12It’s February, folks — the love month! And Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, is the centerpiece of the 28 days of romance and affection. Despite this, for those without a significant other to wine, dine and share the love with, sometimes the signature date feels like just another day. Let me tell you that you are a special someone, and so are your gal-pals! So read on for some ideas on taking your cupid experience from drab to fab! Valentine’s Day might be for lovers, but Galentine’s Day, Feb. 13, is for
the girls!

Morning Mojo
What better way to start the day with your besties than at The Friend’s Table? Located at 225 Green St., Suite 100, the café features an espresso flight of four flavors sure to jump-start your day. The mimosa flight option is perfect for sharing if you aren't a coffee lover. With six juice flavors, you might as well order two, get all the juice options and share! If you are anything like my girlfriends and me, you'll order two of both and enjoy all of the flavor options. We are known to be a little gluttonous, but Galentine’s and Valentine’s Days only come once a year.

Foodie Favorites12b
With Valentine’s Day landing on Tuesday this year, some taco action is only appropriate! Blue Moon Café at 310 Hay St., in Downtown Fayetteville, dishes up some of my favorites.
It has the best nachos, too, if you are down with things “a little destruction.” If you are going out on Monday for Galentine’s Day, Blue Moon has a setting for a beautiful five-course meal that night and two more on Valentine’s Day. Tickets went on sale in January, so check availability before you go,
For my Northside ladies, the short drive to Ay Wey Mexican Kitchen + Tequila in Dunn is hands down the best! This restaurant has become my go-to for Taco Tuesday and beyond. Do yourself a favor and order the sweet corn as your side and the spicy margarita for your sip!

12cCreate and Relate
To tap into my creative side, I recently went to SipLee Art in Eastover and had the best time! What I loved most was that each woman in our group could choose what to craft — no cookie-cutter approach here. Options included garland, door mats and door hangers, all items customers could paint, create and customize to their heart's desire. Some in my group made seasonal décor while others chose to go generic; I love the flexibility and the options. I have participated in group craft classes before where everyone worked on the same project; let me tell you, it is hard to get a group of women to agree on what to craft — or anything else, for that matter!
We brought snacks and drinks to add to the afternoon for more fun. Don’t worry about your painting skills; the sweet team here will touch up your Picasso, and you will be surprised by your finished project. SipLee’s Art address is 3465 Murphy Rd., Fayetteville. Book your spot on their Facebook page to attend a class.

DIY Dreams
Another fun way to get hands-on is at Hummingbird Candle Co., located at 240 Hay St., in Downtown Fayetteville. Sign up for a candle-making experience or inquire about an offsite private event to make your own 80-hour-burning candle. You can choose from various scents and pour your candle from start to finish. Fun! And remember the bubbly, as your favorite adult beverages are also welcome. Walk-ins are accepted but reserving your spot ahead of time is encouraged, especially if you are coming with a group.

Perfect Pampering12a
What is a girls’ day without some pampering? Move over mani-and-pedi services; it's time for body treatments and blow outs! You will be glowing by the time Team Venetian is done with you. The Venetian European Spa and Salon, located at 6200 Ramsey St., #150, offers a few options for body treatments, ranging from a hydrating scrub to buff winter away or a body wrap for detoxification. The Venetian has you covered, literally in seaweed and green clay. The facility has a full shower in the treatment room where you can clean up nicely before heading out to continue your day.
Book a wash and blow out if you're looking for something with a little less mess. Imagine the dread of washing and drying your hair in someone else's hands while you sit back and enjoy a glass of wine — the stuff dreams are made of!

Fayetteville and the surrounding areas have more to offer than we sometimes realize. No need to drive to other cities and counties for a day or evening out with your gal pals, as fun and memorable experiences exist all around Cumberland County. Mario Quintana said it best, "Don't wait for someone to bring you flowers. Plant your own garden and decorate your own soul." So, grab your girlfriends and gear up for excitement. Cheers to you and yours this Galentine's Day!

Editor’s note: Mary Baggett is a licensed North Carolina real estate broker. This article first appeared in the February issue of Women’s View Magazine.