Things To Do For Your Birthday February 2018
Think outside the gift-wrapped box with a mini vacation, baked goods from around the country and more
Even if you're not celebrating this month, chances are you know someone who is. And if you don't? Well, we're writers, not statisticians. Revamp your routine with a three-day weekend getaway, baked goods shipped to your door and new gift ideas: This is the dawning of the age of Aquarius . . . and Pisces.
Destinations Worth Celebrating
You've already been to every restaurant in your own town, so use President's Day weekend as your chance to go rogue.
West Palm Beach, Florida
Shake off winter doldrums in the tranquil yet cool city about an hour north of Miami. Give the honor of your birthday night meal to local favorite Lynora's or the soon-to-open neighborhood spot Mazie's.
San Diego, California
Check into the year-old Pendry hotel, and you might not ever have to ever leave. It has all the makings of a three-day weekend done right: in-house craft beer paradise, rejuvenating spa ("sea oxygen facial" included) and a different restaurant option for every meal.
Waitsfield, Vermont
For those who prefer a slightly colder climate, this underrated ski town is the way to go. You can spend your days on the slopes—or strolling through the artist-filled town—and your nights over a bottle of local maple barrel-aged rum with a toast to "aging gracefully."
Mail-Order Treats
Bring the country's best baked goods to your door—then take them as travel snacks for your mini getaway.
Coquine Cookies
Portland's beloved chocolate chip cookie features salted caramel and "really good chocolate." People will swear there's bacon in there, but it's just the smoked almonds talking.
Celebrity Face Cookies
Cupcake Market, the tiny NYC storefront with a big personality, has its intricately decorated cookies available online. Choose between hilariously accurate representations of Kim Kardashian and Drake, or go for a double with Jim and Pam from The Office.
Chocolate Babka Duo
You know what they say about loaves of babka: Two is better than one. Especially since these are from NYC nonprofit Hot Bread Kitchen, which trains and supports refugee women through various programs.
What to Gift
Products we have our eyes on that will help your friend (or yourself) live more deliciously.
Butter Pat Cast-Iron Pan
This chef-approved take on the kitchen staple is deceptively light, questionably thin around the edges and looks more like a bronzed antique than something capable of everything cast-iron pans are known and loved for. It even has a 100-year warranty, in case you have any doubts.
Steeped Coffee Tea Bags
This one is for those who know the best gift is that of a seamless morning routine. This newly launched subscription service supplies packets that look like Earl Grey but taste like a coffee shop-level morning brew.
To'ak Chocolate
Nothing says "I appreciate your existence" like the most expensive chocolate in the world. The company treats chocolate making the same way winemakers or distillers approach their spirits, and no two batches are the same.