Whether you are a homebody or a social butterfly, the COVID-19 imposed social distancing measures are difficult for everyone. Amid restaurant shutdowns, museum closures and calls to stay home, there are still creative options to enjoy all the District has to offer. Here are a few ways to turn your social distancing into a staycation.
For Peak Bloom Cherry Blossoms – Without the Crowds
The iconic tidal basin Cherry Blossoms have reached peak bloom, but just because you’re staying home doesn’t mean you have to miss it! Check out live views of the blooms with #BloomCam, a partnership between the Trust for the National Mall and Earth Cam. These pink purveyors of Spring are the perfect way to brighten up your stay at home.
Watch at https://nationalmall.org/bloomcam
For a Luxury Dinner in the Comfort of Your Own Home
Rose’s Luxury has temporarily suspended its dine in service, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t experience their Michelin-starred food. They are offering take away food, wine and beer from 5:00-8:00 p.m, Tuesday through Friday. Call 202-580-8889 or text 202-558-8314 during those hours to place your order.
Until April 1st, Rose’s Luxury Take Away Window, 717 8th St. SE. Menu changes daily, https://www.rosesluxury.com/
For Lifted Spirits (and Wine)
Republic Restoratives Distillery offers liquor delivery and curbside pick-up in D.C. Plus, your purchase comes with a complementary bottle of hand sanitizer. Domestique Wine has curbside pick-up and is giving two free bottles of wine to anyone in D.C. who has recently been laid off from a restaurant to keep the spirit of community and hospitality alive during this time. Also, get an expert-led winery experience right from home with their curated cases.
For a (Virtual) Museum Visit
The Smithsonian offers virtual tours, so you can explore D.C. museums while staying home. Virtual tours are available for the Natural History Museum, The Hirshhorn and the Smithsonian Castle. The tours provide self-guided, room-by-room exploration of select exhibits.
Visit https://naturalhistory.si.edu/visit/virtual-tour
For Your Quarantine Fitness Routine
Many D.C. fitness studios are streaming workout classes for social distancers to stay active at home. Be Here Now Yoga is offering livestream classes on Zoom for $16. Pure Barre is streaming classes through a Facebook group. CorePower Yoga is giving people free access to its On Demand streaming services, adding new classes each week.
For In-Home Entertainment
Use some of your newfound free time to catch up on podcasts. Some that might be helpful in these times are Vox’s Today, Explained and The New York Times’ The Daily, which are relevant and reliable. If you’re looking for a more escapist route but still want to stay connected to D.C., check out local podcasts Kojo Nmadi Show and The Circus Life.
For Your Farmer’s Market Fix
Missing your weekly farmer’s market finds? From the Farmer delivers produce from local farmers to the DMV area. Get products from South Mountain Creamery, 78 Acres, Potomac Valley Organics and more with a From the Farmer box.
Order your box at https://fromthefarmer.com/
For Getting Crafty
If you need help keeping the kids busy, or you want some art therapy for yourself, Michael’s now has curbside pick-up for any craft you could imagine. Need some crafting inspiration? Check out their ideas, videos, and supplies to get creative at home on their website, and stay connected by sharing your creation with #MakeItWithMichaels.
Available now, michaels.com
