Planning sucks, and bachelorette parties are a ton of work. So we’re taking all the guesswork out of planning a bachelorette party by breaking down top bachelorette destinations. Our guides will tell you where to stay, eat, party, how to get around, and give you a sample itinerary that you can follow. You’re welcome. Read on for our bachelorette guide to Asheville.
If you haven’t heard, Asheville, NC, is the spot for all your beer, food, and outdoorsy needs. Having lived here for a solid five years, I can honestly say that Asheville is a place that offers something for everyone. It’s got history for mom and dad, it’s got an amazing food scene for your Instagram thirst trap friends, it’s got amazing beer and breweries for people who give a sh*t about that, and it has stunning scenery and mountain views f*cking everywhere.
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is about to become your new contender for bachelorette parties. Although those words may potentially ruin the city for those of us that live here, I’m fine sharing this slice of Appalachian heaven with some bride tribes and giving you our official bachelorette guide to Asheville.
How To Get There
Getting to Asheville is pretty easy whether you’re driving or flying—it just takes a little know-how. From Charlotte or Atlanta, Asheville is only two to three hours away if you drive like a sane person. Raleigh and Nashville are looking at about four-hour trips, and Richmond will take you about six hours. If that all is making your head spin, yes, you can also fly. The Asheville Regional Airport offers a few direct flights from Newark, LaGuardia, DC, and Philly for about $200-$300 roundtrip. There are several direct flights out of Chicago for around $400 roundtrip; non-stops from Dallas and Houston for around $300; and tons of flights from all over Florida for about $200.
Pro tip: If you’re having trouble finding a reasonable flight directly into Asheville, you can fly into the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, which is only about 45 minutes away from Asheville. You can also fly into Charlotte and make a friend pick you up, or you can take the shuttle.
Once you get to the airport in Asheville, you can grab an Uber or Lyft to bring you to your hotel or Airbnb. If you’re flying into Greenville, the airport shuttle will take you directly into Asheville for a decent price.
Where To Stay
Airbnb is going to be your best bet in Asheville since there are tons of bigger homes located around downtown (look for things in the Montford area) that can easily house four or more. If you don’t mind a bit of a drive, you can hunt for better options—there’s cabin-type sh*t and mountain views a little outside town in Black Mountain, which is east of Asheville and about 20 minutes from downtown; or in Arden, which is south of Asheville, closer to the airport, and also about 20 minutes from downtown.
If you’re determined to stay in downtown, though, there are TONS of brand new hotels. The AC Hotel by Marriott is smack in the middle of the action and has a stellar rooftop bar and restaurant. Hotel Indigo is on the edge of downtown and makes for an easy walk into the action, and Aloft is located near the southern side of the city where a lot of the breweries are.
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How To Get Around
Asheville has a few different areas, all of which are walkable in and of themselves. To get between said areas, though, you will need an Uber, Lyft, or (the least fun option) a DD. Downtown is completely walkable, and if you were feeling up to it, you could trek over to the River Arts District, as it’s only about a mile away, but I’d recommend a car. West Asheville, where you’ll be heavily judged just for being part of a bachelorette party, is less of a destination, so I wouldn’t recommend bar hopping or shopping much over there; just book a restaurant and GTFO. Biltmore Village is walkable and has some super cute shops, but if you’re going to the Biltmore House, you will need a car to drive around the estate.
Where To Eat
There’s no shortage of places to eat your weight in, well, anything. Between James Beard-nominated restaurants and breweries with really good food, I’d highly suggest starving yourself the whole week before you get to Asheville so you can stuff yourself once you get there. (Don’t actually do that.)
For a fancy or nice dinner, book a month out for Cúrate , Rhubarb, or Benne on Eagle. All three have been nominated for countless awards, received accolades from fancy culinary folks, and/or have been recognized by the foodie establishment for being f*cking delicious. Cúrate specializes in Spanish tapas, a great option for a bachelorette party looking to share literally everything and take a lot of really annoying pics. Get the sangria—you won’t be disappointed.
Rhubarb is your classic farm-to-table eatery, but they take it up a notch. Sit out on the patio where you can be serenaded by wandering musicians and buskers, which Asheville has a lot of.
Benne on Eagle is where African meets Appalachian and has some seriously decadent and delicious not-your-average Southern dishes. And while I say these three are for “fancy” dinner, honestly, you could wear old, stained denim shorts and a baseball hat to any restaurant in Asheville and no one would think twice. Thanks, hipsters!
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For a more casual atmosphere, you’re going to want to hit up Chai Pani. Indian street food may not sound like a great idea when you’re binge drinking, but, I promise you, this sh*t is amazing. Get the kale pakoras and okra fries for a life changing experience.
Another adorable spot is Noble’s The Greenhouse, where the bright pink interior is begging to be in all your Insta stories.
If you need to up your sugar intake, stop by the French Broad Chocolate Lounge. It’s right in the middle of downtown and is sort of a dessert mecca. There will be a line on Friday and Saturday nights, but once you get inside you can indulge in their cookies, cakes, mousses, or liquid truffles—all made with their own bean-to-bar chocolate. Bonus points if you get a wine float, where, like, you put ice cream in your rosé.
Brunch is a way of life in Asheville, so be sure you’re carving out time in your day for that sh*t. Tupelo Honey is, honestly, sort of a tourist trap, BUT for good reason. Get the Shoo Mercy pancakes and be ready to never eat again.
Sunny Point Cafe always has a two hour wait, but the West Asheville spot is incredible for when you’re hungover (which you will be).
Taco Billy, which specializes in breakfast tacos, is also an amazing breakfast eatery—plus it’s across the street from Hole Doughnuts, where you kind of need to go for freshly fried and slightly misshapen treats smothered in cinnamon sugar.
What To Do
As soon as you settle on Asheville for your bachelorette destination, go ahead and book your tickets for the Biltmore Estate. The Vanderbilts’ giant Versailles-in-America home is open year-round and you can tour, do wine tastings, take amazing Instas, and pet some cute f*cking animals. Yes, you read that right. There are goats and chickens and sheep and a few giant Clydesdale horses and they all just want LOVE and are conveniently located down the path from the winery. It’s like a white girl triathlon.
After you drink and cry over cuddly wuddly animal friends, I’d suggest a visit to the largest brewery in Asheville: Sierra Nevada. Even if you aren’t a huge beer fan, this Denver-based beer’s operation offers tours, seriously amazing food, a giant outdoor area with fire pits, a stage, games, gardens, and lots of places to just sit, drink, and relax. It’s located in South Asheville, and it’s definitely a must-add destination to the to-do list.
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Something wild is joining the party next month. Are you curious? #MardiGras
If you’re fancy, book some spa treatments (and say goodbye to your paycheck) at the The Grove Park Inn. The entire spa is cave-like, pools open up to mountain views, mimosas are free, and, if you’re a hotel guest, you can stay all day. Just be sure to double-check daily availability, as hotel guests are always given first dibs. If you can’t or won’t afford a $200 pedi, stop by the inn at sunset for drinks on the sunset terrace instead. Then take pics and annoy everyone.
Lastly, if it’s warm and you like the outdoors, Asheville has tons of hiking trails and water adventures on the French Broad River, which runs right through town. There are several tubing companies, so you can pack a floating cooler with booze and meander down the waterway.
Where To Drink
Unlike Nashville, Miami, or NYC, Asheville isn’t a party-till-sunrise location, which works in our favor for those of us that like to be in bed before 2am. There are not a lot of places open past, like, midnight, so think more daytime drinking and late-night tapas and less rage-all-night clubs. So if going to bed before the sun comes up is your jam, you’ll f*cking love it here.
The good news? Asheville has more breweries per capita than any other city in the U.S. Yeah, think about that for a minute. There are a few bigger breweries that require more than a quick stop, plus tons of smaller breweries where you can jump in, grab a beer, and be on your way. We already talked about Sierra Nevada, which is located sort of out of town (actually super close to the Asheville Airport—about 20 minutes from downtown). New Belgium Brewing also has a huge spot in Asheville. It sits right between downtown and West Asheville, making it an easy day stop. There’s always a food truck, lots of beer flight options, and dogs to pet (v important).
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If you’re downtown, which you will be, there are a few must-stop breweries. Burial Beer Co. is run by really mean hipsters who make really great dark beers—so if you’re into coffee stouts, porters, and playing “whose beard is best”, this is the place to go. Wicked Weed is one of the OG breweries in town and is a stop that offers beer for everyone’s needs. They also operate the Funkatorium, which makes tons of sour beers. That sounds gross, but they’re really good and get you pretty f*cked up. Yay! One World Brewing is also in downtown, located in a not-sketchy alleyway. The bar is in a basement with lots of games, so you can collectively embarrass yourselves.
