18 Great Bachelor/Bachelorette Party Ideas in the Hudson Valley
By Craig Friedman
Planning a bachelor or bachelorette party in New York but don’t want anything to do with strippers, nightclubs or stretch limos? How civilized!
No matter where you go, the party planning starts with the essentials: the number of people, the duration of the event (a night, a weekend or longer), the budget, and location, location, location. While New York City has tons of nightlife options, it’s crowded and expensive and the activities are limited. For more party options — and bigger bang for your buck — drive upstate where you’ll find endless outdoor adventures, food and wine destinations, spa and wellness spots, museums and arts centers, and a slew of things to do on or near the Hudson River.
Below we’ve organized bachelor and bachelorette party ideas into enough categories that there’s truly something for everyone. Of course, you can mix and match any combination of these activities, too. Remember that some friends and family may not have the stamina or budget to do everything you hope to do. So consider creating an itinerary that allows people to opt in or out of the fun at various steps along the way.
You’ll want to establish your home base before anything else. Picking a place to stay sets the tone and establishes how long it will take to get to desirable destinations like wineries, breweries, galleries, restaurants, boat docks, etc. It helps to book a spot with its own restaurant — one less thing to worry about as you explore the Hudson Valley, tipsy or not, with your pals.
FOOD & DRINK
Hutton Brickyards River Pavilion & Edgewood
Stay at a place like Hutton Brickyards and you can combine meals and activities with little to zero need for transportation to and from other venues. That’s because Hutton has its own bars, restaurants, wellness programs, and cooking classes on the premises. Guests can stay in modern cabins facing the Hudson River or in a 19th-century mansion at the top of a hill in Kingston, NY. The 100-acre site offers several cooking classes: pasta, charcuterie, and pizza making (their wood-fired grill makes all the difference). River Pavilion bar and restaurant offers waterfront open-air dining and lots of space to spread out on Adirondack chairs and take in the view with a drink in hand. Edgewood, a 19th-century mansion, has its own restaurant and vintage-style oak bar, ideal for late autumn and winter months when it’s too cold to hang out outside.
Cheese Tasting, Cheese Pairing & Cheese Making
Churchtown Dairy is an unusual, and impressive, combination of biodynamic dairy farm, cheese-making facility, and medicinal garden (350 species planted), and it has an extensive list of programs and activities for groups: cheese tastings, farm tours, garden walks, and more. Their website explains the options well and shows compelling photos.
Wine Tasting & Pairing
More than 60 wineries operate in the Hudson Valley — from Westchester County to Albany. Wine Enthusiast profiled some of the best wineries in the area. They like Benmarl Winery, in Malboro, which was the first licensed farm winery in New York. They have 40 scenic acres of Ulster County with great views of the sprawling vines and forest below. Call for details about group tours, tastings, food menus, and live events.
Another historic spot — Brotherhood Winery in Washingtonville — is America’s oldest continuously operating winery. Their guided tours can take groups to see the underground cellars, largely unchanged from its inception, and this is available year-round.
Consider also Millbrook Vineyards & Winery, in Millbrook of course, which has Friday Night Food Trucks, Summer Solstice Lobster Bake and Jazz at the Grille, and a one-mile walking trail.
For large groups, head to Quartz Rock, which can accommodate groups of over 20 people outdoors. Want dinner too? Hutton Brickyards’ River Pavilion seats 86 people and has a private dining room that fits 35.
Got general wine questions? Stop by Kingston Wine Co for a great selection of bottles and insights into the local wine scene. For more complex planning, consider booking a guided tour with Hudson Valley Wine Tours, which can customize a trip to include several wineries and breweries, ensuring a hassle-free and enjoyable day.
Got a large group? The River Pavilion restaurant seats 86 people and has a private dining room that fits 35. To secure space for a group with more than 10 people, interested parties should fill out the form on the restaurant webpage. Weddings, corporate retreats, and other types of events are a whole other matter; Hutton Brickyards has three other riverfront spaces — a hall and two pavilions — that can fit up to 1,400 seated guests. At that point, you’re no longer eating at River Pavilion but your group will still have a memorable meal, incredible views of the Hudson River, and phenomenal photos to commemorate the event.
