Galentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to slow down, gather your favorite people, and celebrate friendship in a way that feels meaningful and fun. With Galentine’s Day falling on a Friday this year, Wilmington & the Brandywine Valley is an ideal destination for a girls’ weekend getaway filled with brunch dates, creative experiences, and feel-good self-care. Whether you’re planning a Galentine's Day trip in Delaware, toasting longtime friendships, or treating yourselves to a little pampering, this region offers memorable ways to celebrate together. From cozy cafés and hands-on workshops to spa moments and evening indulgences, here are five can’t-miss ways to enjoy Galentine’s Day in Wilmington & the Brandywine Valley.
1. Brunch Like Queens
No girls’ weekend is complete without a standout brunch, and Wilmington delivers plenty of delicious options to kick things off. A newer favorite on the local dining scene, Bar Reverie charms with its French-inspired menu featuring flaky croissants, savory quiches, and perfectly crafted lattes, ideal for a slow, stylish start to the day. For something a bit more elevated, Le Cavalier at the Green Room inside the iconic HOTEL DU PONT offers a sophisticated brunch experience complete with elegant surroundings, mimosas, and thoughtfully crafted cocktails. Looking to pair brunch with a side of fun? Book a table at Wilma’s, where Cajun-inspired dishes meet duckpin bowling and retro arcade games, guaranteed laughs included.
Add a little glow to your Galentine’s getaway with a visit to Make & Mellow Candle Custom Candle Bar, a cozy, creative stop that’s perfect for celebrating friendship. This boutique candle studio invites you and your besties to slow down, and create your own custom-scented candles, choosing from a variety of fragrances that let everyone craft something uniquely theirs. Whether you book a candle-pouring experience together or browse the shop for beautifully made soy candles and self-care goods, Make & Mellow delivers the ultimate mix of relaxation, creativity, and quality time. It’s a warm, feel-good experience that fits Galentine’s Day perfectly. Nothing says “thinking of you” like a candle you made together.
Connection & Creativity, Illuminated. From intimate gatherings to team-building events, we have…
3. Explore Local Art and Garden Views
Dive into Wilmington’s vibrant arts scene with stops at the Delaware Art Museum and The Delaware Contemporary, where you can wander through inspiring galleries featuring everything from iconic Pre-Raphaelite works to bold, thought-provoking pieces by contemporary and local artists. Then head into the Brandywine Valley for a visit to Longwood Gardens, where breathtaking garden views, the newly built West Conservatory, and the seasonal Winter Wonder exhibition create a truly magical setting. It’s the perfect mix of culture, creativity, and shared experiences, because nothing brings a group together quite like discovering beauty side by side.
Explore one of the great gardens of the world, featuring 1,100 acres of meadows, gardens, and…
4. Sip, Savor & Pamper Yourselves at Local Wineries
What’s Galentine’s Day without a little self-care and creativity? Kick things off with a hands-on Galentine’s workshop at Penns Woods Winery on Thursday, February 12, 2026, led by Karen of Delco Soaps. This cozy evening invites you to unwind with a glass of Penns Woods wine while crafting your own custom body soap, sugar scrub, and lip scrub, with expert guidance and plenty of personalization. The workshop begins at 6 p.m., lasts about two hours, and is open to guests 21 and over, making it a perfect way to relax and reconnect. Keep the celebration flowing with a tasting at Va La Vineyards, where a warm indoor tasting room sets the scene for sipping expertly crafted wines paired with local cheeses or chocolates. For a fun twist, stop by Liquid Alchemy Beverages to sample a flight of mead or seasonal hard ciders—because Galentine’s deserves something a little unexpected. 🍷✨
Located just minutes from Wilmington, this tiny but nationally recognized winery produces small…
5. End the Day with Dinner and Dancing
Cap off your Galentine’s getaway with dinner at Bardea Food & Drink, a James Beard Award nominated favorite celebrated for its inventive Italian cuisine and buzzy atmosphere or their boutique steakhouse counterpart, Bardea Steak. After dinner, keep the night going with beers and cocktails at Maker's Alley or slip underground to Simmer Down, The Quoin Hotel’s speakeasy-style cocktail lounge. If your group is feeling adventurous, dance the night away at Catherine Rooney’s, catch live music at The Queen Wilmington, or try country line dancing and performances at The Grand Opera House, because no girls’ weekend is complete without a memorable night out.
Galentine’s Day is all about celebrating the people who mean the most to you and Wilmington & the Brandywine Valley makes it easy to do it in style. Whether you’re indulging in standout dining, tapping into your creative side, or simply soaking up quality time together, the region offers the perfect mix of experiences to turn your Galentine’s getaway into a celebration you’ll be talking about long after the weekend ends.
Author
Jessica Horstmann
Digital Marketing Manager of the Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau
About Jessica:
Hi, I'm Jessica, the Digital Marketing Manager at the Greater Wilmington CVB and a passionate advocate for all things Delaware. When I moved to Delaware at ten, I discovered a state that perfectly balanced the energy of city life with the serenity of the countryside—all just a short drive apart. Delaware may be small, but it’s packed with vibrant attractions, hidden gems, and unforgettable experiences that make every day an adventure. As a traveler and storyteller, I’m passionate about uncovering and sharing the First State’s best-kept secrets. Through my blogs, I invite you to join me in exploring why Delaware is small but mighty—there’s always something new and exciting to discover!
