10 places for bachelorette parties that aren't the bar
Typically, there are two different kinds of bachelorette parties.
The first is an occasion for relaxation and female bonding, offering the bride a calm oasis in midst of wedding preparations.
The other — well, it's more of a blur of debauchery — a "what happens in fill-in-the-blank-location, stays in fill-in-the-blank-location," whether that's the Las Vegas strip or Broad Ripple Avenue.
So where's the balance? What's in between a snooze-fest and waking up with a tattoo you don't remember getting? Think food, fun, and fitness.
From classes on aerial silks to mimosa-inspired masterpieces, here are 10 places for bachelorette parties that don't involve Jägerbombs at the bar ... then again, there's time for that later.
Drink and paint
Mimosa and a Masterpiece will supply your party with everything you need to create your own "masterpiece" from the canvas and painting supplies to the mimosas (or wine if that's your thing). Groups can range between eight and 25 people and are welcome to bring their own food and desserts.
614 Massachusetts Ave., $35 per person, (317) 413-8490, www.mimosa-masterpiece.com.
Treat her to a food tour
If your bride-to-be fancies herself a bit of a foodie, consider Small Potatoes Indy "Foodie Tour," offering visits to three to four restaurants in the area of your choice via a private limo bus. You'll taste the restaurant's best dishes, meet chefs and owners — you can even add a bridal game show, customized for your group, to the experience. Group sizes range from 12-16 people for the three- to four-hour tour.
Starting at $125 per person, (317) 863-8257, www.smallpotatoesindy.com.
Spend a day in the sun
Want to spend the day on the water but no boat? No problem. Joe's Boats at Geist offers pontoon rentals for up to eight people. The cost of one eight-hour rental includes a tank of gas as well as drop off and pick-up at the Olio Road launch ramp.
Starting at $195, (317) 849-1340, www.joesboatsatgeist.com.
Work your way through the wine trail
Get ready to give a toast. The Indy Wine Trail covers seven award-winning wineries, all within minutes of Downtown Indianapolis. Wineries include Buck Creek, Chateau Thomas, Easley, Mallow Run, New Day, Simmons, and Cedar Creek.
See website for location information and trail map, (812) 546-0091, www.indywinetrail.com.
Post up at Pillow Talk
Lingerie is always a popular gift for bachelorettes. Consider going straight to the source for a party at Pillowtalk. The boutique can accommodate 20 people comfortably and provides appetizers and drinks, as well as a $50 store credit for the bride and a 15 percent discount for the group.
23 E. Main St. Suite 100, Carmel or 839 E. Westfield Blvd., $300, (317) 574-8990, pillowtalkboutique.com.
Burlesque and boudoir
Looking to heat things up? Pur the Company offers four packages with activities like burlesque dance lessons, makeovers, hair styling and photos, as well as access to a Pur The Company show if available.
Starting at $250, (317) 750-7606, purthecompany.com.
Pamper and party
A visit to the spa is always a popular choice for wedding-related activities. Indy Spa Parties brings the experience to your home or hotel, providing music, candles, white sheets, robes, slippers and spa services. Catering, wine tastings, card readings, custom robes and spa menus are also available to add on for an additional charge to personalize any event.
$500 minimum or groups 10 or more, (317) 418-6309, www.indyspaparties.com.
Tackle the silks
If nothing else, a bride-to-be should remain flexible. At Cirque Indy, instructors will cover the basics of aerial silks, including how to grip, stand, and swing on the fabric, as well as a variety of poses.
617 Fulton St., starting at $125 per hour, (317) 709-9867, cirqueindy.com.
Zip it up
White River Zip Lines offers bachelor and bachelorette party packages for groups of eight or more that includes the full zip line experience, a free t-shirt and GoPro rental for the bachelor or bachelorette and a private staging area for grilling out or eating your own meal. They'll even throw in a special "wedding dress" to borrow upon request.
5211 S. New Columbus Road, Anderson, starting at $39 per person, (317) 489-3732,www.whiteriverziplines.com.
Go for a spin
Indy Pole Fitness will put a sexy spin on your event. Offering one- or two-hour parties, the class will cover walks, pole mounts, floor work, and of course, spins. Guests are invited to customize the event with your own music, food, drinks and attire, and video the routine for future practice.
4340 W. 96th St., starting at $200, (317) 908-5941, www.indypolefitness.com.
Call Star reporter Leslie Bailey at (317) 444-6094 and follow her on Twitter @Lesalina , Facebook.com/Lesalina , and Instagram @Lesalina .