Each year, it can feel as if Valentine’s Day consumes the month of February. However, we’re all about celebrating Galentine’s Day, too! ICYMI: this special holiday occurs annually on February 13, spotlighting the love and friendships between women. Here at Philly PR Girl, we recognize the importance and value of harnessing the power of female bonds. We want to share fun ways we’d spend Galentine’s Day in Philly! This year, pause and take a moment to remind your girl friends how much they mean to you.
Get Pampered Together
You and your besties deserve a pampering sesh, so reward yourselves with a little self-care at Hand & Stone Logan Square.* The spa’s signature Couple’s Massage allows two friends to enjoy their experience together, side-by-side. If your love language is Quality Time, this is a perfect activity. If not, separate rooms are always an option. If massages aren’t your thing, opt for a rejuvenating facial to glow up instead.
If you want to take your spa day to the next level, take up to four of your closest girlfriends to Contour Body Studio* for a V-steam. FYI: these custom v-steams can help reduce stress, calm menstrual symptoms, or boost fertility – whatever your specific needs are. The BYOB studio even provides DIY wine glass decorating while you’re steaming and sipping on your favorite rosé. P.S. There’s a Groupon just in time for the holidays. Save up to 51% off!
Get glam with blowouts and champagne at Cherry Blow Dry Bar.* Providing styling services at affordable prices, this premiere salon in Society Hill is an amazing addition to your Galentine’s Day itinerary. With offerings that include bouncy curls or even up-dos, there’s a blowout style for every girl in your squad. They offer quick on-the-go services if your group has a packed day, or parties and events to relax and hang out in the space for longer!
Indulge like the true queens you are at The Underground Spa** in the Logan Hotel. Here, they primarily use all-natural products and view your mind, body, and spirit holistically. For starters, each guest does a calming practice right when you walk in. Then, head to the locker room to change into matching hooded robes and use great lighting for selfies. Lounge in the relaxation room with spa water and fruit as you wait for services including nourishing hydrafaicals to intensely refreshing body scrubs.
Wine & Dine Together
Cue up your powerhouse princess hype playlists for a big night out! (We’re playing GNO by Miley Cyrus and 7 Rings by Ariana Grande.) We love Porta’s lively atmosphere, unique decor, and, of course, delicious food and cocktails. Right in the heart of Center City, it’s the perfect place to celebrate with your closest gal pals, gossiping over cocktails and laughing between bites of pizza late into the night. Tip: start early with an amazing happy hour between 4 – 7 p.m.
Escape the cold and transport yourself to warm Thailand at Chatayee Thai.* As soon as you walk in, you’ll be greeted with beautiful authentic decor and a sensory overload of delicious Thai flavors. Try traditional noodles like Pad Thai and Pad See Ew, or explore something less common like Ka Mou Tod, pork shank stewed in wine and spices. Plus, this place is a big bonus if you have vegetarian or vegan friends!
There’s something so chic about sitting in a warm Parisian atmosphere with your girlfriends. That’s why we love Parc in Rittenhouse Square. Share a cheese plate. Get the warm shrimp salad. Sip martinis with your pinkies out (highly recommend the Romarin cocktail). Maybe even plan a trip to the real deal.
Take Pics Together
Galentine’s Day is the perfect excuse for a #SquadGoals photoshoot. We can’t think of anything more perfect than Love Park, located right in Center City. Grab your faux fur, hoop earrings, and over-the-knee boots for an evening of fashionable photos with your favorite girls.
For photos, you can look back and reminisce on, head to the sparkling Magic Gardens. Create fun, lasting memories made together on Galentine’s Day 2019. The famous mosaics are the perfect beautiful backdrop for your group of besties.
Few Philadelphia places are as iconic as Rittenhouse Square. Luckily for Galentines, the winter lights are still up. Come here in the evening for a dazzling photo session. Who says romance is only for couples?
If you’re looking for some charm, nothing beats the historic Elfreth’s Alley. This extremely photogenic alley is one of the city’s most popular spots for a reason. With cobblestone streets and bright doors, it’s a quintessential setting for a Philadelphia photoshoot.
Take your girl gang and travel through the city to find Amberella’s Power Hearts. These small messages hold a big powerful meaning, as the artists focus on popular culture, body image, social justices, or lady drama. We recommend starting in Northern Liberties.
Give Back Together
Make your Galentine’s Day even more special by giving back to the community together. The non-profit organization, Jill Melmed-Buzzeo Award, are inviting women to share female heroes on social media for their campaign Girls with Grit. In your post, be sure to use the hashtag #BeHerValentine and tag @JMBAward. This campaign aims to spread women-for-women love and support and build awareness for the wonderful organization whose mission is to equip ambitious, resilient young women from Philadelphia with the tools and support to advance their professional dreams.
Give love to our planet by cleaning up litter in the city with Not In Philly. This growing organization has become a network of over 1,200 Philadelphia neighbors committed to cleaning their block.
Spend this holiday giving much-needed affection to animals at PAWS. The organization works to save the lives of Philadelphia’s homeless and at-risk animals through three no-kill shelters, foster care network, and special events. Last year, more than 3,500 animals were rescued and 36,800 clinic patients were served.
Where are you spending your Galentine’s Day in Philadelphia? Share with us in the comments!
* Hand & Stone Logan Square, Contour Body Studio, Cherry Blow Dry Bar, Chatayee Thai are clients of Philly PR Girl. ** Some portions of this post were sponsored in kind. All content is a true reflection of Philly PR Girl.