Written by Linnea Sheneman. Graphic by Linnea Sheneman.
Roses are red, violets are blue, couples celebrate Valentine’s but you can too! If you are anything like me, the appeal of Valentine’s Day lies not only in expressions of romantic love or consumerism but rather in celebration of all types of love. The concept of “Galentines” has been around for at least 15 years now (notably popularized in 2010 with an episode of “Parks and Recreation”), and Valentine’s can be such a wonderful time to spend with friends. In need of some Valentine’s inspiration to show your love to those you care about? Look no further, I’ve got you covered with some of Savannah’s finest friend-dates!
Classic “Pal-entines” Picnic
Galentines isn’t just for the gals! Thankfully, with the snow gone and the weather warming, picnic season is upon us. Invite all of your closest pals, pick up some snacks from Brighter Day or Kroger and head over to Forsyth Park to soak up some sun with your loved ones. You can’t go wrong with a classic.
Elementary School Shoebox
A Valentine’s Day activity perfect for the nostalgic and whimsical. Gather your friends and decorate paper bags or shoe boxes and gift each other little candy hearts and handwritten Valentines. Decorating shoeboxes and getting to sneak candy and notes into classmates’ boxes will always be one of my most cherished Valentine’s experiences, and recreating that with friends is a great way to bond and show your love this Feb. 14.
Rom-com Movie Night
Bring your coziest pajamas, your most luxurious blankets, homemade baked goods and a bowl of popcorn! There are countless great rom-coms out there (I’m talking classics like “Sleepless in Seattle,” “When Harry Met Sally” and “10 Things I Hate About You” to name a few). A movie night is also a great way to unwind from the stress of midterms and spend time with friends easily and casually, which requires minimal planning. Alternatively, make a game out of it and print out rom-com bingo cards, pick a movie at random and see who wins!
The Skill Seekers
Want to use this opportunity to pick up a new skill or refresh some old ones? Starcastle rollerskating is open from 7-10 p.m. and is the perfect unique Friday night activity with friends. Or, if you are looking for a cozy night in after the chaos of midterms, have a “skill potluck.” Ask friends to bring materials for a skill or craft that they enjoy (origami, printmaking, knitting, embroidery, etc.) and take turns showing each other how to create different things. The world is your oyster!
Pen Pal Perfection
One of my favorite ways to celebrate Valentine’s is sitting down and writing letters to all of my friends and family members near and far. To the visual artists: designing your own pop-up card, decorating and coloring can be a good de-stresser for post-midterm week, and a great way to connect with in-person friends if you get together and have a Valentine-making party.
For the Vehemently Opposed
Looking for ways to fill the day and spend time with loved ones that are as far from pink hearts and anything that screams classic Valentine’s as possible? The Trustees Theater is having a 7 pm Valentine’s Day showing of “Twilight.” Tickets are free for SCAD cardholders and you can purchase tickets here. There are also several SCADextra Faculty led workshops happening on Feb. 14; practice your life drawing and anatomy in the Montgomery Hall courtyard from 1-3:30 pm, or pick up jewelry making and craft a metal pendant necklace in a workshop at Fahm Hall from 11-1 pm.
Whatever the activity or how you spend your day, I sincerely hope that your Valentine’s Day is filled with love in all its many forms. Happy Valentine’s from District to you!
