The Bachelor Beat

If you’ve ever been put in charge of planning a bachelor party, you may have had some initial delusions of grandeur that this was going to be the most unforgettable night your friends would ever experience… maybe even something vaguely in the vein of “The Hangover.” Then someone — probably the groom (or even the bride) — brought you crashing back to reality with everyone’s favorite request: “Just don’t go crazy.”

Whether you’re finding yourself in the same situation again or this is your first time planning one of these rites of passage, we’ve got some ideas for you that may help you crawl out of that planning ditch that’s overflowing with been-there-done-that bachelor party schemes.

Group Experience

Make it an all-day event and start with a group experience. Take the guys surfing with the world-renowned Wave Riding School in Ocean City, Md. Experienced surfers and beginners alike will be in good hands with owner Brian Stoehr. One of the top instructors in the country, Brian spent over 20 years as a professional bodyboarder and competitive wave rider, with multiple championship wins. His surf instructors are no less talented, with a variety of professional accolades and skills across the board on a global level.

All supplies are included — meaning boards, wetsuits, and equipment. Surfers are welcome to bring their own gear and learn how to use anything properly if they don’t already know.

If surfing isn’t your thing, the Wave Riding School also offers instruction in bodyboarding, as well as stand-up boogie, skim, and paddle surfing. Brian and his surf team regularly take bachelor and bachelorette parties out in groups, so help your friends cross off a bucket list item and hop in the water for a fun and amazing experience. Learn more at waveridingschool.com.

The Bachelor Boil

You’re on the coast. Embrace the location, and dig into some local fare with a seafood boil from Delmarva Boil Co. The best thing about them, besides the amazing flavors, is that they will bring the entire concept to you. Whether you’re partying in a buddy’s backyard, on the beach, or you’ve rented out space, you’ll have all the eats laid out right in front of you.

What makes Delmarva Boil Co. so unique? They kind of introduced Low Country boils to the area. And, for added convenience, they don’t just offer catering. For smaller parties, they also offer takeout or DIY kits for two to 10 people.

Our suggestion? Cater the event. It takes the stress of picking up food, or even cooking, off you completely, leaving more time to enjoy with friends.

But what exactly is included in a boil? Red bliss potatoes, sweet corn, sweet Vidalia onion, jumbo shrimp, and andouille sausage make up the standard boil. Other add-ons available include little-neck clams, snow crab legs (Will’s personal favorite), mussels, lobster tails, and scallops.

To book a bachelor boil, reach out one to two weeks before the event. And don’t forget, seafood boils are becoming popular options for rehearsal dinners and even weddings, so maybe pass that info on to other engaged friends, too. For more details, visit delmarvaboilcompany.com.

Cigar Rolling

Laidback or a touch of class — whatever the night’s vibe, an interactive torcedor (cigarmaker) will elevate the party to a new level of memorable.

John Scott, owner of Blue Hen Torcedor, services Southeastern Pennsylvania, all of Delaware, Northern Maryland, and South Jersey. Watch as he crafts and rolls premium Cuban-style cigars by hand. Bunching Dominican tobacco filler in mild, medium, or full-bodied, binding, and then choosing the perfect leaf (Ecuadorian, Nicaraguan, and Dominican) to adorn the exterior, his process is nothing short of art.

John will also customize cigar bands at no additional charge, and with a 75-cigar minimum requirement, not only will each guest have the opportunity to enjoy the cigars during the course of the evening, but they’ll also leave with a memorable gift to savor as they reminisce about the night.

John recommends booking your event a year in advance, so don’t wait until the last minute to reach out. Visit bluehentorcedor.com for more information.