Fun Ways to Celebrate “Galentine’s” Day in Tampa!
Galentine’s Day is where women celebrate their female friendships. The day – which is a blend of the words “Valentine’s” and “gals” – gained popularity in 2010 thanks to an episode of the TV show, Parks and Recreation. The faux holiday became a phenomenon both nationally and internationally.
Thanks to the pop culture reference, it’s become a fun excuse to grab your best girlfriends and head out for a day of fun. While the actual date for Galentine’s Day is February 13th, we think it’s just fine to celebrate any time! Whether you decide to spend an entire day or just an evening out, here are some fun ideas we think you’ll love!
Eat, Drink, & Be Social!
The Cake Drip
Tampa (Hyde Park) & St. Petersburg (Downtown Edge District)
The Cake Drip has two locations in Tampa and St. Pete. These Instagram and TikTok-worthy boutiques offer award-winning customizable desserts, chocolate bars, and more. Enjoy desserts on the patio or take part in an in-studio experience. Get creative with a DIY Cake Decorating Class, create your own chocolate bar with a Chocolate Tasting Flight, or immerse yourself in the Afternoon High Tea filled with sweet treats. All experiences are 21 and up and include a complimentary glass of champagne. The DIY Cake Decorating experience is available for 18 and up before 6pm. thecakedrip.com
Tampa Food Tours
Tampa, Dunedin, & St. Petersburg
Enjoy food and culture on these 3.5-hour walking tours filled with food, wine, and craft beers around Tampa, Dunedin, and St. Pete! Savor local food and adult beverages as local experts guide small groups on a journey filled with history, flavor, and excitement. The Tampa tour takes you around downtown and the Riverfront and features four amazing restaurants including three that feature wine pairings. Dunedin’s picturesque waterfront is the backdrop for their food tour, which stops at local seafood restaurants and a famed brewery. In St. Pete, stroll along downtown’s Beach Drive while enjoying a variety of cuisines, wine, and sangria. tampabayfoodtours.com
Cheese Please
Tampa (South Tampa)
This retail store also doubles as a wine bar where guests can enjoy wine and cheese tastings. On Friday and Saturday nights, you and you girlfriends can enjoy a selection of cheeses paired with the perfect wines from all different regions. Be sure to check their website since tastings can fill up quickly. Reservations are required. cheesepleasetampa.com
Cepas Wine & Tapas Bar
Tampa (Carrollwood)
Tucked away in Carrollwood is this charming Spanish-inspired wine and tapas bar that acts as a perfect setting for a girls’ night out. This tavern-like wine bar has a wide selection of over 400 wines from around the world sold by the glass or by the bottle. Their extensive menu of tapas includes freshly made ceviche, charcuterie, paella, and beef tenderloin. Though known for their wine, there is also a wide selection of beers. cepaswinebar.com
Keel & Curley Winery
Plant City
For a fun change of scenery, Keel Farms offers a rustic and relaxed setting for a unique wine experience. Unlike other wine bars, they’re known for their fruit wines. Their immersive wine tastings offer eight different Keel & Curley flavors including blueberry, key lime, peach, and strawberry sangria. They also have a selection of beers brewed on site. After the tasting, be sure to book a tour of the winery and brewery and take in the outdoor views while enjoying upscale pub style food from their savory, handcrafted menu. keelfarms.com
Kozuba & Sons Distillery
St. Petersburg
This hidden gem is a must-visit spot for local vodka and whiskey enthusiasts! This Polish distillery located in downtown St. Petersburg offers an array of handcrafted vodkas, whiskeys, and cordials that are made on-site. Thier distillery tours include a tasting of a selection of their award-winning spirits at the bar. Be sure to check their website since they also occasionally host on-site events. kozubadistillery.com
Get Crafty!
