February is the perfect time to celebrate love—traditionally with your spouse, partner, boyfriend, girlfriend, or fiancé on February 14th, aka Valentine’s Day. But what if you’re single? Or your significant other is out of town or working? That’s where your girls come in. Enter: Galentine’s Day.

Originally coined by the show Parks and Recreation in 2010, Galentine’s Day has grown into a widely celebrated unofficial holiday dedicated to friendship and the love we share with our besties. Celebrated on February 13th, it’s the perfect excuse to gather your favorite women and make it a day (or night) to remember. And yes—if you have a Valentine, you can absolutely celebrate both! Looking for the perfect way to celebrate your gal pals this year? Here are a few fun and fabulous ideas in and around the Capital Region:

Host a Lingerie or Pajama Party

Want to keep things cozy and budget-friendly? Invite the girls over for a chic lingerie- or pajama-themed night in. Queue up a classic rom-com, decorate with red and pink accents, and set out candy hearts for a nostalgic touch. Elevate the evening with chocolate-covered strawberries or a DIY fondue station. Have each guest bring a bottle of wine and turn it into a casual wine tasting. Simple, stylish, and so much fun.

Book a Candle-Making Workshop

Get creative together at Wax n Wix in the Capital Region, with locations in Lake George and now Wilton Mall. It’s a hands-on experience that doubles as a take-home keepsake—your very own custom candle. Even better? They’re currently offering a “make one candle, get one recycled candle free” promotion through February 17. It’s the perfect excuse to plan something different and support a local business while you’re at it.

Paint & Sip (Paint Your Ex Edition)

Feeling bold? Gather your friends for a paint-and-sip night with a playful twist—paint your ex. It’s a lighthearted, cathartic way to laugh, let go, and fully embrace your next chapter. Add a little exaggeration, share some stories, and toast to moving forward together. Check out local studios in Saratoga Springs and the surrounding area offering themed Galentine’s events around the holiday.

Plan the Ultimate Spa Day 

Who says spa days are just for couples? You and your best friend deserve a little luxury, too. Celebrate Galentine’s Day at The Saratoga Day Spa with a hydrating facial, a relaxing hot stone massage, or even a side-by-side treatment for the full experience. Sip champagne, unwind, and indulge in some well-earned self-care in the heart of Saratoga Springs. Make it a full day of pampering by pairing your spa visit with brunch or lunch at The Olde Bryan Inn, followed by espresso martinis at the nearby Adelphi Hotel. It’s the perfect way to turn your spa appointment into a complete girls’ day out. Not in the mood for a massage or facial? Book a tattoo appointment and finally get those matching friendship tattoos you’ve always talked about. 

Wine Tasting 

Nothing says “girls’ day” like wine and charcuterie in a cozy setting. Head over to The Saratoga Winery for a wine tasting and enjoy lunch or light bites while you sip. If you’re celebrating in the evening, they have live music from 6–9 PM. Planning for the weekend instead? They’re hosting a Galentine’s brunch  this Saturday complete with a DJ and pop-up shopping—because shopping, wine, and dancing with your besties is always a good idea.

However you choose to celebrate, the gals will appreciate it. Galentine’s Day is about honoring the friendships that lift you up, make you laugh, and stand by you through every season of life. If a spa day at The Saratoga Day Spa is part of your plans, be sure to call and book early—appointments fill quickly for the holiday weekend.

Here’s to friendship, laughter, and celebrating the women who make life sweeter. Cheers to you and your besties! 🥂

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February in Upstate New York might bring on the cold, but that just makes these warm, fun, and flavorful events even more inviting! From sweet indulgences to hearty soups, icy spectacles, fiery celebrations, and craft brews, there’s plenty to bundle up for across Saratoga Springs, Ballston Spa, Lake George, Queensbury, and beyond. Here are our top 5 things to do to get you out of your cozy jammies and into that cute sweater you swore you’d wear instead of sweats this winter. 

1.  Ballston Spa Chocolate Fest – Ballston Spa, NY
      
    When: Friday, February 6, 5PM–9PM


Indulge your sweet tooth at the 11th Annual Ballston Spa Chocolate Fest, where downtown Ballston Spa transforms into a chocolate lover’s paradise. Stroll the charming streets and sample $2 tastings from over 30 spots featuring decadent treats from local shops and eateries. It’s the perfect cozy, romantic kickoff to February—think rich truffles, hot cocoa, and festive vibes to warm you from the inside out.

2.  Saratoga Chowder Fest – Saratoga Springs, NY
      
    When: Saturday, February 7, 11AM–4PM


Saratoga hosts its 27th Annual Chowderfest in the heart of downtown this February. From Broadway to Phila to Caroline Street, top Saratoga County restaurants serve up 4 oz. samples of their best chowders (classic New England, spicy twists, creative varieties) for just $2 each. You can vote for your favorite while enjoying live music and the fun winter energy that this event brings to the 518 yearly. While you’re in town, you may as well stop by The Saratoga Day Spa for a massage or a facial. (Or, maybe get that wax you’ve been putting off until Spring!) A spa day is the perfect way to cure that post-chowder hangover, or make yourself nice and relaxed beforehand. 

