That time of year is coming up. You know the one. The one that you either look forward to with giddy butterflies of excitement, or you dread with annoyed awareness of your single status. But Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be a day of mourning. Sometimes, (oftentimes) being single is a good thing, and lucky for us, we live in a pretty cool city which offers lots of activities to keep your mind on the important things in life – doing things that make you happy and having fun with your friends.
Here are a few of the many things to do as a single Knoxville collegiette on Valentine’s Day:
1.    Shrek the Musical – Shrek is coming to the Tennessee Theatre on February 14, 15, and 16. Celebrate the day of love by singing along with a giant green ogre who turns out to be prince charming. It’s not often that a Broadway musical is brought right to our own backyard, and who doesn’t want to see that hilarious donkey sing?Â
Â
2.    The Real Nasty at Preservation Pub – The Real Nasty is a country/rock band from Berkeley, California, and according to their Facebook page, the last time they came to Knoxville “things got a little crazy.” So maybe this won’t be the most romantic of settings, but no one said Valentine’s Day had to be all about romance.
Â
3.    Great Art With a Heart – This love themed art exhibit at downtown’s Art Market Gallery might leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. From 3D hearts to cupcake paintings, the exhibit evokes all things Valentine and could even inspire you to create a masterpiece of your own!Â
Â
4.    Beginner Belly Dance – Also known as “girls night out belly dance” this seems like the perfect way for a single girl to spend Valentine’s Day with her friends. Offered through the Tennessee Conservatory of Fine Arts, this class is described as “a no-pressure, social activity that will get you out of the house, out of the office, and out of the mundane.”
Â
And as you’re getting lost in giggles while belly dancing with your girlfriends or singing along with Shrek, don’t forget that “single doesn’t always mean lonely and relationship doesn’t always mean happy.”
Happy Valentine’s Day Collegiettes!