Spirits Tasting
Tip: Look at the location of the distillery relative to where you’re staying before you commit to a private event. Hudson Valley magazine has created a nifty map that illustrates exactly where 16 distilleries are in the region.
One of the premier brands of the area, Hudson Whiskey, is made at one of the oldest distilleries in the US (more than 230 years): Tuthilltown Spirits Farm Distillery. Hudson Whiskey is New York’s first whiskey distillery since prohibition. They boast 36 acres at the foot of the Shawangunk Mountains, in the heart of the Hudson Valley, and offer tours, guided tastings, and cocktail workshops.
Cooper’s Daughter Spirits at Olde York Farm Cooperage — in Claverack — is women-owned and family-operated, and hands-on throughout the entire distillation period. They even make each barrel by hand, which imparts charred smokiness and other deep flavors. The farm has apples orchards and black walnut tree groves, which produce their vodka, whiskey, and bourbon. The property is part of the historic Jacob Rutsen van Rensselaer House and Mill complex, which had a distillery and cooperage back in 1805. Today their distillery and cooperage reside in Rensselaer's former carriage house. For shopping options check our our cocktail garden, finding a store near you, shipping, and cocktail gift box pages.
Dutch’s Spirits, in Pine Plains, has a great creation story: In 2010, a sprawling clandestine distillery was found on the property of a farm said to belong to the notorious new York City bootlegger Dutch Schultz. But wait, there’s more. In July 2011, after an extensive archaeological analysis, the site was added to the New York State Archaeological Inventory as a “Bootleg Era Bunker Complex” and the New York State Historic Preservation Office included it in the State and National Register of Historic places. Between 2011 and 2015, the owners built a tasting room and distillery. In 2017, the distillery received its federal distilling permit. And in September 2020, their tasting room and grounds were reopened to the public.
Beer Tasting
According to the New York Post, “the 150-mile stretch from New York City to Albany, which encompasses 10 counties in Hudson Valley, includes 90 craft breweries.” The following breweries produce great lager, pilsner, ale, hefeweizen, stout and cider. Call for information about group visits — or use a beer tour guide like Hudson Valley Beer Trail, which has organized many bachelor/bachelorette party packages.
Kingston Standard in Kingston
Catskill Brewery in Livingston Manor
Seminary Hill in Callicoon
Keegan Ales in Kingston
West Kill Brewing in West Kill
SPA & WELLNESS
Hiking/Biking/Nature Walk
Yes, it’s easy to find trails for hiking and biking in the Hudson Valley. The whole area is practically a playground for outdoor adventures. But choosing the best possible path for a group is a harder proposition. Do you want river views? Waterfalls? Dog-friendly parks? Picnic areas? Flat level spaces? Easy walks? Challenging? Hutton Brickyards posted a helpful article about hikes and trails in Hudson Valley and describes 11 options.
To start, there’s a 1.9-mile segment of the 750-mile Empire State Trail that runs along North Street on the Hutton Brickyards property and through Sojourner Truth State Park. The rest of the NYS Empire Trail runs from Manhattan north to the Canada–United States border in Rouses Point near the northern tip of Lake Champlain, and from Buffalo to Albany. It is the longest multi-use trail in the country.
Other recommended parks, preserves and promenades include:
Sojourner Truth State Park
Black Creek
Esopus Meadows Preserve
Shaupeneak Ridge Park
Poet’s Walk Park
Wallkill Valley Rail Trail
Ashokan Reservoir Promenade East
Walkway over the Hudson
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Kaaterskill Falls
For a shorter and more educational experience, consider Hutton Brickyard’s Saturday Morning Guided Nature Walk where your tour guide will explain some of the flora and fauna that make up the Hudson Valley ecosystems focusing on species identification, ecological roles, and medicinal uses.
