Love yourself - Valentine's Day for singles

If you clicked to get here, you're probably having some feelings about February 14th. Despite what Big Relationship may have you believe with all their romantic comedies, love songs and grand gestures, lets face it - Valentine's Day often doesn't live up to the movies even when you have someone special to share it with. So why not make the day your own? Whether you're solitary by choice, seeking love, recovering from a breakup, fall somewhere on the aroace spectrum or are just too busy for a relationship, doing Valentine's Day sans-partner can be a great time.

Picture it: a day just for you. No need to worry about an outfit for a date, no pressure to seem interesting or funny, no sharing your chips when the other person insisted they only wanted a salad. You get to pick the music in the car, the wine, the activities and when to go home - you get to make as big or as little a deal over it as you want. Flying solo has its perks.

Love should be celebrated wherever it can be found, romantic or otherwise. That's why this Valentine's Day, we're taking a look at some of the best ways you can celebrate the most precious love of all - self love - in Launceston. After all, what better excuse to treat yourself?

A little self care can work wonders - if you're feeling a bit flat, tense, bored of your look, or just want a confidence boost, then a bit of pampering may be in order.

If this sounds good to you, you could consider booking in for a massage at Clover Massage or Mia's Massage Therapy, a full spa treatment at Cinergee, getting a manicure at Cosy Nails or Galaxy Nails, having your hair done somewhere like Convict Cutters, Mojjatchi or Silo Hair, treating yourself to some fresh brows or lashes at Brows Australia; or even just heading to the shops to pick up some at-home treatments and DIYing it in the comfort of your own home. Find at home beauty treatments at The Lash Loft, The House of Beauty and Elysian Beauty and Wellness; snacks at The Grain Grocer, and wine at Devil's Door or Cellarbrations.

Blokes, we're looking at you, too - having a nice, luxurious self care day isn't just for the ladies. Get a hot shave at the Kingsway Barbershop, have your brows tidied up at The House of Beauty, maybe even a pedicure from Diamond Nails if you're feeling adventurous, and add a cheeky beer or whiskey to the treatment list. Enjoy yourself!

💘 For more beauty and wellness service providers, take a look at our directory.

Please, let's forget about the diet for V Day. There are far too many delicious options for food and drink in Launceston to pass up on.

If cake is what your heart desires, put in an order with Sabina's Petit Gateau, or head to Cake O'Clock or M&B Bar for a slice. The Dragonfly Tea Atelier is a great option for anyone also after a quiet escape from the city. If you're feeling sweet but a bit more decadent, Charlie's Dessert House has you covered, while Mad Hatters Treats and Swirlz are bound to have something to satisfy your sweet tooth if candy is what you're after. Does an ice cream in the park sound tempting? The Devil's Own Ice Creamery is the stop for you. Is froyo the go? Visit 123Yo!

Satisfying savoury cravings is only difficult because we're so spoiled for choice - The Metz, Grain of the Silos, Tatler Lane, VegOut, Earthy Eats, Burger Junkie, Spice Lounge, Palki, and Gatsu Gatsu are all fantastic options for lunch or dinner. Dining area booked out with couples? Grab some takeaway and enjoy it at home!

Romancing yourself can be even easier with a drink in hand, and maybe some friendly bar patrons and staff to chat to. If that's the vibe you're after, why not try out Alchemy, Bar Two, Mudbar, The Royal Oak or Northern Public House?

💘 For more places to grab a delicious bite to eat, take a look at our directory.

If the full luxury treatment is what you're after this Valentine's Day, then a city staycation may be in order. Book in for a night or two at a hotel like Central Apartments, the Grand Chancellor or Peppers Silo Hotel, or at an Air BnB like The Green Room. From there, you can plan your stay - grab brunch at one of our many fantastic cafes (we love Frankie's, Bread + Butter, Mad Apple and Tinka), do some window shopping around our beautiful boutiques (don't miss the Spotted Quoll Studio, Hope + Me, The Tea Shop or Quixotic Books), enjoy lunch at a restaurant or cafe, maybe catch a show at the Cinema or Princess Theatre; or book a workshop with Glazed & Confused, Paint the Town Red or Frida's Sip n Paint. Finish the evening with dinner and drinks (hello Bar Urbane, Cinco Passiones and Bar Stelo) before heading back to your room and settling in for the night. If you're lucky, your room might even have a bath or spa to enjoy - the perfect way to end Valentine's Day.

💘 See more accommodation ideas in our directory.

Take a moment to think about something you've always wanted, but wouldn't normally buy for yourself. The option on the wish list that no one has quite gotten around to gifting you. Maybe it's a bottle of perfume or cologne, a bunch of flowers, a book, a necklace, some specialty chocolates or those silly socks you can't get out of your head. Maybe you've been walking past this one sweater in the window of a shop for a few weeks, or there's a bottle of locally made wine you've had your eye on. Go get it. This is a day for you to celebrate yourself, so this is your permission to go and get the thing that will bring you some joy.

There are plenty of great places to find gifts in Launceston - some of our favourites are Stockton & Co., Mae Brown, Acreage, Inspire Yourself & Your Home, Indulge Jewellery, Plant Envy+ and Petrarch's.

Inhibitions? Never heard of them. If all that sounded a bit too "good" for you then maybe letting loose with a naughtier option would be appealing. You could -

• Get a bit more hands on with your self love with a trip to the Adult Shop or Adult Basement
• Engage in some tomfoolery at The Mersh or The Irish
• Appreciate the talents of the highly skilled performers at the Launceston Showgirls
• Turn that solo staycation we mentioned earlier into a... Short-term amorous affair
• Go and impress everyone at Rockin' Hot Pizza by belting out both parts of some romantic duets on their karaoke stage

Just be sure to stay safe 😉