmed Meghan and Harry's relationship.

At the time, Meghan faced mass amounts of sexist and racist backlash through the media for her association with the royal family. Kensington Palace denounced the hate in a statement:

“Some of this has been very public — the smear on the front page of a national newspaper; the racial undertones of comment pieces; and the outright sexism and racism of social media trolls and Web article comments,” the statement read. “Some of it has been hidden from the public — the nightly legal battles to keep defamatory stories out of papers; her mother having to struggle past photographers in order to get to her front door; the attempts of reporters and photographers to gain illegal entry to her home and the calls to police that followed; the substantial bribes offered by papers to her ex-boyfriends; the bombardment of nearly every friend, coworker, and loved one in her life.”

Despite the hate, Meghan and Harry persevered as a couple.

Chris Jackson / Getty Images

September 2017: Meghan shines a light on her relationship with Harry

Meghan revealed even more information about her connection with Harry in a Vanity Faircover story in September 2017.

“We’re a couple. We’re in love,” she told Vanity Fair. “I’m sure there will be a time when we have to come forward and present ourselves, and have stories to tell, but I hope what people will understand is that this is our time. This is for us. It’s part of what makes it so special, that it’s just ours. But we’re happy. Personally, I love a great love story.”

Chris Jackson / Getty Images for Invictus Games Foundation

November 2017: Meghan and Harry are engaged

Meghan officially moved to London in the fall of 2017 and the couple announced their engagement not long after.

Harry proposed to Meghan at Nottingham Cottage on the grounds of Kensington Palace with a ring made from two of Princess Diana's diamonds, and she said "yes" on the spot!

An official statement from the palace detailed their engagement further:

“His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales is delighted to announce the engagement of Prince Harry to Ms. Meghan Markle,” it read. “His Royal Highness and Ms. Markle became engaged in London earlier this month. Prince Harry has informed Her Majesty The Queen and other close members of his family. Prince Harry has also sought and received the blessing of Ms. Markle's parents.”

Meghan recalled the moment Harry proposed on the Harry & Meghan Netflix docuseries:

“He’s down on one knee and I was like, ‘Yes!’ I was so joyful and excited. I was like, ‘Ah we’re doing this."

Ben Birchall / Getty Images

May 2018: Meghan and Harry’s wedding

Meghan and Harry got married at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. They admitted a few years later that they had actually exchanged vows three days before they walked down the aisle, for the sake of privacy.

“No one knows that,” Meghan said in an interview with Oprah Winfrey. “We called the archbishop and just said, look, this thing, this spectacle is for the world, but we want our union between us, so the vows that we have framed in our room are just the two of us in our backyard with the archbishop of Canterbury.”

Millions of people tuned in for their televised wedding ceremony on May 19, 2018.

October 2018: Meghan announced her first pregnancy

On October 15, 2018, Kensington Palace released a statement informing the public that Meghan and Harry were expecting their first child the following spring.

The news broke while Meghan and Harry were on a 16-day royal tour through Australia, Fiji, Tonga, and New Zealand. The pair returned home and settled in at Windsor Castle's Frogmore Cottage to start prepping for the baby.

Dominic Lipinski / Getty Images

May 2019: Meghan and Harry welcome their first child

The couple welcomed their first son, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, on May 6, 2019."We are pleased to announce that Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Sussex welcomed their firstborn child in the early morning on May 6th, 2019. Their Royal Highnesses’ son weighs 7lbs. 3oz," an Instagram post from @sussexroyal read. "The Duchess and baby are both healthy and well, and the couple thank members of the public for their shared excitement and support during this very special time in their lives."

Chris Jackson / Getty Images

January 2020: The couple steps back from their roles in the royal family

After "many months" of deliberation, Meghan and Harry had decided to "transition" from the royal family in early 2020.

In an official statement, they shared their plans to step back as ‘senior’ members of the royal family, become financially independent from Her Majesty, and split time between the United States and United Kingdom.

"This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity," the statement read. "We look forward to sharing the full details of this exciting next step in due course, as we continue to collaborate with Her Majesty The Queen, The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge and all relevant parties."

They moved to the U.S. a couple months later, staying in Montecito, California until they bought a home in Santa Barbara in the summer of 2020.

November 2020: Meghan announced she had a miscarriage with her second child

Meghan admitted she experienced a miscarriage with her second pregnancy, writing in a vulnerable New York Times op-ed essay that the loss of her second pregnancy with Prince Harry felt like “an almost unbearable grief.”

