This summer, I helped throw my friend Erica a bachelorette party in Newport, Rhode Island. Since we were going to be on the water all weekend, I suggested we have a nautical theme. After some brainstorming, we decided to call the weekend Erica’s last sail before the veil. Bridget and I spent the three days after Slesh’s wedding and before Erica’s bachelorette weekend in full blown errand mode. There’s no such thing as too many party props, right? I took Friday off from work and drove down to Newport with Bridget and Ashley. When we arrived, we checked in (party props in tow) to our hotel, The Newport. We decided to head down to Bowen’s Wharf and eat an early lunch before settling in to the hotel. We went to The Lobster Bar, and I enjoyed a lobster salad and a cocktail with a view. It was a perfect day, and the ocean was gorgeous. After lunch, we went back to the hotel to decorate and set up before everyone else arrived. First we put the party bags filled with champagne, leis, snacks, koozies, straws, and more out on display. Next we strung thongs, condoms, and a pair of bride underwear across the room. We also got busy with balloons, streamers, and other decorations that I probably shouldn’t post on this blog. When Erica arrived there was a lot of screaming and giggling. And a one piece pajama set to go nicely with the underwear. Our first destination once everyone arrived was the Castle Hill Inn. Holy gorgeous waterfront. We spent a couple of hours just lounging on the lawn with fun cocktails, catching up, and enjoying another beautiful view. After our lovely afternoon, we went back to the hotel to get ready for dinner at the Gas Lamp Grille. The dress code for the night was Erica in red, everyone else in black! We also sported light up rings from the party bag. During dinner, Erica’s sister gave a little toast, we drank out of inappropriate straws, and we clinked cheers many times! After dinner it was time to dance! We walked over to Studio 3, which is a nightclub that has a CATWALK. Let’s just say a lot of time was spent up there. Here are some gems from the night: It was such a fun night! When we got back to the hotel, there was a lot of snacking and snuggling before we all went to bed. When we woke up on Saturday, it was a little overcast, so we took our time getting up and at em. Bridget and I did a bagel run for everyone, and eventually we all made our way to the beach. We spent the afternoon just lounging, snacking, drinking mimosas, and playing a fun bachlorette game that Erica’s sister put together where she asked Chris to answer questions ahead of time, and we had to see how many Erica would get right. After our beach day, it was time to get ready for the second night of festivities. Our Saturday night dress code was even more intense than Friday’s. Enter matching tank tops and sailor hats. We had a few drinks at the hotel while playing a few more games and taking a look at the scavenger hunt that our friend Eileen put together for the night. Then we were off! Next up on our agenda was a sunset cruise. While we were waiting for our boat to arrive, Erica did some scavenging. Yes, that’s one of our party props you see: Our outfits were seriously a huge hit among passerby! We boarded our boat, The Rum Runner, around 7pm for an hour long cruise around the harbor. The boat had snacks and rum punch, and it was a really fun activity to add to our night. After our boat docked, it was time for dinner at Jo’s American Bistro. We didn’t just take any transportation to dinner though! I could not stop laughing the entire ride sitting on Katrina and Kelly’s laps! Dinner that night was perfect, and I’m bummed I didn’t take any pictures during it! The food was great and right up my alley. I ordered the salmon, and it was served with couscous, red quinoa, lemon and feta cheese, kale, and a citrus salad. Another bachelorette thing we did during dinner was take turns going around the table to each say something we love about Erica. Mine was how she is always up for a fun activity – no matter what!

After dinner, we concluded our night at a couple of different bars. First up was the Boom Boom Room, which made me feel super old. They had a TV at the bar that showed footage of the dance floor, and it was hilarious to watch! We only went there for one drink before heading to One Pelham East to dance to a live band for the rest of the night. Erica’s sister even got to go on stage and sing with the band for Billy Jean! So cool. On Sunday, those of us who didn’t have to leave early did one last brunch at the Atlantic Beach Club before heading home.

Erica’s bachelorette was such a fun weekend, and everything went so smoothly! I know I’m a few months late in recapping the weekend since it took place in July, but it was fun going back through my pictures while writing this post. I still have shower and all my besties’ weddings to write about, but I’ll save those for another time.

–Let’s chat– Have you ever been to Newport? What’s your favorite thing to do there? Tell me about the bachelorette or bachelor parties you’ve been to this year, if any!

For other bachelorette fun, check out:

• Slesh’s NYC Bachelorette Party
• Katrina’s Bridal Shower and Bachelorette
• Cate’s Boston Bachelorette