So, your buddy’s getting married. It’s time to give him a night he’ll always remember, but today’s stag parties aren’t quite like the booze-a-paloozas of yore and the venues have thankfully evolved beyond dive bars and bowling alleys. Not that there’s anything wrong with those… But if you’re searching for a getaway that marries cultivation and cool, you might want to check out this updated list of the best spots for a bachelor party.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Most people land in the Big Easy and immediately lay their anchor on Bourbon Street, but what if we told you that’s the last place you should go? Avoid the touristy masses and soak up the culture, grub, and cocktails elsewhere. Grab a few muffulettas from Cochon Butcher (don’t forget a side of housemade pickles) or Central Grocery to fortify your belly before heading out for a swamp tour or get a dose of adrenaline courtesy of a race at NOLA Motorsports Park. Good grub is part of the New Orleans code, and the soul food at Willie Mae’s Scotch House or a big bowl of shrimp gumbo from fabled Creole restaurant Dooky Chase will heal even the most stubborn hangover. At night, head to Frenchman Street for jazz, blues, and zydeco played by locals for locals; D.B.A., The Spotted Cat, and Three Muses are almost always hopping.
Portland, Oregon
Portland has gained a reputation as a kind of hipster haven, but it’s actually chock-a-block with strip clubs. No matter, that’s not why best-men-in-the-know are shuttling the man of the hour to the City of Roses. Portland is the land of food trucks, live music, and small-batch booze, and that’s a winning trio no matter who you are.
Portland is the land of food trucks, live music, and small-batch booze, and that’s a winning trio no matter who you are.
Work up an appetite by biking or hiking the Columbia River Gorge or rent a car and you can take the whole crew out to Willamette Valley, where wineries are churning out high-quality Pinot by the caseload. When hunger strikes, sample Thai street food at Pok Pok, share bone marrow and escargot at Restaurant St Jack, or stuff your collective face with the house-cured meats at Olympia Provisions SE. Craving a little nostalgia with your boys night out? Ground Kontrol and QuarterWorld both stock a full bar and a wide range of old-school arcade games.
Nashville, Tennessee
You don’t have to be a country music fan to have fun in Nashville, but it helps. Seeing legends and new talent live on the Honky Tonk Highway is an unforgettable experience and stops at the Ryman Auditorium, The Bluebird Café, and The Station Inn (an iconic bluegrass bar) are all but required. While you’re waiting for the stage lights to come on, get your pulse racing at Nashville Flyboard, where participants “hydrofly” using water pressure to stay aloft. It’s only about an hour and a half to the Jack Daniels Distillery, but if that seems too far to drive you can drink and peddle around the city on the totally Instagram-worthy Paddle Tavern. Want to make like a macho man or see if there’s still time to run off and win big on America’s Got Talent? Hone your ax-hurling skills at Throw Nashville; each “player” gets an axe, a coach, and a large wooden target. The rest is history – or at least some pretty solid fodder for the best man’s wedding speech.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Yeah, yeah, we know Sin City is kind of an obvious addition, but the Vegas has a come a long way since the days of 99-cent shrimp cocktail and seedy “dance clubs”. Modern Vegas is a tantalizing mix of gourmet dining, world-class entertainment, and heart-stopping thrill rides including several that hang off the top of the towering Stratosphere – and that’s just what’s available on the Strip. Head off the main drag and you’re just about 30 minutes away from the sweeping natural beauty of Red Rock Canyon and 45 minutes or so from skiing, camping, and hiking on Mt. Charleston. The real heart of Vegas? The downtown area. Wolf down tacos at La Comida, sip on speakeasy-style cocktails at Commonwealth, then sing along with some of the off-duty Vegas superstars as they let their hair down and talent out at Don’t Tell Mama.
The Berkshires
Not everyone wants to bid a fond farewell to the single life in the harsh glare of neon lights or while sitting on a sandy beach. For the outdoor enthusiast who’s more interested in mountain views than body shots, there’s the Berkshires. Western Massachusetts is nature in all its glory; you can hike, bike, waterski, paddle board, snowshoe, snowboard, fish, go whitewater rafting, try your hand at ziplining, or navigate a ropes course (whoever gets tangled up the most buys the beers?).
For the outdoor enthusiast who’s more interested in mountain views than body shots, there’s the Berkshires.
Check into a full-service luxury spot like Cranwell Spa & Golf Resort and indulge in a massage and ring-ready manicure after you conquer 18 holes or book the whole gang into the waterfront cottages at The Lake House, where you can chill and grill to your heart’s content. Oh, and did we mention the copious amounts of cool bars, restaurants, wineries, and brewpubs? The award-winning Berkshire Mountain Distillers and Big Elm Brewing are just minutes apart and either tour is the perfect lead-in for the regional, sustainable, utterly delicious dishes at 20 Railroad Public House or an al fresco afternoon with small plates and sangria at Mission Bar & Tapas.