The Complete Poconos Bachelor Party City Guide and Itinerary
While a Poconos bachelor party may feel like the chance to escape to the woods, there's still plenty to do in this seemingly remote locale and unexpected bach party destination. Groups will especially appreciate the golf options found across local resorts all nestled along the Allegheny Mountains. A Poconos bachelor party is especially ideal for the groom who's a fan of the great outdoors. Be it summer activities or skiing on the East Coast, there's plenty to do in these mountains.
Poconos Bachelor Party Planning in This Article:
- What Are Some Poconos Bachelor Party Ideas?
- What Do You Do at a Bachelor Party in the Poconos?
- Where Should I Stay in the Poconos for a Bachelor Party?
- Poconos Bachelor Party Nightlife
- Expert Poconos Travel Tips
What Are Some Poconos Bachelor Party Ideas?
The Poconos are a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts who live for adrenaline-pumping fun. In the winter, there's skiing and snowboarding. In the warmer months, there's everything from golf to white water rafting. And to top it all off, there are a number of local breweries, great places to eat, and even casinos.
For the Adventurer
Whether your groom wants to hit the slopes or is looking for something warmer, there's a lot to do outside in the Poconos, including mountain biking, white water rafting, treetop rope courses, and more.
For the Beer Enthusiast
There are a number of craft breweries throughout the Poconos to get your fix of suds, along with a few whisky distilleries and a number of wineries if he prefers the vino.
For the Night Owl
From gambling and entertainment at casinos to cozy neighborhood bars offering pool tables and TVs to catch the game, this is a place where you will find a more laid-back nightlife, but a good one just the same.
What Do You Do at a Bachelor Party in the Poconos?
We've planned a three-day Poconos bachelor party itinerary for the warm weather months that will get you and the crew outside a lot. Plus, you'll eat and drink well throughout the weekend too.
Day 1
Morning: Start the trip at the beloved Chat-n-Chew Cafe, where you'll find a homey atmosphere and delicious breakfast and brunch items including omelettes, Belgian waffles, benedicts, breakfast sandwiches, and more.
Afternoon: If you aren't scheduled on a weekend where you can catch a live NASCAR event at the Poconos Raceway, give yourselves a chance to get behind the wheel instead. Book a day on the famous speedway to drive your own 600-horsepower stock car around the 2.5-mile loop. You'll enjoy a training session, then the choice to take on a 10-mile, 20-mile, or even 40-mile drive at lightning speeds.
Evening: Barley Creek Brewing Company is a one-stop shop for dinner and good drinks. You'll find craft beer that's made right on site, as well as small batch Barley Creek whisky, and a rotation of guest beers on tap. For dinner, start with the phoenix pretzel dip or the award-winning wings before moving on to burgers (try the hangover cure), sandwiches, or barbecue meats from the Barley Smokehouse.
Day 2
Morning: Start your day with brunch at Wallenpaupack Brewing Co. for a good meal paired with award-winning and seasonal beers. On the menu, you find everything from French toast churros and everything seasoned pretzels to a breakfast burger (topped with cheddar, crispy bacon, a sunny-side-up egg, and blueberry jam) and beer-infused banana pancakes.
Afternoon: Head into battle on the fields of Skirmish Paintball, where you can book your own bachelor party package for paint-fueled war on more than 700 acres of fields. Choose between fields of open courses, dense woods, creeks, forts, villages, cargo containers, tanks, and inflatable bunkers, among other options. Then let the games (and pain) begin. After your game, treat the winning team to beers at Pocono Brewery Company, home to craft pilsners, stouts, pale ales, and brown ales, as well as a good stop for lunch or happy hour bites.
Evening: For your night out, head to Mount Airy Casino and Resort where you can pack in a lot of one in just one spot. Start with dinner at Guy Fieri's Mt. Pocono Kitchen in the resort where you can load up on trash can nachos, dragon's breath chili fries, pulled pork sandwiches, and ribs. Then it's off to fun: Pick between trying your hand with lady luck at the casino, packing your bathing suit for the Get Wet Pool Bar, exploring an indoor/outdoor heated pool with a swim-up bar, indulging in cocktails at the sophisticated Pia's Lounge, or taking in a live show, depending on the schedule. If you get the late-night munchies, stop in at Pizzeria Montagna for a good slice of pie.
Day 3
Morning: Have breakfast at The Beacon Diner, a retro spot that serves breakfast all day. You'd find everything you'd expect from a diner breakfast, including a country scramble, breakfast wraps, hot cakes, and stuffed French toast. And you're just a short drive from your next destination.
Afternoon: Play the links at Mountain Valley Golf Course, where the views are just as nice as the two 18-hole championship courses. Rated 4.5 out of 5 by Golf Digest, it's a must-book for a tee time. After your round, sidle up to the bar at the newly remodeled bar and restaurant for a beer and a good bite.
