Up-and-Coming Bachelor/ette Party Destinations

It feels like destination bachelor and bachelorette party weekends have exploded over the past several years. Along with the stalwarts — Vegas, Miami, even Atlantic City — a new group of cities have been added to the long list of bachelor and bachelorette party destinations. Nashville, Austin, Napa/Sonoma, Charleston, Savannah, Cabo and Montreal are all common requests.

So if you want to do something a little more off the beaten path, what are the up-and-coming cities we think are, or should be, on your list of bachelor or bachelorette destination options?

Kentucky – Bourbon Trail & Lexington

Even better if you can plan a trip around Kentucky Derby weekend — we’re always game to wear huge hats and/or seersucker —but at any time of year, the area around Lexington has amazing bourbon and the distillery and tasting tours are both fascinating and fun. Some favorites include Willet, Four Roses, Bulleit and Woodford Reserve (get lunch there!). Take some time to drive down scenic Route 62 and also to swing by Paris (Kentucky) for a French twist to your adventure (Bour-Bon for French farm-to-table food and entertainment).

Asheville, North Carolina

Ideal for a beer and bluegrass lover, Asheville is home to some of the best craft breweries and live music venues in the United States. Sure, it can be a little bit of a haul to get to, but you’re also rewarded with amazing mountain views, western Carolina BBQ (it’s not the same as the eastern part of the state!) and one of the most beautiful estates in the United States (Biltmore Mansion), where you can dine and relax like a Vanderbilt.

Sante Fe, New Mexico

Neighboring Arizona’s Scottsdale garners more of the bachelorette attention (and if you want more of a club scene, then do go there, preferably during baseball spring training), but we think Santa Fe is an underrated gem for a laidback weekend. Besides the glorious weather when the rest of United States is suffering through winter, you can enjoy outdoor hot springs, a great spa day, a range of outdoor activities, tequila tastings and just a bit of culture (the galleries there are fantastic), plus a range of restaurants and bars around the Plaza area.