Written by Kingsli Kraft | February 12, 2019

Tomorrow is one of the best pseudo-holidays of the year–Galentine’s Day! If you’ve watched Parks and Rec then you know exactly what I’m talking about. If you haven’t watched it, Galentine’s Day happens the day before Valentine’s Day, on February 13th. As Amy Poehler’s character, Leslie Knope puts it, Galentine’s Day is an unofficial holiday dedicated to ladies celebrating ladies. This month’s list of favorites is inspired by this wonderful made-up holiday and the all of the amazing women who share their strength, compassion, wisdom and sass with me daily. So here are four things you can do to celebrate your relationships with all the amazing women in your life.

Mint Mochas at Biggby Coffee

This year, Galentine’s Day is on a Wednesday, and every Wednesday at Biggby Coffee is buy one latte get the second free! So a coffee date with your best lady friend was basically meant to be. My go to “treat yourself” drink is a Mint Mocha with coconut milk. Chocolate and mint are the perfect complimentary flavors, in my humble opinion, York Peppermint Patties, Junior Mints, Thin Mints… It’s a match made in heaven and the Mint Mocha is the perfect chocolatey treat, over ice or steamed it’s delicious.

Veggie Ramen at As You Wish Gourmet Eatery

If I had a dollar for the number of times I have walked into As You Wish Gourmet Eatery and thought it was Ramen day, but actually it was Tuesday or Thursday and I was on the wrong day of the week in my head… well let’s just say I’d be one step closer to paying off those student loans. When I do make it to As You Wish on the right day (Mondays and Wednesdays, so again, totally meant to be for your Galentine’s Day lunch date) the Ramen bowls at As You Wish are one of my favorite downtown lunches, especially in the fall and winter. They usually have a beef, chicken or veggie option. I stick with the veggie option. It’s delicious, and filling. Between the food and the cozy ambiance of eating in Blue Phoenix Books it’s honestly one of the best and most relaxing ways to spend a lunch hour. What’s better than a relaxing lunch hour with delicious ramen? A relaxing lunch hour with delicious ramen AND your best ladies.

House Margaritas at Mangos Tequila Bar

Now what I’m about to say, may make me a little unpopular, but just bear with me for a moment, okay? I really don’t like tequila and I usually avoid it at all costs. However, Mangos House Margaritas are one of the most delicious things I have ever tasted. I love them. They also come in multiple sizes for all of your drinking needs—12oz, 17oz, a pitcher, or a margarita tower. What’s a margarita tower? It’s 88 ounces of margarita in a tall glass tube with a spicket at the bottom so you can share with multiple people. It’s surefire way to kick off a night of fun with your favorite ladies. But, if you’re not looking to get quite that extra on a Wednesday (I guess I understand), you can also get house margs for $4 Sunday through Thursday!

Barre Class at Bella Rose Yoga and Fitness Studio

I never expected to wake up the morning after my first Barre class at Bella Rose Yoga and Fitness Studio the most sore I have ever been. This class targeted parts of my body and muscles I didn’t even know I had, all while I had a lot of fun with friends staying active. Barre is like pilates meets yoga meets ballet. It’s difficult and there were different variations for the exercises for all levels. Before my first class, I was nervous because I didn’t want to make a fool of myself. But guess what? You’re ALL doing the same thing led by and instructor and you’re all there for the same reason—to have fun and work out. Plus it helps to have a couple of friends that you can laugh off your mistakes with or gasp words of encouragement to as you hold a thirty-second plank. There’s a Barre Class tomorrow night at 5:30pm so once again it’s like it was meant to be a part of your Galentine’s Day plans.

Kingsli Kraft wrote this article for Blog Downtown Alpena. Kingsli is a recent graduate from University of Michigan with a degree in Human Ecology. She enjoys reading, writing, yoga, hiking, caring for all of her plants and trying new recipes. You can follow her on Instagram here.