Besties Before the Resties: February Friend Dates in Cortland County
Besties above the resties. No debate. In Cortland County, we’ve officially dedicated a whole month to celebrating your crew of two (or three… or five). From crafternoons and hands-on workshops to full-on girls’ nights out with cocktails, shopping, and a little chaos, this is your sign to plan the friend dates you keep talking about but never seem to get around to. Grab your ride-or-dies, your day-ones, and celebrate friendship the way it deserves; loud, creative, and unapologetically fun.
Figure Drawing with a Friend
Feb 5 | 5:30 | The Wellness Studio
What happens when you combine champagne, art supplies and the bubbly instruction of Molly Reagan of Good Neighbor Art? Creative chaos, a whole lot of laughter and just maybe a new found skill!
Join Molly for a relaxed evening of figure drawing. No need to blush, your model will be fully clothed and conveniently happens to be your date. Bring your bestie, beau, or bro and get sketchy in the best way possible. No art skills required, just come ready to channel your inner Bob Ross.
Cookie Decorating Class
Feb 7 | 12:30 PM | McGraw Box Brewing
Looking for a Galentine’s plan that’s equal parts creative and delicious? Grab your bestie and head to McGraw Box on February 7 from 12:30–2:30 PM for a Valentine’s Cookie Decorating Class that’s all about frosting, fun, and a little friendly competition.
You’ll decorate four festive Valentine’s Day cookies, learn some pro tips along the way, and leave with treats that are almost too cute to eat (almost). Spots are limited and $35 per person, so round up your crew and sign up before February 4.
She's Crafty
Feb 13 & 14 | Forged From Ashe Studios
This Galantines, Forged from Ashe Studios is offering two ways to show your besties just how much you love 'em.
Admit it, you searched for a while before finding just the right person to call your bestie. On Feb 13, cement your friendship with a Found Materials Mosaic Heart. Using a mix of unique, salvaged and unexpected materials you'll create a piece as one of a kind as your crew of two. All supplies are included, you’ll get expert guidance, and it’s perfect for beginners.
If your friendship is worthy of the big screen, like Thelma and Louise, then the Lighted Ceramic Marquee class on February 14 is calling your name. You’ll hand-paint a heart shaped, light-up ceramic marquee that celebrates your bond in glowing, marquee-letter style. Bold, fun, and impossible to ignore—just like your never ending text thread.
Girls Night
Feb 12| 5-8 PM | Homer Hops Brewing
Beer, bling, and besties take over Homer Hops on Thursday, February 12 from 5–8 PM for the ultimate Galentine's night out. Sip your favorite brews, add some sparkle with Rose & Co. Permanent Jewelry, snag a fine-line flash tattoo from Alexandria, unwind with chair massages by Back-2-Balance Massage Therapy, pose for bestie pics with Meg V. Photography, and treat yourself to desserts from Sinfully Sweet Cafe. Bring the whole crew and cheers to besties, bold choices, and one more round.
Bru's & Besties
Feb 12 | 5-7 PM | Bru 64
Grab your gals and make it a night to remember at Bru’s & Besties, a Galantine's celebration. Sip wine and cocktail specials, build your own bouquet with Floristry by Ithaca Flower Shop, and find your next read with a Blind Date with a Book from D’s Book Shop. Browse pop-ups from Smile Line Aesthetics, Project Lean Nation Cortland, and Juni Dee Jewelry, all while vibing to live music by Taylor Lane.
Galantines at the Box
Feb 13 | 6-9 PM | McGraw Box Brewing
Grab your gal pals and head to McGraw Box Brewing for a cheers worthy Galentine’s Girls Night on February 13 from 6–9 PM. On tap that night are tarot card readings, permanent jewelry, mini facials, a blind date with a book, divine cheesecake, and a photobooth moment worthy of your group chat.
Love Spoons
Feb 14 | 9 AM - 3 PM | Lime Hollow Nature Center
Ok, to be fair this was intended as a date night to reconnect with your loved one through a timeless Welsh tradition, but what if your beastie is your beau? Or, hear me out, what if you just have a real weird friendship, and you want to create a whole new meaning to no more spoons to give? Either way, you should absolutely add Lime Hollow's couples carving class to your list.
Whittle away a morning as you work side by side to shape, carve, and personalize a spoon with meaningful symbols (or inside jokes), all while learning traditional craft. Whether you’re celebrating an engagement, an anniversary, or just how grateful you are to have found a fellow weirdo in this wild world, you’ll leave with a handmade keepsake and a new skill to brag about.
Brave Women, Big Adventures
Looking for more adventures with your squad? Consider this your sign to check out Brave Women FLX. It’s all about celebrating the bold, creative, hardworking women shaping the Finger Lakes, including right here in Cortland County. From cozy coffee stops and cute indie shops to farms, studios, wellness spaces, and can’t-miss local experiences, these women-owned businesses are perfect for bestie day trips, spontaneous detours, and “how did we not know about this place?” moments. Because where women lead, great things follow.
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