By Leighton Maynard
This time of year is filled with love, hearts, and relationships. But those relationships don’t always have to be about romance.
Galentine’s is for girls to come together and share their love for their friendships. It can come with dinner, shopping, spa days, or many other enjoyable activities.
The origin of Galentine’s is quite funny. In the Season 2 episode of the show Parks and Recreation, this fun celebration was invented by the show’s lead Leslie Knope. After this new “invention” was brought to life so many Gals have put their own spin on this.
“My friends and I usually do a dinner and bring plates of food,” Lindy Jernigan (10) says.
A common activity tradition at Galentine’s Day parties is for each person to bring food such as a Chick-fil-A platter, cookies from Publix, or Krispy Kreme donuts. “I like it because when you all bring different things you have a major variety of different foods,” Lindy says. Who doesn’t enjoy a good chicken nugget and donut?
At-home dinner is great but going out to eat is also another popular option. There are many restaurants students love to go to with their friends for Galentine’s. South City Kitchen is a great option for an indoor-outdoor experience. They have beautiful nature decor and a lively setup. “They have delish food that is great to share with friends,” Amelia Friedman (10) says.
Jalisco is also a popular option with “to die for cheese dip,” Amelia says. Jalisco has a wide variety of Mexican food options that you cannot miss out on. A more pricey option would be Houston’s if you and your friends are looking for a nicer place. They have terrific varieties of foods that many people enjoy.
When it comes to Galentine’s Day, the question is: to dress up or not to dress up. Some girls can appreciate each other with sweats or leggings, but some like to show their appreciation with a cute top and a skirt or dress. And some girls like dressing up just for their Instagram. “I like dressing up with my friends so we can get cute photos to post,” Sarah Barwis (10) says. So you and your friends could either put on a fashion show or kick back and relax.
Now if you like taking photos like Sarah does, you and your friends could set up a photo booth.
With a patterned sheet pinned on the wall and some sunglasses, you can create a fun little setup for taking photos.
If you choose not to stay in, you could go bowling or to an arcade. Main Event has both. Now if you’re sitting and thinking you’re too old to play some video games or bowl, you’re not. Main Event even has laser tag that you and your friends could partake in and make memories that will last for years.
If you’re more outdoorsy, you could also go for a hike. There are many beautiful trails around Atlanta. The Arabia Mountain hike trail gives an amazing view of the Arabia Lake and its natural beauty. The Sewanee Mountain Indian Seats Trail is also another hike you could go on with far-reaching views. Another Trail is the Sweetwater Creek State Park hike that explores Civil War ruins, and waterfalls. Some other trails to look at are the Soap Creek Trail, the East Palisades Trail, The Pine Mountain Trail, The Kennesaw Mountain Trail, and many more. Explore here for more information. A hike is a great way to get out but also have quality time with friends.
If you and your friends decide that you want to stay active but also stay inside there are many at-home activities that you can participate in. Karaoke is a really fun option, especially with your gals. Just put on some Taylor Swift and you’re set for the night. You can even have a dance party if singing isn’t your mojo.
Another at-home activity to do with your friends is to have a painting night. There is a popular painting game going around TikTok. You and your friends will buy a few different canvases and pass them around the room, each adding to a canvas until a 5-minute timer dings. When the 5 minutes is up, switch canvases with another person and continue the pattern. In the end, you’ll each have a canvas with all your friend’s collaborative ideas made into one.
Want to collaborate on something with more than two dimensions? Consider arranging your own set of bouquets. You could also buy a premade one. This is cute for all the girls to have their own personally chosen flowers.
And of course, a relaxing activity for you and your friends to share is a spa night. Do face masks, paint nails, braid hair, and or do a massage train. Whatever you and your friends decide it’s always a great way to appreciate each other’s company. Being a girl comes with a lot of responsibilities and work, so a spa night will never fail.
Lastly, there are a lot of people who don’t get to celebrate Valentine’s or Galentines the way we do, so volunteering at homeless shelters or food banks during this time is also a great way to get back to your community and spend time with your friends.
Whatever you and your gals decide to do, use this time to value one another and all your memories and future memories to come. Galentine’s only has one rule.
No boys allowed!
