4 bachelor party ideas for Philly groomsmen

The who matters more than the where.

Remember that when planning your bachelor or bachelorette party.

For one weekend in your life, all of your best friends will collect in one place — setting their lives on hold wherever they may live and celebrating your decision to take the most important step of your life.

If you’re a Philadelphian or live in the Delaware Valley, there are four major options to consider when deciding what to do with your besties or boys.

Here are our favorite bachelor party ideas.

The classic

Going to Atlantic City is a standard move — but that doesn’t mean it’s not also a fantastic one.

All summer long, resorts like the Borgata host bachelor and bachelorette parties every weekend. So if you’ve got singles in your group, this is definitely the place to go.

Whether some people like to gamble, some like to drink and some like to dance, all three options can exist simultaneously in Atlantic City. And we all know everyone likes food. So make a reservation at Borgata’s Wolfgang Puck, or at Tropicana’s Chickie’s and Petes and get everyone around one table for a delicious two-hour dinner.

Premier Night Club, brand spanking new and jam packed with attractive 20-somethings is a stop that shouldn’t be skipped, nor should a few hours by the pool (we loved the Water Club)or at the beach just off the AC boardwalk or at Brigantine Beach.

Off the beaten path

Want to do something still conventional but a little different? Try the Sands in Bethlehem. There’s still the staples: gambling, drinking and dancing, but it’s a little more secluded and quiet. The restaurants are out of this world, from Emril’s Chophouse to Buddy V’s Ristorante (yes, he can cook just as well as he bakes) but there’s more fun just off the property.

Located just next to Bethlehem’s Steel Stacks, relics from day when the city was one of the country’s industrial leaders, a path up the stairs and through the stacks is a perfect leisurely walk after dinner with cigar in hand. Keep an ear open for live music out there. The entire venue is like Manhattan’s High Line and is a highlight for any get-together.

Another advantage is the rates, a little more reasonable than AC but still just as impressive as far as accommodations are concerned.

Nerd out

Want to really do something different?

How about going complete nerd with your buddies?

A Viking quest is a unique idea that can stimulate your sense of history and bring together a group of buddies for a once in a lifetime day. The exchange of swords has been a Viking tradition for centuries, and taking a hike through the Appalachian Trail in the Poconos in search of a previously buried sword (bought by the groomsmen) is a story you’ll be telling forever.

Or, to tone it down, simply gathering with some beers to play a few games, like Codenames, Cards Against Humanity or Settlers of Catan is just as enthralling as any hand of blackjack. A bachelor party should reflect the interests and personality of the groom and there’s nothing wrong with a little creativity.

Stay in Philly

Philadelphia itself has everything you need. There are elite restaurants like Del Friscos or Barclay Prime, there’s Ashton’s — where you can light up a stogie, and even a bevy of adult clubs like Delilah’s to end the night off with some tasteful debauchery.

Want to gamble? Sugarhouse has continued to reinvent itself boasting a brand new poker room and restaurants. Want to drink? The top bars in the city are perfect destinations for a party, like Assembly Lounge at the Logan Hotel or Sky Garten (on the 51st floor at Three Logan).

A Philly Brew Tour, Phillies game or late night crawl down Sansom Street in Center City are also fantastic ideas to enjoy the metropolis as a venue for celebration.