For All the Single Ladies (And Guys) Make the Most of Your Valentine's Day ⋆ College Magazine

By Alexis Gutter>Sophomore>Journalism>University of Maryland

Roses are red,
Violets are blue.
For all those single on Valentine’s Day—
Hallmark: screw you.

It’s February 14 and, without a beau, what is there to do? For one, stop thinking that this glorified national holiday is a death sentence for the free bird. There’s no need to hibernate, stuff your face with chocolate and cry your lonely heart out over a sappy movie. Celebrating anti-Valentine’s day can be just as satisfying as any candlelight dinner—maybe even more. Here are some ways to have fun that don’t necessitate a hot date:

Forget V-Day, it’s Mardi Gras – On February 13, grab a mask, some beads and your best friends and head to Power Plant Live! in Baltimore for a Mardi Gras festival. All access and open bar from 9 p.m. to midnight only costs $25. Rock out to live music and enter for a chance to win $500 for the best costume. Get your tickets at www.missiontix.com.

Bar Hop in Boston – If you’re in the area or have some friends to visit, Boston has an annual Valentine’s Day bar crawl, which donates proceeds to local charities. For the low price of $5, attendees will receive a name tag and a special Koozie to get the night started. Participating bars offer drink specials and appetizers. And just because you came single, doesn’t mean you’re going home that way. Go to www.crawlinboston.com for more information.

Throw Darts at Your Ex in NYC- The Village Pourhouse in Greenwich Village, New York City, offers a night of mingling and revenge, coupled with alcohol. Bring a picture of your ex and take a turn putting the pic on the bar’s dartboard. Hit the bull’s eye and you’ve won yourself a free hour of open bar. Once you’ve made your hit, mix and mingle with the other singles.

Love the Run You’re With – Make Valentine’s Day about you. Put on your running shoes and make the day pass faster by running away from it. For the first year, D.C. is offering a 5K Valentine’s Day run with cash prizes for the first, second and third place winners. Register as a Stupid Cupid (totally single) and meet some fellow running hotties. Cross the finish line and get your pre-loaded gift card to the after party at Champps Restaurant in Pentagon Row. Register for the race at www.lovetherun5k.com.