Valentine's Day is often accompanied by thoughts of red roses, heart-shaped love letters and assorted chocolates. But for many University of Arkansas students, Valentine's Day means showing love to the people in your life, whether they are a partner, friend, family member or yourself.
This February, UA students and local businesses are finding new and creative ways to celebrate the people they care about.
Southern Food Company (SFC) is one of many local restaurants that is hosting a Valentine-themed event. Inspired by “Parks and Recreation” character Leslie Knope, SFC provided Galentine's Day brunch on Feb. 10 complete with girl power music, specialty drinks, appetizers and a private showing of classic romantic comedies. If you are still looking for dinner plans this Valentine’s then head to the Southern Food Company website to reserve a seat during their romantic dinner service Feb. 14.
SFC Assistant General Manager Brittany Riley said the event has been very successful over the last few years, bringing many returning customers.
“I think everybody enjoys celebrating their girls,” Riley said, “and there’s not a whole lot going on in February, so why not celebrate with your friends?”
If you’re looking for a unique gift to share with a friend or partner, check out Botanical Garden of the Ozarks Basic or Advanced Orchid Care on Feb. 25 and bring home a new plant baby. You can also sign up for a class at Rick's Bakery and create a Valentine-themed cake masterpiece anytime during the month of February.
For those who prefer not to get their hands dirty, Urban Cellar Winery will be hosting a Galentine’s evening Feb.13, where attendees will have the opportunity to create personalized wine glasses and taste a special drink menu. After a busy week of celebrating, spend a day at Walton Arts Center for a showing of “Company” from Feb. 20-25.
If you are someone whose least favorite day of the year is Feb. 14, then head over to Crisis Brewing Company for their Valentine’s Day Sucks Party. But be warned, no flowers, hearts or chocolate allowed. To end the night, head over to Tin Roof on Dickson Street for Valentine’s Day karaoke.
Although there are dozens of Valentine’s events around Fayetteville this week, many students are choosing to celebrate the holiday with intimate get-togethers among friends, family and partners.
Sophom*ore speech-language pathology major Sarah Papa said she plans to spend time with both her fiancé and friends this season. Drawing inspiration from the days of elementary school, she and her friends plan to craft Valentine's Day mailboxes and exchange handmade cards at their Palentine’s Day celebration, Papa said.
Following their crafty celebration, Papa said the night will entail karaoke and quality time among close friends, which can often be hard to find. Despite being in a relationship for the last five years, Papa said she always finds time to celebrate the holiday with friends.
“My favorite thing about Valentine’s is that it’s another excuse to do something special with whoever you want or whoever you're closest with,” Papa said.
Papa and her fiancé normally spend Valentine’s Day at their favorite Mexican restaurant, watching their favorite TV shows, and exchanging gifts and handmade cards, she said.
Freshman sports management major Daniel Haley is putting his own spin on Valentine's Day celebrations. Dressing in bright pink, his favorite color, Haley will be working the Hog Heaven apparel booth at the basketball game this Valentine’s.
“I’ve given away Valentine’s Day cards since I was a kid, even in high school I took a big bucket of candy and gave it out to everybody,” Haley said. “So I just wanted to do something to make it fun, and I’m trying to get other people to dress up with me.”
Cassady Hix is a freshman working to find time in her busy life to celebrate Valentine’s with her family and friends. As a wife and mom of two kids, Hix said it can be difficult to find time for social events, but she is excited to celebrate at a Galentine's game night her friends are hosting.
“Especially since I have kids and I remember my parents, whenever we were growing up, they still got us little gifts because it's not just a boyfriend-girlfriend holiday,” Hix said. “It's a love holiday. It’s about who you love to spend time with, not just who you're dating.”
Hix said she and a small group of girls plan to devote the evening to playing board games, making crafts and recreating mocktails inspired by a recent TikTok trend. She said Valentine's Day is about celebrating the important people in your life, whether romantic or not.
Hix said that it can be easy to focus on the consumerism aspects of the holiday but believes that spending intentional quality time with the people you love is the true meaning of Valentine's Day.
“I would just say set-aside time together to just sit together and focus on each other,” Hix said. “Take time to focus on the meaning of a holiday instead of just buying stuff.”
Whether single or in a serious relationship, there are many ways to show love to yourself and the people around you this Valentine's season.
