February is my absolute favorite month. It’s not just because it’s my birthday month, but more importantly, it’s the month of love! This time of year brings the famous (or infamous) holiday of Valentine’s Day, as well as the newer celebration known as Galentine’s Day.
With the surge of platonic relationships among this generation, we, as college students, appreciate the idea of loving our friends. Whether it’s spending quality time together on “dates” or exchanging small gifts, it’s a wonderful way to express how much we value those around us.
With that in mind, here are 10 activities you can enjoy this Valentine’s/Galentine’s season with anyone you love around Milledgeville:
- Coffee Date: With college students’ busy schedules, making time for coffee is both easy and memorable, allowing you to brighten up a weekday. Morning Grind features a Valentine’s Day coffee menu filled with love and festivity!
- Dinner Date: One of my favorite activities with friends is what we call a “Mexican restaurant debrief.” Nothing shows love like sharing queso and catching up with your besties. El Amigo, in particular, always has the best holiday decor, with its adorable heart garland adding a charming touch to our chats.
- Movie Night: Rom-coms are the ultimate movie genre, in my opinion. Any excuse to curl up with a cozy blanket and bask in the warmth of a happy ending with friends or a partner makes for the perfect night.
- Baking Date: Hearts are an excellent shape—simple yet festive! You can opt to bake something elaborate, like a heart-shaped red velvet cake, or grab those iconic Pillsbury sugar cookies adorned with Valentine’s Day designs from Walmart.
- Sweet Treat Run: Milledgeville boasts many local businesses offering heart-shaped candies, cookies, coffee and even cake pops at Starbucks. These delicious treats bring a little joy this Valentine’s season.
- Valentine’s Day Photoshoot: Capture memories through cute Valentine’s-themed photos. Gather your people, find a picturesque location (like sunset fields!), and wear some pink and red for added flair!
- Wellness Walk: A walk is good for both body and soul. What better way to embrace the season of love than by taking care of yourself? Grab a friend or partner, find a scenic trail, and consider donning your most festive athleisure.
- Arts and Crafts Night: Gather with friends or a partner to create sentimental crafts. There are plenty of places to find Valentine’s-themed supplies, such as Hobby Lobby, T.J.Maxx and Walmart.
- Game Night: Bonus points for whichever group finds a love-themed game or activity. Games not only bring people together but also emphasize the importance of quality time—one of the most vital love languages.
- Lego Flower Making: My personal favorite way to celebrate this Galentine’s/Valentine’s Day is engaging in my new hobby—making Lego flowers! Recently, I built a set of succulents, which are far more reliable than any classic real flower. They last forever, are incredibly fun to create – and serve as a source of pride once completed. Priced between $35 and $100, they’re a great investment if you have some savings!
Above all, the essence of Valentine’s Day and Galentine’s Day lies in spending quality time with those you love. Love is one of the closest things we have to magic, and truly loving someone creates a sense of wonder that enriches our lives. So, whether romantic or platonic, take a moment this month to celebrate the bonds that make your life meaningful. Embrace the love around you and let it shine brightly this February!
