Planning a bachelorette party can be daunting, especially if you’re aiming for something beyond the typical night out in town. As a former Rochester bride, and MOH who’s planned a few bachelorette parties in the Finger Lakes area, I’ve curated a list of unique bachelorette party ideas to help make planning super easy and stress-free. All you need to do is know what type of experience you’re after!
Before you get into it, be sure to subscribe to access free printable bachelorette party favor templates!
15 Bachelorette Party Ideas for Rochester and Finger Lakes Brides
From vineyard tours (because… you can’t live in the Finger Lakes without at least considering this as an option) to adrenaline-pumping adventures and even chill-at-home vibes, I’ve got all the unique bachelorette party ideas you’ll need. So, pick your poison, find your perfect bach bash, and then… get to planning! Ya ready?!
- Vino Before Vows
- Brews for the Bachelorette
- ROC, Relax and Rejuvenate
- Bachelorette Boat Cruise
- Bachelorette Bash
- ROC’n Bod Bachelorette
- ROC’n around Town Bachelorette
- Comic Relief Bachelorette
- Babes in Toyland
- ROC’n the Kitchen
- Bowling for the Bride
- Bougie Bach
- Beach Babes
- Aerial Adventures
- Batches Escape
#1 | Vino Before Vows on the Finger Lakes
It’s no secret that Rochester is home to hundreds of great wineries in and around the Finger Lakes – all offering picturesque views and a variety of local palate-pleasers. Arranging a private wine tour escape for a day of tastings, exploration of local vineyards, and learning about the art of winemaking is perfect for a sophisticated, yet fun, bachelorette outing.
2024 Map of Finger Lakes Wineries
To start planning your vino before vows bachelorette tour, plot your stops using this Finger Lakes winery map by Finger Lakes Libations.
#2 | Rochester Brews & Bachelorette
If beer is more your crew’s style, Rochester’s craft beer scene won’t disappoint either. Arrange a brewery tour and visit spots like Genesee Brew House, Rohrbach’s, Three Heads Brewing, K2 Brewing, and ROC Brewing Co. Enjoy some great brews, play some fun lawn games, and learn about the brewing process as you tour some of our great Rochester breweries.
2024 Finger Lakes Brewery Map
To start planning your brewery bachelorette tour, plot your stops using this Finger Lakes brewery map by Finger Lakes Libations.
━━━━━➤ SAVVY TIPS: For both winery and brewery tours, here are a couple savvy tips for planning these excursions:
- Consider booking professional transportation. Because, no one wants to be the DD, even if they aren’t drinking.
- Get quotes earlier than you think you need to! Especially if you’re planning your bash in a high-demand season like spring or summer with lots of proms and weddings, limo companies will get booked up (and the rates won’t go down the longer you wait… you’ll just have fewer options.)
- Don’t fret if these options are too pricey! Bring the party to you with an at-home Rochester wine or beer tasting. Check out this great article on The Knot on how to host an epic wine-tasting night in the comfort of your own kitchen.
#3 | ROC, Relax & Rejuvenate Bachelorette Party
Are you, or your bride-to-be, looking for more of a low-key day to unwind? Rochester offers some fantastic spa experiences for a day (or weekend) of pampering.
Here are a few of my favorites in and around the Finger Lakes area.
- Ape and Canary (Downtown Rochester)
- The Spa at Woodcliff (Victor)
- Del Monte Spa (Pittsford)
- The Lakehouse Resort and Spa (Canandaigua)
- Inns of Aurora (Aurora, NY on Cayuga Lake)
If you’re planning a bachelorette on a budget, consider creating a spa experience at home. For a little bit of luxury, I recommend planning your stay somewhere with a hot tub, pool, or both! Consider exploring VRBO or Airbnb with a view! And then plan a night of pampering with plush robes and at-home facial treatments, manis and pedis.
#4 | Rochester Bachelorette Boat Cruise
Spend a day on the water with your crew on one of the Rochester region’s many scenic waterways. Whether you rent a boat for a day on the water, plan a paddle board adventure, or book a sunset cruise, a bachelorette boating excursion is a great way to unwind and see some incredible Rochester scenery.