Evening: Dinner: For your last night head to Desaki, a great spot for hibachi, as well as one of the few places you'll find sushi in the Poconos. From there, hop in a ride to The Pourhouse, a cozy bar with pool tables and an outdoor patio.
Where Should I Stay in the Poconos for a Bachelor Party?
You'll be making your way around the Poconos for the weekend, so be aware you will be car (or taxi) dependent. Houses are always a great option if you're looking to spend some nights in, or staying at one of the casino resorts that will offer loads of amenities and entertainment.
Best Poconos Bachelor Party Hotels
Nemacolin: This sprawling and charming four-star property at the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains is one of the most coveted stays in the Poconos. Why not make it a luxe guys' getaway for the group?
Mount Airy Casino and Resort for a budget-friendly option that includes all of the fun of gambling, bars, and restaurants just steps from your rooms.
Camelback Resort: If you're here to ski or adventure, this hotel offers access to loads of activities. Camelback also offers luxury accommodations for those willing to spend a little more.
Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort: If you're looking to make it a golf weekend, look no further than this property, where you'll find a 27-hole course and resort amenities for a great price.
Pro tip: The Knot has partnered with Hotel Planner to help you secure the best group hotel rate and get free hotel advice from an expert travel planner.
Best Poconos Home Rentals
There are plenty of housing options for a Poconos bachelor party, so check out TripAdvisor, VRBO, Airbnb, Expedia, and Hopper Homes. Pro tip: If you're looking to supplement your vacation rental stay with some hotel amenities such as a swimming pool or a fitness facility, you can secure Poconos hotel day passes on ResortPass.
Lakefront Home: This rental with five bedrooms is a great bet for large groups (up to 12) in the summer looking for lots of space indoors and out.
Home in the Heart of the Poconos: A rental that offers room for eight, this home offers quick access to many activities, and its own pool.
Chalet on the Lake Near Camelback: This option is a sure bet for those looking for outdoor fun, with access to kayaks, peddle boats, and sports courts—plus room for up to 8 lads.
Poconos Bachelor Party Nightlife
While many of Poconos' best restaurants can be found on hotel resorts, adventure seekers should also check out the famed culinary scene in nearby Honesdale. After that, choose from beer, wine, or sake as your party picks at Poconos' awesome bars.
Best Poconos Bachelor Restaurants
Native Honesdale: The quaint town of Honesdale is gaining momentum in PA's foodie scene, and Native is where every local will tell you to reserve a table if you're looking for an unforgettable, celebratory meal. The restaurant is helmed by a husband-and-wife duo with a focus on fresh and local produce sourced from nearby farms. If you're going to have a mini road trip from your lodge, then make it a tasty one.
Lake Naomi Clubhouse: Since you've all come to Poconos to enjoy scenic beauty, the best place to start the formalities is at Lake Naomi Clubhouse. The restaurant offers lakefront fine dining with exquisite views from which to make the best man speech. Note that the restaurant is only open to members of Lake Naomi, or guests of the Mountaintop Lodge.
The Dock on Wallenpaupack: As a vacation destination, you'll find many of the best restaurants situated within resorts and lodges. The Dock is in the Silver Birches Resort, and here, it's all about the fresh catch of the day. But that's only the beginning: the large menu also encompasses salads, brick oven pizza, cheesesteaks, and much more to keep everybody at the party more than satisfied.
Best Poconos Bachelor Party Bars
Renegade Winery: Wine lovers in the group will have a spectacular evening at Renegade. It's the Pocono Mountain Region's first urban concept winery, where local bottles are crafted with freedom of innovation. Give Stroudsburg wine a try, either by the glass or the sommelier's recommendation on a wine-tasting session.
Sango Kura: PA really is a bag of tricks. Sango Kura is the state's first and only sake brewery and bistro, and it's right here in Poconos. There are 8 house sakes, including smooth, earthy, and fruity varieties, and they can be paired with the bar's izakaya dishes like sushi and gyoza.
Siamsa Irish Pub: Perhaps a slice of Ireland's jubilant drinking culture is what you envision for the fellas? If so, you might want to grab a beer at Siamsa. This authentic tavern has 30 beers on tap, accompanied by Irish pub grub and a lot of Irish charm. Groups of over 20 can book a private event space.
Expert Poconos Travel Tips
The closest airport is Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport, but since flights are pricy and limited, many choose to drive from nearby cities or take a Greyhound from Philadelphia. A car is absolutely essential while you're here. Activities are seasonal, and the best time of year to visit depends on whether you're down for skiing, hiking, swimming, or whitewater rafting. As with most outdoor destinations, you'll need to pack a reliable portable charger, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle. Sporting equipment can easily be rented.
—Allyson Johnson contributed to this article.