Surviving The Pandemic: Social Distancing Fun With Loved Ones

Hey, y'all! These last two years have been the definition of adjusting and finding the positive in a negative situation! We have had so much going on and at times had to distance ourselves from those we love the most. However, I think I have found a few ways to help us stay safe while being around those we love!
"Surviving The Pandemic: Social Distancing Fun with Loved Ones"
will offer some creative ways to hang out with the people you love the most while being safe or practicing social distancing! I hope you all find these helpful and find some new activities to try!

Teepee Picnic
This idea was my 30th birthday celebration from last year and I absolutely loved it! After canceled birthday trips and parties being a NO I finally found something safe and fun. I asked each of my guests to purchase an inexpensive teepee tent, bring their favorite food and drinks, and I would supply the rest! I made jello shots, adult poptails, had plenty of food to share (just in case), games, gave away thank you goodie bags, and had music! It was so much fun! Now, originally this event was supposed to be on Mud Island however, the heavens decided to open the day of my picnic and flood the area we were supposed to be in. I ended up having it in my parent's backyard, but it still turned out cute! The picnic gave camping but with a sprinkle of glamour! Having a teepee picnic for my 30th even started a picnic trend for me! I've gone to Memphis Botanic Garden for a picnic and Shelby Farms! Picnics are definitely an easy and creative way to hang out, be safe, and still, have plenty of fun! 


P.S I  don't recommend having a picnic with more than 5 people at Mud Island because they require you to purchase a permit. The permit can not be refunded nor may you reschedule if anything out of your control happens. They don't tell you that information until after you purchase the permit! Trifling! 

Getting to go drinks and Exploring Downtown
​Last year bars were allowed to sell customers alcohol Togo and as of now, bars are still allowed. Some bars still offer this service so find a day to meet up in an area that makes it easy to bar hop, grab some to-go drinks, and explore the area you're in. I recommend trying this in downtown or Midtown, of course, but East Memphis (by The University District) is becoming pretty walkable too! Remember to drink responsibly anddd take a Lyft or Uber just to be safe! 

​Tour at Old Dominick
First of all, I love this place! Old Domnick is a Memphis distillery where a variety of Memphis spirits are made. Old Dominick offers tours where you taste all the liquors that currently are available and learn the distilling process of their vodka, gin, and whiskeys! Old Dominick and Memphis also has a history spanning over a century so, head to the website now to book a small group tour to learn more about how Domenico Canale ended up here and what brought his family back. 

Have Lunch at a Food truck
Food trucks are definitely sent from heaven and luckily we have ways for us to visit them often! Court Square has Food Truck Thursday, Dixon has Food Truck Friday and Botanic Gardens has a monthly Food Truck Garden party (this one will be ending soon)! You can also follow your favorite food truck on social media so that you can find out where they will be located daily! Most of the events mentioned above happen in parks so you'll be able to space out and have lunch!

Trolley Night
Trolley night is a monthly South Main Street Festival that includes music, drinks, shopping, and food! Restaurants and other businesses have specials, host events, and you get to really experience the historic South Main District. This is another way for you to explore Downtown Memphis and meet up without having to be close! You can wear your mask because this is an outdoor event, mostly. It's also easy to barhop, restaurant hop, and get around without driving by riding the trolley! It'll be a fun night! 

Farmers Market 
It may seem weird to say meet up with friends just to go to the farmers market but it's an activity that I enjoy. We all have to grocery shop right, so why not do it together? You can check shopping off of your to-do list and still get to hang out with friends or fam! Plus, it's another outdoor activity that makes you feel safe! Try it at least once with friends and family if you haven't and I promise it'll be a good time! We have a nice variety of farmers markets to choose from but my favorite are The South Memphis Farmers Market, Cooper Young Community Farmers Market, and The Memphis Farmers Market! The South Memphis Farmers Market also has a grocer so even when market season is over there is still an option for shopping local and fresh!​

Visit a Rooftop
I didn't make that rooftop list for nothing! Find you a rooftop, grab some drinks, and enjoy the views! Rooftops are perfect for social distancing  gatherings because you get to be with people outside of your home safely in an open space! So, with that said don't let the season change to winter before you've tried them all! Click on Rooftops to access my list! ​

Visit Shelby Farms
​On top of Shelby farms being an outdoor park where you can have a picnic or get in some exercise, they have great events! One of my favorite events is Canoes and Cocktails! During this summer event, you take a guided tour around Hyde Lake while catching the sunset. After your tour, it's time for good vibes and your two cocktails! There are games set up and snacks are provided as well! ​

Physical Activities
Whether it's Yoga, taking a walk across Big River Crossing, getting an Explore Bike, Scooter, or Kayaking on the Mississippi River the city has you covered! All often turn into me exploring or grabbing something to eat with whoever I'm out with. I have included the links with information on all of the above! 

Catch Up for Coffee or Tea
Memphis has so many Coffee Shops/Cafes so pick one, select a date to play catch up or just make an excuse to hang out! You can even make it a productive visit and schedule some time for everyone to work on a project while they are there! I've done this with friends before and it turned out to be a great way to start my morning! I've listed some of my favorite Coffee Shops below!
Mugging Coffee House
​Park + Cherry 
Bluff City Coffee
​Comeback Coffee
​City & State 
​Crazy Gander Coffee Company 

Volunteer
Last summer a few friends and I picked a random weekend to hangout where I included a day of volunteer work! I often volunteer at JUICE Orange Mound's community garden to help with weeding and gardening so that is where we went! It was nice to give back while getting the opportunity to hang out as we hadn't seen each other in person much! I'm going to leave the link to JUICE Orange Mound's website as well as the link for Volunteer Memphis! 

The Memphis Zoo
When is the last time you've gone to the Zoo? Can't remember? Then go ahead and plan your next visit! The Zoo is outdoors, has food, drinks, new exhibits, and you may even catch an event! It's perfect for a day out with your people AND it's kid friendly so go see what's new at the zoo!
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Pose901
Interactive selfie shops/museums have become the new thing to get into and are popping up all over the place! They are good for celebrations, photo shoots, or just something different for your and your folks to do. Last year we had a popup selfie shop brought to us by Memfolk but now we have a permanent one! Pose901 recently opened up in Whitehaven and it is nothing but Memphis, Memphis, Memphis!! So, get your poses ready to go randomly or schedule a private time for a group event.​

For all activities please make sure you are staying safe! Whether safe means keeping your groups small, masking up, making sure you're negative, or getting vaccinated do what's best for you and others around you!! Let's all work extra hard to keep each other safe!​