“I knew, as I clutched my firstborn child, that I was losing my second,” Meghan wrote. “Hours later, I lay in a hospital bed, holding my husband’s hand. I felt the clamminess of his palm and kissed his knuckles, wet from both our tears. Staring at the cold white walls, my eyes glazed over. I tried to imagine how we’d heal.”

March 2021: Interview with Oprah

The couple sat down for a very candidinterview with Oprah in March 2021, coming clean on multiple topics that had arose since living in the public eye. From Meghan’s mental health to the dynamic of the royal family – including the racism Meghan had experienced since becoming a member – they spoke honestly.

Yui Mok / Getty Images

June 2021: Meghan and Harry welcome their daughter, Lilibet

The pair publicly announced their second pregnancy in February 2021, welcoming their daughter, Lilibet Diana Mountbatten Windsor, a few months later.

Lilibet was born on June 4, 2021 in Santa Barbara, California.

Kirsty O'Connor / Getty Images

June 2022: Meghan and Harry attend the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

Meghan and Harry headed to Buckingham Palace for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, marking their first joint appearance in the U.K. in over two years at that point.

The two weren’t publicly mingling with other senior royalty in attendance, though they reportedly introduced Lilibet to the Queen in private during their trip.

"They aren't part of the [working] royal family anymore, and that's a decision they have taken — but maybe [the public] hasn't quite accepted that yet," a source close to the couple told Peoplein 2022. "Yes, they were low-key. They paid their respects and went home."

September 2022: Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral

Meghan and Harry were called to Windsor Castle on September 8, 2022, shortly after Queen Elizabeth II passed away at age 96.

They briefly reunited with Kate Middleton and Prince William to support the royal family amid the news. According to Kensington Palace, the rare meeting was actually William's idea, with a source noting that it "was an important show of unity at an incredibly difficult time for the family."

Sascha Schuermann / Getty Images for Invictus Games Foundation

December 2022: The Harry & Meghan docuseries drops

The first volume Meghan & Harry Netflix docuseries hit screens on December 8, 2022. The pair addressed their full love story, their new family, and dived deeper on their reasons for distancing from the royal family in the three-part series.

Gareth Cattermole / Getty Images

March 2023: Meghan and Harry were told to leave their royal residence in the U.K.

Meghan and Harry were asked to “vacate” Frogmore Cottage in the spring of 2023.

"We can confirm The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been requested to vacate their residence at Frogmore Cottage," a spokesperson for the couple's Archewell Foundation told People.

Andrew Chin / Getty Images

January 2024: The truth comes to light about Queen Elizabeth’s blessing for Meghan and Harry’s daughter’s name

An inside source disputed the claim that the late Queen Elizabeth had not given Meghan and Harry her blessing to name their daughter after her known nickname, Lilibet.

“Meghan and Harry 100 percent got permission from the queen to use the name Lilibet,” the insider said. “The report is not true. [Harry and Meghan] don’t know where this is coming from...They’re shocked that this is coming now; it seems out of nowhere and out of left field. They just feel like it’s more of the same spear campaign that continues against them.”

Chris Jackson / Getty Images for Invictus Games Foundation

March 2024: Meghan and Harry were in Austin, Texas for SXSW

Meghan was slated to speak on a South by Southwest panel for International Women’s Day 2024, so she and Harry traveled to Austin, Texas.

While they were in Austin, the couple had a date night at Soho House Austin.

“They were happy and in great spirits,” an eyewitness told People. “Harry was very animated throughout the dinner. They were super low key and seemed happy to be around the upbeat vibes at the lively venue.”

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Lead photo by Chris Jackson / Getty Images for Invictus Games Foundation.


We're thrilled to kick off our new Jetset Journeys series, where we turn the best U.S. cities to explore this year into our own personal playgrounds. This is not just a travel guide but a way to spark your creativity and your wanderlust for weekend and week-long travel. Pack your bags , join us here every week, and get jetsetty this summer.

A getaway is always a good idea, especially when you can do it with your best friends. Traveling with friends is a fantastic way to bond, create memories, and explore new destinations together. Seeking adventure, relaxation, culture, or nightlife? We've got you. These U.S. cities offer the perfect setting for an unforgettable trip no matter what your travel goals. Whether you're celebrating a milestone birthday, upcoming nuptials, or an annual gathering of remote friends, look no further than these cities in the U.S.

