If it’s your last night as a single lady, that’s worth celebrating. Here’s five itineraries for A+ bachelorette parties for every sort of bride-to-be—pick yours and get busy planning!
For the Crafting Queen
Who: She’s got a sewing machine in her living room, half the elements of her wedding are DIY, and she’s given you at least three scarves she knit herself.
Location: Park View/Shaw/14th Street
Activity: Start at The Lemon Bowl crafting collective with a totally Instagrammable build-your-own terrarium class ($50 to $60 per participant). Next up: A custom bachelorette printing- press workshop at Typecase Industries ($500 for ten people), where you’ll try your hand at printing custom posters.
Eats: Settle in at the eclectic Provision No. 14, where diners graze on American fare in mismatched armchairs while sipping cocktails served in shareable French presses.
Party Anthem: “5 Years Time” by Noah and the Whale
For the Southern Sweetheart
Who: She’s been sweet as pie since you met in your sorority days, and you’re pretty sure she’d pass out if you took her to a strip club.
Location: Old Town Alexandria
Activity: Staying in is her idea of a good time, so be sure to do it in style. Book the Majestic Suite at Alexandria’s Hotel Monaco, which boasts two king bedrooms flanking a living-and-dining space (there’s also a balcony). Order Champagne and play games to test everyone’s knowledge of the spouse-to-be.
Eats: Make your way to Magnolia’s on King for rockfish and cheddar grits and house-smoked chicken. After dinner, mosey upstairs for pineapple-spiked old fashioneds in the cozy Palm Lounge.
Party Anthem: “Chapel of Love” by The Dixie Cups
For the Party Animal
Who: There are only two constants in her life: (1) her boo and (2) wild nights out. She’s never met a stiletto she couldn’t wear for six hours straight.
Location: Downtown DC
Activity: Book the bachelorette package ($120 per person) at Sax, which grants your group an open bar and a three-course meal while you take in a Cirque du Soleil–style burlesque. Continue the party the next morning with La Boum, a boozy, dance-fueled brunch at Capitale.
Eats: A night of debauchery isn’t complete without a second dessert, and CityCenter’s Momofuku Milk Bar is open till midnight. Stop by between hot spots for a slice of sinfully addictive Crack Pie.
Party Anthem: “Confident” by Demi Lovato
For the Getaway Gal
Who: She’s over the DC bar scene but doesn’t have time for a trip to Vegas. Take her on a drivable weekend away instead.
Location: Charlottesville
Activity: Ride through Virginia wine country with a Wish Wish Wine Tours limousine package ($760 for up to ten passengers). The itinerary is yours to select; we recommend stops at Pippin Hill and Veritas. Spend the night at Keswick Hall, where you’ll lounge like queens by the infinity pool facing the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Eats: Soak up that vino with indulgent French-inspired shared plates at The Alley Light, a 2015 James Beard Award semifinalist tucked away on the Downtown Mall.
Party Anthem: “Adventure of a Lifetime” by Coldplay
For the Active Chick
Who: She planned hiking trips for her last three birthdays. Take the hint and spend her big day outdoors.
Location: Georgetown Waterfront
Activity: Bike the C&O Canal to Key Bridge Boathouse, where an on-the-water adventure awaits. Rent kayaks for $15 to $20 an hour, or book a paddleboard-yoga class ($35 per person) for a 90-minute session of floating downward dogs.
Eats: Fuel up post-workout at nearby Farmers Fishers Bakers, which serves seafood with a Potomac view. Looking for something lighter? Up Wisconsin Avenue, Jaco Juice & Taco Bar has açai bowls and fresh smoothies.
Party Anthem: “Shut Up and Dance” by Walk the Moon
Caroline Cunningham joined Washingtonian in 2014 after moving to the DC area from Cincinnati, where she interned and freelanced for Cincinnati Magazine and worked in content marketing. She currently resides in College Park.
