5 Spring Things You Can Still Do In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Did you forget about spring in Alexandria? 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 Alexandria. Just keep your social distance and be safe.

Here are some things:

1. 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! Unfenced Alexandria parks, trails and fields are open, but certain amenities are closed. 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 prefer a pre-made picnic, check takeout options at local restaurants.
2. Get cultured: They may be closed to their normal crush of spring visitors, but your favorite museums and zoos are still the treasures. While you’ve been binge-watching Netflix, they’ve been building virtual features, like hands-on activities and 360 views from Historic Alexandria. You can also take a virtual tour of George Washington's Mount Vernon and play Be Washington.
3. Follow local business demonstrations: ALX at Home LIVE brings local businesses to your home through Facebook Live events. Alexandria's businesses and attractions provide demonstrations, tours and guided exercises. For example Port City founder Bill Butcher will lead a beer tasting on May 5, and viewers can order takeout and delivery of the beer ahead of time. On April 28, get some fresh air and learn wellness exercises from Mind the Mat.
4. Go virtual shopping: Even if you can't physically visit the stores, you can still patronize your favorite businesses. Small businesses are offering a variety of shopping options, from Facetime shopping to online orders. Refresh your spring wardrobe by ordering from a boutique, join the Old Town Books subscription service or get DIY crafting kits from AR Workshop Alexandria.
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.