Some holiday activities are safer than others.
gettyPublic health experts are urging Americans to avoid holiday travel to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Although new vaccines promise some light at the end of the pandemic tunnel, infection and death rates still remain grim.
However, the risks of the virus can be reduced (although not totally eliminated) when people wear masks, remain socially distanced, and take advantage of the outdoors. With the weather turning cooler in many parts of the country, public and private entities are offering a host of local holiday options in cities across the nation, ones that check each of these COVID-friendly boxes.
Here is a sampling of last-minute ideas, all of them Instagram-worthy, some of which may be close to home for you:
Nights of Lights (St. Augustine, Florida)
Lights on the Plaza in St Augustine
Rhonda Lovett for FloridasHistoricCoast.comLight displays can usually be viewed on foot, in a vehicle or from the water. In St. Augustine, Florida (the nation’s oldest city), the 37th annual Night of Lights features millions of tiny white lights that sparkle in every direction. The lighting of the businesses and homes in the downtown historic district showcase the city’s Spanish Colonial architecture in an incredible display that has garnered recognition from National Geographic, Smithsonian and Fodors.
MORE FOR YOU
Old Town Trolley Tours offers nightly rides to see the lights through January 21, 2021. Participants receive complimentary glasses (spectacles) to elevate the effects of the glowing surroundings and this year, health and safety protocols have been put into place that include social distancing, the use of plexiglass partitions, and thorough disinfection of surfaces.
Musicians on Golf Carts - Miami, Florida
On the first weekend of each month, a violinist, cellist and viola player from Miami Beach’s renowned New World Symphony perform on Lincoln Road from a “stage’ of roaming golf carts. Musicians on Golf Carts is organized by the Lincoln Road Business Improvement District, in partnership with the symphony orchestra and will take place through April. While most live performing arts are on hiatus, these roving musicians can share their musical talents outdoors and enjoy a paid gig.
The musicians are in constant motion to ensure social distancing and prevent crowding.
Observation Deck of the Empire State Building (New York City, New York)
The iconic, 102-story Empire State Building was constructed between 1930 and 1931.
gettyThe heated outdoor 86th floor Observation Deck of the Empire State Building offers incredible city views. From this perch, you can see the Brooklyn Bridge. the Statue of Liberty, Central Park and much more. On the way out, don’t miss the beautiful holiday decorations in the art deco building’s Fifth Avenue Lobby.
The Empire State Building has rolled out a host of new health and safety measures consistent with CDC and local government guidelines. Both an admission ticket and reservation ticket are required for entry. A VIP (skip-the-line) ticket add-on is also available.
The Edge experience (New York City, New York)
Viewing the city from above at The Edge
Eli Parry/Related CompaniesAnother option for New Yorkers: Check out the city’s dazzling holiday lights from the 100th floor of The Edge at Hudson Yards. Billed as the highest outdoor deck in the Western Hemisphere, this architectural marvel offers visitors 360° views while they stand on its glass floor.
To assure visitor safety, the attraction has been working with the Mount Sinai Health System to implement health and safety measures, which include temperature checks, reduced capacity, social distancing and timed tickets. Visitors are also encouraged to purchase tickets online to reduce face-to-face contact.
Tennessee Hollow Trail (San Francisco, California)
View of San Francisco bay from Presidio Park
gettyWhether it’s a walk or a hike, social-distanced outdoor activities help people feel connected to other people and to nature. Those in the Bay region can explore the new Tennessee Hollow Trail, located just minutes from downtown. This 1.5 mile pedestrian-only path, which takes about ½ hour to walk from end to end, goes through the 270-acre Tennessee Hollow Watershed with links to other connecting trails.
The trail is part of the Presidio Trust, managed in partnership with the National Park Service. Both agencies work closely with the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. The Presidio has implemented a series of COVID-19 measures to protect the public including required use of masks and enhanced cleaning procedures.
Visions of Holiday Glamour (Beverly Hills, California)
One of the glamorous "models" on Rodeo Drive
DAVE TADA PHOTOGRAPHY/Rodeo Drive CommitteeVisions of Holiday Glamour is the first fashion-inspired holiday installation sponsored by the Rodeo Drive Committee with the City of Beverly Hills. The median of the three-block stretch of Rodeo Drive between Santa Monica and Wilshire Boulevards turns into a faux runway, featuring 10 mannequins with festive gowns made from winter foliage, florals and metallic holiday ornaments. The iconic palm trees are draped in white lights that look like falling snowflakes.
Visitors to this visual experience are required to wear masks and maintain social distance.
Pinnacle Speedway in Lights (Bristol, Tennessee)
Race track speed limits will be far lower at the Pinnacle Speedway in Lights in Bristol.
Getty ImagesThe 24th annual Bristol Motor Speedway and Dragway holiday light show, Pinnacle Speedway in Lights, has been adapted for the times. Until January 2, visitors will have the opportunity to take a lap around “The World’s Fastest Half-Mile” in their own cars. The four-mile trek around the concrete oval features some two million lights. To skip the line, reservations can be made online.
Due to COVID, some traditions are modified: There are no rides in the Christmas Village or photography with Santa. Guests are required to read and sign a waiver that outlines the health and safety precautions being taken.
Festival of Lights (Charleston, South Carolina)
The famous pineapple fountain located downtown Charleston, SC with a gorgeous sunset.
gettyFor the first time, Charleston has organized a family-friendly Festival of Lights that can be enjoyed from the comfort of one’s car each evening until the end of the calendar year. Held at James County State Park, participants can enjoy the spectacle of viewing millions of holiday lights while simultaneously listening to park information and holiday music on their car radios. Drive-up concessions provide mouth-watering holiday treats.
To protect participants, no one is allowed to leave their vehicles except to use designated restrooms.
Wherever you live, it’s likely you’ll be able to find some creative way to enjoy the holidays while taking the necessary precautions to stay healthy and safe!
The Link LonkDecember 16, 2020 at 08:10PM
https://ift.tt/3ntVrOa
A Sampler Of Covid-Friendly Holiday Activities - Forbes
https://ift.tt/2QoXNjh
Holiday
No comments:
Post a Comment