National Girlfriends Day can be interpreted in two ways, supposedly. It's either a reason to spoil your significant other or an excuse to grab you gal pals and take the Valley by storm. We've decided to run with the latter, because, well, duh.
Read on for ideas on how to spend this female-focused fun day!
PAMPER
Facials, manicures, pedicures, massage—plan an entire afternoon dedicated to spoiling yourself. It's all way more fun when you have someone to laugh with and talk to.
1. Getting a blowout is as enjoyable as it is convenient. Very little of the process is done with your head in a sink or under a dryer, and the open-space layout at the Blow Dry Bar by Revive in Downtown Allentown lends itself to groups. Private parties are also an option!
Quick Tip: If you postpone your gathering a few days, you can enjoy the bar's Thirsty Thursday special! Bring a friend for complimentary adult beverages and both of your services will be half price!
2. Going out on the town tonight? Enjoy some model treatment and gain some additional confidence with a makeover by Beauty Alibi in Bethlehem. Choose from traditional or airbrush makeup, and finish with some additional brow and lash services.
3. Sure, couples massages may be intended for significant others, but why not bring your bestie? Enjoy 60–90 minutes of deep relaxation side by side at Healing Hands in Bethlehem.
4. Book pedi tubs next to one another and gab while your toes get pampered! Nikki H Salon in Allentown has a His and Her spa pedi special, but today, it's all about Her and Her. Check out their combination deals, and get your fingernails polished while you're at it!
SWEAT
1. Book a class at one of the Valley's barre franchises. Pure Barre in Bethlehem concentrates on the areas women struggle with most, being the hops, thighs, seat, abdominals and arms. Block life out for an hour and focus on isometric movements at the ballet barre.
2. Do you and your girls need a deep muscle burn, endorphin high and centered mind? At Barre3 in Allentown and Bethlehem, you will not only exercise, but also nourish and connect. Feel your best from the inside out.
3. Give the megaformer a try at Barreform in Bethlehem. Grab machines next to your friends and tone your muscles through low-impact movements, using the principles of Pilates. Bring the kids along as there is childcare offered on site.
DINE
1. Do your friends like to skip right to dessert? We thought so. Head to the Valley's newest ice-creamery and support a good cause. The Udder Bar in Allentown is hosting an evening of sweet goodness on August 1, and a portion of all the sales between 6–9 p.m. will go directly to Live, Learn, Play local nonprofit dedicated to helping families with Autism.
2. TheMINT Gastropub's Catalina Wine Mixer kicks off on Tuesday from 5–7 p.m. Enjoy two hours of food, wine, craft beers and cocktails. Expect some Billy Joel, Bocelli, COPS reruns and plenty of innuendo. Out on the back patio there will be a young professional networking event.
3. Watch as a delicious three-course dinner is made and learn some of the finer cooking techniques of celtic cuisine at McCarthy's Red Stag Pub and Whiskey Bar in Bethlehem. Space is limited and tickets are $50. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for some pre-show cocktails. Stick around for dessert: sticky toffee pudding.
For great outdoor seating, check out one of these 15 places.
No matter what you do, make sure you spend Tuesday, August 1 with the girls!