New York City

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In the words of Taylor Swift, “It's been waitin' for you!” New York City is a destination for the arts, nightlife, shopping and foodies, so there is an abundance of options for you and your crew to do, see and eat. Book a hotel, there is no shortage of them — but the PUBLIC Hotel, The Standard, High Line or Moxy NYC Chelsea are great ones — and hit the ground running.

Photo: Cynthia Ortega Espinosa

Frolic in Central Park, wander the Metropolitan Museum of Art, cycle along the Hudson River Greenway or window shop on Fifth Avenue. Theater fans will want to see what shows are playing on Broadway or queue for Marie’s Crisis, where you can belt out showtunes in the West Village.

Photo: Pastis

While in an empire state of mind, you’ll obviously want to wine and dine. The Nines, The Happiest Hour, The Blond, Oscar Wilde, the Broken Shaker and Nubeluz are among spots that should be on your list for drinks, along with the seasonal bar Grand Banks, which is a summer must. Satisfy your stomach with meals at Emilio's Ballato, Café Chelsea and Pastis, or if you need a quick bite, then a slice of Joe's Pizza or taco from Los Tacos No. 1 are just the ticket.

Photo: Jeffrey Czum

Depending on what time of year you’re planning to visit New York, you can check out different markets like the Bryant Park Winter Village during the holidays, or Smorgasburg during the warmer months. No matter the season, the Big Apple is ripe and waiting for you to take a bite out of it with your BFFs!

Miami-Ft. Lauderdale

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Sunshine and good times await in South Florida. Apart from the obvious beaches and clubs, the cultural melting pot offers an arts and diverse food scene. But for visitors looking to soak up rays and read while listening to the waves, the Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach and The Goodtime Hotel are both within walking distance to North Beach and South Beach, respectively.

Photo: EAST Miami

Of course, the nightlife isn't limited to just Miami Beach. Book a room at EAST Miami, home to Sugar rooftop, where you’ll be in the center of bustling Brickell near hot spots like Sexy Fish and Gekkō. Or stay in Coconut Grove at the Mayfair House Hotel & Garden, which is close to a variety of shops, restaurants and bars, including Regatta Grove.

Photo: Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau

Regardless of where you decide to rest your head at night, no BFF trip to Miami should be complete without a visit to Wynwood and Design District. Visit the galleries and snap pictures for the ‘gram in Wynwood and don’t forget to swing by Fireman Derek's Bake Shop for a sweet treat, before heading to Design District for shopping and later dinner at Mandolin Aegean Bistro — a Greek restaurant that’ll have you feeling like you’re in Mamma Mia!.

Photo: Little Hen

If brunch is on the itinerary, look no further than the Little Hen in Midtown Miami. With its Instagram-worthy decor, drinks and dishes, it’s one of the cutest spots to brunch at. Just note, you’ll want to make a reservation and adhere to the restaurant's “smart chic dress code.”

Photo by Irasema McAllister

While in the area, you can mosey on over to Lagniappe, a jazz club and wine garden that has live music every night.

Phoenix, AZ

Photo: Mike Glezos

If wellness or adventure is your journey, then Phoenix is the destination. Gather your spa-loving, adventurous or golf-playing crew and travel to the urban oasis in the Sonoran Desert.

Seeking an escape to nature? Go hiking at Pinnacle Peak Park, Papago Park, Usery Mountain Regional Park or Camelback Mountain. There’s also horseback riding in the Sonoran Desert. Cave Creek Trail Rides, established in 1999, offers guided trail rides, giving you a “true western experience!”

Photo:Tierra Luna Spa at Arizona Biltmore Resort

After being outdoors, retreat inside and unwind with a spa treatment. There are a number of spa resorts in the area, including the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Arizona Biltmore Resort, Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, Boulders Resort & Spa Scottsdale, the Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia and the Royal Palms Resort and Spa, to name a few.

Golf buddies in Phoenix will find multiple courses to practice their swings. The city owns and operates five 18-hole championship courses and three nine-hole courses. Pending when you’re in town, fairway fans can try to score tickets to tournaments like the PGA TOUR Champions' Charles Schwab Cup Championship, or the PGA TOUR’s WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Scottsdale.

Photo: Virtu Honest Craft

All the activity and, hey, even relaxation can make you work up an appetite. Satiate it at James Beard Award-winning Virtu Honest Craft, The Arrogant Butcher, Different Pointe of View and Vincent on Camelback.

