In recent years, there has been a rising trend of destination bachelorette parties. Vegas, Charleston and Scottsdale are all fantastic cities, but destinations aren’t convenient for every bride and their party. While we love a good destination bachelorette, we wanted to highlight our own city of Omaha and share ideas on how you can host an affordable stay-cation bachelorette, with the same excitement of getting out of town, to celebrate your bride-to-be.
Where to Stay
Sip French 75s in style at Hotel Deco’s stunning Monarch Bar. Photo via Monarch Prime & Bar
An Art Deco gem with nods to the 1930’s. The Hotel Deco blends history and a contemporary boutique hotel experience. Enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail or dinner in their gorgeous Monarch Prime & Bar
Built in 1923, the structure was designed to mimic the Bargello, a palace in Florence, Italy. If not occupied by an event, their beautiful courtyard is a great gathering spot for tasteful bridal games and cocktails.
Located in The Capitol District with a sleek sophistication & engaging design. Weather permitting, bask in the sun in their 3rd story outdoor swimming pool or sip on curated whiskey flights at their Burdock + Bitters hotel bar.
What to Do
Enjoy the greenhouse or explore one of the many gardens at Lauritzen. Photo via Lauritzen Gardens
Art Museum Tour
Explore the Joslyn Art Museum. Public tours are free and held every Saturday at 10:30am, or you can schedule a private group tour. Modern art more your style? Check out an exhibition at the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, just south of the Old Market.
Lauritzen Gardens
Grab a cup of coffee from Hardy Coffee Co. and take a morning stroll through the botanical gardens to start your day. Entry fee of $10
Karaoke
A short Uber from Downtown will lead you to Renos Karaoke in the historic Blackstone District. Have your gals send in their song requests and create your own playlist on their website to have ready when you arrive.
Winery & Brewery Hop
Rent a limo or sprinter to take you to local wineries and/or breweries. Pick up a few bottles of bubbles from The Looking Glass or Howard Street Wine Merchant to sip on your ride in between destinations.
Let’s Brunch
Boozy brunch? Yes, please! Photo via Le Bouillon
French comfort food and raw bar. Sip on mimosas or shareable drinks, such as their Lillet Pressé and brunch on french favorites and oysters. A great dinner spot as well.
Looking for a lighter option? Drive or walk a quick mile west of The Old Market to The Grove for smoothies, acai bowls and avocado toast. Don’t forget to grab some bottled cold-pressed juices and wellness shots for the next morning’s recovery.
What’s for Dinner
You can’t beat Mula’s smokey mezcal margarita. Photo via Mula Mexican Kitchen & Tequileria
Upscale
Rustic-chic loft eatery with a wine cellar serving craft cocktails & inspired New American fare.
A modern steakhouse with contemporary cocktails located in The Hotel Deco.
Carefully crafted pasta & wood-fired pizza. Excellent wine selection and unique cocktails.
Upbeat
Did someone say sake-bombs? With a discreet alley entrance, Ika San is more than just ramen. Enjoy their small plates, poke bowls and unique cocktails while hip-hop blasts on the sound system.
Ask to be seated upstairs in the lounge for a fun atmosphere as you indulge in a boat of sushi, small plates, and sake-bombs.
Mula Mexican Kitchen & Tequileria
Located in the Blackstone District. Great energy and food inspired by Mexican street food with fresh margaritas and of course, tequila shots. A perfect spot before or after karaoke at Renos.
Night Life
Tiny House…bigger heart. via Tiny House
The Old Market
If you’re staying in the Old Market, you’re in a great location to bar hop between a mix of cocktail bars and classic pubs. For a unique experience, grab a big booth at the Laka Lono Rum Club and share group tiki cocktails. Up the street and across from one another on 16th are The Green Room and Mercury, where you’ll find the best Old Fashioned in town. In the heart of The Old Market is The Berry and Rye, where a DJ begins at 10pm. From there, you’re in a perfect spot to hop along a variety of OM bars.
Little Bohemia
Head a mile south of The Old Market to enjoy nightlife in the Little Bohemia neighborhood. With the few bar options, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy each other’s company with boozy shakes in the booths of Fizzy’s or beers at Infusion Beer Hall. Challenge your friends to arcade games at Beercade 2, and for the best drinks of your life, hit up Tiny House. We suggest ordering the Obama Sex Dream.
Blackstone
As mentioned in our What to Do section, an Omaha bachelorette must is karaoke at Reno’s in Blackstone. Walk along Farnam Street to find other delicious cocktails, but tucked behind the main strip you will find Corkscrew’s wine patio and the door to the speakeasy, Osteria Segreto.
Benson
A 10 minute Uber will lead you north west to the Benson neighborhood. Catch the sunset on the rooftop of 1912 and enjoy many other outdoor spaces with a boot at Bärchen Beer Garden, margaritas at Taco Co., or a relaxing glass of wine at Eleven Eleven. For a cozier atmosphere, stop in to our owner’s favorite spot, Krug Park, or sneak below Ika Ramen to their not-so-secret bar, Kaitai.
This guest post was written by local restaurant brand manager and writer, Brittany Hanson