10 Unexpected Bachelorette Party Destinations
While a trip to Vegas isn't totally out of the question, we have a feeling that you'll love spending time with your girls in any of these cool locations.
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Newport, R.I.
Martha's Vineyard might get a lot of love from brides and their tribes, but we're pretty partial to Newport, R.I. Founded in 1639, this coastal city exudes history and charm with its Gilded Age mansions and cliffside vantage points. Stay close to downtown, where cobblestoned streets lead to cute shops and cozy eateries, or book a beach cottage at the Castle Inn, a historic hotel with views of the water. There's so much to see and do, you might even want to hop aboard a Trolley Tour.
Charlotte, N.C.
Hashtag inspo, anyone? Nicknamed "The Queen City," Charlotte is a prime spot for a girls' getaway weekend; it's one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S. and has a ton of cool neighborhoods and breweries to show for it. Here, you and your crew will want to rent an Airbnb in NoDa, Charlotte's arts district, then fuel up on iced coffee and pastries at Amelie's French Bakery & Cafe. Plan to shop along Dilworth's East Boulevard, do group yoga at Little Sugar Creek Greenway and sip craft beer at Birdsong and Divine Barrel.
Memphis, Tenn.
No shade to Nashville, but everybody knows somebody who's had a bachelorette party in Music City. To get all of the good bites and brews, Instagrammable murals and warm weather without the crowds, head 2.5 hours south to Memphis. In addition to BBQ and Blues, this city has an unbeatable brunch scene, with places like Owen Brennan's, Hog & Hominy and The Beauty Shop being big hits with locals. If we had to guess, you and your gal pals will also want to stop by Crosstown Concourse, a revitalized Art Deco building with hip shops and art spaces, before heading to Beale Street for drinks.
Palm Springs, Calif.
Who wouldn't want to spend their weekend getting pampered in Palm Springs? Tucked away in the Sonoran Desert, this city is home to hip hotels and resorts like The Saguaro (pictured above), where you and your closest friends can chill in style. For dinner, share small plates and sip cocktails at Azucar, then end the evening at Zelda's Nightclub.
Huntington Beach, Calif.
Say what you will about ABC's The Bachelor, but the show tipped us off to the fact that Cassie Randolph's hometown of Huntington Beach is absolutely gorgeous. If you were hoping to spend your bachelorette trip with your toes in the sand, skip Miami and pack your bags for Surf City. After soaking up some sun, you and your girls can stroll along the iconic Huntington Beach Pier, browse boutique shops and even book a whale watching cruise or charter a private yacht at sunset.
Colorado Springs, Colo.
Instead of camping around the Grand Canyon like everyone else, consider taking your bride tribe on a trek through the Garden of the Gods. Located out in Colorado Springs, Colo., this public park has plenty of red rock formations and views of Pikes Peak for you to admire. If your group is feeling particularly adventurous, you could even book a Jeep tour and go off-roading. But whatever you do, stay at the Cheyenne Mountain Resort, which sits on a lake and overlooks the Rockies. After all that hiking, you'll for sure want to spend time at their spa.
Hudson, N.Y.
New York City not quite your pace? Head to Hudson. Located on the eastern side of the Hudson River, the city's compact urban core makes it extremely walkable. We suggest starting your weekend by meandering along Warren Street, where you'll find antique stores and art galleries galore. Then make dinner reservations for Aeble, a trendy chef-run restaurant, or take a private cooking class at Valley Variety. For this view (pictured above), you'll have to visit Olana's Bell Tower, too. This stunning estate was once home to the famous painter, Frederic Edwin Church.
Austin, Texas
Foodies will find their perfect match in Austin, Texas. In addition to brisket (which you should totally try at Franklin Barbeque), this city boasts food trucks, breakfast tacos, Tex Mex and our personal favorites: spicy jalapeno and creamy avocado margaritas. After you've gotten your fix, go floating down the Guadalupe River, enjoy live music at The Continential Club or take your girls bar-hopping on Sixth Street.
Albuquerque, N.M.
For the bride-to-be who wants plenty to do and see, we suggest visiting Albuquerque. The largest city in New Mexico, Albuquerque boasts a bustling downtown and a Historic Old Town with more than 100 shops, galleries and restaurants. Oh, and did we mention that the city's known as "The Hot Air Ballooning Capital of the World"? Book a trip with any of these reputable hot air balloon companies and check that off your bucket list.
Traverse City, Mich.
If you want to sip your way through wineries but can't make the trip to Napa or Sonoma, put Traverse City on your list. Located on the 45th Parallel, this city literally lines up with the most prestigious wine regions in Europe and boasts two wine-producing peninsulas maintained by the waters of Lake Michigan. While we don't expect your party to visit all 40 wineries, we do think a stop at Chateau Grand Traverse is a must. You have to try the cherry wine, one of the region's specialties. Don't forget to enjoy dinner at Trattoria Stella, a superior restaurant serving Old World-inspired Italian fare.