9 ways to celebrate Galentine’s Day in Huntsville

Love to hate Valentine’s Day? Maybe a February 13 celebration is for you: Meet Galentine’s Day, Valentine’s Day’s less polarizing sister.

Galentine’s Day is for the girls. The best description comes from none other than Leslie Knope, who you may know as the (fictional) deputy director of the Pawnee, Indiana Parks Department:

Every February 13th, my lady friends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home, and we just come and kick it, breakfast-style. Ladies celebrating ladies.

Parks and Recreation Season 2 Episode 16, “Galentine’s Day”

Since that episode of Parks and Recreation aired in 2010, Galentine’s Day has grown into a holiday of its own. Below, we give you 9 ideas to try if you want to celebrate with your girlfriends in Huntsville this year.

1. Grab brunch

Brunch was central to the first Galentine’s Day celebration. A few spots you can try are:

• Commerce Kitchen
• Grille on Main
• Old Black Bear

2. Have a charcuterie night

Charcuterie has become an entertaining staple. You can order a pre-made box from a local spot—Honey Box is offering a special Valentine’s/Galentine’s box right now—or pick up the ingredients and make it a DIY project.

3. Wine tasting

This is another fun idea that you can do at home or out and about, depending on your girl group’s preference. Whatever you choose, consider patronizing a local wine shop. Some options include:

• Church Street Wine Shoppe
• The Wine Cellar
• The Wine Rack

4. Take an art class

Want to flex your creative muscle? Try out an art class at the Huntsville Museum of Art, or paint and sip at Pinot’s Palette.

5. Get to know the city

The city of Huntsville has lots of walking tours that will help newcomers and locals alike learn a little more about the city. Or, simply get out and explore on your own. There are murals and sculptures tucked in every corner of downtown. See how many you can find!

6. Go on a shopping spree

Nothing beats a little bit of retail therapy. Bridge Street Town Center is a large, walkable outdoor mall with shops, restaurants and more. Weather too chilly? Try Parkway Place Mall instead.

7. Follow the craft coffee trail

In the mood to find the best oat milk latte Huntsville has to offer? Check out Downtown Huntsville’s Craft Coffee Trail. The trail includes:

• Canadian Bakin’
• Charlie Foster’s
• Dragon’s Forge Cafe
• Gold Sprint
• Honest Coffee Roasters
• Northside Coffee
• Offbeat Coffee Studio
• Olde Towne Coffee
• Piper & Leaf
• Pizzelle’s Confections
• The Moon Bakeshop

One of our content producers completed the trail last year—see her review.

8. Explore the outdoors

Maybe your group of gals is the outdoorsy type? We’ve got you covered!

Check out this guide to Madison’s trails and greenways, or visit the Land Trust of North Alabama for more hike ideas.

9. Go on a staycation

Did you see our guide to area AirBnbs? If not, you’re seriously missing out.

It might be too late to book for next weekend, but why not carry out the celebration a little longer? With all these options, you’re sure to find a spot that everyone will adore.

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What is your favorite Galentine’s Day tradition? Let us know on Facebook and Instagram.