Yoga Classes/Spa/Wellness Weekend
Spa packages are luxurious ways of spending time with a bride or groom before the marriage. And yes, dudes do this as well. You can also package the experience as a detox, refresher weekend — a chance to stop for a moment and detach yourself from the chaos of info overload in a digital world.
For the ultimate getaway, where you can pamper yourself in the name of bonding, consider customizing a week or weekend of massages, facials, yoga, and reiki (a healing therapy). You’ll find these and other experiences at Hutton Brickyards by visiting their amenities/activities page, which is a subset of their experiences page. They also offer outdoor barrel-wood saunas that overlook the Hudson. Not only can you enjoy these all in one place, you also get to soak it all up in the natural beauty of the river and woods — birds calling, sunsets, and fire pits if you want to end your day with ‘smores, wine, or stargazing.
WATER SPORTS
Fishing
Less than 15 minutes away from Hutton Brickyards is Port Ewen, where you can board Chance of a Lifetime charters for a fishing trip. Capt. Steve has 37 years of experience and uses techniques like bottom fishing, trolling, and drift fishing, depending on what you’re after. If you take one of his 6 to 8-hour trips, you will target Striped Bass. Your fishing adventure starts on a 33’ Trojan Express boat that can safely take up to 6 anglers. This vessel’s 13 foot beam makes for a very stable fishing platform, features include the latest marine electronics, a clean toilet, AC, and an ice box. The price of your trip includes all the rods, reels, and terminal tackle you’ll need for a productive day on the water. Please keep in mind you’ll need to get a fishing license before the start of the trip. You’ll be able to keep any legal species caught during the trip.
Kayaking
Consider a sunset kayak tour that begins with paddling by the waterfront of Hutton Brickyards and along the shoreline of the beautiful Sojouner of Truth State Park — where you’ll see ruins of bygone eras, wildlife, and views you can only get from the water. Then there’s a discussion of the area’s history before heading back towards the Rondout Lighthouse to watch the sun as it sets below the bluffs. Parties will have a chance to snack, take some pictures and enjoy the simple beauty that only nature can give. Gail Porter, the owner and guide at I Paddle New York in Saugerties, leads the kayak tours from Hutton Brickyards. She’s an ACA Certified Kayak Instructor and Red-Cross certified in AED/CPR/First Aid. She also serves on the Stewardship Committee of the Esopus Nature Conservancy and is an active member of the Saugerties Chamber of Commerce and a partner of Riverkeeper, the most active and best advocate for the health of the Hudson River. Expect to get wet.
Boat Tours & Booze Cruises
Boarding a big boat is a no-brainer — who doesn’t like to get ferried around town, sea breeze through your hair with easy access to a bar? Hudson River Cruises offers narrated sightseeing tours as well as fall leaf-peeping cruises, craft beer and spirits tasting cruises, and live music cruises. If you opt for the tour, you’ll see historic Hudson River lighthouses, waterfront mansions, the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge, and just maybe glimpses of bald eagles and other wildlife along the river banks. Don’t worry about group size; the Rip Van Winkle II can hold 300 people.
ADVENTURE
Skydiving/Ballooning
Adrenaline junky bachelor and bachelorette party attendees won’t find any greater thrill than jumping out of airplanes (talk about taking the plunge). If you’re contemplating this ridiculousness you want a company you can trust. Skydive the Ranch has been around for more than 40 years and has “flown” hundreds of thousands of people. Their team consists of licensed skydiving instructors with high ratings in the sport. The trips soar over the Hudson Valley with views from the Catskills to the Shawangunk Mountains to the Manhattan skyline. It provides a great setting for toasting the person of honor.
Paintball
Paintball Sports NY — the nation’s longest-running paintball park with 16 wooded themes — is located on 150 acres in Clintondale. The fee gets you experienced referees, free air refills, rental gear (gun, goggles, mask, chest protector, and barrel plug) and access to a picnic area. They’ve hosted many, bachelor parties (and team-building trips) and access is year-round by reservation. Participants usually have to be over 18 years old. And some folks will not know how this activity works… or what to wear. The organizer will need to coach newbies.
