Your guide to celebrating Galentine’s Day around New England
By Lannan M. O’Brien
For those who are in love, Valentine’s Day is marked by romantic candlelit dinners, flowers, heart-shaped boxes of chocolate, and, if you’re lucky, a hand-wrapped gift of something sparkly. But where does that leave the BFFSs? “Parks and Recreation” fans know there’s room for women to celebrate the holiday with their closest friends in a pre-Valentine’s celebration on February 13, christened “Galentine’s Day,” on the popular TV show. As it turns out, there are fun activities for “the gals” happening across New England this week, from paint-and-sip events to mixology classes.
Maine
Festive Crafts
Spend your day crafting at Lisbon Library, where you can catch up with friends while painting heart-shaped magnets. Staying in? Grab a bag with all the supplies from the library and invite the girls over to craft at your place. Tuesday, February 13, 10 AM-4 PM; Lisbon Library, Lisbon, ME; Event info
Watercolor and Wine
Is there anything better than a classic paint-and-sip? Take your pals (post V-Day) to the high-end Earth at Hidden Pond and enjoy a glass of wine and light snacks while you create your work of art, guided by a local artist. Then, stay for a delicious farm-to-fork dinner in the rustic dining room overlooking the pond. Thursday, February 15, 4-6 PM; Earth at Hidden Pond, Kennebunkport, ME; Event info
Vermont
Trivia Tuesday
At Vermont Comedy Club, Tuesdays are for trivia – and this particular Tuesday is all about the ladies. Bring your crew out for some friendly competition, and make sure you brush up on facts about your favorite legendary women. Tuesday, February 13, 7 PM (signups at 6:45 PM); Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington; Event info
Gals’ Night Out
An annual event to benefit Atria Collective, an organization devoted to ending gender-based violence, Adventure Dinner’s Galentine’s Day Celebration features a women-owned maker market, raffles, Polish fare, a cash bar, and even blowouts by a local salon. Have fun with your besties while supporting a great cause. Saturday, February 17, 5-8 PM; Vergennes Opera House, Vergennes, VT; Event info
New Hampshire
Flower Bar Workshop
Who says you need a Valentine to give you flowers? Design your own arrangement alongside your favorite people with professional guidance from the experts at The Flower Bar. Snacks and refreshments provided. Tuesday, February 13, 6-8 PM; Aland Realty, Portsmouth; Event info
Paint Night at the Pub
Looking for a girls’ night on the big day itself? A pint of your favorite brew might just awaken your inner artist, and Patrick’s Pub & Eatery always has a variety on draft. Get together for the pub’s Galentine-themed paint night and stay for the Bangers & Mash (you surely won’t leave hungry). Wednesday, February 14, 6 PM; Patrick’s Pub & Eatery, Gilford; Event info
Massachusetts
Speakeasy Celebration
Martha’s Vineyard Museum is creating a cozy and festive atmosphere for the girls, filled with live music, beverages, and pop-up exhibits displaying demonstrations of love. Attendees will be invited to craft a vintage Valentine and browse love-themed diaries, lockets, and other treasures that showcase local history. Tuesday, February 13, 6-8 PM; Martha’s Vineyard Museum, Vineyard Haven; Event info
Yoga Wine Down
Need a detox after all the excitement of Feb 14? Invite your friends for a night of wellness and relaxation led by yoga teacher Ellie Cushing of Holding Space in Whitman. Everyone knows that yoga is best paired with a warm beverage or glass of wine and followed by dessert (wink wink). Thursday, February 15, 6-7:30 PM; Holmestead Harvest, Whitman; Event info
Rhode Island
Candle Making Workshop
Valentine’s week is scheduled to the max? Get the gals together on the weekend to learn the art of candle making while sipping a complimentary beverage at Pawtucket’s Paint and Vino. After perfecting your craft, you’ll take home three homemade candles with scents of your choice in customized jars.Saturday, February 17, 2-4:30 PM; Paint and Vino, Pawtucket; Event info
Seven-Course Dinner
Book dinner with your pals at Giusto’s private dining room, where you’ll enjoy a blind seven-course tasting menu and a welcome glass of Franciacorta. Don’t forget to leave room for dessert – which, in this case, is homemade truffles by the restaurant’s pastry chef, Sarah LaRose. Tip: take advantage of the beverage pairings, available to add onto your meal. Tuesday, February 13, 6 PM; Giusto, Newport; Event info
Connecticut
Cocktail Making Class
Boqueria is spilling the secret recipes for two of its most popular seasonal cocktails at this girls-only mixology class. Snack on tapas spread while mixing – and sipping – your hand-crafted drinks.Tuesday, February 13, 6:30 PM; Boqueria, West Hartford; Event info
Cake Decorating at the Brewery
You can have your cake and drink beer, too, when you attend this cake-decorating workshop at Center Street Brewing Company. Tickets include a draft brew and the desserts you’ll be frosting: one five-inch, two-layer cake and eight cupcakes in flavors of your choosing. Tuesday, February 13, 6-9 PM; Center Street Brewing Company, Wallingford; Event info
