Bachelorette Party Ideas: Our Favorite Pittsburgh Alternatives!

If a night out on Carson Street just isn’t your thing, you’re going to love these alternative bachelorette party ideas! The thought of a “traditional” or X-rated bachelorette party makes us feel a little icky, TBH. You too? Girl, we are kindred spirits. But just because you don’t want a NSFW party, doesn’t meant you can’t still have a ton of fun. Whether it’s an afternoon of activities or a weekend getaway, there are still plenty of ways to celebrate the end of your single days. Grab your bridesmaids and closest friends and enjoy one of our favorite local alternatives for a kick-butt bachelorette party.   

Wine Tasting

You and your grape-loving friends will love the private tour and sample tasting at Narcisi Winery in Gibsonia. The tour begins with a walk through their facilities, where they educate you on the wine-making process from A to Z. It finishes with a sampling of wines and a quick schooling on how to enjoy the drink properly. (Apparently guzzling is frowned upon. Who knew?) Afterwards, enjoy lunch or dinner at their on-site restaurant or take in live musical performances on their patio. Rosé all day.

Kayak Rental

If you and your girls are up for an adventure, check out Kayak Pittsburgh. The North Shore location allows you to head out on the water near PNC Park and check out a view of the city like you’ve probably never seen. Tandem kayaks are available so your friends can pair up, share rowing responsibilities, and swap sore shoulder stories later. Head over to Point State Park to catch a glimpse of the infamous fountain or paddle all the way up to Washington’s Landing, where you can make a pit stop at Redfin Blues for some adult beverages and/or lunch.

Cooking Class

Some people find cooking really stressful; we actually find it oddly relaxing. Whether you’re a seasoned at-home chef or even if don’t know what a santoku is (hint: knife), cooking classes are actually really fun. Mostly because you get to eat but also because you get to learn some new skills, snag a new recipe to take home and try, and enjoy an entertaining afternoon or evening. The Crate Cooking School in Scott Township offers classes ranging from burgers to no bake desserts, and everything in between. If you can’t imagine a life without carbs (We’ve tried it. It’s terrible), check out the bread making class offered at Enrico’s Biscotti in the Strip. If you like ethnic dishes, head over to Chop, Wok, & Talk, where you can learn how to make anything from pierogies to crab rangoons.   

Spa Day

We’re not sure when bachelorette parties turned into bachelorette vacations but if your group is looking to splurge a little bit, Nemacolin is literal perfection. If you’ve never been, go. Like right now. This Laurel Highlands resort offers everything from golf, clay shooting, biking, and a climbing wall to a world-class spa, wellness workshops, an infinity pool, a casino, nearby shopping, and gourmet dining. Plan a long weekend and enjoy luxury at its finest. The best part? This hideaway is only a short 90-minute drive from Pittsburgh.   

BYOB Paint Class

Trust us when we say this – you do not have to be artistic to attend one of these. We can barely draw a stick figure and we actually find these classes really fun! We’ve been to a few different places, and the instructors are always engaging (they walk you through the entire painting.), the painting is laid back (every canvas is intended to be different.), and drinking wine and having a good time are highly encouraged (there may or may not be drinking games). Pack up a few bottles of pinot, some snacks, and let them provide the rest. You’ll have a fun time learning who is the best (and worst) artist among your friends. 

Brewery Tour(s)

There are SO many microbreweries in Pittsburgh these days. Why not pay a visit to your favorite one with your gal pals and treat them all to a pint? Cheers to that! If you’re having trouble nailing it down to just a single brewery, fear not. Now thanks to companies like City Brew Tours, you don’t have to. Their friendly and knowledgeable guides will pick you up, drive you around, take you to at least three breweries, and teach you a thing or two about beer along the way. The best part? No one has to be the DD. Bottoms up!

A Glam Photo Session

If you are planning a night out on the town, you better make sure you’re dressed the part. Gather your girlfriends for a glam session with professional hair stylists and makeup artists. Many offer on-site services and La Pomponnee Beauty Artisans even has a Beauté Mobile, a RV-turned-styling-station that offers hair, makeup, nails, mini facials, and even chair massages! They’ll have you all looking like a million bucks and ready to paint the town red. But before that, you have to document how good everyone looks. Hire your favorite photographer for some modern day Glamour Shots that you’ll cherish forever.

Floral Arrangement Class

The friends that learn together, stay together. Get your green thumb ready and keep your eyes peeled for a floral arrangement class at Sapphire & Lace Design, andFlowers, or your other favorite local Pittsburgh wedding florist. These flower wizards offer various classes and private workshops, all geared to make you a better gardener…or at least let you leave with a pretty arrangement. From making flower crowns, terrariums, wreaths, floral jewelry, and even botanical inspired cocktails, there are so many cool new skills to learn!

Have you been to any fun bachelorette party alternatives? Maybe you’re planning one of your own? This list is certainly not exhaustive so we’d love to hear about what you’ll be doing! Comment below and let us know or upload a pic to social media and tag @burghbrides or use #burghbrides so we can see!