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ON THE COVER
BY ERICA WILDERS
Sure, we know your fiance is way beyond
strip clubs and late-night shenanigans, but
his buddies? Well, that's
another story. So, when
your honey comes asking
for advice about his
bachelor party-and he
will-you'll need to come through with
an idea sure to spark his interest. While you
won't be able to plan the entire celebration
(even though we know you want to), by
presenting your man with a refined way to
kick off his guy time, you can set a classy-and
respectable-tone for the rest of the evening. So where do you steer him? The barbershop. Of course, we're not talking about your
grandfather's shop with its revolving striped
pole and gumball machine. Today's barbershop
is a place where your guy can relax and act
like the grown-up you know he is. Picture
a sleek, modern respite with soft leather
chairs, state-of-the-art equipment,
and pampering products, and in
some places, sports memorabilia. While the ambiance may be slightly
different from that of your spa, the purpose
behind it is the same-a place to unwind,
bond with friends, and leave feeling refreshed. Just like when ladies visit the spa, men leave the
barbershop looking and feeling good-thanks
to their most popular treatment, the barber
shave. A barber shave is something every man-
and every groom-should try. Marc Sanders,
a recent newlywed, spent the morning of his
December 2004 wedding with his father and
best man at The Art of Shaving in New York
City (Traditional Shave $25, Royal Shave
$45; 373 Madison Ave.; 212-986-2905; www.theartofshaving.com). When asked if he
would recommend the barber shave he offers
a very quick "yes." "It helps you relax, and you
look and feel good," he says. And just like that
monthly facial you can't live without, your
groom might make it a regular thing. "I get
one every month now," Sanders says, "and I
use their products-the shaving cream and the
after-shave balm are great."
Razors Near You Generations Barber Parlor in Old Greenwich,
Connecticut, offers the barber shave and all
the amenities of a man's salon. And if he really
wants to indulge he can stop by the cigar room
as well (Presidential Shave $40, Royal Shave
$50; 3 Boulder Ave.; 203-637-8266). Are the
boys heading to Atlantic City for his big bash?
The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa's barber shop,
Shaving Grace, not only offers great shaves and
spa treatments, but widescreen televisions and
pool tables, too (Straight Razor Shave $25,
Shave and a Haircut $45; 1 Borgata Way; 609-
317-1000, www.theborgata.com).
Royal Treatment The Boys Are Out Of Town NEW YORK CONNECTICUT Then he can head to
Mohegan to hit the
craps tables, enjoy
a slice of pizza at
Lucky's Lounge, and even bust a move on the
dance floor at Ultra 88 (1 Mohegan Sun Blvd.,
Uncasville, CT; 888-226-7711, 888-777-7922;
www.mohegansun.com). NEW JERSEY
Can't make it to The Art of Shaving in New York?
Steer your guy to a classic shave in Connecticut
or New Jersey.
What's it like? After your groom sinks
into a comfortable chair, his face is covered
with a hot towel to open his pores and release
stress. A barber massages his face with oils
and applies warm shaving cream. Then comes
the shave. If he's never experienced a straightrazor
shave before, it can be a little scary. With
the grain, against the grain, and across the
grain, the barber moves the razor, and your
guy gets the closet shave of his life. The barber
wraps his face in another hot towel and then
applies aftershave and finally, moisturizer. By
the end his skin is so smooth you'll wish you
could get one, too (for your legs, of course).
Here, more ideas from around the Tri-State area
for the boys.
Man Powder: Send
your man skiing. New
York offers plenty of
places to hit the runs:
Bunny-slopers can test
their ski-legs at Hunter Mountain (Rte. 23a,
Hunter, NY; 518-263-3800; www.huntermtn.com). If moguls don't scare him, Whiteface
Mountain near Lake Placid will be a good fit
(Rte. 86, Wilmington, NY; 518-946-2223;
www.whiteface.com). Looking for a place
to stay? Try Scribner Hollow Lodge in
Hunter (Rte. 23a, Hunter, NY; 518-
263-4211; www.scribnerhollow.com) or
Whiteface Chalet in Wilmington (Springfield
Rd., Wilmington, NY; 518-946-2207;
www.whitefacechalet.com).
Best Bets: Hawaiian honeymoon not in your
budget? Well, it can be after a weekend of
casino-hopping from Foxwoods to Mohegan
Sun. At Foxwoods, your groom can try his luck at
blackjack, sink his teeth into a steak at Cedars,
and wash away stress with a massage at the
spa (39 Norwich Westerly Rd., Mashantucket,
CT; 800-369-9663;
www.foxwoods.com).
Helping Hands: Rally the guys together and
spend a weekend building a home with Habitat
for Humanity. In return for his do-good efforts,
he'll get a ton of home improvement
knowledge, which will come in handy
for both of you after you buy your
first house. Have him call your
local New Jersey chapter (they're
all over), and get involved with
this great organization (800-
422-4828 ext. 2551/2552;
www.habitat.org).
|
In
This Issue:
Your Relationship
What living together before the big day means for your marriage
Beach & Quiet
Take cover at these secluded island hideaways.
Bridal Bucks
Who, When, and how much to tip.
Wedding Wellness
Get in shape for the big day.
The Jealous Bridesmaid
What to do if your bridesmaid is a green-eyed monster?
In season
It may be too cold for an outdoor wedding, but you can always bring the outdoors inside.
Peace Talks
Five things to discuss before you get married.
Classic Redo
Wedding cakes are taking a new shape for fall and winter.
So you want to be a wedding planner...
An inside look at the career many brides dream about.
Groom's Corner
Today's bachelor parties are happening someplace else - the barbershop.
Your Registry
Linen tips that help give you sweet dreams.
Highways to heaven
Six honeymoon destinations you can get to by car.
"The Bridal Book" is an advertising service of The Journal News.
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