‘A love letter to our city:’ Staunton event to celebrate friendship, shake off winter doldrums

Downtown Staunton is hosting a city-wide event to celebrate women and friendship on Galentine’s Day on Friday night.

The unofficial holiday was popularized by Leslie Knope on Parks and Recreation as a way to honor friends one day before Valentine’s Day.

More than 20 locally owned shops, restaurants and businesses on Beverley Street, Central Avenue and in the Wharf, will offer extended shopping hours, discounts, tastings and themed experiences, according to Galentine’s Night event organizers.

“This event is a bit of a love letter to our city, and a way to shake off our collective winter doldrums,” said Sherrie Brown, owner of Ovid & Lane – Artisan Bath & Gifting on Beverley Street.

After a challenging January for brick-and-mortar businesses due to cold weather and ice, business owners in Staunton are hoping Friday’s event will bring people back to the downtown area.

“This year’s Galentine’s Night is an intentional show of support for downtown businesses after a difficult start to the year,” said Brown. “The tough stretch of snow, ice and record cold significantly reduced foot traffic for many shops and restaurants. This evening offers a fun, accessible, and affordable way for the community to reconnect with downtown, rediscover favorite spots—or find new ones—and help local businesses regain momentum heading into late winter and early spring.”