By Kristine Hansen | Photo courtesy Destination Kohler
Valentine’s Day isn’t just for lovers, of course. Galentine’s Day is an opportunity to show appreciation for your BFFs who show up consistently and simply make life fun.
From an over-the-top getaway in Lake Geneva to vow renewals at a Milwaukee craft brewery, here are unique ways to celebrate the holiday, either on or around Feb. 14.
Make Cards at Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel in Milwaukee
Gather the girls to attend Love in Layers: A Galentine’s Workshop ($50 per person) on Saturday, Feb. 10, where Artist in Residence Anwar Floyd-Pruitt brushes off any insecurities you may have about your creative side. This guided papercraft activity includes access to artist-painted papers, tools and other materials. The best part? You will walk away with handmade valentines.
Experience New Heights of Luxury at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, Lake Geneva
The 1,300-acre setting at this resort is already romantic but the property’s new “The Sky’s the Limit: Fireworks and Flight Romance Experience” package ($8,199) –available throughout February – is out of this world. Rate includes two nights in the largest suite, private fireworks show that you help plan, a helicopter ride over the resort’s heart-shaped pond, private brunch for two inside an igloo with unlimited Bloody Mary’s and Mimosas and additional resort credit.
Immerse in All Things Chocolate at The American Club, Kohler
After a few-years’ hiatus that left sweet tooths hungry, the resort’s chocolate extravaganza is back. Called “Celebration of Chocolate” and held Feb. 23-24, the events include a four-course, wine-paired dinner, chef demos and Sugar High Party with DJ Eric Rhodes. Naturally, Kohler’s own chocolate line will be served up in abundance. Overnight packages also available.
Renew your Vows at Lakefront Brewery, Milwaukee
This is the ninth year this craft brewery in Milwaukee’s Brewers Hill invites couples to renew their vows or host a small, intimate wedding ($30) on Valentine’s Day. Each ceremony lasts between five and 10 minutes and you can upgrade with accoutrements like a boutonniere and bouquets, Champagne, dessert, professional photography, personalized pint glasses and live guitar music. Bookings need to be made by Feb. 7 at 11:45 p.m. via this link.
Take a Chocolate-Stroll in Menomonee Falls
Support small businesses and do some shopping in the sweetest of ways with this Chocolate Walk (Feb. 9 and 10) in downtown Menomonee Falls, a 25-minute drive northwest of downtown Milwaukee. Sponsored by Chocolate Falls, a local chocolate store, you pre-order the box ($20) through them and then pick it up at their location the day of, filling it up as you visit area shops.
“Capitol Comedy Hour: A Late-Night Variety Show – Valentine’s Edition,” Madison
Let’s face it: love can be funny. That’s the idea behind this variety show (8 p.m. on Feb. 17, $15) at Madison’s – a restaurant with a late-night comedy show pop-up – in downtown Madison where comedians showcase sketches, live music and stand-up all tied into Valentine’s Day.