Having recently gotten married, I spent quite a bit of time deciding on what kind of bachelorette party I wanted for myself. Charleston? Portland? Savannah? We settled on Vermont, since there are always new nooks and crannies of the state to explore. Our wedding was small – 60ish people. I also didn’t have a bridal party, other than my Matron of Honor (my sister). So when we were planning my intimate Vermont bachelorette party, we landed on getting away for a few nights with our mom too. It happened to be Mothers’ Day weekend, the perfect reason for a girls’ getaway. We had never vacationed together as adults… So we figured it would be some quality time we’d never forget. It sure was! Read on for more about my perfect bachelorette party weekend in Vermont and other Vermont bachelorette party ideas!
The Perfect Bachelorette Party in Vermont
For my bachelorette party, we wanted a mix of luxury, self-care, great food, and adventure. The weather was soggy the first day… But we ended up having a blast in our rain coats and mud! We met at Billings Farm and Museum in Woodstock. There, we toured the beautiful facilities, brushed some cows, and pet some baby goats and sheep. We then went for a lovely lunch at Simon Pearce in Quechee. Sorbet mimosas, salads and lemon cake later, we took a walk through the Vermont Antique Mall, right by the Quechee Gorge.
In the afternoon, we checked into the beautiful Woodstock Inn & Resort. The Woodstock Inn was the absolute perfect place for the first night of our bachelorette party getaway. With two restaurants and a spa on site, we had no reason to leave… Well, except, I wanted my sister and Mom to experience the beautiful Farmhouse Pottery and the Woodstock Farmers’ Market. Off we went! We spent an hour or so perusing the gorgeous handmade pottery and local, Vermont-made products. We stocked up on some local cheese and beverages for our festivities. After some relaxation in our room, we enjoyed cocktails at the Woodstock Inn before heading to Worthy Kitchen for dinner. Knowing we were going to have a fancier dinner the second night of our trip, we opted for something relaxed and casual – but still delicious!
More about The Perfect Bachelorette Party in Vermont
After dinner, we enjoyed a nightcap in Richardson’s Tavern back at the Woodstock Inn, before turning in for the night. In the morning, we took photos of the gorgeous tulips at the Inn, ate a filling buffet breakfast, and headed to the spa. A morning of bliss! After the spa, we took a stroll through Woodstock, packed up and headed toward Warren for our second day of fun. We ate Mad Taco for lunch, enjoyed beers at Lawson’s Finest Liquids, and relaxed on the grounds of the Pitcher Inn, before a fine-dining dinner and early night to bed.
Vermont Bachelorette Party Ideas: Woodstock, Vermont
Where to Stay for a Vermont Bachelorette Party: The Woodstock Inn & Resort
Hands down one of my favorite resort’s in Vermont, The Woodstock Inn is where luxury meets charm. The building and furnishings are elegant yet comforting. This is the ideal location for an elegant Vermont bachelorette party.
Where to Eat for a Vermont Bachelorette Party:
Woodstock has so many diverse dinner options. From a burger and a beer to fine dining, here are some delicious options:
- Not interested in leaving The Woodstock Inn? Richardson’s Tavern and Red Rooster are both great options onsite.
- Craving fine dining? The Prince and the Pauper is a classic French restaurant in Woodstock that’s very highly regarded.
- Want beer and a burger? Or fried chicken? The Worthy Kitchen is a fun, relaxed spot with a killer beer and cider list.
- Looking for a scenic dinner option? Drive to Quechee (don’t miss the Taftsville Covered Bridge along the way). Enjoy dinner overlooking the Ottaquechee River at Simon Pearce.
What to Do During Vermont Bachelorette Party:
While I’m always up for road tripping through back-country roads, there is a ton to do in Woodstock without getting in your car (or driving too far). Here are some fun activities in Woodstock:
- Visit the Billings Farm & Museum. There’s nothing cuter than baby animals. The Museum boasts a rich local history. We loved stepping back in time!
- Book spa treatments at the Woodstock Inn & Resort’s spa. I highly recommend the pink Himalayan sea salt deep tissue massage. Book plenty ahead, and enjoy time in the courtyard, outdoor hot tub, and the sauna. You can even order champagne and lunch to be brought to you while at the spa!
- Shop! There are so many gorgeous stops to make in Woodstock. Don’t miss Farmhouse Pottery and the Woodstock Farmers’ Market (both a quick drive outside of downtown). Within walking distance of the Woodstock Inn, find Clover Gift Shop, FH Gillingham & Sons (a seriously cool Vermont general store), Yankee Bookshop and Vermont Flannel Co.
- Sip on cocktails at the Inn! We loved pre-dinner cocktails at the Red Rooster at the Woodstock Inn. My Smuggler’s Notch dirty martini was spot on. After dinner, we returned to Richardson’s Tavern for an after-dinner drink before turning in for the night.
Vermont Bachelorette Party Ideas: The Mad River Valley, Vermont
Where to Stay for a Vermont Bachelorette Party: The Pitcher Inn
I have a serious love affair with the Pitcher Inn. Each of the rooms are whimsically or classically appointed. The Relais & Chateaux service is the best-of-the-best, and the quaint town of Warren provides a wholly Vermont experience.
Where to Eat for a Vermont Bachelorette Party:
Waitsfield and Warren have so many delicious dinner options. From the best tacos in Vermont, to Italian comfort food, and fine dining, here are some Mad River Valley dining options:
- The Pitcher Inn has a lovely dining room for a fancier meal and Tracks downstairs. The service is impeccable yet relaxed, and everything on the menu is outstanding. Head downstairs to Tracks for a more casual meal or pre-dinner drink.
- The Mad Taco is one of my favorite restaurants in Vermont. Smoked meats, killer draft list, and a local’s experience all in one.