If you get tired of beer, there’s a wine bar in the River Arts District—just outside downtown—called Bottle Riot. You can also stop by the plēb urban winery which opened fairly recently in downtown.
Friday, Day 1
- Land at the Asheville Airport and take in the mountain views. Ah, nature. Grab an Uber and head to your Airbnb.
- Arrive at the hotel/Airbnb and unpack before heading out for drinks and an app (see: margaritas) at En La Calle
- Dinner at Cúrate, where you share all the tapas and drink far too much sangria. Try to speak Spanish with a Catalonian accent and definitely offend the chef.
- Time to make downtown your bitch! Stop by Burial , Wicked Weed, and One World Brewing before stumbling to French Broad Chocolate for late night chocolate cake, mousse, and wine.
- Uber back to the Airbnb. “Now I lay me down to sleep; I pray the Lord my liver to keep.”
Saturday, Day 2
- Bonjour, Asheville.
- Brunch at Tupelo Honey. Eat your weight in pancakes, biscuits, and drown it all with their house-made Bloody Mary.
- Grab an Uber and try to make your 1pm house entry time at the Biltmore. Hit the estate winery on your way out for a free tasting, then pet all the animals you can find.
- Head back to the hotel/Airbnb to get ready for pre-dinner wine at Bottle Riot before walking next door for dinner at Bull & Beggar in the River Arts District.
- Walk or Uber over the bridge to New Belgium for after-dinner beer.
- If you need more, Uber to The Double Crown in West Asheville—a locals bar with beer in cans and mixed drinks that are 95% alcohol. This is where you die of alcohol poisoning in a fun way.
- Somehow get back to your bed, control the spins, pass out.
Sunday, Day 3
- A very quiet brunch at Taco Billy, with doughnuts afterward at Hole. You try desperately not to throw up on the bride-to-be while cursing this f*cking mountain town.
- Head back to the hotel/Airbnb to pack and trek to the airport. Swear off beer forever.
- Dry heave into a paper bag on the plane and try not to make eye contact with anyone.
Images: @lovenoricreations / Unsplash; achotelasheville, curatetapasbar, chaipani, frenchbroadchocolate, biltmoreestate, omnigrovepark, newbelgium_avl; Instagram
Planning sucks, and bachelorette parties are a ton of work. So we’re taking all the guesswork out of planning a bachelorette party by breaking down top bachelorette destinations. Our guides will tell you where to stay, eat, party, how to get around, and give you a sample itinerary that you can follow. You’re welcome.
Marijuana is legal in Colorado—do you need any other reason to bach here? Real talk, though: Denver is the best. There aren’t many cities that have awesome food, music, hotels, and nightlife, plus crazy nature views and fitness opps galore. Plus, did we mention you can do all these things toked up? Forget Disneyland, Denver is the happiest place on Earth. Which means it’s a no-brainer for your bachelorette party. Another reason we like it? Consuming all the cheeseburgers is encouraged. Seriously. Louis Ballast introduced the first cheeseburger to Denver/the world in 1935, and for that reason we love him. Oh, and it’s affordable. Always a bonus with bridal parties looking to stretch their dollar (and maybe their waistline) during a rager weekend. Consider this your ultimate bachelorette guide to Mile-High City.
How To Get There
If you live on the West Coast or in the Midwest, Colorado is pretty easy to get to and from. Flights from Los Angeles clock in around 2 hours 20 minutes and closer to 2 hours from most of Texas, while you’re looking at 4.5 hours if you’re coming from NYC. All in all, not that bad compared to say, a 10+ hour excursion to some random island. And since Denver is a major metropolis, there are tons of flights daily, with Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, Frontier, United, and American leading the list of airline options. As for the best times to go, November is usually the cheapest, and high season runs from January to March, but the Coachella of the Rockies, Grandoozy, happens in September. Airfare can be found for as little as $56 to as high as $200/$300 (depending on the time and where you’re flying from).
How To Get Around
Considering Denver is like, one of the healthiest cities in America, people are active AF here. Which means they’re usually running, cycling, or walking to wherever they’re trying to get. And if that’s your jam, by all means, jump on a tandem bike to get your ass to the bar. Should you find yourself three sheets to the wind, however, and in no shape for pedaling—or really even using your feet—Uber to the rescue. There’s also Denver Party Ride (a limo-like valid option) and Regional Transportation District (RTD), also known as the bus, but let’s be real, you’ll probably call an Uber.
Where To Stay
The Ramble: Say hello to our favorite hotel in Mile-High City. This 50-room boutique hotel in the River North Arts District (RiNo) is prime turf for bachelorette shenanigans, considering it’s surrounded by Insta-worthy street art for impromptu photo shoots, tons of restaurants and bars, which are crucial when you’re hangry, hungover, or all of the above, as well as 15 craft breweries, cideries, wineries, and distilleries. Soooo you’ll never get thirsty around here.
You don’t have to worry about losing your buzz inside The Ramble either, since the chic AF lobby bar is where you’ll start your day (order the loaded Bloody Mary) and downstairs at Death & Co is where you’ll end your night. The hotel serves as a second outpost to the famous NYC craft cocktail den, where chances are you’ve blacked out visited once or twice. Super Mega Bien is also a good time, with a menu full of Latin-American Dim Sum snacks, family-style shared plates, and some delish house-made tonics that are obviously served with gin.
As for the rooms, they’re what you wish yours at home could look like—if you had money. Decked out in jewel tones, antique Persian rugs, and quirky paintings, they’re ideal for sleeping in, thanks to high thread-count sheets. Throw in a claw-foot tub and Death & Co curated mini bar and good luck giving back your room keys when it’s time to check out. They even offer girls trip-approved Bunkhouse rooms and a Pied-à-Terre loft with a stocked kitchen and bar for entertaining. Rates start at $169 per night.
The Ritz-Carlton, Denver: Before saying “I do,” check into The Ritz and live your best *still* single life with their Girlfriend Getaway Package. Your Deluxe Club Level Suite digs come with plush featherbeds, oversized tubs, two bottles of champagne, and a personalized chocolate tasting that will make you feel bougie as hell. And when that bubbly runs dry, there’s more in the Club Level Lounge, along with complimentary snack spreads five times a day, free WiFi, and a dedicated concierge who will act as your BFF to make reservations, point you in the right direction when you can’t remember where your room is, and deliver the sunglasses and Advil. Ok maybe not the last one, but then again it’s The Ritz, and they’re about that kind of service. Bach groups also get a special discount at The Spa, so set aside time to be pampered, massaged, polished, and primped because you deserve it. Rates start at $279 per night.
The Jacquard Hotel & Rooftop: This luxury Autograph Collection hotel is #bachelorettegoals, thanks to a killer rooftop bar and pool and 201 rooms and suites with Rocky Mountain views and swanky vibes. Some even have have Peloton Bikes because again, Denver is super into fitness. Downstairs you’ll find Narrative that’s literally the best for brunch, happy hour, nightcaps—you name it—and a wine library with over 750 bottles to brag about. Rates start at $157 a night.
JW Marriott Denver Cherry Creek: The first hotel to ever open in Cherry Creek got a fresh facelift, and now it boasts fancy suites, five-piece marble bathrooms, custom duvets (that you should watch out for when you’re schwasted), and a bunch of athletic amenities. On top of their 24-hour gym, there’s complimentary rooftop yoga, so if at any point you’re sober (or at least semi-oriented enough for a downward dog), swing on by. They also offer a Retail Therapy Package with @CherryCreekNorth shopping credits usable at the 16 blocks worth of nearby stores, so that’s reason enough for us to stay. Rates start at $207 per night.
Where To Eat
Uchi Denver: If you’ve ever been to Uchi in Austin or Houston (or even if you haven’t), make it a mandatory point to go to their Denver outpost. It’s sushi HEAVEN and you can thank us later. Located down the street from The Ramble in RiNo, the dining room is straight-up sexy, as are the rolls. GNO dinner is done right here, but only if you order our faves: Pork Rib Karaage, Softshell Crab Makimono, and Snow Crab Sunomono, plus all the sake, duh.
Tavernetta: You haven’t seen girls truly gone wild until you let your tipsy crew loose over plates of pasta at Tavernetta. Francobolli “Postage Stamp” Ravioli, Tagliatelle with Lobster, spritzes on the patio…we would literally move in and live here if we could. Word to the wise: save this stop for the last supper and maybe hit a cannabis tour beforehand. It’s that good.
