Bachelorette Destination Ideas

When can-can girls, $20 martinis, cab fare, and genitalia themed decorations are not your style or out of your budget, where do fun girls go to give their pals bachelorette bliss?  I've been researching and collecting alternatives to the Vegas and New York bachelorette party mainstays.  I'm not the authority, but I think I know the east coast fairly well.  So with budget, entertainment, and proximity in mind, I've gathered 10 mid-Atlantic suggestions (which could easily double as local honeymoon suggestions as well!).

 Sourced from Google Maps, Locations Entered by Me

From North to South:
1. Poconos in PA
2. Nemacolin/Spa/Falling Water in PA
3. Atlantic City/Cape May/Ocean City/Jersey Shore
4. St. Mary's, MD
5. White Water Rafting in WV
6. Charlottesville Wine Weekend
7. Williamsburg, VA
8. Virginia Beach, VA
9. Outer Banks, VA
10. Charleston

1. Poconos in PA
Miss Thimble raved about her fun getaway at the Philly Bee Meet-up.  They used her family cabin, ate in, braved the local casino, and splurged on a crazy limo.  Central PA prices kept the budget in check and the gals created the party wherever they went.  The Poconos mountains also cater to those interested in lake activities, agritourism, and golf (yes, some of us gals are golfers!).

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2. Nemacolin/Falling Water in PA 
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort would be a restful sanctuary in the forest of PA.  The resort is nestled away from the hustle and bustle of city living and boasts a gorgeous spa.  If you were looking to mix in activities with your relaxation, the Ohiopyle State Park offers outdoor adventures.  For the history buffs, Fort Necessity is 10 minutes down the road.  And for architecture lovers? Falling Water and Kentuck Knob, Frank Lloyd Wright designed homes, can be toured.

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3. Atlantic City/Cape May/Ocean City/Jersey Shore
In the off season, the shore envelopes you in calm.  There's nothing like the salty air and the smells of the boardwalk.  For casino fun go to Atlantic City.  For more casual beach weekends, head to Cape May or Ocean City.  There's a special place in my heart for Ocean City.  The island may be dry, but you'll just save all the more by BYOBing it to an off season rental.  Bike rides down the board walk, mom & pop restaurants, ice cream shops - nostalgic genius!

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4. St. Mary's, MD
History buffs and small town lovers unite!  St. Mary's is a quaint coastal town on the eastern shore.  B&Bs, tea, historical reenactments and festivals all strike my fancy. It'd be the perfect day trip from DC, Baltimore, or Philadelphia.  A boat tour of local lighthouses followed by a crab feast? Sign me up!

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5. White Water Rafting in WV
Adventure, risk, reward! West Virginia white water rafting is some of the best in the country with class V rapids in some places.  This would be a great alternative for the outdoor, adventure loving bride.  Throw in a night of camping and it'd even work for a co-ed bachelor/bachelorette weekend.  

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6. Charlottesville Wine Weekend
I loved a girls wine weekend in Charlottesville so much that I lobbied to return for our mini-moon! For the vino bride on the east coast, I think the drive to C-ville is oh-so-worth-it.  The fall is a busy time of year and for the best rates should be scheduled on weekends when the UVA football team plays away.  We got an exceptional rate in January, although the town was very sleepy without students and tourists.  I challenge you to have a taste at each winery in the area! 

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7. Williamsburg, VA
I think Williamsburg is amazing in every season, but I especially love visiting in December when the fresh fruit and greenery decorates hearths and homes.  Wineries, history, quaint shops, outlets, and an amusement park - there's something for everyone.  The historical sites are a little bit pricier, but be on the lookout for off season specials!  

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8. Virginia Beach, VA
I admit that I'm completely biased because I've missed my old home so much this summer.  The days of walking hand in hand to the beach from Mr. Palindrome's house are over, but the memories are fresher than ever as I pine for the surf and sand.  During the off season, hotel prices plummet, the parking is free downtown, and the weather is still beautiful!  If you'd rather rent a house and enjoy the laid back privacy, look in Sandbridge.

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9. Outer Banks, VA
The Outer Banks is another favorite of mine because of the ocean and fond memories! Oh, and the sun rises!  Yes, west coasters are spoiled, but I've found east coast sun rises just as rewarding for those willing to exchange early morning zzz's for a short snooze later in the afternoon.  Lay at the beach, kayak, explore Kitty Hawk, enjoy the outlets, ride horses, or drive up to Corolla to see the wild horses.  If your group is athletic, consider one of the scenic runs in the area (5ks to marathons!).  Again, off season yields the best rates. 

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10. Charleston
I don't know if we've just lived in the best places, or if I'm the type of person to love everywhere I go, but Charleston was my favorite city of all the places the Navy sent Mr. Palindrome.  Carriage tours, ghost tours, southern cooking, fantastic weather, and all the charm!  The beach isn't too far, shopping ranges from boutiques to outlets, and oh yeah, I need to mention the food again!  From the Raleigh/Durham area the drive is only about 3.5 hours - an easy day trip or weekend.

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Do you have any mid-Atlantic locations to add to the list?