“Every February 13, my lady friends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home, and we just come and kick it, breakfast-style. Ladies celebrating ladies,” said Leslie Knope (played by Amy Poehler) in a 2010 episode of Parks and Recreation.
Fifteen years ago, Knope introduced Galentine’s Day, a holiday dedicated to celebrating female friendships. What began as a simple “bestie breakfast” has evolved into much more over the years. Nowadays, celebrations can range from a night out at the bars to a cozy dinner to a game night at home with friends. If you’re not feeling the “Gal” in Galentine’s, there’s also Palentine’s Day, a gender-neutral twist that welcomes mixed groups or guys celebrating alongside their gal pals.
This February will mark the third year that I’ve celebrated Galentine’s Day with a group of girlfriends, and with each year, the number of attendees seems to grow, and the activities become more extravagant.
Of course, Valentine’s Day still looms large this season. Walmart’s aisles abound with bargain-bin teddy bears, overpriced chocolates, and heart-shaped décor galore (and it’s been like this since New Year’s Day). Maybe you’re spending it with a long-time love or a new fling, but this February, don’t forget to celebrate your platonic relationships, too. Here are some great ways to make the most of the season in Columbia.
*Note: While Galentine’s Day is technically observed on February 13, it can be celebrated anytime during February. We’re all adults here, and sometimes our schedules don’t quite mesh. That shouldn’t take away from the celebration.
Hitting the Town
-Dining
- $: Room 38, Broadway Diner, Endwell Taverna, D. Rowe’s
- $$: Sycamore, Murry’s, Broadway Brewery
- $$$: Cherry Street Cellar, CC City Broiler, Chris McD’s
*Be sure to make reservations when you can, especially if you plan to celebrate on the week of Valentine’s Day.
-Classes / Group Activities
- Yoga (Moon Yoga, Lotus Hot Yoga, Yoga Sol)
- The Mud Room
- Pottery Island
- Breakout COMO
- Witches & Wizards Arcade
-Outdoors
- The Kitchen Grill & Games (pickleball, yard games, and more)
- Shelter Gardens
- Stephen’s Lake Park
- Midway Golf & Games
-Wineries / Breweries / Distilleries
- Logboat
- Six-Mile Ordinary
- The Tasting Room on The Blufftop at Rocheport
- Bur Oak Brewing Company
-Galleries
- Museum of Art and Archeology
- Columbia Art League
- Orr Street Studios
- Boone County History & Culture Center / Montminy Art Gallery
A Night in
Sometimes, with all the chaos in our daily lives, a night in with the girls is just what the doctor ordered. Thankfully, there are spots around town that can supply all of your party’s needs, so you can do just that.
-Game night
- Pick up board games from Hexagon Alley or Valhalla’s Gate for a night of friendly competition.
- Enjoy chocolate from The Candy Factory and popcorn from Mya’s Gourmet Popcorn.
-Festive drinks
- Source spirits from 63 Liquor or Macadoodles to create themed drinks.
- Use craft sodas from Sipz Sodas or coffee from Shortwave Coffee and Fretboard Coffee to mix fun cocktails or mocktails.
-DIY Bouquet Bar
- Buy fresh flowers from the Farmers Market or Blooms and Wishes and set up a bouquet-making station.
- Add a handwritten note or card from Poppy for a sweet touch.
-DIY Spa Night
- Stock up on face masks, candles, and lotion from Makes Scents.
- Try essential oils from Clovers Natural Market.
Special touches to make the holiday even more fun:
- Create invitations via Canva or another software and send them to guests (physically or digitally).
- Select a theme for the evening to determine guest attire and decor.
- Make a collaborative playlist to set the vibe.
- Create interactive photo ops for guests to memorialize the evening.
