What used to be a small, intimate gathering with the brides closes friends has recently turned into a larger, weekend long event. This isn't for everyone, so now is a good time to think about what YOU want for your bachelorette party. [Photo by Yan Schwartzman Photography]
You'll want to decide if you want to limit it to just your wedding party or if you want to extend the invite to additional friends and family. You can also consider if you'd like to keep it local to where you are or make it more of a destination.
We really like the idea of keeping it small and doing something you enjoy with your close friends. Something as simple as an old school sleepover could be such a fun night. Along these lines, you could do things like take a yoga class together, go on a hike, have a beach or spa day, do a cooking class, go to a nice dinner or even have a chef come to someones house and cook for you. All of these ideas are such great alternatives to a long weekend away.
If you are based in NJ, there are also a lot of great options for keeping it local that we love. A bachelorette doesn't have to be in Vegas- it can be right here in our backyard and still be an amazing time with your girls. Atlantic City and NYC are two spots that NJ brides frequent for bachelorette parties. They have great restaurants, hotels and nightlife options. We wanted to share some other spots close to our home state that we think you might enjoy!
Red Bank
Red Bank is our little Hoboken to the south. It’s a "cool little town "with a variety of restaurants, shopping, bars and fun activities for your whole squad! You could rent a house or stay at the beautiful Oyster Point Hotel which overlooks the Navesink River. Walk around the charming town and pop in the stylish boutiques, sample macaroons from Antoinette Boulangerie or enjoy a cheese tasting at the Cheese Cave .. If you and your friends are looking for a group activity, try Pinot’s Palette where you drink and paint your very own masterpiece or Board & Brush where you create DIY wood signs! Stop in for a spa treatment at The WoodHouse Day Spa or get blowouts at One Blow Dry Bar before your night out. There are tons of restaurants to chose from for the evening and fun spots to stop by afterwards like Red Tank Brewing.
Cape May
Cape May is one of our favorite spots in NJ (and also where Jen got married!). Spend your day on the beach or rent a bike and take a ride to one of Cape May's wineries like the beautiful Willow Creek Winery. Visit the lighthouse for a nice walk or stop by the unique Beach Plum Farm for lunch. The Cape May Brewery Tasting room is a short drive from the downtown area but very much worth the trip as well! Grab tacos from the next door Taco Shop for the perfect pairing with your beer. If it is shopping that you are interested in, head to the West End Garage for some creative local finds. For dinner there are tons of BYOB's to choose from. 410 Bank Street is delicious (BYOB) as is The Ebbit Room.but if you are leaning casual, head to The Rusty Nail or Iron Pier Craft House. Before you leave, be sure to check out Congress Hall- our favorite spot of course!
North Fork Long Island
If you are looking for a weekend at the vineyards, North Fork is a great choice! The region is home to over 50 vineyards and only about 3 hours from Monmouth County. The Harborfront Inn, The Menhaden and The Greenporter are a few of the local hotel options. Stop by the North Fork Inn and Table for an excellent brunch or dinner. As far as vineyards go, they are all amazing but for starters, we love the atmosphere at Croteaux, Bedell and Kontokosta. For dinner, The Frisky Oyster and Noah's are great choices, likely in walking distance from your Greenport hotel. After dinner, head to Brix and Rye for a cocktail and finish your night at Claudios or American Beech. Make sure you check the schedules for the vineyards too because many of them have daytime entertainment and special events.
Ocean City, MD
Think of it as the Jersey Shore supersized! Ocean City, Maryland is a great place to visit in the summer. People from all over visit their sandy beaches and booming boardwalk. The drive from New Jersey is less than four hours and that drive can be cut even shorter with a scenic trip on the Cape May Ferry. Book a room at one of the seaside hotels or rent a condo or beach house if you’re staying for more than a couple nights. You’ll love the seafood (who doesn’t love Maryland crab) and restaurant options. By day you and your girls get to work on your tans at the beach and by night you can dance at Seacrets- a bar/club located on the water for an all day party or all night party.
Renault Winery
Another great wine option is The Renault Winery in Egg Harbor Township, NJ. It is a great place to learn, taste and stay! The Renault Winery located only a few miles from Atlantic City, so you can even pair it with an Atlantic City weekend. It is actually one of the oldest operating wineries in the United States. You and your friends can enjoy the beautiful grounds and take a wine tour which ends with a tasting of reds, whites and champagne. There is on-site dining and even a place to stay- Chateau Renault Hotel!
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