Here are a few great bachelorette boating options to explore:
- South Bay Boat Rentals (Irondequoit Bay or Seneca Lake) – Rent a party boat for ten at $129/hour or kayaks for $20/hour per person)
- Sutters Marina Boat Rentals (Canandaigua) – Rent a party boat for a full ($500) or half day ($400)
- Mark’s Leisure Time Marine (Avon, Conesus Lake, or Canandaigua) – Rent a party boat for ten ($449/day), paddle boards ($40/.5 day per person), or kayaks ($30/.5 day per person).
- Bay Creek Paddling Center (Irondequoit Bay) – Rent kayaks and paddle boards and head out on your own, or book guided lessons or excursions for your group!
- Riverie Cruises (Pittsford or Corn Hill) – Take a cruise with your crew to explore the Genesee Riverway or Erie Canal (starts at $30 per person)
#5 | Rochester Bachelorette Bash
This Rochester bachelorette party idea skews more non-traditional, but it’s a fun one, especially if your bride-to-be is up for something a little different. This one is also personal, as when I was exploring options for my sister-in-law’s bachelorette party, I put together a list of ideas. As I walked her through a bunch of options to see what she liked best, her eyes lit up when we got to this one. Over a wine tour, a glamping trip, and a few other more traditional options, she chose to “smash s***.” So… that’s what we did!
At iSmash Rochester, for $450, 15 people can smash the crap out of a full room of electronics and glassware for 35 minutes and then hang out in their private party room for an hour with the option to add ax throwing or splatter painting for an additional per person cost.
It’s definitely not for the meek, but oh-so fun if you’re looking for something a little wild for your crew to do.
#6 | Get a ROC’n Bod Bachelorette
Are you or your bride-to-be more of a fitness fiend? How fun would it be to host your own personal fitness class with your crew?! And I’ve got just the person for you to call to make it happen. My friend Julia Tiberio, founder/owner of The Fitness Chemist does pop-ups with local studios or can come to you for a private Pilates party! Just BYOM (bring your own mat) and it’s $60/per person for 30 mins or $100 for 45-60 mins!
#7 | ROC’n around Town Pedal Tour Bachelorette
Now, I know I know… I said I’d be sharing unique bachelorette party ideas that AREN’T just a night out on the town. But, this is a night out in town with a twist! So… it still counts. I’m sure you’ve seen these pedal tours around Rochester and probably chuckled a little, or maybe even rolled your eyes at the ridiculousness of it, but trust me, it’s actually super fun.
I tried the Buffalo Pedal Tour in the heart of winter (yeah, we were crazy). But even in the frigid Buffalo air, we had a blast and literally laughed our way around town as we bounced from bar to bar. If you love the Rochester nightlife but are looking for something just a little different, the Rochester Pedal Tour bachelorette party is for you and starts at just $350 for ten people.
Subscribe to access my DIY Bachelorette Party Favor Templates!
#8 | Comic Relief in Rochester Bachelorette
For a Rochester bachelorette party that’s more light-hearted and pure FUN, consider booking a night out with your crew at the Comedy at the Carlson. You can even dine there by booking through their party and events booking page! If your girl loves to laugh, this is a great non-traditional choice for your bachelorette party (and super easy to plan/coordinate!).
#9 | Babes in Toyland Bachelorette
Next on our list of unique bachelorette party ideas to do in the Rochester area? A day at the amusement park!
Alright, not my best name for this one, but essentially this idea is to be a KID again. Bachelorette parties are all about having fun with your favorite people, letting loose, and forgetting everything that’s on your wedding planning checklist for a day, night, or weekend. And I don’t know about you, but some of MY best memories as a kid are at Seabreeze.
If you’re not a night out on the town kind of bride-to-be, why not plan a day of nostalgia and good clean fun and head to Rochester’s oldest amusement park.
#10 | ROC’n the Kitchen Bachelorette
Want to sharpen your cooking skills before you say “I do”? Personally, I am NOT a good chef. My husband does pretty much all of our cooking (I know, I’m so, so lucky), but for my friend’s bachelorette we planned a cooking class bachelorette party and it was super fun (and quite educational).
