Valentine’s Day is so overrated right? With all of the product pushing, I’m always hearing every year how many billions of dollars are spent on greeting cards and chocolates and flowers and heart-shaped balloons. BORING. Valentine’s Day is really all about love, and you should share in that with your best girlfriends as well as your bae. Especially if you’re single – don’t sit at home and drown in your disparity while you drink way too much wine by yourself. Grab your gal pals, embrace the holiday, celebrate your friendship, share some memories, and get out there and live life! Here’s a few ideas of some unique activities you can do for the special day.
POLE DANCING AT IRON X FITNESS
There are just some things you’d rather do with a friend, while you leave your bae at home (and they’re thankful you aren’t dragging them to this too). Although Full Disclaimer: Pole Fitness can be for anybody, regardless of your gender, body shape & size, fitness level – there’s a class for you! I had the opportunity to drop in on an intro session with a friend and we had a blast. Having fun is the most important thing obviously, but there is so much more to Pole and Iron X Fitness. They have levels Intro all the way through to Expert, where you navigate advanced tricks, spins, tumbles, drops, and learn to present a “stunningly beautiful routine”. Iron X Fitness isn’t just about Pole Fitness though – Karolyne LaFortune wants to “provide the community with a modern approach to fitness and wellness that prepares our bodies to overcome life’s challenges”. So, personal training is offered, as well as Group Fitness, Yoga, and even classes for Kids & Youth. But I totally recommend a Pole class for you and your girls for Galentine’s. You might even leave with some new moves for your next romp in the bedroom.
BOARD GAMES AT THE LOFT
What board games did you love playing as a kid? I remember my absolute favs were Trouble and Uno. I have such fond memories of playing games with family and friends. But they aren’t just for kids anymore! Board Game Lounges are popping up in all of the hippest places, and they’re a surefire way to amp up the competitive vibes between you and your girls. At The Loft you can drink and play board games, and they have SO many to choose from – family games, card games, party games, strategy games, war games. Located at 14 Waller Street, near The University of Ottawa, The Rideau Centre and the Byward Market, it sounded pretty cool. So I just had to check it out. With only a $5.50 Stay and Play charge, it’s a definite inexpensive activity. Take a break from doing grown up things and become that seven year old again…but with cocktails.
If you’re into the outdoorsy scene, The Jack Pine Trail is a super selection for a winter hike/walk/snowshoe/ski. And it’s another prime opportunity for a photoshoot to up your Insta Game (aren’t we all secretly always thinking about this?). The nicely groomed trail comes to a point where there are tons of birds. You can take some of the birdseed and hold it in your hands, and they’ll fly to you, for just a miniscule moment in time. It’s pretty magical – all of your stresses will float away as you wait for those adorable fluttering creatures to land on your hand.
Close friends give us great comfort. So, there isn’t much more to do other than to grab your Galentine(s) and check out one of these super awesome activities that I found in our lil ole city. Have Fun!
Lotsa Local Love 