Ladies, it’s time.
Grab your notebooks, your pens and your founts of inspiration, because it’s time to make a list of the ladies who have made an impact in your life. That’s right, I’m talking about Galentine’s Day.
Galentine’s Day is Feb. 13, and it’s all about celebrating female friendships. The holiday was originally coined by the TV show “Parks and Recreation” in 2010. Leslie Knope calls it “ladies celebrating ladies,” and while Leslie and crew tend to celebrate with brunch, heart-shaped balloons and personalized gifts, Galentine’s Day has taken on a life of its own. There are countless ways to celebrate the women who have lifted us up in life. It’s all about finding a celebration that rings true for you and your friends.
It’s about more than just gal pals hanging out, it’s a chance to reflect and honor the women who came before us, the ones who hold us up in the present, and the ones to come.
That being said, the pandemic has made all holidays a little different this year, and Galentine’s Day is no exception. There are still ways to celebrate - from a distance or in-person - and stay true to the spirit of the day.
Here’s a list of ways to celebrate Galentine’s Day this year in Connecticut, whether you plan to stay in or go out.
Bradley Mountain Farm offers goat strolling and snuggling sessions.
This is pretty much exactly what it sounds like. Bradley Mountain Farm in Southington hosts 30-minute sessions for people to just snuggle goats, and there are reservations available for all of Valentine’s Day weekend. Each session includes a free bag of goat feed. Reservations are required for each person in your party, for $15 per person at 537 Shuttle Meadow Road. For information and reservations, visit bradleymountainfarm.com.
Hawk Ridge Winery hosts chocolate and wine tastings throughout Valentine's Day weekend.
Hawk Ridge Winery hosts this chocolate and wine tasting, featuring four wines paired with Thompson chocolates and culminating in a raspberry mousse parfait. Seatings take place throughout the weekend beginning 6 p.m. Friday and ending at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, and reservations are required. The tasting is $25 per person at 28 Plungis Road, Watertown. For information and reservations, call 860-274-7440 or visit hawkridgewinery.net.
From left, Keenan McMahon, AnaVivian Estrella and Gina Mello leave Lorca in Stamford, Connecticut on March 11, 2020 with their cups of freshly brewed coffee.
Run and grab coffee on Saturday. No, really, run to get it, and bring your Galentine. This Stamford event has levels for beginning, intermediate and advanced runners with three, four and five-mile routes. Runners should meet at 9 a.m. in front of Lorca Coffee and Bakery at 125 Bedford Street. Runners are encouraged to keep six feet of distance and wear masks before and after running. For more information, check the event Facebook page.
Will Kies hammers a tap into a Sugar Maple Tree to harvest its sap for making syrup.
For those looking for something unique and - dare I say - sappy to do for Galentine’s Day, check out this maple tapping demonstration. Learn how to make syrup and how to identify sugar maples and tap them for sap. Masks and social distancing required. Participants should meet at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, in Edgewood Park, 720 Edgewood Ave., New Haven, near the trees by the footbridge and West River, behind the tennis courts and basketball court. This demonstration is free. For more information, check the event Facebook page.
Fright Haven's "Valentine's Day Massacre."
For the more daring Galentines, Fright Haven offers this Valentine-themed haunted house attraction in Stratford. Tickets start at $25 per person. The attraction runs Feb. 12 and 13 from 7:30-10 p.m. at 411 Barnum Avenue Cutoff. For tickets and information, visit frighthaven.com.
Consiglio's Restaurant in New Haven offers virtual cooking lessons.
Make dinner for your friends with this live virtual Italian cooking class from Consiglio’s Restaurant in New Haven. Menu items include mozzarella napolitano wrapped with fresh basil and prosciutto, baby arugula salad with a strawberry basil vinaigrette, linguini and clams in cartoccio (in a bag) and chocolate covered strawberries. Attendees are free to ask Chef Ray Gennaro questions as he teaches the class. Cost is $75 and includes all ingredients and a Zoom link. Each additional guest is $55. Ingredients will be available for pick up at the restaurant or delivery within the New Haven area. Out of area participants can do their own grocery shopping and still access the class for $35. For more information, visit consigliosrestaurant.com/cooking-classes.
Sarajane.Sullivan@hearstmediact.com, Twitter: @bysarajane