It’s been 16 years since Galentine’s Day first hit the mainstream, thanks to the sitcom “Parks and Recreation.” According to character Leslie Knope, the day before Valentine’s is all about “ladies celebrating ladies” with brunch, heartfelt stories, and showing plenty of love to all your gal-pals.
Galentine’s Day has outlived its origins and grown to encompass all sorts of celebrations around non-romantic feminine relationships. To encourage you to get together and feel the love this year, we’ve put together this Galentine’s Guide to help plan the perfect outing!
BRUNCH, BUBBLY, AND SHOPPING
If you and your girls love nothing more than the classic Galentine’s brunch, bubbly, and shopping, there’s plenty of options to explore!
Start a little Galentine’s midmorning mayhem at Martini Brunch in Mount Vernon, a weekend-only, age-21-and-up spot that serves what they call “party brunch!” They prioritize locally-produced ingredients in their “glittery mimosas and ‘extra’ takes on classic comfort dishes.” Then head north towards downtown to pick up gourmet chocolates for each other at Forte Chocolates, unique tokens of your affections at Babe Rainbow Antiques, screenprinted threads at elSage Designs, or artisan crafts at LIDO Collective.
Martini Brunch | Photograph Courtesy of Martini Brunch
For Bellingham-based beauties, The Birch Door Cafe is a breakfast and brunch mainstay. Get started with some fluffy German Pancakes and mimosas with fresh squeezed juice, then head over to shop both big and small businesses out of the February weather at Bellis Fair Mall.
If you’d rather start downtown, Sweet Bay Cafe is an airy restaurant with breakfast classics, a dedicated coffee bar, and a boozy brunch accompaniment for every gal! They’ve got everything from Aperol Spritzes and Espresso Martinis to Bloody Maries and Micheladas. From there, shopping at downtown clothing boutiques like Fringe and Sojourn is a breeze!
Fringe | Photograph by Cocoa Laney
Fairhaven lovers will already know that Keenan’s at the Pier is the spot for an elegant and beautiful brunch overlooking Bellingham Bay, with craft cocktails and an extensive wine list for your ladies to sip on. After a lovely meal there, head south to find yourself in the midst of Fairhaven’s shopping! Pick up contemporary yet timeless apparel at Quinn and Foster, fabulous footwear at 12th Street Shoes, or accessories and gifts at Garden Room and Azzurra.
If you’ll be in Eastsound for Galentine’s, you’ll be happy to know that Cafe Aurora has been wowing Orcas Island with its brunch since it opened in late 2024. Alongside dishes like Braised Pork Belly Benedict and Bananas Foster Waffles, they’ll keep the Prosecco, Rose, mimosas, and cocktails flowing! Then, it’s an easy stroll through Eastsound’s quaint village streets to eclectic shopping at Faraways Boutique, Smörgåsbord boutique, Atelier home goods, and Darvill’s Book Store.
LIDO Collective | Photograph by Anne Godenham
LADIES NIGHT OUT
If you and your lovely friends would prefer to spend the evening in each other’s company, there are plenty of fantastic things to do together in February!
If pizza and wine sound like the perfect start to a ladies’ night out, head to Starla’s. Antipasti, salads, and fresh deck-oven pizza are the perfect accompaniments to their rotating wines by the glass. Starla’s specializes in low-intervention wines by small producers, so even the sommeliers among you are sure to find a wine they’ll love.
Flow Motion | Photograph courtesy of Flow Motion
For an evening of intentional rest, relaxation, and good vibes, there’s no better place than Flow Motion in Ferndale! Their Curated Spa Nights, which are community-focused social evenings for up to 20 guests, are perfect for your Galentine’s celebrations. Mother Daughter Night and Ladies Night Out are particularly pertinent, and at each event you’ll be given access to all the spa’s amenities, light refreshments,
Want to hit the town? This month, Bellingham’s First Friday will land on Feb. 6. This monthly event is a total downtown activation—late night shopping, events, live music, and gallery openings are all typical affairs, although the programming changes each month! MW Soapworks, Brazen Shop + Studio, and Third Planet Boutique are among local shops that are usually open for perusal. The Whatcom Museum often hosts workshops, and galleries like Voxel Gallery and Geheim Gallery welcome art lovers.
Bellingham Symphony Orchestra | Photograph by Damian Vines Photography
Musicians and music-lovers are in luck, because the Bellingham Symphony Orchestra (BSO) String Quartet will present Trailblazers’ Galentines on Feb. 13. This special evening, part of their BRAVISSIMO! event series, will combine storytelling and music by, for, and about “badass women from around the world.” If you love thrilling strings, revolutionary women, and feminine fellowship, this is the Galentine’s event for you.
Even if you simply choose to pick up a few bottles of bubbly and celebrate at home, don’t miss out on the opportunity to celebrate the women in your life!