Dallas-Ft. Worth

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They say everything is bigger in Texas, so get ready for some Texas-sized fun. Between the shopping and the restaurants, there are plenty of reasons for you and your pals to pack your bags and flock to the Lone Star State. The Fairmont Dallas and the Thompson Dallas hotels are both in the heart of downtown, close to the Dallas Museum of Art for art lovers, and near the John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza and the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza for the history buffs.

Photo: Elizabeth ChambersBIRD Bakery

South of downtown you and your crew can explore the Bishop Arts District, an “eclectic neighborhood” with restaurants and shops. You can also engage in retail therapy at the Galleria Dallas and Highland Park Village, both of which are premier shopping destinations.The latter is also home to Elizabeth ChambersBIRD Bakery, a must for anyone with a sweet tooth–be sure to order a “southern red velvet” cupcake!

Photo: Sundown at Granada

Craving something savory? Head on over to Las Palmas Tex-Mex for Mexican cuisine, Pecan Lodge for BBQ or the farm-to-table restaurant Sundown at Granada. End your nights at the cozy cocktail bar Parliament or drop by the Midnight Rambler, a cocktail lounge inside of the Joule Hotel.

In need of a little R&R? You and your pals can splurge on a stay at Bowie House in Fort Worth. The luxury hotel is described as an “imaginative and bold urban retreat, where cowboys and cattle once roamed.” Indulge in self-care at the hotel’s full service spa, said to be inspired by the outdoors, or book one of the available experiences.

So, saddle up and plan your trip to Texas.

San Francisco

Photo: Juan Salamanca:

Turn your California dreaming into a reality! From nature to tech and a slew of attractions, the Bay Area has plenty to offer you and your BFFs, especially those who know and love Full House.

The InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco is a historic hotel in the neighborhood of Nob Hill. Renting a car will make it easier to get around and check out sites like the Golden Gate Bridge, the "Painted Ladies" at Alamo Square (channel the Tanners, anyone?), Chinatown and Twin Peaks. Given the city’s proximity to wine country, you can also road trip to Napa for a day to visit wineries and enjoy a meal at the charming Acacia House.

Photo by Mylo Kaye

Back in SF, you and your friends can pay a visit to the famous Fisherman's Wharf, where you’ll find Ghirardelli Square and PIER 39. Take a ferry to Alcatraz (the tour is actually fascinating) or Sausalito for waterside lunch at Bar Bocce, where you can join other guests in a game of bocce while you wait for your delicious pizzas and salads.

Grab your besties for a coastal hike along Land's End Trail for breathtaking views of the Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. Start at the old Cliff House and spot the famous Sutro Baths and end at the Palace of Legion of Honor. Or, reserve your spot at Muir Woods for an amazing hike through the redwoods.

Photo: b. patisserie

Grab breakfast or lunch at the James Beard Award-winning b. patisserie, or one of the best rooftop bars in the city Kaiyo for Peruvian bites.

Photo: Kaiyo

The San Francisco Playhouse is a great night out to the theatre with pals, or Cobb's Comedy Club for big laughs. With friends by your side, you’re sure to feel golden in the Golden State.

Main photo: Photo by KoolShooters

Follow along for all your travel needs with our Flights of Fancy series and Jetset Journeys series.


At this point in my life, I have what could be considered an encyclopedic knowledge ofGilmore Girls. I can discuss plot points, TV moments, and The Battle Of Rory's Boyfriends to academic extents — but there is always more to talk about! If you've also got Gilmore Girls on the brain, then keep scrolling for some of your top Gilmore Girls questions, answered.

Why is season 7 of Gilmore Girls so different?

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Gilmore Girls season 7 has a different tone to the rest of the show for one simple reason: creators and writers Dan & Amy Sherman-Palladino weren't involved in the production of the show. They were so heavily involved in previous seasons that it makes sense their absence would be felt!

What happens at the end of Gilmore Girls: A Year In The Life?

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After we said goodbye to Rory, Lorelai, and the rest of Stars Hollow, Netflix's Gilmore Girls: A Year In The Life allowed us to see all our favorite characters again — and then shocked us with its final four words. In a full circle moment, the show ends with Lorelai and Rory sitting on the steps of the town gazebo with their coffees before Rory asks, "Mom?" "Yeah," Lorelai says. "I'm pregnant."

Is there going to be a season 2 of Gilmore Girls: A Year in a Life?