Woodie Fisher Kitchen & Bar: If you happen to be bar crawling in Union Station and need a rustic little spot to recharge the batteries and order more shots, Woodie Fisher it is. Not only is the historic Hose House No. 1 famous (it was the first fire station in Denver), but their epic grilled cheese will bring you to tears—in a good way. The chicken shawarma wraps with dill yogurt are also pretty major, so be prepared to stash a couple in your purse for later.
Hearth & Dram: Any resto/bar that looks like a refurbished apothecary with over 300 whiskeys on tap is our kind of jam. Happy hour is always a good time, as is brunch, with $15 bottomless mimosas on Saturday and Sunday to pair with Bourbon Bacon Cinnamon Rolls and Green Eggs and Ham Benedict.
Safta: Alon Shaya’s modern Israeli gem Safta is what family dinner (or brunch) dreams are made of. Toast the bride-to-be over bowls of baba ganoush, tabouleh, cauliflower hummus, and charred cabbage with muhammara, scooped up with as much wood-fired pita as you can stomach, because you’re on vacation, damn it.
Señor Bear: The heart wants what the heart wants, and most of the time that’s tacos, empanadas, and extra queso fundido to go with those 20 margs you just ordered. The Bear (in LoHi) is happy to oblige. They also have a chill little patio that’s ideal for drunk girls private parties.
Mercantile Dining and Provision: Go for breakfast or lunch, then hit the the market at Mercantile to stock up on fruit spreads, pastries, cheese, and charcuterie, for when the midnight munchies strike.
El Five: This place was made for #SundayFunday, downing bottles of rosé on the penthouse balcony, wondering if you’re making the right decisions re: marriage, life, your current outfit. The “Edible Beats Joint” in LoHi is allll the way up and has the best views of the Denver skyline, so it’s understandable if you miss your flight for one more round.
Where To Party
Two words: pints and pot. Denver is the land of craft beers and a whole lotta cannabis, so most daytime (and nighttime) activities center around these pastimes.
First Draft: Get a taste of Denver’s finest (local beers) at this Taproom & Kitchen that also has wine, cider, kombucha, coffee, and cocktails on hand if you can’t with the hops. P.S., they give out electronic wristbands to measure how much you self pour—in case you’re someone who actually cares.
Cannabis and Candy Factory Tour: Get lit, get the munchies, and get your sweet tooth fix. Visit Green Dragon, one of Colorado’s best marijuana dispensaries, then take a candy-making class if your motor skills are still functioning.
Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre: You’ve never been to a concert like one at Red Rocks. Located just 10 miles outside downtown Denver, it’s a must-visit when in the area for concerts, movies and tailgating at Ship Rock Grille amidst massive boulders. It’s also within close proximity to the Coors Brewery for a tour and tasting.
The Infinite Monkey Theorem: Need a break from beer? Head here. If an urban winery operated out of the back alleys of Denver and Austin doesn’t say “best time ever” we don’t know what does. One of the mainstays in RiNo, the winery’s taproom has it all: music, food from Denver’s top food trucks, and slushy machines (weather permitting). It’s also spacious AF, therefore ideal for all 20 of your closest friends.
The Horseshoe Lounge: At some point during every bachelorette party, you just need a dive bar that serves tots and pizza where you can end the night—or get your 12th wind. Say hello to the Horseshoe. Did we mention there is pool and Arcade games?
Friday, Day 1
Pro Tip: Get your culture fix out of the way on day one. Or better yet, fly in Thursday for that so you don’t waste a Friday, when you could be getting high by the pool.
- Check in and drop your bags, rip a shot (or two with the bride), and prepare to make moves.
- Lunch at Mercantile or Safta.
- If you do want to see something besides the bottom of your glass on this trip, now’s a good time to swing by the Denver Botanic Gardens, Zoo, Aquarium, or catch a baseball game at Coors Field for a sports-meets-booze day of fun.
- At this point, the best idea is to squeeze in your cannabis tour, or walk into a dispensary, then go back to the hotel for a nap.
- Get up and get ready.
- Dinner at Super Mega Bien.
- Work the rooftop circuit at 54Thirty, FIRE Terrace at the ART, The Woods at The Source Hotel, or Death & Co’s The Garden, and Elevated at Halcyon.
Saturday, Day 2
Pro Tip: Drink a looooot of water. Altitude sickness is no joke when you’re drinking and smoking your face off. Hydrate that face, STAT.
- If your squad is a bunch of fitness freaks, work out in your hotel gym, go for a bike ride, hike, or meditate somewhere. For the rest of you who are vibrating on that hungover level, grab the Excedrin and nearest nip from the mini bar, then cure your pounding headache with breakfast at Hearth & Dram, Four Friends Kitchen, Denver Biscuit Co. or 24-hour diner The Breakfast King.
- If you’re visiting when it’s warm, pack your bride tribe suit and set up camp at Four Seasons Hotel Denver or Halcyon, for their rooftop pool scene.
- When you need to dry off (code for: refill your drink and get a bite), try Señor Bear for Pan-Latin bites, Pisco, and margs.
- No bach trip is complete without a little drunk shopping or the spa, so head to Cherry Creek to buy things you realllly need, followed by The Oxford Club, Spa & Salon for CBD massages.
- Go back to bach HQ, get ready, and go to dinner at Tavernetta.
- For a BIG bach mood, there’s Howl at the Moon, for a strip club mood there’s Shotgun Willie’s, and for a dive mood there’s The Horseshoe Lounge.
Sunday, Day 3
Pro Tip: At this point you’ve probably blown through your dispensary stash, so visit one more before you trek back home. Plane rides are better on edibles anyway.
- Sunday Funday at El Five with your crew then get your ass home if you have any chance of making it to work on Monday morning. Until next time, Denver!
Images: Owen Lystrup / Unsplash
Planning sucks, and bachelorette parties are a ton of work. So we’re taking all the guesswork out of planning a bachelorette party by breaking down top bachelorette destinations. Our guides will tell you where to stay, eat, party, how to get around, and give you a sample itinerary that you can follow. You’re welcome.
Philly is one of those places that if you’re bach’ing there, you’re probably from there. Or somewhere in Pennsylvania. Or like, a neighboring state. I don’t care how much you love cheesesteaks and Wawa, you’re probably not trekking to Illy if you live on the west coast. Unless you’re that kind of ride or die betch for the bride. But if you happen to reside in between the South and East Coast, it’s actually a totally decent option for a bachelorette. For starters, it’s cheap. It’s easy to get to. It’s historic af—it’s the birthplace of the Liberty Bell and the Declaration of Independence, ever heard of it?—and there are loads of restaurants, hotels, bars, and activities that cater to tipsy girls looking to have a good time. So, if you are your crew are the opposite of high-maintenance, Philly might be the ideal last fling before the ring. Here’s where to eat, drink, sleep, and party, when you’re in The City of Brotherly Love Sisterly Affection.
How To Get There
Given that Philly is a major metropolis (and the 2nd largest city on the East Coast), there are plenty of ways to get there. Which is great, when you want to spend less time on a plane and more time ripping shots. You *could* drive if you have a car and don’t mind being hungover as hell on the trip home. Or, you could go the smarter route, pack a cooler full of road sodas and train it to 3oth Street Station. Amtrak is hassle-free, provides free WiFi, snacks (and more drinks) in the bar car, and is definitely higher on the list of civilized transportation options to these parts. There’s also the wallet-friendly bus (Greyhound, Megabus, or Boltbus), NJtransit, and this commuter rail called SEPTA, but we would strongly advise not stepping foot on that if you want to maintain an ounce of dignity. Should you need to fly, all the legit airlines serve the Philadelphia International Airport and then it’s around a $30 cab ride to Center City. From NYC to Philly, you’re looking at an hour and a half on Amtrak (or an hour on an Acela train), five hours from Boston, and two hours from Washington, D.C.
How To Get Around
Uber and Lyft are your friends in Philly. That, and your feet—as long as your heels aren’t too high and you’re not attempting to stumble back to your hotel room schwasted. During the day this walking city is easy to navigate, and if you plan your itinerary right, you can stick around the main hoods like Old City, Rittenhouse Square, Center City, Midtown Village, and Society Hill, without having to traipse all over and lose your buzz.
Where To Stay
The Logan Philadelphia: With thousands of Airbnbs in Philly and hundreds of hotels (from budget to luxe), finding somewhere to sleep is no problem. Our fave for bachelorette shenanigans is The Logan. It’s huge (and used to be the Four Seasons), but it’s also reasonably priced, offers group rates and packages, has a bougie spa, multiple bars, a trendy farm-to-table restaurant, and one of the best rooftop lounges in the city. Oh and the suites are crazy spacious, so you can pack your squad into the same quarters without an issue.