If this sounds appealing, you’ve got a couple options in the Rochester area:
- Go through the Rochester Brainery, which offers a ton of fun options from empanada-making classes to sourdough 101, and even cake decorating!
- Book a class or host a private class at New York Kitchen in Canandaigua. Learn to cook gourmet meals together and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
#11 | Bowlin’ for the Bride at Radio Social
Radio Social is fun no matter the occasion, but it’s also perfect for a low-key night out with your besties to celebrate your upcoming bride status. Whether you book a private party, or just grab a lane and kick it, this is perfect for the bride-to-be who wants an entertaining night out without the hassle of bar hopping.
Start with a delish dinner, venture over to the lanes for a little bit of bowling, and then stay for tasty drinks and games of giant Jenga and corn hole.
Related articles you also might like:
#12 | Bougie Baches in Rochester
I’m an artsy fartsy myself so I would have adored any of these ideas for a lil bougie bach. These creative bachelorette ideas are perfect for the artistically or musically inclined bride-to-be. A word of caution though…Your crew definitely has to be on the same page though, otherwise, you might be the only one enjoying these (!!).
- ARTISANworks: Rent out a space at ARTISANworks for a truly unique bachelorette party. This creative space is filled with art and offers an incredible eclectic atmosphere.
- Geva Theater: For the drama lover, catch a play or performance at the Geva Theater.
- Kodak Center: You’ll find tons of options here, depending on the time of year. From your fave movies like Harry Potter set to a Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra soundtrack, to bands on tour, and plays.
#13 | Beach Babes Bachelorette
Yup, Rochester has beaches. Despite popular opinions that we don’t and you have to travel hours away for a beach bachelorette, you can have a fun-filled day in the sand and surf right here in Rochester.
Stock the cooler, grab the sunnies, grab the girlies, and head to one of these locales for a low-key beach day:
- Ontario Beach Park – The largest beachfront in the Rochester area, you’ll also find tons of nearby activities and food, including the Rochester Cycle Boat Tour launch!
- Durand Eastman Park – honestly, it looks like you’re on a Mediterranean coast… not Lake Ontario! The downside is there’s nothing walkable nearby so you’ll need to BRING the party, food, and any activities you want to do.
- Irondequoit Bay Outlet Pier and Beach – This cute little beach is right next to the Irondequoit Bay Outlet Pier and also… down the street from Bill Gray’s, Abbots, and MARGES (and if you’ve never been to Marge’s… do yourself a favor and give it a go! It’s the only bar with a beach outback in Rochester)
- Hamlin Beach State Park – If you’re up for a bit of a drive, and a small car entrance fee ($7), this beach is beautiful and CLEAN! Plus, you can camp here with your crew if you’re up for an overnight adventure!
#14 | Aerial Adventure Park Party at Bristol Mountain
Gosh, I wish I had known about this idea when I was getting married. As a frequent Bristol Mountain skier, outdoor lover, and adventure seeker, this is such a fun non-traditional bachelorette idea! The Aerial Adventure Park at Bristol Mountain is perfect for the thrill-seeking bride-to-be looking for a day outdoors. This excursion offers zip lines, an aerial bridge course, and even something called “The Launch” – an adrenaline-pumping ride that launches guests 63 feet in the air.
#15 | Rochester Escape Room Bachelorette
Is your bride-to-be a connoisseur of puzzles and “who done it” flicks? Then maybe an escape room is the perfect bachelorette activity to plan. Test your wits and teamwork at one of these Rochester escape room experiences.
- Locked: A Rochester Escape Room Experience provides various themed rooms to choose from, including an ode to a Rochester haunt – The White Lady’s Castle!
- GTFO Escape Rooms: Located in the heart of Rochester, off East Ave, the reviews of this place and the experience are fantastic!
- The Great Escape Room – Boasts the #1 escape room experience in America, with multiple locations across the country, including one in Rochester!
Rochester, NY, offers a variety of unique bachelorette party ideas that cater to different tastes and interests. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, or a bit of both, you’ll find plenty of ways to celebrate the bride-to-be in style.
Feel free to combine these ideas to make it your own, and if you have any questions or additional ideas I didn’t cover, drop me a line in the comments!
Happy bach planning!
Kelsey