Zip Lines
New York Zipline, with 30 years of experience, boasts the largest zipline canopy tour in North America (they are located at Hunter Mountain Ski Bowl). There are three “family-friendly” adventures: the SkyRider, Mid Mountain Canopy Tour and the Adventure Tower. SkyRider is the second longest zipline in the world, soaring 600 feet above the ground with crisscrossing twin zip lines. It’s not for the faint of heart; participants soar for 4.6 miles through the Catskills, from mountain peak to mountain peak and back again, reaching speeds of up to 50 miles per hour. Part of the price goes to learning the necessary skills required to take the tour at their Zipline Pilot Training School. The SkyRider Tour lasts three hours. Yes, each participant is attached to the course by a secure harness.
Mountain Climbing
For those who want more challenge than a hike but not quite a skydive, there is mountain climbing. The premier AMGA Accredited climbing service, Mountain Skills Climbing Guides, can lead guided hikes and rock climbing experiences in the Shawangunk Mountains, known for their stunning cliffs and panoramic views. Parties enjoy a day of rock climbing and rappelling; they supply all the technical equipment such as helmets, harnesses, rock shoes, belay devices and chalk bags. You will likely have to sign an “acknowledgment of risk” form. Don’t worry; there’s a 4:1 ratio of instructor to client.
Hot Air Balloon
A hot air balloon ride with Above the Clouds Balloon Rides can provide an unforgettable experience floating over the picturesque landscapes of the Hudson Valley. Especially if you plan this for sunrise or sunset; it can be a magical way to celebrate. The company flies out of Randall Airport in Middletown, New York, about an hour north of the city. You'll see rolling green hills, farms and the Shawangunk Ridge. Their most popular ride is for groups of up to 12 people at one time. And as they note: “Everyone gets a front-row seat!”
Shooting
Orvis Sandanona, located in the village of Millbrook, is the oldest permitted shooting preserve in the United States. The clubhouse was launched while Thomas Jefferson was president, and the 400-acre property is open to the public 362 days a year. Your party could book private lessons with Sandanona’s faculty of recognized instructors. And non-shooters, or those taking a break, can eat or drink in the clubhouse dining room. Experienced shooters will appreciate that the facility offers two unique sporting clays courses, a Five Stand, and a Wobble Trap.
ART/CULTURE
Museums
A few world-class museums are within a one-hour drive from almost anywhere in the Hudson Valley. You can make a day trip out of any of these detsinations, starting with lunch in town and then walking off the meal as you take in the art, and ending with a stop in the gift shop, of course.
MASS MoCA (Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art) boasts 250,00 square feet of space in a spectacular converted Arnold Print Works factory in North Adams. You can check the website to see what’s current or wing it, knowing that there are always ongoing exhibitions by artists like Sol LeWitt, Anselm Kiefer, and James Turrell.
Dia: Beacon is a contemporary art museum housed in a former Nabisco box-printing factory on the banks of the Hudson River in Beacon, New York. It features large-scale installations and artworks from the 1960s to the present, as well as special exhibitions and public programs. You may not have heard of every artist represented (Warhol is the biggest name), but if you and your peeps are art lovers, you will appreciate works by Donald Judd, Gerhard Richter, and Richard Serra, among others.
Storm King Art Center in New Windsor is an open-air museum (500 acres outdoors) with large sculptures set in a picturesque landscape. Since 1960, it’s been dedicated to “stewarding the hills, meadows, and forests of its site and surrounding landscape,” according to the website. Exhibitions change so check the website for the latest programming and season. You can browse by artist last name in this handy alphabetical index.
Paint and Sip
Pinot's Palette opened for business in 2009 in Houston, Texas, and now has franchises from coast to coast and internationally. It’s become a go-to for date nights, birthdays and bachelorette parties. The company has created over 1,00,000 paintings with its customers. To leanr more and book a party, visit the private party website for events in Fishkill, NY.
