Valentine’s, Galentine’s, Schmalentine’s

From the Cupid-wooed to the singles to the cynics, here’s a list of things to do for Valentine’s, Galentine’s and Schmalentine’s Day this year.

For Valentine’s Day

If the way to the heart is through the stomach then you def can’t go wrong with a resy at one of the more boujee restos in town—you know, the ones you only splurge on for special occasions—think Death & Taxes, Crawford and Son, Second Empire or Angus Barn. So, you spend the dollars and let them figure out how to repay you. Um, score?! Wink, wink. 

“The most beautiful view is the one I share with you.” Grab your boo and share sweet skyline views—plus cocktail and dessert specials—before or after your dinner rez with a lil rooftop romance at The Willard Rooftop Lounge. And for your sweetheart, word is there may be some spiked hot chocolate…

We poppin’ bottles in the name of love! If a night-in getting fizzical (had to) is more your speed, treat your boo to some super snuggles and score brownie points with a bottle of bubbly (Cupid shuffle over to Wine Authorities, Raleigh Wine Shop or BottleMixx to snag one!). Or, head to Dram & Draught for a match made in heaven: bubbles and chocolate. Tickets to Dram’s special Valentine’s Day event include a bottle of bubbly and a curated selection of four chocolates from The Chocolate Boutique. Fizz the season! 

For Galentine’s Day

“What’s Galentine’s Day? Oh, it’s only the best day of the year.” Made famous by Parks and Recreation’s Leslie Knope, Galentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to ditch your SO or celebrate the single life and get together with your gal pals. So, make like Leslie and “kick it breakfast style” by gathering your girls for brunch (somewhere where the waffles and whipped cream are endless is preferred, obviously). Flip for a chicken & waffle roundup worth the syrup stickiness and sweet memories.

Since spa therapy is the best therapy, what group of gals wouldn’t enjoy some self-care? Make a day out of it at The Umstead Spa, where a luxe sesh promises to melt all your stresses away—and provide the perfect excuse to treat yo’selves.

This one’s for the girls. … Meats and cheeses are the way to any female’s heart. So grab your gals and sign up for a charcuterie design class with Grazin’ Gals to get schooled on how to build your own extravagant charcuterie board—then graze your way to (and through) a GNO at Vidrio with its perennial Galentine’s Day dinner. Will you brie mine? 

For Schmalentine’s Day

If you’ve got the Bumble blues, some Singles Awareness is in order. Grab your crew or ride solo to celebrate the single life with a big ol’ box of chocolates (naturally) from Escazu or Videri and queue up a sappy rom-com from the comfort of your own couch. 

Sports your one true love? Gather your crew for a Super Bowl party complete with local beers and game day snacks from Ladyfingers (you’ll want to order extra ham rolls, as we can assure you they won’t last long). Or just head out to one of our 2021 Best Game Day Bar winners—or your fave game day spot—to catch the big game with other (sports) lovers.

If your V Day plans lean a little less candlelit dinner and a little more buying up all the holiday cards and watching the lovers panic, maybe channel some of your cynic energy into a workout class—because nothing beats working on your own self. Local gyms are sure to have themed #LoveSucks classes—whether you want to jump on the bike at CycleBar, get shredded at Shred415 or find your Zen at CorePower Yoga, there are a ton of local ops to get your body moving.