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Arcadia Bluffs Golf Course, Hole #12
I come to you live from Northern Michigan, perched high atop the sandy dunes of Arcadia where I’m spending the weekend with a few close friends for a bachelor party. Driving from Chicago all the way to one of the northernmost points of the lower peninsula is interesting.
Civilization slowly gives way to flatlands, which eventually leads to endless stretches of highway where trees stretch as far as the eye can see.
As you make your way farther and farther up the westside of Michigan, you’ll begin to notice that it oftentimes feels like you’re driving with walls of trees on either side of you.
I’m on my second cup of coffee and the wind is gently blowing in from the east. Small whitecaps topple over one another a few hundred feet below me, and from the deck where I’m sitting I can see the outline of a couple and their child, collecting stones and walking the length of the beach.
Life is good here, and the vibe inside of the cottage that I’m staying at is one of serenity, comfort, and calm. I rarely am able to achieve this level of relaxation at home, and I fully expect to leave here on Sunday morning feeling recharged and prepared for the work week.
We began the weekend on Friday morning, playing a round of golf at a high end course near where we’re staying. I enjoyed two beers total during the 18 holes that we played, and a bratwurst at the turn mostly negated the alcohol altogether.
The views on the course we played were absolutely breathtaking, something I wanted to take in and enjoy without the effects of alcohol. This may come as a shock, but I’ve found that I also play better when I’m not downing a beer every other hole.
Following the round, we had what is referred to as a “transfusion” at the 19th hole. It’s a wonderful cocktail while still on the golf course no doubt, but not a drink that I’m going to be putting into my regular rotation. Grape juice isn’t really my bag.
The rest of the evening was fairly mundane if we’re going off of the stereotypical bachelor party checklist. There were no strippers at the house last night while we grilled, built a bonfire, and casually drank beers. I don’t want to bore you with the itinerary for the remainder of the trip – what I’m trying to get at here is that bachelor/bachelorette parties are not one size fits all. There’s no right or wrong way to do it, and the idea that you are required to be giving yourself alcohol poisoning for an entire weekened or be in the middle of a hotbed of activity is antiquated.
Historically speaking a bachelor party has been nothing more than an excuse to get absolutely shithoused in a location such as Las Vegas, Nashville, or Austin. And if that’s the vibe you’re going for that’s fine. All I’m saying is that there are other ways to do this sort of thing.
All of those cities I just mentioned are fucking incredible in their own way and an absolute blast to party in, but I will never be able to advocate for the high intensity, no holds barred bachelor party.
I mean I would go to one if invited, but honestly I don’t see it happening with any of my friends. We’re approaching the age where a club scene is more terrifying than enjoyable, and a 200 dollar greens fee is more attractive than buying bottle service.
The pool party scene that has caught on in Vegas is appealing to approximately none of us, and a weekend away in a quaint town like the one I am in is almost definitely what I prefer.
If you’re faced with the task of planning one of these weekends with 8 or 9 people, keep in mind that there are places to go other than Vegas and Nashville where you won’t have to ruin your bank account and liver at the same time. Enjoy your Saturday, I hope the coffee you’re sipping on is as enjoyable as mine was..
Image via Youtube
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jduda@grandex.co
If it’s a group that’s heavily intertwined, this is far more enjoyable. A rag tag collection of friends from different periods of life has a much better chance at getting a group to vibe when you’re just raging. Huge fan of both
Perfect read for Saturday morning while watching the PGA Championship.
How great was it to have live coverage start at 7?
100% agree. My party is going to be tuna fishing in Venice, LA. No internet or cell service. Just some damn good time fishing with old friends
“It was summertime in northern Michigan…”
where are the flanagans
It wasn’t trafficking well so I nixed it. I will probably continue writing it on my personal blog though
this is HIGH KEY the most devastating news to have on a Monday…please let us know if its still on book of duda!
This is disappointing
The last bachelorette party I went to was in Nashville. Spent the entire 4 hour drive home with the Bachelorette puking in the front seat of my car.
I am definitely on board for the low-key spa/winery trip when its my time.
My buddy did this for his, keg, cards, college football, cigars, and grill. 10/10
Buddy did this at a cabin in Oklahoma during March Madness and we brought a few tv’s and a keg for the weekend and had ourselves a time.
I did a beach trip to the Seaside area, played golf, fished, and just sat in the ocean talking. It was great.
God I love these. Pure relaxation
Finally, a Duda take I can get behind.
Definitely adding this to the Saturday morning routine.