Private Group Packages
Hutton Brickyards offers bachelorette and bachelor parties, as well as elopement and microweddings. To get more info about the packages below, call 845-514-4853.
Hutton Brickyards Bachelorette Getaway in Kingston
This bachelorette getaway experience combines luxury, relaxation, and celebration at the scenic Hutton Brickyards in Kingston.
Package inclusions:
Accommodations: Choose from a variety of accommodations including our rustic and chic cabins, the luxurious Edgewood mansion, or our charming cottage.
Saunas: Pamper yourselves with a pre-wedding rejuvenating experience and indulge in our cedar barrel saunas with river views.
Welcome Basket: Upon arrival, surprise the bride-to-be with a basket filled with goodies like local chocolates, champagne, and fun spa accessories (eye masks, slippers, etc.).
Dinner Reservations: Enjoy a celebratory dinner at River Pavilion, Hutton Brickyards' open-air restaurant with panoramic views. Consider a menu customization that reflects the bride's favorite cuisine or dietary needs.
Drinks & Fun: Set up a mixology class or wine tasting session at the venue's bar or outdoor patio. You can also arrange for a bonfire with s'mores and fun yard games for a relaxed evening under the stars.
Activity Add-ons: Depending on the interests of the bachelorette crew, consider incorporating activities like:
Sound Bath, Meditation and/or Yoga class on the scenic venue grounds.
Massages & Facials conveniently available onsite.
Paint and Sip session with a local artist for a creative and fun souvenir.
Aromatherapy to create your own scent with essential oils.
Kayak sunset tour for the perfect photo op!
Private boat tour on the Hudson River for breathtaking views and relaxation.
Whiskey, brewery, or vineyard tour for a unique bachelorette experience.
Private Pizza or Pasta making class and wine pairing led by our chef.
Bonus touches:
Arrange for a professional photographer to capture the memories of your bachelorette getaway.
This Hutton Brickyards bachelorette getaway experience aims to provide a luxurious, relaxing, and fun-filled celebration for the bride-to-be and her closest friends. It allows for customization based on the bride's preferences and the group's interests, creating a memorable and unique experience.
Hutton Brickyard Bachelor Getaway in Kingston
This ultimate bachelor getaway at Hutton Brickyards promises a weekend of relaxation, camaraderie, and exciting activities for you and your groomsmen.
Package inclusions:
Accommodations: Relax and unwind on the balconies of our rustic and chic cabins.
Welcome Amenity: Kick off the festivities with a stocked welcome basket filled with local craft beers and gourmet snacks.
Daily Breakfast: Start your mornings fueled with a delicious complimentary breakfast delivered to your cabin each day.
Whiskey and S’mores around the Firepit: (weather permitting): Before turning in for the evening, reminisce with your closest friends around the firepit. Sip Hudson Valley Whiskey, toast S’mores, share stories, and enjoy the camaraderie under the stars.
Thrilling Activities (Choose 2):
Whiskey Tasting: For the whiskey enthusiasts, add a whiskey tasting session to your itinerary. Sample a variety of whiskeys and learn about their origins and flavors.
Kayaking Adventure: Explore the scenic waterways surrounding Hutton Brickyards with a guided kayaking tour. Enjoy the beauty of the Hudson River or a nearby lake and get a dose of exercise.
Archery: Tap into your inner marksman and embrace the ancient art of archery. Whether you're a novice or seasoned pro, discover the thrill of releasing your arrow with precision and power. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, master the proper stance, grip, and release technique as you hone your skills.
Guided Walk: Explore the scenic trails surrounding Hutton Brickyards with a guided walk and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Hudson Valley.
The Hutton Brickyard Bachelor package is designed to be a fun-filled and relaxing getaway for you and your closest friends before the big day. It offers a variety of activities to suit different interests, along with comfortable accommodation and delicious food.