- For a sweet mid-day treat or after-dinner dessert, visit Canteen Creemee Company for one of the best creemees in Vermont.
What to Do During a Bachelorette Party in the Mad River Valley:
- Take in the beauty of Moss Glens Falls on Route 100, outside of Warren.
- Visit one of the best general stores in Vermont! The Warren Store is outstanding. Grab a sandwich and cookie for a picnic overlooking the river. Don’t miss the upstairs shop for some awesome local products and gift ideas. Their beer and wine selections are also on point!
- Taste test some cheese at Mad River Taste Place. You can also get a glass of beer or wine to enjoy on site. You’ll also find myriad made-in-Vermont products to bring home.
- The most beautiful Vermont brewery is in Waitsfield: Lawson’s Finest Liquids. The inside is stunning. Head in for a few samples or a cheese board. Going on a beer vacation in Vermont? You can even rent out the Lawson’s Airbnb now at the spot of the original brewery!
- In the mood for some self care? Trish at Mad River Massage is one of the most talented massage therapists in Vermont. You can even enjoy a massage out along the river!
- Shop at the Artisan Gallery! It’s full of locally made items from jewelry and paintings to pottery and other Vermonter-made gifts.
- Visit the Madsonian Museum of Industrial Design, one of the most unique museums in Vermont. While there, walk the covered bridge in town.
Vermont Bachelorette Party Ideas: Burlington, Vermont
Where to Stay for a Vermont Bachelorette Party: Hotel Vermont
Hotel Vermont is Burlington’s only independent hotel, and it just so happens to be where we got married. The accommodations are superb with all local products. The service is customized, always one step ahead of you. The food is also out-of-this world. They even have their own beer concierge on staff… Need I say more?
Where to Eat for a Vermont Bachelorette Party in Burlington:
- Juniper, located in Hotel Vermont, is a delicious choice. Chef Doug also operates Bleu, if you’re in the mood for seafood. It’s located right next door in the Courtyard Marriott.
- Hen of the Wood – Burlington, located just next door, is one of the very best options for fine dining in Vermont. Don’t miss the $1 oysters at the bar every day early!
- For breakfast, visit Henry’s for an old-school diner experience or The Friendly Toast. Don’t miss the Bloody Mary or Mimosa flights at the latter!
- Farmhouse Tap & Grill has excellent casual fare and some of the best burgers and craft beer lists in Burlington.
- Leunig’s is a French icon of Church Street. The classic Parisian fare is well liked by locals, and the ambiance would be quite fun for a ladies night out.
- For the best cocktails in Burlington, head to the speakeasy Deli 126. Their menu is massive, and the drinks are artfully created.
What to Do:
- Hit the bike path! Whether for a morning stroll or an evening walk before drinks and dessert, walk the Burlington Bike Path alongside Lake Champlain.
- Do the Pine Street beer trail! Make your way from Zero Gravity to Queen City to Switchback.
- Not in the mood for beer? Visit Citizen Cider and CoCellars, a Shacksbury Cider tasting room, both just off of Pine Street.
- Try a cocktail flight or full-sized cocktail at Mad River Distillers. You can also do a spirits sampler!
- In the mood for some exercise? Take a yoga glass at Sukha Yoga or a spin class at REV Indoor Cycling.
- Take a tour of Lake Champlain on the Spirit of the Ethan Allen. Do a lunch or evening cruise while onboard.
Vermont Bachelorette Party Ideas: Lake Champlain, Vermont
Where to Stay for a Bachelorette Party on Lake Champlain: Basin Harbor
If you’re idea of a perfect bachelorette party weekend is parking your car and relaxing on the shores of Lake Champlain, look no further. Basin Harbor is the camp from Dirty Dancing and The Marvelous Miss Maisel mixed. It’s an ideal relaxed resort destination, with modern cabins and accommodations where you can soak up the sights and sounds of the lake.
Where to Eat for a Bachelorette Party on Lake Champlain:
- There are two main dining options on site at Basin Harbor. Choose Red Mill for lunch or a relaxed dinner of burgers, sandwiches and salads.
- Dress up and head down to Ardelia’s on site for a more sophisticated dinner. Enjoy a buffet dinner on Saturday nights during the summer with a wide variety of options.
- In the summer, don’t miss the special lobster dinners on the shore of the lake on Thursday nights!
- Head to the Burgee Bar down by the Harbor for a drink overlooking the beautiful lake!
- A delicious breakfast is served every morning at Ardelia’s in the main inn. Or, head into Vergennes and stop at Vergennes Laundry by CK for a delicious French-inspired breakfast.
What to Do for a Bachelorette Party in Vermont on Lake Champlain:
There are so many options when it comes to Basin Harbor. First of all, park your car and relax and unwind! Settle in for some quality time and outdoor recreation.
- Partake in Lake Champlain activities! Go canoeing or kayaking. Try out a stand-up paddleboard. Rent a pontoon or power boat for the day. Or simply relax in a chaise lounge on the sandy shore of the beach.
- Interested in golf? Basin Harbor boasts a beautiful 18-hole course.
- Need spa time? Arrange for spa treatments at Basin Harbor.
- Take photos in the oversized Adirondack chairs on the grounds. Or, better yet, take in a sunset overlooking the lake with a cocktail in hand.
- One of my favorite things to do at Basin Harbor is an early morning stroll when the light is perfect and no one is stirring. It’s the perfect way to get a bit of exercise before lunch.
- Bring a deck of cards or games for a game night! The cabins and inn rooms don’t include televisions – purposefully. Have quality time together!
What are your best Vermont bachelorette party ideas? Share in the comments below to keep the conversation going!
Save this post for future reference on Pinterest!
Categories: Inns, Resorts, Waitsfield, Woodstock