With 391 recently renovated rooms and suites starting at $142 a night, you can a) divvy that up into a pretty cheap per person amount and b) stay an extra night with the money you’re saving. Helloooo, thirsty Thursday! Or Sunday Funday, at 50% off Sunday nights with their 3-Day Weekend Package. The 2,500-square-feet Presidential Suite also has a grand piano, dining area for six, and a private balcony overlooking the Benjamin Franklin Parkway’s Swann Fountain. Onsite restaurant Urban Farmer is bomb for brunch, lunch, or dinner.
No girls trip would be complete without a little pampering action of course, so get your hungover ass downstairs to The Underground Spa for manis, pedis, CBD massages, Hydrafacials, and yoga classes in the courtyard—if you’re that sober ambitious. Did we mention there’s a saltwater pool for swimsuit coordinated bride tribe photoshoots, and they allow pets? Ya know, in case your four-legged BFF wants to tag along.
Where To Eat
Philly is one of those cities where you’ll never go hungry, and that’s a big positive when you’re three sheets to the wind from day drinking. No matter what borough you’re in, there’s a plethora of quality dining options to partake in.
Double Knot: Chef Michael Schulson basically runs Philly with not one, but NINE insanely good restaurants. No doubt you’ll hit a few of his restaurants throughout the weekend, like Italian gem Osteria on North Broad and Harp & Crown, with vintage vibes and global cuisine in Center City. Then there’s Sampan and Mission Taqueria, but do not sleep on Double Knot. This underground izakaya takes their sushi, robatayaki, and craft libations so seriously, you’ll consider blowing off the after-party and holding court at your table all night instead. No judgment if you do, but you will be judged (HARD) if you don’t order the Double Knot roll, crab udon, edamame dumplings with sake and truffle, and skewered meats galore.
Parc: You don’t come to Philly and not hit Parc. It’s an institution for brunch and where the party should kick off come Saturday morning, when you need mimosas STAT. The quintessential French bistro by restauranteur Stephen Starr, who has a casual 18 spots in Philly, is huge, so if you’ve got a huge party you’re in luck. There’s the most over-the-top French onion soup you’ll obviously break whatever BS diet you’re on for, towering plateaus of fruits de mer, and plenty of baked goods filling the très chic space with the intoxicating scent of butter. If you can’t swing Paris for the bachelorette, you could technically take a pic here and no one would know the difference.
Talula’s Garden: This Philly mainstay on Washington Square Park is straight-up dreamy. It’s one big botanical garden with potted plants and living green walls everywhere, so when you want to get that social content whilst devouring farm fresh deviled eggs, French toast bites with pear-vanilla butter, and artisan cheese boards, this is where to come. Since they only do brunch on Sunday, save the best for last. Or, swing by for dinner on Friday or Saturday because that’s also GNO GOALS.
Suraya: Middle Eastern hot spot Suraya in Fishtown used to be a chill breakfast and lunch haunt, but now that they’ve upped their game to include next-level dinner and feature a market, gorg garden, and happy hour, it definitely deserves a lil love on this list. Lebanese menu highlights include the usual suspects (hot and cold mezzes, kebabs, sumac fries, and whole grilled fish), but the real draw is their Arak-based cocktails, which is an anise-flavored aperitif called “The Milk of Lions.” The bride-to-be definitely needs a few of those.
Vedge: Even if your sister circle isn’t vegan, or vegetarian—or y’all are a bunch of hardcore carnivores—you’re going to be into Vedge, where it’s cool to get dirty. As in, ordering off the “Dirt List”, their menu of single vegetables that will blow your mind, like zucchini with pesto trapanese and shaved almond, or a smoked potato crepe with buckwheat, turnip béchamel, and horseradish. TRUST us on this one, Vedge is where it’s at, and the best part is you can order everything on the menu, because you won’t feel like a gluttonous cow when you’re just eating veggies.
Where To Party
Although one would assume Philly doesn’t bring it in the club department the way Vegas, Miami and New York do, one would actually be wrong. Philly is doing their best with swanky renovations and splashy additions to the nightlife scene. Aside from the tried-and-true go-tos (restaurant-slash-dance-party L’Etage, Philadelphia’s backyard beer garden Morgan’s Pier, half-diner, half-disco Silk City, and always a good time gay bar Woody’s), here are a few more spots where you should go.
Noto: The closest thing to a Vegas nightclub you’ll find in Philly. Opt for the full VIP bottle service experience because you’re getting marrrrrrrrried and money doesn’t matter! The music here varies (from hip hop to EDM), but one thing will remain a constant: how hard you try to get onstage to get your song played. Good luck with that.
Voyeur: A Gayborhood classic. When you want an after-hours club with beats, blinding disco balls, and three levels to drink and dance your face off, Voyeur is a solid choice and they regularly feature well-known DJs and have a VIP area.
Assembly Rooftop Lounge: The rooftop at The Logan is the prime place to kick off the night with dranks on dranks on dranks by the fire pit. The views are sick, the vibe is lit, and the photo content will be 100%, so make it a must-hit spot before dinner at some point over the weekend.
Yakatori Boy and Fuji Mountain: For the karaoke fans (and inebriated girls looking to belt out “Single Ladies”) there’s Yakatori Boy and Fuji Mountain. The former is a low-key Japanese pub, while the latter is more upscale with elevated sushi and sashimi. Both bring the after-hours karaoke MOOD, though, with packed, energy-filled rooms that will make you feel like Lady Gaga taking the stage… after about five sake bombs. Pro tip: Make reservations way before your trip, since they can tend to book up months in advance.
Friday, Day 1
Pro Tip: If you want to really take advantage of the weekend, get into town on Thursday night. Otherwise, wake up at the crack of dawn and board whatever plane, train, bus, or car you’re taking to Philly.
- First stop: the hotel to drop your bags, pop open the nearest bottle of bubbly, and claim beds.
- Maybe hang your dress for later so it’s not a crumpled mess (just sayin’), then go to lunch at Urban Farmer in the hotel.
- Next up: Grafitti Bar for a few. Another Schuslon Collective joint, this tiny year-round outdoor alley gem is tucked behind Sampan and fun AF for daily Happy Hour. Take over one of their communal tables, then it’s shots o’clock.
- Now that you’re nice and liquored up, you may need a change of scenery, so hop on a quirky Philly tour. GetYourGuide boasts the best in the city, like a Vampires, Brothels, and Ghosts Walking Tour, Flavors of Philly Food Tour, and Sip of Philly Brew Tour (because let’s be honest…you’re probably already thirsty again).
- Another Betches-approved bach option is a Wax + Wine party in Center City where yes, you drink wine and make candles. Name a better combo… we’ll wait.
- After this you’re going to need a power nap, so head back to the hotel and catch a few ZZZZs before waking up to room service refilling your mini bar.
- If you can’t even with trying to do your own hair or makeup at this point, download ManeStreem, which is like Glamsquad for Philly.
- Then it’s time for dinner. Head to Double Knot, followed by bar hopping on 13th street and maybe a nightcap at dive bar Dirty Franks. They sell dog treats out of a gumball machine to feed the local pups, and it’s literally heaven on earth, especially at 2am
Saturday, Day 2
Pro Tip: If you want to save spa day for Sunday after brunch, swap in wine tasting at Pinot Boutique or The Wine School in the afternoon, or book a booze cruise on the Spirit of Philadelphia, Patriot Harbor Lines, or The Ben Franklin Yacht.
- When you wake up, hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
- Make your way to brunch at Parc.
- Make it a spa afternoon at The Logan, or channel your inner fancy Betches at The Rittenhouse Spa & Club, followed by afternoon tea at the Mary Cassatt Tea Room.
- For dinner, try Vetri Cucina, Suraya, or Vedge, before rolling deep into one of the clubs we suggested, or killing it at karaoke. Or, all of the above because that’s how hard you’re going on Saturday night in Philly.
- Try and find late-night pizza before passing out.
Sunday, Day 3
Pro Tip: Since Philly is most likely a short trip home (wherever that is), you should hold your bags at the front desk, make the most of Sunday Funday and either book a 50% off 3rd night at The Logan, or at least rage all day, then take the last train home. YOLO
- Do the most lazy girl packing job ever (if you’re going home), then get ready for brunch at Talula’s Garden.
- Spend the rest of your Sunday day drinking at Morgan’s Pier, cute Brit pub The Dandelion, or at The Continental’s rooftop bar (either in Old City or Mid-Town).
- Prepare to head home—or head back to your hotel room and head home the next day. Either way, this bachelorette is donezoooo.
Images: Jacob Culp / Unsplash
Planning sucks, and bachelorette parties are a ton of work. So we’re taking all the guesswork out of planning a bachelorette party by breaking down top bachelorette destinations. Our guides will tell you where to stay, eat, party, how to get around, and give you a sample itinerary that you can follow. You’re welcome.
