With beckoning natural scenery, a cosmopolitan downtown and scads of wineries and breweries that make having a good time practically impossible to avoid, Charlottesville is perfect for bachelors and bachelorettes looking to blow off some steam pre-nuptials. But the area also offers group fun options that are more creative than your standard drink-eat-drink rinse and repeat. Read on for a few out-of-the-box ideas for your ultimate Charlottesville party weekend.
For the bachelors:
Drop me in the water
Take advantage of this town’s great outdoors by playing in its beautiful rivers, which are perfect for canoeing, kayaking or lazily floating downstream in an inner tube. Find adventure on the water by booking a partial day or overnight trip with local outfitters James River Runners in Scottsville or Rivanna River Company in Charlottesville.
Bounce it out
Honestly, what could be more fun than hurling yourself around a trampoline room with all your dudes? Head to Jump to let loose on more than 8,000 square feet of bouncy surfaces, including angled wall trampolines, a foam pit, a Ninja Warrior Course, two basketball goals and a dodgeball court. Your inner 10-year-old will thank you.
Musical musings
Charlottesville is a live-music mecca, attracting big-name headliners while fostering local talent of all genres. Make a night of concert-hopping by checking out the tunes at several downtown venues: Start with bigger names at the Jefferson Theater, followed by the eclectic lineup at the Southern Café & Music Hall and end at old-school Miller’s for late-night pub grub and live performances.
For the bachelorettes:
Mansion staycation
Rent a gorgeous countryside estate and pretend you’re part of the 1 percent with a luxe staycation. Stunning estate homes are available for weekend rentals through Stay Charlottesville; stock up on fancy cheeses and beaucoup bubbly at Feast! and hang out poolside nibbling grapes and Gouda like you’re vacationing in Saint Tropez.
Hooch on horseback (above)
You’ve heard of winery tours by bus, by trolley, even by bike. But to really visit the vineyards in style, schedule a wine tasting tour on horseback with Rebel’s Run @ Afton Mountain, where you can embark on a guided trail ride through the lush, wine-growing countryside, stopping to sip vino en route. Now that’s a horse of a different color.
Take to the air
Looking for a group movement lesson that’s a little more sophisticated than sextastic? Lower inhibitions and raise spirits, literally, by scheduling a private class in aerialist arts at The Phoenix Dance Studio, where you can try your hand (er, leg? torso?) at the lyra, aka an aerial hoop, and writhe around in silks suspended from the ceiling.