It’s February, the season of love and romance. But who says your partner has to get all the love? A gal pal date is one of my favorite ways to celebrate the people I love!

While I love a brunch date or happy hour meet up, sometimes that just isn’t enough time to work through all the important gossip and therapy sessions. We need a friend date! That’s why I love pairing an activity with a meal. There’s something about moving our bodies that helps solve all the latest drama in our lives.. at least until the next time we meet!

Here are a few date ideas for celebrating Galentine’s Day, or any day for that matter, with your closest friends.

Como Zoo & Conservatory | 1225 Estabrook Dr, St Paul, MN 55103

I made plans in early February to go cross-country skiing with a friend on her birthday. But when we woke up to -19 degree temps, we quickly shifted plans to the Como Conservatory instead. And I’m so glad we did. I can’t believe it took me 6 years of living in the cities to discover this place! The palm trees, the orchids, the azaleas, the HUMIDITY! My skin and soul was so happy by the end of our exploration. It was the tropical vacation I didn’t know I needed. After a good walk, brunch and mimosas is what you need. Try the nearby Colossal Cafe for amazing pancakes or omelets, and maybe a pastry to go. Or for a fun and fancy lunch drive a little bit down the road to Cafe Astoria and get a rainbow latte and a crepe, sweet or savory.

Pivo River Place | 65 Main Street SE, Minneapolis, MN

A walk along the Stone Arch Bridge and down the riverfront is one of my favorite ways to explore downtown Minneapolis and take in amazing views of the city while getting in a much-needed gossip session with my friends. Follow your walk up with a cozy fireside seat inside the new Pivo Riverplace, formerly Wilde Cafe, along the cobblestone streets of Saint Anthony. Be sure to decide which Golden Girl you are when you try their cocktails named after each character. (I’m a Blanche!)

Kura Sushi | 378 North Garden, Mall of America, Bloomington MN

Sometimes you really need fashion advice and the dressing room selfies you send to the girlfriend text chain just aren’t going to cut it. That’s when it’s time to party like you’re 14 again and your mom just dropped you off at the mall. Call up a friend for a shopping trip at the Mall of America! After you fill each other with positive encouragement, and maybe decide if you’re too old to wear a crop top, check out the new revolving sushi spot that just opened in Kura Revolving Sushi Bar! Checkout the visit a recent team member had with a friend on our Instagram.

Troubador Wine Bar | 2827 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408

Get your steps in while you share the latest whines with your friends on a walk around Lake of the Isles. After you have solved all your problems, share a toast with a glass of bubbly at Troubador Wine Bar. Enjoy the live music that pops up every night. Sharing a cheese plate is always a good idea, too.

The Nordic Nook | 512 Ardmore Drive, Golden Valley

Sometimes you just need to plunge into an ice cool pool to wake up your body or sweat out some toxins inside a Scandinavian sauna. The Nordic Nook is the experience you’ve been looking for. Tucked behind a residential home, this urban oasis is the perfect spot for connecting with friends while healing your body and soul. With a plunge pond, a wood-fired sauna, and a cozy fireplace to gather around, this space is the most uniquely Minnesota experience you’ll find. Bring your own wine and snacks and make it a rejuvenating moment you will all remember. Reservations can be made for 1-2 people or 3-4.