Everyone knows February 14 is Valentine's Day, which is all about romantic love: red roses, chocolates, and a candlelit dinner. 

But have you heard of Galentine's Day? If you're a fan of “Parks and Recreation,” you know the fictional character Leslie Knope coined the holiday! In season 2, episode 16 titled “Ladies Celebrating Ladies" Leslie Knope states, "Every February 13, my lady friends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home, and we just come and kick it, breakfast style." So, let's show tribute to Leslie Knope and celebrate Galentine’s Day with our New Orleans Style Galentine's Day Itinerary!

For even more inspiration, check out our Girls' Weekend Itinerary and the Glamour Girls Guide to New Orleans. Check out our Tween Girls Guide to New Orleans here. And for those of you who have written off true love, read our Heartbreaker’s Guide to NOLA here.

The Lanaux Mansion
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The Chloe
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The Chloe - Pool
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(1) The Lanaux Mansion, (2) The Porch at The Chloe, (3) Poolside at The Chloe

Stay 

Although Galentine's is just a day, why not turn it into a Galentine's Weekend and stay somewhere in the city that has all the entertaining amenities? A luxurious stay at The French Quarter Lanaux Mansion definitely fits the bill; here’s a complete list of Women-Owned Accommodations.

If you’re looking for a luxurious boutique hotel with only a handful of rooms, check out The Chloe Hotel or the Blackbird Hotel. The Chloe is located right on the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar line, while the Blackbird is tucked away for a truly retreat-like stay.

Sydney & Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden
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Cafe du Monde - Beignets and Coffee
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Cafe du Monde - City Park
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City Park
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Trying on Wigs at Fifi Mahony’s
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Zip NOLA
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(1) Sydney & Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, (2) Beignets from Cafe du Monde, (3) Cafe du Monde in City Park, (4) City Park, (5) Trying on Wigs at Fifi Mahony's, (6) ZipNOLA

Things to Do

The Sydney & Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden is open seven days a week and free of charge in New Orleans City Park. After a walk through the garden, have breakfast at Café du Monde located just steps away.

If services and styling are more your cup of tea, head to Fifi Mahony’s for a personalized wig fitting. Get a mani/pedi at M.A.D. Nails, or make your very own perfume at Tijon. And did we mention the six-mile-long shopper's paradise on Magazine Street? Find clothing, art, ceramics, jewelry, gifts, and more.

For sporty gals, consider a pick-up game at the stylishly cool Exchange Pickleball + Bar. Zip NOLA also offers an adventure that you and your bestie are sure to love – ziplining over a swamp!

Looking for female-owned attractions in the city? Click here. 

Jack Rose
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Mister Mao (Interior) - New Orleans
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Brunch at Birdy's
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Elysian Bar - Hotel Peter and Paul
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Bar Marilou
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Drinks and Appetizers at Compere Lapin
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(1) Jack Rose, (2) Mister Mao, (3) Brunch at Birdy's, (4) Elysian Bar - Hotel Peter & Paul, (5) Bar Métier, (6) Compère Lapin

Brunch

Any New Orleans restaurant offering brunch would make for a great Galentine's Day celebration.

For a fun and festive brunch, check out Jack Rose, where you can dine on chicken & waffles and disco punch. Birdy’s offers brunch daily, and Mister Mao always has something creative on their fusion menu. For more inspiration, check out our page on boozy brunches by neighborhood here.

Dinner and Drinks

Continue the Galentine's theme by eating at Women-Owned Restaurants like Vyoone's, The Elysian Bar, Compère Lapin, and plenty more. Get pre- or post-dinner cocktails at Baroness on Baronne, Pluck Wine Bar, or Bar Métier. W.I.N.O. offers classes and tastings for an alternate experience. Make sure to save room for dessert. Some ice cream from Lucy Boone or a box of chocolates from Piety and Desire will warm your heart right up.

Find more inspiration for how to spend Galentine’s Day with our Bachelorette itineraries here. You need not be getting married to enjoy the fun that is a girls’ weekend. Choose your path: foodie-focused, adventure seeker, relaxing, luxury, budget, and nightlife.