February 4th 2026
Planning The Perfect Galentine’s Day For You And Your Bestie
What started out as a joke in the tv show Parks and Recreation, turned into an unofficial holiday we have the sitcom character Leslie Knope to thank for. In the episode, actress Amy Poehler’s character Leslie invites her female friends over for a annual party. 15 years later and this holiday is still popular.
It makes total sense that this holiday should exist because we already have a day celebrating our romantic partners on February 14th. Why not have an entire day where we honor our platonic friendships? After all, they are just as important as our relationships with our significant others.
Leslie Knope, Parks and Recreation Season 2, Episode 16- year 2010
How can we argue with that? After all, it’s been highly documented by famous experts Ed Diener and Martin Seligman that strong social relationships are critical for happiness (1) and similarly, other psychologists have written that the need to belong is “fundamental.” (2)
Having a “bestie” in your corner for all of your ups and downs in life just adds to a healthy support system. After all, that’s what a healthy social support system looks like. It’s a network of friends, family and peers that we know we can turn to. Considering the harshness of the world today, having that support is definitely something to celebrate. So let’s talk about different ways we can share the love with the ones who accept us for who we are and fully support who we are working on becoming.
Spa Day
There is nothing that says Galentine’s like having a spa day. You can have a budget friendly outing by choosing small services and curating them into a package. Here at Avalon, we have $40 express facials (30 min), $16 anti-oxidant hand treatments with heated herbal mitts (30 min) and $40 foot soaks (30 min). The foot soaks come with tea service, which adds more time onto your service. So in theory, you and your bestie could have a spa day for only $96 per person / 2 hour time frame.
The 2026 Galentines/Valentines Day Package offering include two this year and are available from February 7th through February 21st. They must be paid for in advance due to the catered food through concierge at 248-686-1259. Packages are limited and once sold out, are not available. Service times available by provider availability.
Personal Charcuterie Boards are served on a Godinger acadia wood cheese board with a dome, and choice of either cherry rose mimosa or sparkling rose adaptogen water served in Godinger crystal flutes. Because the boards are catered in, we are unable to change the menu. The charcuterie includes spreadable creamy smoked gouda cheese wedge, spreadable creamy white cheddar cheese wedge, 5 seed crisps, olive oil brushed bruschetta toast, margherita pepperoni rose, genoa salami rose, sliced strawberries and dark chocolate macadamia nuts.
Brunch
Having a boozy brunch with your friends for Galentine’s Day is the Park’s & Recreation standard. When having brunch, you really need a recipe of upscale ambiance, food that is on par with culinary influences and a drink selection that is unique and pairs well with your menu selection. Well, to me that’s just the brunch experience.
Parc Detroit can be said to be the standard for brunch locations, if we are going to set the bar. Menu items are not as pricey as one would expect unless your ordering the $58 Wood Grilled Prime tenderloin. You can however, expect lovely brunch selections such as the classic French Toast (brioche, vanilla egg custard, honey soaked berries, classic maple syrup and powdered sugar) ($22), Salmon Croquets (crispy Scottish Salmon Cakes, Dill Hollandaise, tomato and Fennel, Baby Arugula and Lemon) ($26) or what Parc refers to as “The Proper Breakfast” (two eggs, applewood smoked bacon, chicken sausage, breakfast potatoes, petite arugula salad and sourdough toast) ($24). The menu is completed with cocktails, mocktails and mimosas. www.parcdetroit.com
Cafe Muse in Royal Oak is personally one of my favorite places to visit. The prices are just as amazing as the food. The menu is designed by Greg Reyner, who I admit I have seen but have never talked to personally. I am sure he is lovely. It’s his food however, I am always continuously impressed by. Reyner is a classically trained chef from the Culinary and Hospitality Institute of Chicago and his passion shows in his food. Menu items like the Stuffed French Toast with Mascarpone and Braised Berries ($15.95), Ricotta & Lemon Pancakes with Blueberry Maple Syrup ($15.95), or the Smoked Salmon Scramble with Gruyere Cheese and Chives ($20.95) are some of my favorites. www.cafemuseroyaloak.com
Toast in Birmingham is a perfect breakfast and lunch spot with a classic diner style ambiance mixed in with art and eclectic accents. Not only is the restaurant truly unique, the menu is as well. Drink selections go beyond craft beers and mimosas and include items such as the Lavender London Fog for $7.50, or Grey Cloud for $15.50 which includes earl grey infused vodka, rum chata, honey simple syrup and cinnamon. Menu selections include gourmet omelets, huevos rancheros, culinary french toast and pancake selections and more. www.toastbirmingham.com
The honorable mention goes to a place that does not serve alcohol, however, the food is unique and delicious.
The Avenue Brunch House in Dearborn (featured on Channel 4 news) has unique items on their menu including the Black & Blue $22.00 (Omelet with cajun rubbed brisket, caramelized onions, mushrooms and blue cheese butter), Zaatar Avocado Toast (Avocado toast with zaatar cream cheese, avocado, sunny side egg, pickled onion, olive oil dressing and parsley garnish), and Beignets with cream cheese frosting and cinnamon powdered sugar for only $10.00. The inside of the restaurant is beautiful with warm woods and copper giving it upscale vibes while the prices are very reasonable.
www.avenuebrunchhousedearborn.com
High Tea
Looking for a dining experience without alcohol? High Tea may be just for you and your bestie(s). High Tea is an experience that is no longer traditional, but highly recommended. The meaning behind High Tea, was the height of the tables and chairs, as well as the part of the day it was served, when you would typically stop working between 4pm and 6pm. Today, we know this as “dinner” or “supper”. Now most establishments that serve this usually serve tea with delicate sandwiches and savoury pastries; small cakes and sweet pastries; scones with jam and cream; and fruit. Be sure to get your reservations in early!
