Ultimate Traverse City Bachelorette Party Itinerary — Dashing Departure (2024)

Written By Brittany Madden

Traverse City, Michigan, is the perfect destination for a memorable bachelorette party. Known for its natural beauty, charming downtown, and vibrant culinary scene, Traverse City offers something for everyone, no matter the season.

Planning the ultimate Traverse City bachelorette party can be an exciting yet daunting task. Fortunately, there's a solution that takes the stress out of organizing the perfect weekend celebration. Allow Dashing Departure, a premier travel planning service, to curate your Traverse City experience from start to finish. With Dashing Departure, you can sit back, relax, and let us handle the details. We specialize in crafting unforgettable bachelorette party itineraries, ensuring that every moment is filled with fun and excitement. We take care of finding the best spots, booking reservations, and making sure your group has a seamless and unforgettable getaway. Whether you're envisioning a winter wonderland retreat or a summer lakeside escape, Dashing Departure will make your Traverse City bachelorette party dreams come true. Get started by telling us about your event in a short survey.

Love planning things yourself? Read on for the ultimate Traverse City Bachelorette Party Itinerary, categorized by the time of year.

Accommodations: Hotels & Airbnbs

When planning your Traverse City bachelorette party, don't forget to book accommodations well in advance, especially during peak seasons. Traverse City offers a range of lodging options, including hotels, resorts, cozy cabins, and vacation rentals, to suit your preferences and budget.

Top Traverse City Hotels

Best Things to Do in Traverse City for Bachelorette Parties

Winter and Spring Activities (December - May)

Imagine a bachelorette party amidst a snowy wonderland. Traverse City offers the perfect setting for a winter celebration. During this season, consider planning activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating. Traverse City's ski resorts and rinks provide excellent opportunities for outdoor fun.

Best spots for skiing and snowboarding near TC

Local Ski Hills

  • Mt. Holiday

  • Hickory Hill

Destination Ski Resorts

If the slopes aren’t for you, spend a day shopping, wine tasting or at one of Traverse City’s spas pampering yourself and all the ladies. For a full-service spa check out the Grand Traverse Spa.

Check out our list of dining and nightlife recommendations below.

Ultimate Traverse City Bachelorette Party Itinerary — Dashing Departure (3)

Summer and Fall Activities (June - November)

Summer in Traverse City is all about the stunning beaches and endless outdoor opportunities. Plan a lakeside escape with beach parties, paddleboarding, and boat tours. Traverse City's beaches offer the ideal backdrop for sun-soaked fun.

Consider booking beachfront rentals or poolside escapes to make the most of your summer bachelorette party experience. The warm weather and clear waters create an inviting atmosphere for outdoor festivities.

Ultimate Traverse City Bachelorette Party Itinerary — Dashing Departure (4)

Fall in Traverse City is synonymous with breathtaking foliage. For an unforgettable autumn bachelorette party, explore activities like apple picking, hiking, and wine tours. Traverse City's vineyards are especially enchanting during the fall season.

Take in the beauty of the changing leaves, enjoy crisp apple cider, and explore local wineries with your closest friends. It's a magical time to experience the area's natural splendor. Check out our Guide to Fall Wine Tours. Here is a few or our favorites:

Leelanau Wineries

Mission Wineries

Looking for a fall wine tour. Check out our Guide to Fall Tours.

Ultimate Traverse City Bachelorette Party Itinerary — Dashing Departure (5)

Best Restaurants

Traverse City's culinary scene is a highlight year-round. Be sure to explore the local restaurants and eateries that showcase seasonal specialties. In the summer, try cherry-inspired dishes, while in the fall, indulge in hearty comfort food. Here are a few of our favs for bachelorette parties that are good for larger groups:

Favorite Breakfast Restaurants in Traverse City

  • Sugar 2 Salt - Take reservations up to 10 people - They do not serve alcohol

  • Playa Bowl - Good healthy, quick spot - They do not serve alcohol

  • North Bar - For the late risers - Brunch starts at 11 am

  • Miller & Pepper - Takes Reservations for up to 10 people

  • Archie’s

  • Lil Bo’s

  • Bubba’s

Favorite Lunch Restaurants in Traverse City

  • Farm Club - On the Leelanau Peninsula

  • Town Plaza

  • Rare Bird

  • Firefly

  • Poppycocks

  • Mama Lous

Favorite Dinner Restaurants in Traverse City

Upscale

  • Artisan - Takes reservations

  • Flying Noodle - Takes reservations in the winter months

  • The Burrow - Takes reservations

  • Papa Nero - Takes reservations

Casual

  • Taproot - Takes reservations

  • Rare Bird

  • Mama Lous

  • Loco Boys

  • The Little Fleet - food trucks

On the Peninsulas

  • Farm Club - On the Leelanau Peninsula

  • Jolly Pumpkin - On the Mission Peninsula

Nightlife and Entertainment

For nightlife and entertainment options, consider bars, clubs, and live music venues. Whether you're dancing the night away or enjoying a relaxing evening with cocktails, Traverse City has a vibrant nightlife scene. Here are some of our favs by category:

Favorite Music Spots:

  • Side Traxx - Dance Club

  • KIlkenny’s - Live Music

  • North Bar - DJ

Cocktail Bars:

  • H&L Rooftop

  • Low Bar

  • TC Whiskey

  • The Parlour

Dive bars:

  • U&I

  • Union Street

  • Dillingers

Ultimate Traverse City Bachelorette Party Itinerary — Dashing Departure (6)

Remember to plan for transportation and prioritize safety when exploring the city's nightlife. Uber and Lyft are very limited in Traverse City so be sure to save a few cab numbers before going out. Here are a few I recommend:

  • Traverse City Taxi - (231) 944-8325

  • Karaoke Cab - (231) 620-2249

Bachelorette Party Extras: Decor and Party Bags

Want to add a personal touch to your celebration? Hire TC Decorating Co. for fun decorations and party bags to make the bachelorette party extra special. They handle everything for you, from setting up balloon arches, signage, and party bags before you and your bride squad arrive.

