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The Clan in San Fran
I just got back from a great long-weekend trip to San Francisco with my bridesmaids! I knew I really wanted to go somewhere for my bachelorette party and Vegas seemed like the obvious choice, but my friends and I don’t really drink or gamble…but we do shop and eat! A lot! So San Fran seemed like a perfect choice.
I decided to do this trip with just my bridesmaids because I figured it would be a nightmare to coordinate everyone. Plus my bridesmaids don’t know each other well, so this was a great opportunity for everyone to bond!
Five of us (Kim, Mariko, Sara, Clarissa and I) took the long weekend off from the office/the lab/the hospital/the books to hit up what I think it the funkiest city south of our border. The only one missing was Isanne who was busy graduating from Med School in Winnipeg (Congrats Isanne!).
Clarissa made us all colourful, animal embellished, personalized name tags to wear on our flight, ensuring everyone knew exactly what we were on this trip for…because the tiara and bright pink boa that Sara brought for me to wear didn’t make that obvious enough!
We checked into our hotel in Fisherman’s Wharf at 11 p.m., put on our finest and hit a club called “Kel’s” to dance the night away. It was packed, but so fun! Walking home in our heels at 3 a.m. was not so fun though…
The next day, we stopped for breakfast at “Hollywood Café”—sounds cheesy but they serve the most amazing breakfast! There’s always a line up, but definitely worth waiting for. Then we headed for our boat ride to Alcatraz. The island was surprisingly beautiful and full of flowers and birds and displayed a breathtaking view of San Francisco. We strolled through the penitentiary, listening to our audio-tour and learning about all the attempted (and failed) escapes.
Our second day was all about shopping! We hit up a boutique district, but boutiques close on Mondays in San Fran. Oh well, onto the next district-Chinatown-the largest in North America-full of little run-down shops selling randomness. We refueled at the Café in MoMA (Museum of Modern Art). This was on the way to Union Square, where you find both small independent stores to classics like Marc Jacobs Theory, and Victoria Secret. Once our feet/wallets couldn’t take anymore, we went for possibly the best meal EVER at “Ducca” —the Westin’s restaurant/lounge. If you’re in San Fran, you must check this place out.
Now, I’m running out of words, so I must summarize the rest: super sweet matching T’s, super tall Golden Gate bridge, super friendly taxi driver, super friendly Trolley car operator who gave us our own private Trolley ride at midnight, super delicious Clam Chowder in a bread bowel and finally…super sad to leave this awesome city.
I think we all need to remember to spend time with our girlfriends, not just for our “last hurrah,” but as part of our everyday lives.
What are you doing with your girlfriends to celebrate your wedding?
Tags: bachelorette party, bridal blogger, bridesmaids, eco, san francisco, travel
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Hi Jane! San Fran was great for along weekend, but I definitely want to go back for longer. We stayed at Best Western Fisherman’s Wharf. We got a great deal through Hotwire. I’d definitely try to book through Priceline or Hotwire. We saved about 50% on our hotel rental that way! Plus we waited for a seat sale to book our flights ($89 each way!!).
I’ve always wanted to see San Fran ever since I was a kid watching Full House! Hehe. What a great time you ladies must’ve had. Can I comment on your Tees? I heart them!! My girls started planning almost immediately after the engagement announcement; they didn’t even wait for me to ask them to be brides maids..haha! I don’t know what the plans are but I did specifically ask that it stay local just to make it easier. I’m up for anything as I’m normally a home body so it’ll be a great excuse to get out and about. I see my girls often because there’s just some things that only girls are able to understand. I love Mark dearly but sometimes you just need a female perspective – they keep me balanced yanno?
I’m planning to go on a trip for my stagette as well. You’re really selling San Francisco to me! Sounds like a great place to go for a long weekend. Do you mind me asking which hotel you stayed at? Would you recommend it?
Haha! bread bowels! That’s gross. I wrote this in a very tired post-call state.
Trinidy-your shower/party sounds like it’ll be a blast! It’s great to have wonderful bridesmaids! I can’t wait to watch SATC2!!!
Emily-spa day was definitely on my list as well…great way to bond and be girlie!
Carrie, your trip looks like SO much fun!! Such a good idea to get everybody acquainted and just get to know each other and have a blast! I have no idea what I’m doing with my girls yet – when I asked David’s sisters to be bridesmaids, they IMMEDIATELY started asking about the bachelorette party… I made it clear I wanted nothing to do with strippers lol!! We might go to the spa for a day maybe closer to the time, I think that’d be a lovely way to spend a day together :)
Oh no sweetie you wrote “bread BOWELS” instead of bowls! And it’s “Victoria’s” Secret….
My WONDERFUL MOH and Bridesmaid are hosting my Bridal Shower and Bachelorette party on the same day as my MOH lives 6 hours away. We’re having the bridal shower at the local Elks hall and I believe after the party there golf and Sex And The City something…That’s all I’m allowed to know. BUT my honey’s bachelor party is this Saturday, so my wonderful Bridesmaid is whisking me away to the city for the weekend (and alterations appointment) where we are going to shop, eat and watch SATC 2!