If you only know Nashville because of country music and hot chicken, get your sh*t together. This magical land of southern hospitality, hipsters, amazing music (of all kinds), and a lot of really f*cking good food is going to be your new fav Bachelorette party destination. Yes, there are a LOT of bachelorette parties in this Tennessee city already, but like, it’s for a reason. Between rows upon rows of bars and clubs and some of the best hungover brunches ever, Nashville has a ton to offer for your bride tribe.
How To Get There
Nashville is an easy drive from places places like Charlotte, Atlanta, Memphis, and other Southeast spots. Everyone else, hop a plane and set your sights on Nashville International Airport. Since it’s a decent-sized hub, roundtrip non-stop flights from major airports in and around NYC start at around $300, and flights from Chicago elsewhere in the Midwest are priced about the same. Dallas and deep South travelers are looking at around $250, and West coast people can snag a flight for about the same.
Once you get to the airport in Nashville, you can grab an Uber as easily as other airports in major cities to bring you to the center of Nashville, where I assume you’ve booked somewhere to stay. Speaking of…
Where To Stay
Like Atlanta, where you end up staying in Nashville is based on the kind of bachelorette party you want to have. Are you a non-stop partier? Do you want an authentic country music experience? Are you really just interested in food? Or do you want to party with a bunch of Vanderbilt kids? The choice is yours.
Downtown is the first, best, and most obvious spot you may want to look into. From downtown, you’ll have the easiest access to sh*t like Lower Broadway where all the bars and honky-tonks are. You also won’t have to Uber f*cking everywhere since it’s super walkable (unless like, you wore those sky-high heels that you KNOW kill your feet but your butt just looks so good in them). From downtown, too, it’s an easy ride to other neighborhoods that you may want to explore during the day. A few hotels like the The Westin Nashville (has a GREAT rooftop bar) and Bobby Hotel are great options just based on location. Plus, they’re hella stylish and will make for great Instas.
If you can’t get a hotel right in the downtown area (esp if it’s like, bachelorette party season), look for anything in the neighborhood called The Gulch. It’s super close to downtown and has a few noteworthy hotels like The Thompson.
There are also, of course, lots of Airbnbs, so pick whichever better suits your party’s needs.
How To Get Around
If you’re staying downtown, you’ll have great access to walkable spots, but if you’re looking to explore some other neighborhoods, you’ll probably have to Uber a few times. Luckily, Uber is super cheap in Nashville compared to somewhere like NYC, so yay for that.There’s also a pubcycle, so you can travel around the heart of the city in a way that makes every local hate you while you drink and shout at strangers! Just saying, it’s a great option when you’re already blackout (or planning to be).
Where To Eat
There are a few things you must eat while in Nashville and they include hot chicken, meat and three (which is an old Southern-style meal consisting of a meat and three sides), and a brunch that includes biscuits and/or grits to soak up all the alcohol from last night’s honky-tonk bullsh*t.
With these must-eat things in mind, you’ll want to hit a few restaurants for sure. First up, Prince’s, one of the most popular spots for hot chicken and the originator of the bird. When they say it’s hot, they mean it’s f*cking hot. Literally, the entire premise of Nashville hot chicken is built around the semi-urban legend that a woman was so pissed at her dude for cheating on her that she made his fried chicken insanely spicy. The plan backfired, cause that two-timing asshole enjoyed it. Allegedly, the recipient (and two-timer) was Thorton Prince, whose family still owns the joint. Anyway, if you can’t get a table at Prince’s (it’s literally always mobbed and has a line out the door most days and it’s a bit outside town), Hattie B’s, Bolton’s Spicy Chicken and Fish, and Party Fowl are all solid hot chickenoptions.
Barbecue and a meat and three (remember, three sides) are also must-haves and, may I say, do rather nicely when you’re chugging booze all day. Make sure your stops include a pop in at either Martin’s Bar-B-Que (it has an amaze outdoor beer garden and is literally right in downtown) or Edley’s Bar-B-Que which has locations in East Nashville, Sylvan Park, or south of downtown. In Nashville, the name of the game is whole hog barbecue, so don’t f*ck up and order something like smoked chicken. It’s good, but that’s an amateur move in Nashville. If BBQ isn’t your thing (weird but okay), skip that and head to what I feel is the best cafeteria-style meat and three place in town: Arnold’s Country Kitchen. Get the Mac and Cheese and the banana pudding, you can thank me later.
If hot chicken isn’t your thing and small plates, cocktails, and fancier sh*t is (I mean, on every bachelorette itinerary there’s a “nice” dinner night), Black Rabbit in the Printer’s Alley neighborhood in downtown is hella cool (and has amazing dishes ranging from rabbit rolls to the cutest, tiniest grilled quail), as is The Green Pheasant, which offers upscale modern Japanese dishes and sake so you can appreciate the drink you abused in college.
For brunch, you absolutely do not need to stand in line for two or three hours at Biscuit Love. Yah, it’s really good, but it’s biscuits fam—you can find a lot of them in this city and, like, in the south in general. Instead, head to Woolworth on 5th for a few really well executed brunch classics in a darling historic space, Pinewood Social for brunch, bowling, and a lot of breakfast cocktails (omg yayy), or The Southern for a blood orange mimosa (YAAAS) and an S.O.S. breakfast.
What To Do
There’s a lot of sh*t to do in Nashville and, depending how you want to spend the day, you can enrich yourself with culture or enrich yourself with alcohol and music! Really, the limit does not exist. Obviously, you can book one of the many, MANY drinking tours or pubcycles circling town, but I’d recommend doing that sh*t toward the afternoon since it tends to get hot and sitting on a moving, drinking tour bus sounds better than wandering the streets of Nashville in the heat.
First, you’ll want to stop by the Country Music Hall of Fame. It’s like, kind of touristy, but it’s pretty cool and you don’t even have to like country music to enjoy it. I mean, Elvis’ solid gold Cadillac is in there, and if that doesn’t make you feel bougie, IDK what will. I’d recommend doing this early in the day so that you have time for drinking and eating later.
If you’re cool with heading out of the city for a day, def check out Arrington Vineyards. It’s about 35 minutes outside Nashville and is owned by Kix Brooks of Brooks and Dunn. I’ll fully admit, I don’t know these people’s music, but I’m sure he’s yee-haw-tastic.
You’ll also definitely want to make time to pop in at Pinewood Social. We mentioned it for brunch, but this spot also has wading pools outside, the aforementioned bowling alley (reserve that sh*t WEEKS in advance, tho), and food at all hours.
You’ll also want to take a break from day-drinking at some point to shop. Nashville has a ton of cute boutiques, some of which are owned by celebs (omg, yay). Stop in at Draper James, Reese Witherspoon’s store in the 12 South area, or Uncommon James, Kristin Cavallari’s store in The Gulch. MODA Boutique in 12 South is also super cute, but really, any of the stores you stumble into are going to be hella adorable when you’re drunk (which you will be).
Where To Party
Ohhhhh boy. I mean, it’s the reason you came to Nashville, right? There are bars on bars on clubs on clubs in this city, so you need to pick the best ones and pace yourselves or else, before you know it, you’re passed out on a mechanical bull and a budding songstress is using you as a muse for her next single.
As a note, honky-tonks don’t have a cover charge, so you can hop from one to the other without feeling like you just wasted all your drinking money. Plus, it makes for less cash to carry around. The best thing about Nashville’s Lower Broadway area is that you can kind of wander into any honky-tonk and have a great time. They all have live music, cheap beer, and a spot to dance/stare at other people’s cowboy boots.
Most, if not all, bachelorette parties spend a ton of time on Lower Broadway—the go-to spot with lots of neon, shouting cowboys, and other bridal parties. There are a few that you absolutely must visit, though. Acme Feed & Seed is a classic stop you’re going to need to hit for great music, comfy chairs (great for when the room is spinning) and multiple floors of debauchery. Full disclosure: I was nearing blackout stage when we stopped here, but I remember it was like, super fun.
After that, Tootsies is a fav because a) the purple building is chill and easy to find when you’re stumbling around and b) it has a weird, fun vibe perfect for dancing and getting a lil sloppy. Robert’s Western World also needs to be on your list. It’s one of the only honky-tonks in downtown on Lower Broadway that locals will actually give the time of day, which tells you that the drinks, music, and flashing lights are not to be missed. Pro tip: if you’re drunk, eat one of the fried bologna sandwiches. They’re f*cking amazing.
While it’s still light out, you may also want to hit up some of the rooftop bars. There’s one at the Bobby Hotel that has some pretty legit tacos (seriously) and then there’s Rare Bird, part of the Noelle Hotel, which serves up some absolutely delicious cocktails while you look out over the small people below.