The Candle Pour
Tampa (Hyde Park)
This custom candle-making experience allows you to create your own candle from your choice of over 100 different fragrance oils, whether you’re into earthy or floral scents, or unique scents like champagne and baked bread. Not only can you create the perfect scented candle, but there are also flameless options as well such as reed diffusers, linen and room sprays, and wax melts. The process takes about 45 minutes, but the candles need to set for two hours, which is the perfect opportunity for you and your girlfriends to enjoy one of the many bars and restaurants in Hyde Park! thecandlepour.com
Pinot’s Palette & Painting With A Twist
Various locations in Tampa Bay Area
Channel your inner artist and create colorful memories at one of these studios for a crafty girls’ night out! They provide the art supplies, and you can bring your own drinks and snacks. Although there are plenty of dates and paintings to choose from, both spots offer special Girls’ Night Out events. Feel like staying in? Pinot’s Palette offers take home painting kits as well to host a paint and sip night in the comfort of your own home! Check their website for more information and to book. pinotspalette.com and paintingwithatwist.com
Be Adventurous!
Axe Throwing
Various locations in Tampa Bay
Axe throwing has gained a ton of popularity over the past year, and for good reasons! It’s unique, stress-reducing, and provides a good time with some healthy competition. Places like Civil Axe Throwing and Stumpy’s Hatchet House provide safe and controlled environments, perfect for groups to hang out and release their inner lumberjacks. Most places sell food and drinks or allow you to bring in your own.
Theme Parks
Tampa & Orlando
It’s not just for the kids! Having some adult time at theme parks can be a ton of fun. Perhaps you’ve been wanting to take a spin on a ride that your kids can’t ride yet, or you want to enjoy certain exhibits and restaurants without hearing “I’m bored!” While we LOVE all of our local theme parks, our favorite picks for adults-only visits are Busch Gardens, EPCOT, and Universal Studios. Gather your bravest girlfriends to conquer one of the many over-the-top roller coasters at Busch Gardens and stick around to enjoy a fun cocktail or craft beer while enjoying live music during their Real Music Concert Series through February 27. At EPCOT, stroll around the World Showcase and enjoy food and drinks from an array of different countries. Right now, you can also check out the Festival of The Arts taking place through February 21. Universal Studios has a ton of fun and nostalgic attractions. Hop between Universal and Islands of Adventure and then unwind at one of the many bars and restaurants at City Walk before heading out.
Galentine’s Events in Tampa Bay
There are several events celebrating Galentine’s Day right here in Tampa!
Galentine’s Day Sunset Cruise at The Florida Aquarium
February 13, 5:30pm-8:00pm
Join The Florida Aquarium on The Bay Spirit II, their 72’ catamaran, for a sassy, classy Galentine’s Day Sunset Cruise! This two-hour excursion on Tampa Bay is complete with an animal ambassador send-off. Gals and their pals will enjoy an open bar featuring beer and wine plus a champagne toast, sweet and salty treats, and live entertainment. For those with a sentimental side, receive a complimentary poem from Gios Typos. For the sassier side of this sojourn, “Chirp Your Ex!” Is your ex for the birds? Name a cricket after your ex and we’ll feed it to the birds of the Wetlands Dome at a future feeding. We’ll even send you the video!
Galentine’s Day Flower Bar at Dwell Home Market
February 4, 6pm-8pm
Sip, Shop and Arrange! Join The Roaming Petal at Dwell Home Market for a special Flower Event. Make your own bouquet at their flower bar any time between 6pm-8pm while enjoying Happy Hour. It’s a perfect way to celebrate Galentine’s Day and bring home some beautiful flowers for yourself or as a gift! Tickets include flowers for one bouquet and complimentary wine and beer.
Galentine’s Build Your Own Bouquet at Armature Works
February 14, 6pm-8pm
Grab your Galentine and join the Roaming Petal at Show + Tell at Armature Works for a DIY night out! Build your own beautiful bouquet that will make the perfect centerpiece for your home while sipping some wine.
Featured Image Credit: Pinterest