13 things to do for fun while we socially distance and hunker down at home
While you stay home or even shelter in place to flatten the curve, our community has found innovative ways to entertain you. And this list is just getting us started. Check out our best bets and stay tuned for our next set.
Remember to always check with the venue before heading there and to keep your distance if you venture outside to a park or greenway.
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Carolina Ballet virtual performances
The show goes on at Carolina Ballet. While the remainder of live performances for the 2019-20 season have been postponed until next season (“Macbeth” and “Cinderella”) the Ballet offers a sweet escape in quarantine. Online performances featuring past works can be enjoyed from the couch (or kitchen, or deck, if you can stand the pollen). “In the Gray” was released March 24, with upcoming shows slated to include “Frankenstein” (release March 27) and “Variations on a Theme” (release March 31), with future shows set to include fan-fave “Bolero.” Check back regularly for new uploads: carolinaballet.com/performances/
NCMA Curate From Your Couch #MuseumFromHome
If you ever wanted to know what it was like to curate an exhibit, your time is now. The museum has put out a call to curate exhibits — online, of course — while the galleries are closed. The NCMA is hosting a virtual Q&A to compile your fave works from museum collections, and, you guessed it, your feedback will inform the new weekly #MuseumFromHome series NCMA Recommends launching Friday (March 27). The series, per the museum, will “reveal connections between our collection and other arts, themes and ideas, as well as a future exhibition featuring your picks.” Fill out the short form or head to the Favorites highlight on Instagram (@ ncartmuseum) to share via social media. ncartmuseum.org
History at Home, NC Museum of History
Experience the N.C. Museum of History digitally with History at Home. Explore exhibits (our pick: “Long Story Short,” 14,000 years of state history in 10 minutes — we dare you), tune in for podcasts (60+ await), search collections, scan blog posts and enrich your learning with At-Home Learning Packets, leading the way as part of the trending #MuseumFromHome response to quarantine. ncmuseumofhistory.org/history-at-home
Greenway, Lakes, Trails the North Carolina Museum of Art Trail and more
Happy trails to you, maybe. Social distance doesn’t have to mean sitting still indoors all day. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control are recommending physical activity outdoors right now. Last week, we had a list of some of the Triangle parks and greenways. Since then, North Carolina has closed or restricted many parks, including Umstead and Eno. All park facilities at parks (think bathrooms) are closed, but some trails are open. Because these decisions are changing rapidly, it’s best to call ahead or check the state park page for closures before you head out.
Marbles Daily Dose
Looking for more opportunities for the minis? Marbles Kids Museum may be closed, but the team has an option for you to connect with them online for play inspiration, playful parenting tips and hands-on learning at home, with 24/7 access to these tools on its website and social media. Follow on Facebook for daily playful parenting tips, and subscribe to its YouTube channel for an ever-growing video library. Need new Marbles games or supplies? Follow Marbles Corner Store on Instagram for featured games or call 919-857-1120 for phone orders and curbside pickup (10 to 4 p.m. daily). marbleskidsmuseum.org/playtools
Thomas Sayre public art installation at Campbell Law
Adding to your list of safe outdoor spaces is the new Thomas Sayre public art installation at Campbell. While the planned ribbon-cutting scheduled for March 28 is canceled in the face of COVID-19, the cranes are still installing the two 20-foot tall spires for the installation, and the public is welcome to walk by (spread at least 6 feet apart, of course) and enjoy it anytime. law.campbell.edu
The Blood Connection + Morgan Street Food Hall
If you are healthy, do good and ditch the house for a few (if permitted) by giving blood (the CDC not only says it is safe, they are encouraging it, and supply is short). There are many locations set up throughout the Triangle. Now through March 29, donors at the Morgan Street Food Hall mobile blood drive, in partnership with The Blood Connection, earn a $20 gift card. You can make appointments between noon and 7 p.m. via TBC’s website: thebloodconnection.org/enc-blood-drives/
Bend it Like Bikram: CorePower Yoga, Midtown Yoga and More
Namaste home all day? No sweat (well, actually, sweat…) Adding to a long list of local fitness boutiques, experts and venues, CorePower Yoga is offering Keep up your Practice, and Midtown Yoga is offering My Home Practice, both with a wide range of free classes online and on demand so you can keep that circulation flowing — and, something we probably all need, remember to just breathe. Zen is definitely in right now. corepoweryogaondemand.com; midtownyogastudios.com
Dram Grog & Grocery
Popular downtown Raleigh cocktail haven Dram & Draught has temporarily converted its One Glenwood bar to a pop-up community market, open daily from 2 to 8 p.m. Look for wine, growlers of beer, cases of beer, toilet paper and other disposables, produce, ground meat, canned goods and a variety of other household items that the pop-up grocer is able to source from local and national distributors. Safety first: “Shopping will be limited to four shoppers in at one time, with masks and hand sanitizer provided at the door. Additionally, seniors age 65 and older are eligible for free delivery within five miles. Deliveries will be scheduled once daily.” dramanddraught.com
Wake County Libraries Go Digital
Book it. Wake County Libraries have put their entire online book, audio and magazine resources at one convenient link. Bonus, you can get a temporary library card while facilities are closed. E-books and audiobooks for dayssss. Oh, and there’s an app for that. wakegov.com/libraries
Logan’s at Seaboard
Plants aren’t canceled. Logan’s at Seaboard Station remains open for business with plenty of room for locals to spread out and take in the beauty on offer. Perhaps you can pick up supplies for that garden refresh — the perfect quarantine project, while supporting a local business to boot. 707 Smart Drive, Raleigh. logantrd.com
State Farmers Market
Farm-fresh food isn’t canceled. As of March 26, the State Farmers Market remains open for business with sanitation stations and fresh-air open spaces for you to practice plenty of social distance while you pick up farm-fresh food for your family and support local farmers and vendors. 1201 Agriculture St., Raleigh. ncagr.gov/markets
Go Virtual-Local
Shop local. Eat local. Follow your fave local businesses, from restaurants to shops, to find out the many creative ways they have found to serve and feed (body and soul) you through this confusing time. Whether its shopping online, enjoying free online workout classes by local fitness studios and experts, buying gift cards to prepay for that first dinner out post-quarantine, or ordering curbside pickup or delivery, there are several ways you can make your quarantine less sterile and boring while supporting the local economy.
This story was originally published March 26, 2020 at 10:32 AM with the headline "13 things to do for fun while we socially distance and hunker down at home."