Friday, Day 1
- Land at Nashville International Airport
- Arrive at the hotel/Airbnb and unpack, chill for a few minutes, then head to Hattie B’s so you can grab a literal bite of hot chicken and cold beer. You won’t be able to eat enough to ruin your dinner, so it’s fine.
- Dinner (literally just order all the apps) and drinks at Merchant’s
- Walk across the street to Tootsies and then down the block a bit to Tequila Cowboy for the rest of the night
- Sleep in preparation for tomorrow.
Saturday, Day 2
- Well, howdy, bitches!
- Brunch at The Southern. Get a pitcher of the blood orange mimosas and start your day buzz, sweetie.
- Walk or Uber to The Country Music Hall of Fame and show some goddamn respect for country music while sipping out of a flask in the bathroom. You can also hit the Nashville Farmers Market if you’re hipsters that love fine crafts and food.
- Time for lunch and afternoon drinks at Pinewood Social. Dip your feet in the pool or hit the bowling lanes (must reserve in advance).
- Head back to the hotel/Airbnb to get ready for a nice dinner at The Green Pheasant where you’ll all wear black dresses and the bride wears a white dress and everyone secretly hates you.
- The time has come to take over Lower Broadway (aka LoBro). Start the night at Rare Bird‘s rooftop bar, then meander to Robert’s Western World. From there, head into whichever bar seems to have the most people in it and wherever the music sounds best. Bonus points if you find a mechanical bull and get the bride to ride it.
- Stumble back to the hotel/Airbnb and sleep it off, sweetie.
Sunday, Day 3
- Brunch at Sun Diner where you think hard about life and the choices you’ve made. Also, you learn that sunglasses can really go with anything, as can biscuits.
- Head back to the hotel/Airbnb to pack and trek to the airport.
- Call out sick from work tomorrow. You’re gonna need a day (or three) to recover
Images: Shutterstock; Instagram (8)
Planning sucks, and bachelorette parties are a ton of work. So we’re taking all the guesswork out of planning a bachelorette party by breaking down top bachelorette destinations. Our guides will tell you where to stay, eat, party, how to get around, and give you a sample itinerary that you can follow. You’re welcome.
If you’ve ever seen an episode of Summer House, you understand why everyone’s so obsessed with the Hamptons. And even if you haven’t, we’re here to tell you why a Hamptons-style bachelorette is the best idea ever. Long considered to be a bougie playground for Manhattan’s elite, it’s now more accessible to everyone with the same goal in mind these days: getting drunk and having fun. Plus there are clambakes, pool parties, dance-all-night-with-your-feet-in-the-sand ragers, postcard-worthy beaches, cute AF towns, and a million places to wine and dine during your debaucherous celebratory pre-nuptials bash. Honestly, I’d rather be there right now than writing this article, that’s how awesome the Hamptons is. But for first timers, it can be a bit overwhelming considering there are all these different “hamlets,” also known as small villages. Southampton, East Hampton, Bridgehampton, Montauk…if you’re all WTF, have no fear. We’re breaking down everywhere worth visiting in this official Betches’ Bachelorette Guide to the Hamptons.
How To Get There
The Hamptons is never easy to get to per se—unless you’ve got extra cash laying around to hop on a private heli Blade. After that, the next best thing is a car. Comfort, your own tunes, maybe a stocked cooler in the glove compartment (JK we don’t condone that), but the arduous trek to the Hamptons is just less painful in a car. If wheels aren’t plausible—or no one wants to be the DD #fair—then from NYC your options are: the Jitney (there’s free WiFi! and snacks! and hottie businessmen in whimsical loafers!) or the LIRR. The downside to the Jitney can be traffic, especially if you leave late on a summer Friday. Play that one smart and depart during the day/as early as it starts running. The downside to the train is it can be crowded AF (see the above timing explanation), and I once stood the entire way. Not fun. If you do train, you can reach Westhampton (the first stop) in two hours, but Montauk (the end of the line) will run you three, so pack extra booze and pray your car has a bathroom that’s semi-functioning. The Jitney can be two to five hours depending on traffic, and where you’re going, but unlike the LIRR (which only departs from Penn station in Manhattan), there are 18 pickup stops in Manhattan and two airport connections. As for prices, they’re pretty cheap (around $25-35 for the Jitney and $20-30 for the LIRR), so unless you’re coming from out of town and have to buy a plane ticket (sucks for you), this will be the cheapest expense of your trip.
How To Get Around
Uber, and you damn well better put aside a substantial chunk of change for them. Fact: Uber is a rip-off in the Hamptons. They issue a a base fare, then a per minute fare, then a per mile fare, and don’t even think about canceling when you’re wasted and about to fall over in heels trying to find your car, because there are steep fees for that. Our advice? Try to eat, drink, and party in whichever town you’re staying in, and if you’re going to hop around, plan your day in that area. Lastly, look for local car services that offer discounts for larger groups, as well as affordable bachelorette party limos.
Where To Stay
Some of the best deals for bach parties (house wise) can be found on Airbnb because you’ll have a whole house to yourself, you can blast your music as loud as you want (until the cops show up), and it’s honestly just cheaper. But having to moonlight as the front desk, concierge, housekeeping, in-room dining, and bell hop when you’re supposed to be playing pin-the-D-on-things and slamming tequila shots sorta sucks. When you need someone to take care of all the details for you, check out these hotels.
The Surf Lodge: Montauk is arguably where most of the action is in the Hamptons these days, at least for betches on the hunt for pool parties, beach clubs, live music, good food, and booze. The Surf Lodge has it all, but more importantly they exude a laidback, IDGAF mentality that makes people want to check in here and never leave. Think of it as Hawaii, but closer. The rooms and suites are fitted with surfer-themed art, sun-bleached floors, shady hammocks, and private balconies, and the communal areas have all these cool beachy knick-knacks you’ll want to steal, but shouldn’t. There’s also free bike rental, a deck made for imbibing after you rolled up from a swim, and a damn fine restaurant that will be your bach HQ during your stay. Three words: mini lobster rolls.
What made The Surf Lodge famous in the first place was their music program, and you’ll be happy to know that hasn’t slowed down at all. You’ll find concerts going strong every Saturday and Sunday, featuring top-notch talent like John Legend, Lupe Fiasco, St. Lucia, and Lykke Li. And correct us if we’re wrong, but we’re pretty sure there’s no better way to stumble home from a concert inebriated than across the sand to your bedroom door. Add THAT to the list of positives when you book these accommodations for the weekend.
Quogue Club at Hallock House: With only 14 guest rooms (including two cottages), this historic inn feels intimate, classy, and a little less annoying than Montauk. If you’re going the laidback bach route, TQC makes total sense, It’s also a no-brainer if you want to stay closer to Southampton (only 10 miles away), waste less money on lodging (you can find crazy rates here, especially in shoulder seasons), and can’t deal with spending your entire weekend in a car driving to and from The End—that’s local lingo for Montauk. The main foyer is also prime for staging “you can’t sit with us” pics of the bride and her squad…take notice.
And if you’re thinking “why Quogue”, well, this hamlet might not get as much love as the others, but with a close proximity to less-crowded beaches, shopping, restaurants and the North Fork wineries where you’re going to get classy wine drunk have a memorable time with your crew, what more do you really need? Plus, they have a sizable bar and porch made for pregaming (and making new friends) and The Club, their onsite restaurant, is the ideal setting for dinner before you head out for the night.
Gurney’s: What can we say about Gurney’s? If you’re trying to bougie it up on the bach, Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa is where you check in. Sure the prices are steep—kiss your savings adios—but isn’t a slightly blurry Insta at the end of the dock with your baes worthy it? Their more chill sister property, Star Island Resort & Marina, is another option, which includes a new dock-to-dish seasonally focused seafood restaurant, Showfish, and the largest marina in the Hamptons.
The four newly reimagined Beach Cottages at the Montauk Resort can sleep four to eight, feature a private decks overlooking the ocean with epic views, and some have a kitchenette or fireplace. Talk about bach goals. Just try not to pass out on the terrace, k? The beds are much more comfortable. And when you peel yourself out of said bed, you can saunter down to the hottest beach club in Montauk, on their own white sand beach, no less. That’s where the beats are spinning and the bottle service is flowing.
Where To Eat
Calissa: Some Hamptons mainstays will lock the doors when they see a flock of bachelorettes coming—don’t even think about pulling your party bus up to Wölffer Kitchen, for that matter—but Water Mill-based Calissa holds them wide open. In fact, they even offer packages and dinner specials specifically for bachelorette parties. Start with a Prosecco toast for the bride-to-be, followed by unlimited rosé, and a four-course dinner, which includes specialties like Greek mezze platters, chicken souvlaki, and fresh Montauk fish. If you’re still standing after that, round out the night with after-dinner drinks and bottle service in the lounge. Every summer Saturday is Greek Riviera night featuring DJ JStef, so get ready to take all the ouzo shots and dance like you’re living your best Hamptons life.
