What's Galentine's Day?
Let's face it: Valentine's Day has one of the cutest visual aesthetics of any major holiday of the year. It does some seriously heavy lifting during one of the bleakest winter months. It's also a massive swing and a miss for a whole lot of people, even those in romantic partnerships. Enter Galentine's Day. Falling on February 13, it's a special day celebrating a special kind of love: friendship. And yes, it was coined (or at least popularized) by a Parks and Rec episode way back in 2010.
I'm here to help you embrace a new way of celebrating the month of love. Personally, I like to think of Galentine's Day as an inclusive holiday, so feel free to replace the term with Palentine's Day if that's more your speed - I know Leslie Knope would approve. Below are some recommendations for how to have the best Galentine's weekend ever in Lawrence, Kansas.
Kick it Breakfast Style
Ladybird Diner
There's no other way to start Galentine's Day than with a good breakfast with your friends. Luckily, Lawrence has a ton of delicious breakfast and brunch spots to choose from. My suggestion for this particular holiday? It's gotta be Ladybird Diner. Ladybird is a classic diner with retro vibes, comfort food, breakfast cocktails served in glass jars, and a whole lot of pie flavors. It's very Kansas, and you'll feel right at home.
Cleo and Leo on Elm St
Other spots I recommend for breakfast or brunch: Milton's Cafe, Global Cafe, The Roost, J. Wilson's, and Wheatfields. If it's a Saturday or Sunday, check out Merchants Pub & Plate or Johnny's Tavern West. For grab-and-go, visit Cleo and Leo on Elm St, Streamline Coffee & Crepes, Morning Fog Bakery, or Barker Cafe.
Shopping & Window Shopping
February may be a pretty grey time of year, but in Downtown Lawrence, you'll find plenty of locally owned shops all dressed up for Valentine's Day. If you're sticking to a budget, it's still a lot of fun to walk up and down Mass Street and check out the window displays. My favorites right now are Squishington's Candy, Ruff House, Au Marche, Weaver's, and Goldmakers Jewelry.
Ruff House Paperie
If you're looking for a new fit, there are plenty of options. I'm big on thrifting, so I recommend Daisy Lee Vintage, Arizona Trading Co, or Wildman Vintage. Eccentricity, Dear Lizzie, and KB & Co are clothing boutiques with cute Valentine's Day stuff on display!
Be sure to stop by Jungle House while you're downtown! During February, they're putting on a FREE Friendship Bracelet walk-in workshop - you can go in and make bracelets with your pals anytime they're open. If you're into plants, they've also got a Heart Moss-arium drop-in workshop for just $20.
Raven Book Store is where I personally spend a fair few of my paychecks. On Valentine's Day, they're putting on a Book Store Meet Cute event from 4-7 PM. Just show up, grab a nametag, write what you're looking for (flirting, FRIENDS!, or books), and meet some new people! There will also be kandi bracelet making, a typewriter for writing love letters, and queer archival love letters and zines.
Some of my other favorite shops you can't miss: Wonderfair, Striped Cow, Waxman Candles, Momoko Gift Boutique, Empath Craft, and Brits.
Treat Yo Self
It's the perfect time of year for some pampering. I recently had the opportunity to check out Mud & Lotus, Lawrence's downtown spa. They're known for their outdoor soaking tub and sauna, which of course is fabulous, but it tends to book up pretty fast (sorry for the last minute blog). What I didn't realize is that they offer a bunch of other cool treatments that are perfect to do with your friends. What I recommend is booking a session in the Cloud Room, which includes three stress-melting therapies in one room, so you can take two friends with you. You'll just have to fight over who wants what first: the heated jade acupressure massage bed, the glowing salt chamber with aromatherapy, or the sound bath lounge chair.
It's like Lilith Fair, Minus the Angst
Wine Dive + Kitchen
To end the day on a high note, how about going for a nightcap or catching some live music? If you've got a larger group, check out Wine Dive + Kitchen - their Espresso Martini Tower is a must. Some of my other favorite places to grab a cocktail with the gals are Northside Social, Henry's Upstairs, LOCAL, Gaslight Gardens, John Brown Underground, and The Bourgeois Pig.
Nostalgia Room's Special Occasions - NKD Gin Alternative/House-made Raspberry Shrub/Lychee/Wormwood/Mugwort
If you're off the wagon (on the wagon? Responsibly driving the wagon?), or even if you just love vintage vibes, you have to check out Nostalgia Room - Lawrence's only dry bar / coffee shop. With a creative menu of zero-proof cocktails, vintage glassware, and the cutest decor, Nostalgia Room is the perfect cozy gathering spot for a group of friends.
Want to hear some tunes? Here are some concerts happening around town February 13-15:
Happy Galentine's Day!
I hope you and your friends have a memorable holiday this year. I'll leave you with these words of wisdom from the Parks and Rec episode:
