Now nearly one year since the coronavirus upended our lives, many of us are sorely missing quality time with our close friends. In the name of friendship, I present Palentine’s Day—which happens the day before Valentine’s Day—to celebrate your best pals.
We do need things to look forward to. With most yearly rituals—birthdays, holidays, events—looking much different (and much smaller) during the pandemic, it’s about time we give ourselves something to get excited about—even if it’s a holiday you won’t find on any official calendar. And while the CDC would tell you it’s ill-advised to have a Palentine’s brunch with all of your buds this year, there are a few other ways you can celebrate safely.
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Send your friend(s) flowers
Everyone loves receiving a beautifully-crafted bouquet once and a while. Luckily, the Twin Cities are chock-full of impressive flower shop operations. Try Spruce Flowers, Pansy Floral, Studio Emme, Studio C Floral, Apricot Floral, or Brown & Greene Florist. And don’t forget the cheesy custom note!
Happy Hour: Over Zoom, in the backyard, or heated patio
Lots of local bars and breweries are offering take-home cocktail kits. Just order the same kit as your friends and virtually share. Check out Twin Spirits Distillery, which has a wide variety of cocktail kits, from its Apple Gin Mule to Ruckus Rosemary Mocktail. Norseman Distillery has an impressive array of non-alcoholic mixers—just add your favorite spirit at home—or you can purchase a full kit with a selection of four mixers plus Norseman-made spirits. Tattersall Distilling also has great kits ready for curbside pickup, and even a Valentine’s Day special cocktail, Strawberry Honey Crush, available starting Feb. 11. With a huge selection, Flying Dutchman has organized its kits by spirits—you can’t go wrong with their inventive flavor combinations. Finally, Stilheart Distillery and Cocktail Lounge has additional choices, from their Blood Orange Oracle to Crystal Ball Old Fashioned cocktail kits.
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If you’re game to meet up, dust off your thermos, grab some camping chairs, stoke a fire, and bundle up with your besties (6 feet apart, of course). We’ve published great recipes for perfect cold-weather drinks like spiced cider and mulled wine. Lake Monster Brewing Company in St. Paul has ample outdoor seating with fire pits galore. Make a reservation on Lake Monster’s website to secure a spot in advance (though, it’s important to note that you have to venture indoors to order). Utepils Brewing in Minneapolis is also offering outdoor heated seating, and you can order your drink conveniently at a window.
Make each other playlists
Playlist making is a true art and a lovely way to show someone you care. Curate a list of songs that remind you of memories with your friend(s) and ones that prove you pay attention to their taste in music. Even better? Burn it to a CD (and doodle on it with Sharpies of course!) for some old school, personalized charm.
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Send your pal a Valentine’s cake
Flour Power Delivery, a made-to-order home-based bakery, is selling adorable heart-shaped cakes for the occasion. Head to their website and place an order by Feb. 11 so they can get it to you by Feb. 13 or 14. Flour Power offers free delivery to folks in Minneapolis and St. Paul. (The cakes can also be made vegan.)
Join one of the Coven’s networking sessions or other events
Take an opportunity to add more friends to your circle! The Coven, a Twin Cities-based coworking community for women, non-binary, and trans individuals, is hosting “Palentine’s Week” events starting Feb. 15—from “Virtual Friendship Networking” to “A Special Together Apart Coffee Connection.” Try it out with their free week of access before committing to a full membership.
Order each other mystery takeout
The Twin Cities are abundant with delicious takeout options. Spice up your normal pandemic eating habits and support a local restaurant by sending each other a mystery meal. If you need ideas, check out Minnesota Monthly’s “36 Best Takeout Restaurants in the Twin Cities: 2020” list compiled by our resident food connoisseur, Jason DeRusha.
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Go to “A Not So Terrible Valentine’s Day” online event (free)
Hosted by Nora McInerny of the “Terrible, Thanks for Asking” podcast, this free virtual live show promises stories of “love gone wrong and maybe even a little matchmaking.” As the event instructs, “Put on your finest sweatpants, grab an entire box of chocolates, and join us.” Register here.
Brunch with Team Larissa Loden
Larissa Loden, the maker behind the celebrated “VOTE” necklaces (à la Michelle Obama), is co-hosting a “Boss Babe Trivia Brunch” with Andrea Storlie of Nail Ninja for Galentine’s Day. You can sign up solo or with a team of four friends. The event is also partnering with Sweet Troo Vi for the occasion, giving participants 15% off on waffles and vegan cookies. Register here.