CELEBRATING THE GIRLS

JENNIFER RUSSO

Galentine’s Day is celebrated this year on Sunday, February 13th. While not an “official” holiday, it is becoming more and more popular as a day for women to celebrate the other females in their lives. If you’ve ever watched “Parks and Recreation”, this was the name of an episode in Season 2, which had one of the highest viewer ratings. After the episode aired, Galentine’s was trending on social media and, as a result, the television-created “holiday” has taken on a life of its own. Now women all around the world have started celebrating their girlfriends and besties the day before Valentine’s Day.

This day isn’t about romance, flowers, and chocolates – it’s about honoring those other women who have been there with you through thick and thin. It doesn’t matter if you’re single or in a

relationship, this day is all about friendship and fun. So, what are some great ways to celebrate?

Get Together for Brunch

Many women celebrate Galentine’s Day by going to brunch with the girls, being as this was the

highlighted event in the beloved “Parks and Recreation” episode that made the day an instant tradition. Fancy it up a bit and dress the part, put on a cute dress and some heels, along with that flaming red lipstick you usually only wear when you want to go all out. Locally, we have some great places to grab brunch on a Sunday. 

Armsby Abbey has amazing chocolate chip waffles and quiche, as well as house-made Bloody Mary’s and mulled mimosas. Lock50 proudly serves some of the best crepes in Worcester and has an incredible brunch burger served on an everything bagel. For something different, Café Reyes is a hidden gem that serves Cuban style breakfast like bocadito con chorizo and panini pressed Cuban French toast. The Hangover Pub offers a hangover benedict with chipotle hollandaise and their signature “man candy” – delicious thick cut candied house-made bacon.

“I organize a grown-up tea party every year on Galentine’s. My girlfriends and I dress up, wear fascinator hats, break out the good teacups, and watch Downton Abbey while we chat about everything under the sun.” Mary T

“Me and my daughters get all dressed up and go to a cheap restaurant with my best friend and her daughter. We’ll go to Chick-fil-A or Sonic and bring a centerpiece and a tablecloth and pretend it’s a five-star restaurant. It’s hilarious.” Hillary M

Make it a Movie Night

Speaking of man candy, what better way to celebrate with the girls than over Channing Tatum’sexpertly defined abs? Local theaters are having special airings of “Magic Mike” on Galentine’s Day.

Blackstone Valley Cinema is playing it at 4 PM – so get some tickets and some popcorn and a tissue to dab the drool. Or you could go for a sappy romance like “Redeeming Love” or “West Side Story”.

A Little Gift

A card or thoughtful gift for your besties is always a nice thing. Consider an on-point phrase on a wooden sign, a really great hand lotion, or a book you think they’ll like. You can’t go wrong with an adult board game, we recommend “For the Girls”. Anything with a “Golden Girls” theme is always a great choice too, RIP Betty. You know your friends and what they’d appreciate.

“Last year for Galentine’s, my best friend got me a mug that says ‘We are best friends

because everyone else sucks’ – it was one of my favorite gifts ever. I smile every time I

use it!” Lynda K

Taste Some Wine

Get your inner wine critic on and taste some of the best wines Central Mass has to offer. Sail to Trail WineWorks in the Higgins Armory building opens at 12PM on Sundays and has wine flights for $30. Women-owned Canal District Wines in the Public Market are always happy to talk you through their wines. They even have an organized tasting scheduled for February 10th called “Pretty in Pink”. A short drive away is Nashoba Valley Winery, which serves delightful fruit wines, spirits, and beer. Worth the trek is the beautiful Hardwick Winery, which has some tasty offerings and live music on weekends.

Shop for the Right Bra…and Maybe Some Other Things

The O Shop on Richmond Ave was a “random COVID inspiration project,” says owner Stephanie Ramey. “I was inspired by something I had read and realized that there was a real need for inclusivity in bra fitting, as the majority of women fall outside of the sizing box – 90% of the women who come in are not wearing the right sized bra.”

In addition to expert fittings, bras, beautiful lingerie and robes, the store also has a section of

adult products with a focus on women. “Women tend to put themselves second in many aspects of their lives, including access to their own pleasure. Most products out there are reviewed by men, not women. We don’t need a man to advocate for how something will make us feel,” says Ramey.

Set in an old Victorian style home, this is a boutique style shop that screams classy, but is

welcoming and approachable with zero judgement. The store is designed to be a safe and cozy

space where you can feel free to ask questions of knowledgeable staff. The O Shop offers private parties with a wellness and sexuality consultant, where you can bring in some champagne. Why not go in as a group and all leave knowing what size bra you are actually supposed to be wearing, and maybe leave with a little somethin’-somethin’ for yourself?

Get Pampered

A spa day is a terrific way to relax and dish about the latest news in your respective worlds. All girls deserve a little “me” time. It’s worth the splurge, so go all out with a Girl’s Day Out package

at Tu Moda (includes a massage, facial, manicure, pedicure, scalp massage, shampoo and blow dry, and a makeup touch up). Don’t want to spend a lot? Consider treating yourself to a classic mani/pedi, or you could always get a killer spray tan at Bellissima Day Spa for less than $50.  

Try Something New

Get dolled up in the cutest ski outfit and take a day trip to Mount Wachusett, try rock climbing or  yoga, take a virtual or in person cooking lesson, have fun at a paint nite…use your imagination. The possibilities are limitless!

“A few years back, my girlfriends and I went to a pole dancing fitness class.  It started off as more of a joke, but we had a great time and got a great workout.  Super fun experience!”  Mel G

However you choose to celebrate those amazing women in your life, do it with flair. It’s kind of the point!  Give thanks for those great friends and rocks in your world and enjoy every minute of it.