Silver Lining Diner: What better way to start another day in paradise than at the diner? Silver Lining isn’t your average greasy spoon, either. What used to be the Princess Diner in Southampton (that dates back to 1957), is now a full-fledged gastronomic operation helmed by chef Eric Miller. Think homemade jam and freshly baked bread, a serious Bloody Mary you’re going to be needing several of, mouthwatering eggies (their version of souped-up breakfast sandwiches), Benedicts with crispy crab cakes and smoked salmon, omelets, and an upside-down German pancake with apples and cinnamon that will blow your mind. Old-school diner sundaes are an obvious way to end this (well worth it) food coma experience.
Highway Restaurant & Bar: File this one under classy dinner with the girls. Situated on Montauk Highway in East Hampton, the decor is coastal chic and the seasonally-driven cuisine is just as smart—and delish—as their buzzed-about rep suggests. Live your best life over flutes of champagne and sautéed langoustines, or try one of their globally-influenced dishes like papaya and crab salad (with peanuts, lemongrass, and fresno chili) and pan-roasted salmon with tabbouleh and harissa. Japanese hot spot Shuko also has a pop-up on the premises (Shuko Beach), should you want to be return visitors. That is, if your group behaves well enough the first time.
Tutto il Giorno: With outposts in Sag Harbor and Southhampton, you have two good reasons to visit Tutto, which is Italian for seriously insane food. Okayyyy, it’s not, but it should be. Donna Karan’s daughter owns it, so you know it’s going to be major. The garden is downright dreamy, so wear something cute and try not to stain it when licking your plate clean of Sardinian flat bread, linguine alle vongole, and eggplant parm that tastes just like nonna’s.
Morty’s Oyster Stand: Obviously, any place that has “Morty’s” and “Oyster Stand” in the name is our jam for a low-key lunch or happy hour. Couple that with the fact that there’s some big name talent behind these humble digs, and you have yourself a winner. Hospitality vet Charles Seich of Ferris in NYC and notable chef Sam Talbot took over the former Cyril’s space in Amagansett, and now they’re churning out a menu of sustainably sourced seafood, local produce, and artisanal cocktails. When you’re hungover AF, doesn’t “the best fried chicken” with spicy honey and skinny french fries sound like an instant remedy? Wash that down with Cyril’s famous BBC (Bailey’s Banana Colada) or a Sabrosa (Ilegal Mezcal, watermelon, lime, and cayenne dust) and get back in the saddle—you’ve got moves to make.
Bridgehampton Inn & Restaurant: The legendary Bridgehampton Restaurant is set in a quaint inn dating back to 1795, so you should expect Old Euro charm (think country-style furnishings and multiple fireplaces), along with dinner goals courtesy of new chef Brian Szostak. Begin with drinks at Kyle’s Bar, then head to your table for a spread worthy of a GNO. And if you’re a bach party on a budget, you’re in luck. They have a reasonable prix fixe menu starring some of their greatest hits, although the à la carte items are where it’s at. Crawfish and corn fritters with mango aioli, spiced goat cheese dip with warm chips, and grilled shrimp and scallops with succotash are not to be missed. P.S. group pics in front of the iconic orange door are a given.
Blu Mar: Issa vibe on the patio at this hot spot for brunch and dinner. Surrounded by pop art and those famous Hamptons hydrangeas, you’ll have no trouble settling into the Mediterranean mentality, while pregaming your nuptials over plates of grilled octopus, fluke crudo, smoked salmon rillettes, and wild loup de mer. The club AM Southampton also happens to be right next door, so you won’t have to travel far to keep the night going.
Nick & Toni’s: Many restaurants come and go out East, but Nick & Toni’s has remained one of the hardest tables to get, since 1988. That’s probably because you’re vying for seating alongside celebs like SJP, Gwyneth Paltrow, Brad Pitt, and Rolling Stones God, Mick Jagger. Aside from the VIP vibes, you do it for the ‘gram—and the pasta. Florentine specialty penne alla vecchia bettola, gnocchi with lobster and Calabrian chili, and orecchiette in a broccoli rabe pesto made from garden-fresh veggies grown out back will make your stomach happy—and your seams a little tight, so see below for the workouts you can squeeze in the next day.
Where to Practice Self-Care
Because God knows you’re going to need some throughout this weekend.
Paddle Diva: The Hamptons may be a biking community, but when you’re hungover, falling off a paddleboard into the water is a lot less scary than cracking your head on the cement—or worse, bruising a knee before you bust out that mini skirt later. Paddle Diva has super friendly pros and the paddles can be as advanced or beginner as you want them to be. Plus, it’s a killer workout. Some instructors even bring their dogs out on the water and for that, we’re forever grateful. They’re also nice to bachelorette parties, so we love them. See evidence of that in their package deets.
Gurney’s: Both the Montauk and Star Island locations offer exclusive wellness and lifestyle programming all summer long, including classes from these top studios from around the country: Rumble, FlyBarre, CorepowerYoga, OBE Fitness, Y7, Dogpound, the ness, Shadowbox, 305 Fitness and more. Best of luck surviving half of those, however.
Concierge Movement: There’s nothing like a lazy girl workout to sweat out last night’s booze and detox to retox. Enter Concierge Movement, the pilates-meets-yoga studio that literally comes to your door (hotel, glamping grounds, Airbnb, you name it). You can even show up in your jammies if you so desire, and for those of you who are really on the struggle bus, they offer minimal-movement-required stretch sessions. ?
Where To Party
The Surf Lodge: We already waxed poetic about them before, but see the below photo for a visual reference. Show up, black jam out, take all the photos, and do it all over again the next day. Other bars that are must-visits in the Montauk area would be: The Gig Shack, Navy Beach, The Sloppy Tuna, The Crow’s Nest, Duryea’s, and Ruschmeyer’s.
Southhampton Social Club: Bringing it full circle—as in all the way back to that Summer House intro—the cast goes here. A lot. As the swankiest fine dining supper club in Southampton, it solves that whole issue of getting around because you can do drinks, dinner, dancing, and more drinks here. There’s also a classic beer garden out back and a $39 three-course prix fixe dinner on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. You’ll most likely bump into celebs, socialites, reality stars, and wannabe influencers in the bathroom, so make sure your phone is charged for pics.
The Stephen Talkhouse: You can’t really do the Hamptons justice without paying your respects to Amagansett anchor, Talkhouse. It just wouldn’t be right. Probably the most well-known spot for live music on the island (and for having beyond famous bands take the stage at random like Coldplay), it’s basically a right of passage for Out East newbies.
Your House: Yes, you read that correctly, party all day or night from your over-the-top rental house with DJ Chef, a nationally recognized culinary entertainer who takes the fun of cooking to a whole new level. He is the only entertainer who simultaneously cooks & DJs for events worldwide, giving you an excuse to trade in crowded bars for an at-home party. Whether you’re looking for entertainment during a pool party, a pregame, or as the main event of the night, he’s got you covered.
Boardy Barn: This is like a backyard version of Coyote Ugly in Hampton Bays, only under a beer-soaked tent. If you’re trying to #SundayFunday like you’re still in college, go here, but also be prepared for long lines, personal space invaders, and to leave without your dignity—or panties?
Hampton Bays/Southampton Itinerary:
Pro Tip: To really take advantage of a Hamptons bender weekend, get your travel out of the way. Thursday night is a good time to make the trip—if your lodging is set up for that night. Otherwise, get on the earliest Jitney (book your tickets ahead of time) or train Friday am.
Day 1:
- Drop your bags and head to brunch at Silver Lining Diner, as it will be too early to fully check in. Chug a few mimosas or bloodies, grab your suit, then hit the beach.
- Obviously you packed a cooler for #roséallday, so plow through that and when empty, head to lunch at Cowfish or Rumba for fish tacos and Caribbean vibes.
- Test your drunken paddle skills on the water, or go shopping in downtown Southampton. Purchases made with a buzz are always the smart ones.
- Head back to home base to shower, change, pregame, take more shots, etc.
- Make your way to dinner at Tutto il Giorno—say hi to Donna for us.
- Hit the Beach Bar in Hampton Bays armed with your bach checklist in hand. Dance until your feet hurt, then try to find your way home at 4am.
Day 2:
- Head to party brunch at 75 Main. This all day/all night spot holds center court in Southampton and is always prime turf for tipsy shenanigans with the girls.
