Disclaimer: I love Valentine’s Day, I always have. Not that I haven’t had my share of V-day disappointments like everyone else, but all around, I like the idea of celebrating loved ones, and love itself. We don’t do it enough, and it’s important to remember how much love we receive and, more importantly, how much we have to give.
So please know that I’m not biased when I say that girl dates are one of the best things you can do for yourself and for your friends on or around Valentine’s Day. That doesn’t mean ditch your guy, but it does mean making time for the ladies you may have regrettably ditched for your significant other a couple of times. When else do you get to remind each other of how much you appreciate the friendships that have probably gotten you through the last year? You probably wouldn’t have survived that terrible breakup or that orgo exam without them. Your girlfriends will always be your favorite valentines, so why not take part of the day (or even the day before) to celebrate them?
So let me help you out, ladies. Here are some “author’s favorite” activities for girl dates:
Café Hon—Hampden
This 50’s diner style café is full of comfort food for a reasonable price. Go for lunch, dinner, or a day-after-valentine’s brunch (since it’s only served every Saturday and Sunday). Afterwards, visit the thrift shops in Hampden for some awesome vintage finds! Who can turn down a good old fashioned shopping trip? Read their menu at http://cafehon.com
Witness Theater Showcase—Arellano Theater
Shameless plug alert: Take your friends to see a show right here on campus! It’s a fun, casual activity for less than a few dollars. Witness is the student-written (and run) theater company here at Hopkins. Recently, Her Campus editor Kate Dwyer covered it. Read about Witness here: http://www.hercampus.com/school/jhu/witnessing-student-theater-its-finest. Show runs February 14th, 15th and 16th.
Ethel and Ramone’s—1615 Sulgrave Ave, Baltimore (Mt. Washington)
Self-described as “fine Cajun cuisine”, Ethel and Ramones serves an assortment of seafood that will blow your mind. They are famous for their crab, which you can get on the side of almost any dish that it doesn’t already come in. A little more on the expensive side, but still somewhat reasonable and totally worth it for the Maryland Pan Fried Chicken with lump crabmeat. Believe me, this homey, friendly place will make you happy. See their menu here: http://www.ethelandramones.com/menu.html
Chocolatea—3811 Canterbury Road, Baltimore
This is definitely one of my favorite places to go on a cold day. With specialty hot chocolate drinks made with real chocolate (not the Swiss Miss with marshmallow’s you bought from Giant), Chocolatea gives you the warm fuzzy feeling of love. They also serve a variety of food ranging from Asian fusion to Mayan waffles. The best part is it’s only a short walk from campus! I highly recommend getting any of the coco-lattes. Check them out at http://www.chocolateacafe.com.
Maryland Science Center—Inner Harbor
Who needs romance when you can have science (Am I right, Hopkins? Am I right?…Anyone?). Anyway, if you want an unconventional day of platonic fun, go to the MSC for exhibits about dinosaurs and outer space. While you’re there, take advantage of the IMAX Theater and see a movie about natural disasters as narrated by Kevin Bacon (this is real). Because really, you’re lying if you say you don’t want to see lava burn stuff up.
The Charles Theater-1711 North Charles Street
Take the JHMI to Penn Station and walk a couple of blocks to get to the Charles Theater. This artsy-looking theater shows a variety of films, some of which you can’t see in too many other places. For example, they’re now showing Oscar-nominated animated shorts (as a film buff, this is a really exciting thing for me). Check out Sofi’s Crepes next door for some great food. Not only does Kevin Bacon narrate that previously mentioned IMAX movie, but Sofi’s also has a crepe named after the man himself. Clearly the universe is telling us to forget V-day and celebrate Kevin Bacon with this Spanish-dubbed clip from “Footloose”.
Anyway…
Have a happy Galentine’s Day!