3.  Glacier Ice Bar at The Sagamore – Bolton Landing, NY

    When: Saturday, February 7 

Experience the coolest (pun intended) event around at the Glacier Ice Bar at The Sagamore Resort overlooking Lake George. The “Frozen Age Reawakens” theme offers photo ops with ice dinosaurs while you sip on warm craft cocktails and sit on faux fur blankets. You can even enhance your experience by renting a private igloo with all your friends. This yearly event is always much anticipated, so much so this year that they added this extra day in February! 

4.  Fire on the Mountain – Queensbury, NY
     
    When: Saturday, February 14, 7PM–11PM


Heat things up on Valentine’s Day at Fire on the Mountain at West Mountain Ski Resort. This fiery celebration includes a torchlight parade, bonfire, fireworks, live music (featuring Big Sky Country), wintry food and drink specials, and more. It’s free admission and the ultimate romantic (or fun group) outing to spark some excitement amid the snow—perfect for couples since it lands on Valentine's Day this year, or friends looking to defy the February freeze.

5.  Saratoga Beer Summit – Saratoga Springs, NY
      
    When: Saturday, February 21, 12PM–8PM


Cap off the month at the Saratoga Beer Summit in the Saratoga Springs City Center. Sample craft beers, ciders, seltzers, and more from local and national breweries during extended tasting sessions (opt for early entry for extra time). With a souvenir glass included, it’s an indoor escape full of good vibes and good beers! 

These events highlight the best of the Capital Region‘s winter spirit. Whether you’re craving sweets, soups, ice, fire, or brews, February here is anything but dull. Stay warm, have fun, and consider pairing your day with some self-care at the Saratoga Day Spa for that perfect wintry glow.

**Check official sites for tickets, weather updates, and details.**

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​We are in the dead of winter in upstate NY and that means frigid cold temps that make you want to stay home all day. But on the other hand, being cooped up all winter isn’t good for the soul. So what’s the solution? A spa day of course! 

Heading to the spa on a cold winter's day is the best way to get you out of the house while still feeling all those cozy at home vibes you’re craving this time of year. Here are five of our cold weather treatments that’ll warm you up faster than Frosty on a warm spring day!

Hot Stone Massage 

A massage at The Saratoga Day Spa will warm you right up in and of itself, but have you thought about adding hot stones to that? If you’ve never experienced a hot stone massage, a cold snowy day is the perfect time to give it a try. Think a perfectly warm cup of tea, not too hot, and definitely not cold. You’re already lying there as comfortable as can be, and you think it isn’t possible to be any comfier. But then- the stones are placed one by one along your spine, perhaps on your shoulder blades, and the warmth radiates through you like the sun on a perfect 80 degree day by the beach. This is it. The ultimate warmth and comfort. 

Anyways.. you might as well book that massage this month because a hot stone add on is free with any 60 or 90 minute massage! 

Couples Massage

There is nothing better than cuddling with your S/O this time of year… or is there?  We say otherwise. A couples massage is our favorite way to warm up together with our partner. Why? Self-care together and de-stress = better cuddles later. Trust us on this one. Also, don’t pass up on a couples massage if you're single. Bring your BFF for a girls day in Saratoga Springs and treat yourselves before brunching at Max London’s or drinks at Bocage Champagne bar. Why? Because you deserve it. 

Brazilian Wax

It may not be quite as relaxing as the other options, but just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you should hit pause on self-care down there. And if there’s one thing a Brazilian wax will do, it’s warm you right up! Am I right? Plus, our wax specialist Jhoanna is offering a winter deal that includes a brazilian wax followed by a vagacial mask to keep her hydrated this winter. 

Warming Spices Aromatherapy Massage

Picture this: You sink into a warm, dimly lit treatment room, the air gently perfumed with the inviting, spicy aroma of fresh ginger, cinnamon, and clove. 
Ginger stimulates circulation to thaw stiff muscles and boost that inner warmth, while cinnamon and clove add grounding, invigorating notes that ease tension, support immunity, and lift your mood against seasonal dreariness. Every glide melts away stress, hydrates dry winter skin, and leaves you enveloped in a lingering, spicy glow that feels like sipping a perfect chai latte from the inside. Need I say more? 

Vanilla Clove Signature Facial 

Winter weather does not only bring the cold, but it brings the dry. That means dry air, and dry skin. Dry skin means fine lines you normally don’t see and chapped lips and knuckles. We all want to avoid that, and the best way to increase that hydration on your face (besides drinking water), is seeing your favorite aestheticians on Broadway at the Saratoga Day Spa for a facial. Pair any 60/90 minute facial with a free hand scrub add on this January and you’ve cured the winter blues and dryness all in one hour! (Or an hour and a half!) Make it spicy with our signature Vanilla Clove facial for added warmth and coziness when temps are freezing. 
So bundle up, and get yourself to the Saratoga Day Spa for some cozy, much needed pampering. You deserve it! 

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