- Beach it up in the afternoon or go wine tasting. The top spots for vino-centric behavior would be Duck Walk and Channing Daughters.
- By all means, squeeze in a nap so you make it out later.
- Pregame at your house with DJ Chef
- Do dinner at Edgewater, The Club at Hallock House, Union Cantina, or Blu Mar.
- End the night at Southampton Social Club or AM Southampton.
Day 3:
- Sunday Funday at Boardy Barn.
- Go home to pass out, then get your ass home.
Montauk Itinerary:
Pro Tip: Slow and steady wins the race Out East, so schedule plenty of nap time in between day drinking your face off during beach marathons, or you’ll never make it out at night.
Day 1:
- Roll deep into the hotel, claim your bed, slam a few rounds at the hotel bar, make your way to the beach.
- Lunch at Morty’s, Clam Bar, or Duryea’s, settle in at Hero Beach Club or Gurney’s Beach Club for the afternoon shift.
- Go home and try to avoid crawling into bed all sandy, but napping is priority.
- Head to Highway Restaurant & Bar, Scarpetta Beach, or Showfish for dinner.
- Check out Talkhouse or Surf Lodge for live music and more drinking after.
Day 2:
- Brunch at Arbor’s then beach, or beach first, then lunch at Navy Beach.
- Do one sightseeing thing (it won’t kill you) and swing by Montauk Lighthouse for a group pic in front of this historic landmark.
- Plan a summer camp for quasi adults night at Ruschmeyers, where you can have dinner, then play games in the grass.
- Go hard your last night at Surf Lodge, The Sloppy Tuna, Liar’s Saloon, or Memory Motel.
Day 3:
- Sunday Funday wherever the bride desires then call it a wrap on the bach-tivities.
- ✌️ Montauk!
Images: thesurflodge (3), quogueclub (2), gurneysresorts (2), silverliningdiner, highwayhamptons, bridgehamptoninnandrestaurant, blumarhamptons, nickandtonis, paddlediva, concierge_movement, talkhousehamptons, boardybarn / Instagram
Planning sucks, and bachelorette parties are a ton of work. So we’re taking all the guesswork out of planning a bachelorette party by breaking down top bachelorette destinations. Our guides will tell you where to stay, eat, party, how to get around, and give you a sample itinerary that you can follow. You’re welcome. Here’s our Betches Bachelorette Guide to Montreal.
When you think of Montreal, you might not automatically associate it with a bachelorette party. But unlike Cabo or Las Vegas, Montreal is the perfect destination for your last single ladies’ getaway. Why? The shopping is killer, the food is amazing, and you won’t be the 300th bachelorette party to walk into the strip club that night. While you won’t necessarily spend your time sitting by a pool, the nightlife in Montreal is amazing and I can guarantee you’ll be saying “oui oui” to all the free shots. So here is our official Betches bachelorette guide to Montreal! Bon voyage!
How To Get There
There are a few ways to get to beloved Montreal. As a kid, I grew up driving or taking the train from Toronto. But since gas prices are skyrocketing, I’d suggest opting for a different method (you’ll thank me when you’re v hungover at the end of the weekend). While training can take 5 hours from Toronto, it’ll cost you under $200 Canadian (aka $150 American). If you’re a Betch on a budget, this is a steal. But while this may be your cheapest option, if you’re traveling from anywhere other than Toronto, I’d suggest flying to cut your travel time significantly. Flying from Toronto to Montreal takes just over an hour and can be as cheap as a train ticket. Good news for the New York ladies, a flight to Montreal will set you back only $220 US or so and will take an hour and a half. The choice is ultimately yours, but to make the most of your Montreal getaway, sometimes paying a little more is worth it.
Where To Stay
When choosing somewhere to stay, we suggest weighing the price, the location, and the experience equally. While we all want to save a few bucks, opting to stay an hour away from downtown because it’s cheaper is gonna be a b*tch to get to and from. This bachelorette guide to Montreal recommends finding an Airbnb in (or near) downtown. Having a place of your own for the weekend is super convenient instead of running between hotel rooms. Also, it’ll be fabulous when it comes to your pregames and the grumpy couple next door isn’t filing noise complaints. But with that being said, options can be limited, so staying in a hotel is not the end of the world. One of our favorites is Hotel 10.
It’s the perfect place to stay for your bachelorette party. It’s not overpriced. It’s located near downtown so there are tons of bar options and 24-hour places to get food. It also is attached to its own bar, BLVD 44, and huge terrace where parties are frequently happening.
How To Get Around
If you plan to stay downtown, your best option for transport is definitely on foot. But if you’re wearing stilettos or too drunk to walk straight, hop in a car. Taxis frequently roam the streets of Montreal so it won’t be difficult to catch one, but if Uber is more your style (because they take USD and you can easily split rides), they’ve got you covered. Take note: Lyft is not a thing in Montreal. If you are looking for a real adventure, try to navigate the subway system or organize a party bus—preferably with a stripper pole.
Where To Eat
The options of where to eat in Montreal are endless. But whatever you choose, make sure you have at least one Montreal smoked meat sandwich (Schwartz’s Deli is a classic and a 3-minute walk from Hotel 10) and a dozen fresh Montreal bagels. Since you’ll all likely be v hungover from the night before, stick to grabbing breakfast in your hotel or keeping some bagels around. If you do feel up to it, my all-time favorite breakfast spot, Beauty’s Luncheonette, is just a 7-minute drive away.
But if you decide to skip breakfast, your lunch and dinner spots are even more crucial. Flyjin a great option. This Japanese restaurant turns into a bar with a DJ after hours, so plan to eat late and stay even later.
Other favs are Joverse, Lov (as a vegan option), Bord’Elle Boutique Bar and Eatery, and Kampai Garden. If you’re only going to take one suggestion, you NEED to go to La Champagnerie. With a bachelorette party special package, this bar and restaurant have an extensive champagne list that you’re guaranteed to find something you love (unless you hate champagne, then bye).
Where To Spa
Hands down the best spa in the city is Bota Bota. With its relaxing vibes, tons of treatment options, and special prices for first time and group visits, they’ll have everything you need to counteract all the drinking you’ll be doing. It’s the perfect place to relax before your big day with your best gals.
Where To Party
One thing Montreal does not lack in is their party life. Clandestino, Candi Bar, Nhåu, Mayfair, and Terrasses Bonsecours are all great options when looking for somewhere to go party until the early morning. Rule of thumb: don’t forget to wear some sort of bridal accessories because you’ll get a ton of free stuff (i.e., drinks and cover). Milk your bachelorette party, Betches’ orders.
Nighttime Entertainment
If you’re down for a slightly different experience, visit Cabaret chez Mado’s, your Montreal drag queen bar for a show that will definitely make you laugh. No bachelorette party guide is complete without a few strip club recommendations. When in Montreal, you need to attend the best club in the city. Chez Parée is the best, but it’s a female strip club. If you’d rather see some men dance (Magic Mike style), visit Stock Bar. They offer shower shows on the weekend. Not sure what that means, but I’m intrigued.
Friday Day 1
Pro tip: Arrive as early as possible, since you already called in sick to work and have the hold day off. Since you’ll only be away for the weekend, make the most of it trip.
- Arrive into Montreal
- Explore Old Port of Montreal. Grab a bite, walk around, go on the Ferris wheel to see 360 views of the city.
- Head to Bota Bota for some R ‘n R at the spa
- Get ready at your place for dinner
- Dinner at Kampai Garden
- Pregame at the house/hotel and head to Bord’Elle Boutique Bar & Eatery
Saturday Day 2
Pro tip: Sleep in and drink lots of water. Before heading to your first activity, pick up a Gatorade.
- Axe throwing at Rage Montreal (if you have matching shirts, now’s your chance to wear them)
- Lunch and day drinking at Terrasses Bonsecours
- Head back to your place for a much-needed nap (you’ll thank me later)
- Dinner at La Champagnerie
- Hit the bars
Sunday Day 3
Pro tip: Since you slept in yesterday, I’d suggest heading out for a proper breakfast before your final day.
- Breakfast at Beauty’s Luncheonette
- Head back “home” (aka the hotel/Airbnb) and throw on your bathing suit
- Beach club day (or pool) party
- Head back for showers, naps, and possibly definitely more drinks
- Dinner and drinks at Flyjin
- Optional: head to a different bar after Flyjin has turned over to a night scene
Monday Day 4
Pro tip: Email work that you still have the “flu.”
- Travel home and pray you don’t puke on the way.
Whatever you do in Montreal, just make sure the bride doesn’t say the only French phrase she knows to random people on the street: “voulez-vous coucher avec moi?” Unless, of course, you don’t want a wedding to happen.
Images: stock_bar