Forever Starts Here: An Elopement Escape at Hutton Brickyards
Why wait? Begin your wedded bliss now with this elopement package at Hutton Brickyards and enjoy a stress-free experience to celebrate your love and begin your forever journey. Capture the beauty of the Hudson Valley region this summer as the backdrop to your intimate happily-ever-after.
Package inclusions:
Accommodations: Luxuriate in a spacious King Cabin with breathtaking views of the Hudson River. Enjoy a complimentary bottle of chilled champagne and local chocolates upon arrival.
The Ceremony: Exchange vows in a scenic outdoor location at Hutton Brickyards. Choose from a variety of stunning backdrops, including the waterfront lawn, a gazebo overlooking the river, or a secluded garden setting.
Officiant Services: Hutton Brickyards can help connect you with a local officiant to perform your ceremony. (Fees may apply.)
Spa Treatments: Unwind and pamper yourselves with a couples massage, customized to your preferences. (Must be scheduled at the time of booking to ensure the spa staff is available.)
Dinner for Two: Celebrate your union with a romantic private dinner prepared by Hutton Brickyards' renowned chef Edward Harder. Enjoy your first meal as a married couple with dietary needs and preferences accommodated, served in your cabin or a private setting outdoors.
Breakfast in Bed: Wake up to a delicious breakfast basket delivered to your cabin the morning after your ceremony.
"Forever Starts Here" aims to provide a stress-free and intimate elopement experience. It allows for customization based on your preferences, ensuring your special day reflects your unique love story. Relax, unwind, and celebrate your forever at the scenic Hutton Brickyards.
Hudson Valley Vows: A Micro-Wedding Celebration at Hutton Brickyards
This micro-wedding package at Hutton Brickyards offers an intimate and joyful celebration for up to 30 guests, perfect for a summer wedding surrounded by natural beauty.
Package inclusions:
Venue Rental: Enjoy exclusive use of Hutton Hall for your ceremony and reception. This charming, light-filled space offers a unique blend of history and modern elegance, with stunning views of the surrounding grounds.
Ceremony Setup: Hutton Brickyards provides basic ceremony setup, including chairs for guests, an altar or ceremony arch, and a sound system for music.
Cocktail Reception: Welcome your guests with a one-hour cocktail reception featuring passed hors d'oeuvres, a selection of local craft beers and wines, and a signature summer cocktail.
Dinner: Savor a delicious plated three-course dinner prepared by Hutton Brickyards' renowned chef. The menu can be customized to reflect your preferences and dietary needs.
Staffing: Hutton Brickyards provides professional staff, including an event manager, servers, and bartenders to ensure a seamless and stress-free experience. (Separate events planner is required.)
Summer Touches:
Outdoor Ceremony (Optional): Weather permitting, hold your ceremony outdoors on the scenic waterfront lawn or the picturesque garden terrace. Hutton Brickyards can provide chairs and an arch for the ceremony site.
Lawn Games: Keep your guests entertained with a selection of lawn games like giant Jenga, cornhole, or bocce ball set up on the lawn.
Welcome Basket with Local Treats: Greet your guests with a basket filled with local seasonal fruits, cheeses, and gourmet treats in the reception area.
Fire Pit & S'mores (Optional): Weather permitting, enjoy a bonfire with s'mores as a relaxing and fun evening activity.
"Hudson Valley Vows" aims to create a relaxed and joyful micro-wedding experience that celebrates your love story with close family and friends. The focus is on enjoying the beauty of the summer season and creating lasting memories in a stunning Hudson Valley setting.
Additional Notes:
This package is ideal for weddings with up to 30 guests. Additional guest fees may apply for exceeding this number.
Hutton Brickyards can help recommend vendors for additional services like hair & makeup, wedding cake, and officiant services.
Consider adding personalized touches like a signature cocktail named after you and your partner, or a guest book with Polaroid photos.
For more info about any of the packages above, call 845-514-4853.
