This is Not Your Mother's Hen Party
The bachelor party is the inspiration for the bachelorette party, once dubbed a hen party or a stagette (in Canada). The bridal luncheon is still popular, but the bachelorette party is taking center stage as the must-do, most fun, all-female event before saying "I Do." Most often planned by members of the wedding party, this can also include close relatives and girlfriends. Make it fun enough, and wild horses won't keep the invitees away.
If you can swing an overnight or two, the contemporary bachelorette party evolves into a refreshing combination of bride interests, slumber party and luncheon all rolled in one. Always ask for group rates on tours, lodging and activities, as many things are still cheaper by the dozen, so to speak.
Here are some bachelorette party alternatives ideas in Florida and abroad:
Jungle Jane
While Tarzan took center stage in the jungle, Jane could also swing the vines and walk the bridges without missing a beat or a step. For the bride with an outdoor sense of excitement, a day of zip lining and crossing the forest floor from the highest trees will make for a thrilling bachelorette adventure.
Gatorland
14501S. Orange Blossom Trail
Orlando, Florida 32837
Phone: (407) 855-5496 or (800) 393-5297
www.gatorland.com
Saddle Up Sally
Horseback riding is a great way to enjoy friends, flora and fauna without expending tons of the energy. Let the horse do the work, while you enjoy the scenery. Golden Gait Riding Stable in Delray Beach or Tours on Horseback in Fort Pierce are two of the great places to celebrate your upcoming Big Day with the girls and some ponies.
Tours on Horseback
87 Pinewood Lane
Fort Pierce, Fl 34947
Phone: (772) 468-0101 or (772) 519-0237
www.beachtoursonhorseback.com
Golden Gait Riding Stable
16668 Winners Cir Barn 18
Delray Beach FL 33446
Phone: (561)-376-5352
www.goldengaitridingstables.com
Sassy Spa Suzy
Immerse yourselves in a spa resort getaway at a place like Newport Beachside Hotel and Resort or Turnberry Isle Miami, both with wonderful spa services and rave reviews. Or go local to the Jupiter Beach Resort. On the outside chance you don't want to leave home, and then dial up SPArties Mobile Day Spa and let them come to you.
Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort
16701 Collins Avenue
Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160
Phone: 305-949-1300
Jupiter Beach Resort Spa
5 North A1A, Jupiter, FL 33477
jupiterbeachresort.com
(561) 746-2511
SPArties Mobile Day Spa
954-421-6655
877-SPArtie(s)
Winery Willow
What classier place to honor your bachelorette pal than a winery? Endless Summer Vineyard and Winery and Flagler Beachfront Winery combine the best of the vino about a stone's throw from the beach. Other well-known wineries close to lodging facilities offer a variety of wine tastings and gift shops. Check out
www.tryfloridawine.com.
Recommended Spot:
San Sabastian Winery
157 King Street
St. Augustine, Florida 32084
Phone # 904-826-1594, Fax 904-826-1959
www.sansebastianwinery.com
Destination Diane
With a sweet bank account to indulge the bride-to-be and her friends, you can go wild at a dude ranch in Wyoming, ski in Aspen, surf in Hawaii or take in a Broadway show in the Big Apple. If you want to leave the Florida shores behind, consider Bermuda, Puerto Rico or London.
Glamper Gloria
This is the new combo of glamour and camping, sort of luxuriously [not] rustic camping. You can rent a cabin or tent near the beach or go for a mountain chalet out of state. Just be sure you are near some fine dining, a winery or spa perhaps and easy hiking paths.
Cherokee Mountain Cabins
61 Bear Creek Road
Nantahala, NC 28781
Toll-free 866-77-CABIN (866-772-2246)
www.cherokeemountaincabins.com
Classic Caroline
Traditional, simple and easy for everyone is the ubiquitous bridal luncheon. Opt for a B&B for raising the bar, like Casa Grandview West Palm Beach or Grandview Gardens B&B. Or head up the coast a piece to SoBe You B&B in the heart of South Beach. The slumber party in the comfort of your own home never gets old for girls who never get old. A tub of popcorn and a movie or two can last into wee hours of laughter and friendship.
Historic Luxury Inn, Cottages & Suite
s
1410 Georgia Avenue
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Phone: 561.655.8932
www.casagrandview.com