Ultimate Traverse City Bachelorette Party Itinerary — Dashing Departure (7)

📸 TC Decorating Co

Ultimate Traverse City Bachelorette Party Itinerary — Dashing Departure (8)

📸 TC Decorating Co

Ultimate Traverse City Bachelorette Party Itinerary — Dashing Departure (9)

📸 TC Decorating Co

Conclusion

Traverse City is a versatile bachelorette party destination that caters to every season and preference. Whether you're a winter enthusiast, a springtime dreamer, a summer sunseeker, or a fall foliage lover, Traverse City has something special in store for your bachelorette celebration. Start planning your ultimate Traverse City bachelorette party today by hiring Dashing Departure and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Start Planning

📸 Featured Image: milorad kravic from Getty Images Signature via Canva

Brittany Madden

Ultimate Traverse City Bachelorette Party Itinerary — Dashing Departure (2024)

FAQs

Do bridesmaids pay for destination bachelorette party? ›

Destination Bachelorette Parties

Whether you're headed to San Diego or Puerto Rico for a weekend away, these trips require spending a significant amount of money on travel, accommodations, meals, activities, and more. So, the host and the rest of the guests usually pay for their own costs, but not the bride's.

How much money should you bring on a bachelorette trip? ›

The average cost of a bachelorette party depends on many factors, but typically, bridesmaids can expect to spend anywhere from $400 to $1,000. Bachelorette celebrations come in all shapes and sizes, so it's difficult to pinpoint the exact amount you should spend.

What is the etiquette for a destination bachelorette party? ›

"Aside from travel expenses, the entire group is expected to cover all activities or meal expenses for themselves as well as the bride," Barken says. As the maid of honor, it's a nice gesture to buy festive favors and decorations, but it's acceptable to ask the group for contributions—be it in money or time.

How long should a bachelorette trip be? ›

On average, a bachelorette party ranges from one to three days. The bach party originally started out as a celebration that lasted a single night, but two- and three-day bachelorette parties are more popular than ever, especially for groups who are heading out of town.

What does a maid of honor pay for? ›

"We often see the maid of honor assist in covering the cost of the bridal shower (often in conjunction with a family member of the bride), covering her own costs and some of the costs of the bride for the bachelorette party (in conjunction with the rest of the bridesmaids), her own travel to and from the wedding, a ...

Who typically pays for the bachelorette party? ›

Exactly who pays for the bachelorette party will depend on the specific situation, but most commonly, the cost is split evenly between the attendants. Everyone is responsible for covering their own expenses, such as meals and accommodation, while also splitting the cost to cover most—or all—of the bride's expenses.

Are you supposed to give a gift at a bachelorette party? ›

Before you sigh and start crunching numbers, know that bachelorette party gifts for the bride are not required (though very appreciated) and don't have to be expensive. In fact, a group gift is totally appropriate.

Is it rude to invite someone to a bachelorette party but not the wedding? ›

There's only one real guest list no-no to avoid. "Don't invite anyone who has not received an invitation to your wedding," Harrison emphasizes. "That goes for your shower, too." Otherwise, invite away to your heart's content. Just keep in mind that this is your bachelorette party and not your actual wedding.

How many people is good for a bachelorette party? ›

The average bachelorette party has 10 people in attendance. This is typically the bridal party, with the addition of one to four close friends of the bride. The number of guests and who is invited might change depending on the size of your bridal party, and the activities and events of the bachelorette party.

How far in advance do you do a bachelorette party? ›

The consensus around when exactly the bachelorette party should fall tends to be one to four months before the nuptials, with the sweet spot around two months prior. You want to build excitement leading up to the wedding, so having it too far in advance might lose some of the momentum.

Who organizes the Bachelorette party? ›

Who Throws a Bachelorette Party? A bachelorette party is traditionally planned by the bride's maid of honor, a small group of bridesmaids, or a small group of close friends—but there are no set rules here. The bride can absolutely handle the planning herself.

Do bridesmaids pay for travel? ›

Although every bride is different, there are some financial costs involved with being a bridesmaid and somebody will need to pay for them. This could include bridesmaid dresses, shoes, hair and make-up, hen parties and travel and accommodation before and after the big day.

Who pays for bachelor party trip? ›

The groom usually doesn't pay for his bachelor party. The main exception is when the event involves travel and separate hotel lodging. Then, it's common for the groom to cover his expenses. Otherwise, the best man and groomsmen pay for all of his activities, meals, drinks, etc.

Do you have a bachelor party for a destination wedding? ›

Many people putting together destination weddings plan about two or three days of programming, which can include the bachelorette or bachelor parties on the first day, a rest day or rehearsal dinner on the second, and the wedding and reception on the third.

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