5 Spring Things You Can Still Do In McLean

MCLEAN, VA — Did you forget about spring in McLean? One would be forgiven for the oversight, considering the cold snaps and snowfall in the northeast and midwest. Also, the fact that everybody’s calendar might as well just replace the dates with “Coronavirus: TBD” has made spring an afterthought.

The official start of spring fell on March 19, which doesn’t feel right, but it is.

As befuddling as the concept of linear time might seem after five weeks of quarantine, the tilt of the Earth on its rotation around the sun means the changing of seasons remains, literally, an unstoppable force of nature. In defiance of the pandemic, spring has sprung, and it’s worth remembering that you can — and should! — do things about that in McLean. Just keep your social distance and be safe.

Here are some things:

1. Explore parks: The Fairfax County Park Authority has closed parking lots and certain amenities, but trails remain open. That means you can explore parks near home while practicing social distancing. The park authority has launched digital resources, including fitness activities to do in your home or backyard, and a nature bingo card that you can fill out while on a walk.
2. Take an online art class: You don't need to be in an art studio to bring out your inner creativity. The McLean Project for the Arts has online spring classes for adults and children. You can also check out McLean art teacher Pamela Saunders's programs for children.
3. Pack a picnic: Ideally, springtime should accompany the simple pleasures of preparing a basket of food, picking a grassy patch of park and unfurling a blanket under the sun. But even during a quarantine, you can do all three, and remain socially distant! Or take the picnic basket to your backyard or porch instead. Sip wine and eat cheese outside, calling it a “rustic wine jaunt” or “stationary hiking.” It still counts. A spring picnic by any other name tastes just as sweet. If you don't feel like preparing food, try takeout from a local restaurant. Some restaurant offerings are included in our directory.
4. Get cultured: They may be closed to their normal crush of spring visitors, but your favorite museums and zoos are still the treasures. In the DC region, you can virtual tour of George Washington's Mount Vernon and play Be Washington, see animal webcams at the National Zoo, and check digital resources from the Smithsonian museums.
5. Donate blood: The United States is facing a serious blood shortage, and the FDA is calling the need for blood and plasma "urgent.” The good news is you can help save people’s lives for the low-low-low price of your very own blood. Inova's blood donation centers are open by appointment only. The Red Cross website can also help you get an appointment.