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While there hasn't been an official confirmation for Gilmore Girls: A Year in a Life season 2, fans and cast members alike are hoping we'll return to Stars Hollow again. "If that came up again, I love that character so much and I love Amy," Lauren Graham tells Collider. "I will work with her, any time. It would just be a matter of responsibility to the fans and what we could give them that's deserving of their devotion."

Where can I rewatch Gilmore Girls?

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You can stream Gilmore Girls on Netflix now. That means you can rewatch the show from the comfort of your own home (or bed), which is perfect!

Who did Lorelai Gilmore end up with?

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After years of feeling torn between Rory's father Christopher and her best friend Luke, Lorelai ended Gilmore Girls in a relationship with Luke. But if you ask me, the most important relationship is the one between Lorelai and Rory, which is still going strong by the end of the series!

What happened to Emily Gilmore?

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While Emily Gilmore seems a little intimidating at the beginning of the series, she definitely has a heart of gold. When A Year In The Life opens, we learn her husband Richard has passed away, and Emily balances healing from her grief while also exploring the independence she's never had before.

Where can I buy Gilmore Girls gifts?

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Whether you're hunting for a white cable knit sweater like Rory's iconic pullover or you're headed to the bookstore to try her reading list for yourself, you can find Gilmore Girls gifts everywhere from the Hallmark store to Amazon.

Where is the Gilmore Girls cast now?

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The cast of Gilmore Girls has been busy since the show wrapped! You can see Chad Michael Murray and Scott Patterson on Sullivan's Crossing, while Lauren Graham recently published Have I Told You This Already? Alexis Bledel is in talks to star in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 3, while Milo Ventimiglia just got married! I love seeing this cast thrive.

Why is Gilmore Girls season 5 controversial?

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If there's one Gilmore Girls season that's gone down in infamy, it's Gilmore Girls season 5. There are a few (very controversial) reasons it strikes a cord with fans, including but not limited to, Rory dating a recently divorced Deanafter their affair in season 4, stealing a yacht with Logan, and deciding to drop out of Yale. This sounds like a quarter-life crisis if I've ever seen one.

Who is the father of Rory's baby?

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Gilmore Girlsleft us on a huge cliffhanger when Rory Gilmore revealed she was pregnant, and thanks to costume supervisor Valerie Campbell, we know that the father of Rory's baby is her college boyfriend Logan Huntzberger.

Where is Stars Hollow located in real life?

Featured image via Taryn Elliott/Pexels.

You can visit Stars Hollow IRL by taking a trip to Washington, Connecticut. The town made Amy Sherman-Palladino feel so at home that she used it as inspo for Gilmore Girls!

Does Lane Kim have a baby?

Image via Neil Jacobs/Netflix

Yes, Lane ends up having twins by the end of Gilmore Girls. Amy Sherman-Palladino actually revealed this was a plot point she didn't like from Gilmore Girls season 7. "I would’ve preferred that Lane not have kids, only because it would’ve given us more options," she tells TV Line. "The one thing you couldn’t do with Lane and Zack is have them be sh—tty parents. So them having kids sort of dictated them still living in Stars Hollow. It changed things ever so slightly. They’re still rock and rollers. They’re still the cool parents."

Did Paris Geller attend Harvard?

Image via Neil Jacobs/Netflix

No, Paris Geller did not get into Harvard, which is a plot point that still divides fans. After all, Paris was brilliant, why wouldn't she have gotten in?! Paris and Rory both went to Yale, and actually ended up rooming together.

What happened to Rory Gilmore?

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By the time we see Rory Gilmore in Gilmore Girls: A Year In The Life, she's become a freelance journalist who travels around the world for work. After some encouragement from Jess, Rory also ends up writing a book about her life with Lorelai, titled Gilmore Girls.

Who was Rory Gilmore's best boyfriend?

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This is the age-old question that will divide Gilmore Girls fans for the rest of time!! While everyone has a different answer (Logan! Jess! Dean! Actually..who picks Dean?), Matt Czuchry himself recently revealed that he thinks there's NO right answer. “I think [all three of Rory Gilmore's boyfriends have] strengths and weaknesses, like we all do,” he says on The Talk. “And I think that the fun of the show is that you’ve got these characters who are flawed and had these great pieces and everybody debates who’s best for Rory because they feel different about their strengths and weaknesses that might match up.”

What's your favorite season of Gilmore Girls? I'm a tried and true season 3 fan (because of Jess, of course), but I will always rewatch the pilot before I watch anything else. Follow us on Facebook for more pop culture news!

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