Royal Park Hotel in Rochester celebrates their 3rd Annual Galentine’s Celebration February 5th from 6:30pm to 9pm. Grab your besties and get ready for a night of dancing, sipping, shopping, and bingo-worthy bragging rights. Your Ticket Includes: Welcome cocktail in partnership with @diageo, DJ & dancing with @cinderellas_wedding_djs, Strolling bites + sweet treats, Bingo with fun prizes and DIY bath salt station.
Shop local with Asterism Artisan Chocolate @chocolatiercharlie, Wendy Nelson Jewelry @wendynelsonjewelry, Essbe Permanent Jewelry @shopessbe, Applewood Candle Co @applewoodcandleco and Bur Oak Blooms Mobile Flower Bar @bur_oak_blooms bur+oak_blooms
Dress to impress. Tickets are limited,$125.24 plus sales tax. www.royalparkhotelmi.com
The Whitney in Detroit is one of the cities crown jewels for a reason. This beautiful location boasts a Mansion Tea Service for only $59.00 per person / $10.00 deposit per person and is available weekdays through Saturday until 1:00pm. The service begins with a mimosa or champagne toast, and includes scones with whipped honey butter, fresh berries and double crème, tea sandwiches, canapes, and desert with tea service. www.thewhitney.com
Paint & Sip Night
This activity is full of creativity and perfect for bringing along a whole group of friends. There are several classes that are local but one of the more popular locations is the Painting with a Twist in Ferndale. With multiple painting styles and a variety of days and times, there is a class available for all. Contact for more information. www.paintingwithatwist.com/studio/ferndale
Wine Tasting & Wine Events
Burgdorf Winery in Haslett has the Burgdorf Wine Experience that does not disappoint. It may be just over an hour away, but this experience has a draw for those with large parties with over 6 people. With $180.00 deposit and a cost of $30.00 per person, this event can be booked in two different time slots (5:30pm-7:00pm or 6pm-7:30pm) and are held on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Guests must be 21 years or older.
www.burgdorfwinery.com/burgdorf-wine-experience
Michigan By The Bottle Tasting Room in Royal Oak has “Galentine’s Night: Wine, Sweets & Permanent Jewelry on February 13th from 4pm to 8pm. Tickets are $30.00 and include wine and sweet bites.
Chateau Chantal Spark with Creamy whipped brie + mango hot honey in a flaky filo cup
Peninsula Cellars Pop Quiz with Strawberry-dusted dark chocolate ganache truffle
Verterra Sparkling Pinot Blanc with Gingered apple cheesecake bite with brown butter crust
Permanent Jewelry by Adorn (priced separately) Bracelets start at $65, Anklets $90 and Necklaces $130.
Bestie Bonus:
When you and your bestie both get permanent jewelry, each of you can choose: a complimentary charm or connector OR 20% off your jewelry www.mbtbtasting.com
The Staycation Movie Marathon & Snack Fest
If staying in is your thing, there is no reason why you can’t make an event out of it. Pick out your favorite movies, and have all of your besties over. It’s become more and more popular for each person to bring their favorite dish or favorite drink beverage beforehand.
There are so many choices for movies that feature the beauty of friendships but here is my list of top 3!
Little Women- In the years after the Civil War, Jo March lives in New York and makes her living as a writer, while her sister Amy studies painting in Paris. Amy has a chance encounter with Theodore, a childhood crush who proposed to Jo but was ultimately rejected. Their oldest sibling, Meg, is married to a schoolteacher, while shy sister Beth develops a devastating illness that brings the family back together.
Fried Green Tomatoes– On one of trapped housewife Evelyn Couch’s (Kathy Bates) Wednesday nursing home visits, she encounters Ninny Threadgoode (Jessica Tandy), a colorful old woman who brightens Evelyn’s outlook by sharing tales from her past. As Ninny recounts the exploits of her free-spirited sister-in-law Idgie (Mary Stuart Masterson), owner of a small Alabama café in the 1920s, and the bond Idgie shared with her friend Ruth (Mary-Louise Parker), Evelyn gains the confidence to change her own life for the better. It’s hard to believe this film is 34 years old this year, but for good reason, its such a classic.
Mystic Pizza –follows the lives and loves of three unforgettable waitresses in a little town called Mystic. For sexy Daisy Araujo (Julia Roberts), her sensible sister Kat (Annabeth Gish) and their wisecracking friend Jojo (Lili Taylor), the summer after high school is a summer they’ll never forget. Slinging pizza at a local restaurant, the three girls share their hopes, dreams and plans for escaping their small town.
However you decide to celebrate, take the time to give your bestie(s) a hug and let them know just exactly how thankful you are to have them in your life.
This blog post is dedicated to Thomas, the most fun, most supportive potato that ever was. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for accepting me for who I am, and encouraging me for who I want to be. And Christa, the most steadfast supportive friend I could have ever imagined. Thank you, from my very soul for being that friend – a trusted confidant I can bounce crazy ideas off of, providing me honest feedback, different perspectives, and clarity to help me test concepts and challenge old ways of thinking. The both of you are a bright light in the world and I can’t imagine my life without you both in it.
Research & Resources:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29592642
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mark-Leary-2/publication/15420847_The_Need_to_Belong