Yes, we all know Philly’s the greatest, but sometimes you’ve just gotta trade the misery that is being stuck on the Schuylkill for an exit straight out of town. A bachelorette weekend is the perfect opportunity. While many might opt for a weekend in the city or others choose to whisk their girlfriends off to the islands for a major party, there are plenty of escapes to make on the road. Here’s 7 destinations you can get to from Philly in less than a two hour drive. You’ll feel miles away and won’t break the bank on your party before the big day.
- Phoenixville, PA (Distance from Philly: 30.1 miles, one-hour drive)
Why it made the list: This suburban town has gone through a major revitalization in the last 15 years and is now home to a number of craft breweries, including the incredibly popular Sly Fox, as well as a slew of eclectic artists and musicians.
Event to look out for Every December: check out the Harry Potter-esque Burning of the Phoenix.
- Brandywine Creek State Park, Wilmington, DE (Distance from Philly: 31.4 miles, one-hour drive)
Why it made the list: Tubing down the Brandywine is one of the most pleasant experiences one can ever hope to have in the state of Delaware. There are also so many opportunities for fishing, hiking, etc. that the next time someone mentions the state you won’t be like, “Dela-where?” anymore. It’s also the best place for a wonderful picnic experience
- Grounds for Sculpture, Hamilton, NJ (Distance from Philly: 43 miles, one-hour drive)
Why it made the list: All your art-geek dreams come true at this sprawling garden campus freckled with art-imitating-other-art-style sculptures that bring famous works by Monet and others to life. You, too, can be the woman in the poppy or get inspired by the lake’s lily pads. Locally made ice cream in the gazebo is worth trying. While in town, stop by the Robert James Salon and Spa (https://www.robertjamessalonandspa.com/packages) for a day of pampering. Their packages include a girls’ day out bundle full of massages and beauty treatments.
- Sea Isle City, NJ (Distance from Philly: 77 miles, one-hour-and-18-minute drive)
What will set your bach trip to the shore apart from your typical weekend getaways? Rent a party bus and hit the town. Sea Isle’s a quintessential beach town with a bit of everything, from surfing less toasty brick-oven pizza from DeNunzio’s (now open year-round) to a dogged appreciation for all things Margaritaville, as evidenced by the Jimmy Buffett nights on the boardwalk. When you’ve tried all the pizza shops, enjoy a dinner of fresh seafood alongside one of the best views on the shore at Sunset Pier, it’s really worth it
- Dutch Springs, Bethlehem, PA (Distance from Philly: 70 miles, two-hour drive)
You can go scuba diving, camping, and even hit a water park, all in Bethlehem, PA, so choose the kind of water-related adventure you want and you’ll find it here, whether your optimal level of excitement involves canoeing or breathing under water. If your tired of the water, get out and try the Sky Challenge (https://www.dutchsprings.com/aquapark/sky-challenge/) high-ropes adventure course. Spend a couple of nights partying at Sands Casino and taking in a show at SteelStacks and round out the trip with some serious brunching at the local eateries like The Bayou Southern Kitchen (http://www.dat-bayou.com/), The People’s Kitchen (http://pkonlinden.com/), and Tapas on Main (http://www.tapasonmain.com/).
- Cape May (Distance from Philly: 94.5 miles, two-hour drive)
Cape May is the jewel of the Jersey Shore, and there’s just as much historical charm here as there are white beaches and ice cream shops. Well, maybe not ice cream shops… there are so many ice cream shops. Plus, Mad Men’s Betty Draper was born here!
The World War II lookout tower kind of takes forever to climb up but the view is definitely worth it.
- The Poconos (Distance from Philly: 118 miles, 2.75-hour drive)
The essential weekend trip for Philadelphians winter or summer, the Poconos are a short drive to feel like you’re in another state altogether. Mountain hiking and horseback riding are the most appropriate activities, but there are plenty of opportunities for no-thrills relaxation too. Check out a race at the Poconos Raceway, where they’re held several times a year.
