We know you’re waiting for that magical day when the stay-at-home restrictions lift across our beloved region. But, it’s looking more and more like our liberation’s going to occur very, very gradually. And even then, we’re probably going to have to get used to a whole new set of regulations, not to mention the ever-looming threat of another lockdown, until a vaccine comes along.
That said, the outlook isn’t as bleak as all that may sound. Over the last few weeks, we’ve looked in new places and discovered some fun ways to amuse ourselves—and stay connected, in the process. With the potential of a little more freedom to roam and some prime spring weather on the horizon, those opportunities are bound to multiply.
To help you think a little more positively, here are a few ways to social distance and still have fun around the Delaware River Towns as the movement restrictions begin to ease.
Find the high ground.
Ready to take a explore the Delaware River Towns with social distance? Ringing Rocks, in Upper Black Eddy, is far from your average county park. (The trails at all Bucks County parks reopened April 20. All buildings and playgrounds, however, remain closed.) You come here to climb and, yes, hammer on the rocks, both of which are conducive to social distancing. And, honestly, after a couple months cooped up at home, the change in perspective won’t be anything less than breathtaking.
Curate your own tasting menu.
While we’ve been hiding inside, many of our favorite restaurants have been fighting for their lives. It’s hard to see how they’re going to find a way out of this, but ordering curbside pickup is a good place to start supporting their comeback. Spread your support around and eat well in the process by picking a handful of restaurants within the same town and ordering a dish or two from each. It’s maybe never going to be this easy to curate your own takeout tasting menu. Most restaurants have an online payment option to minimize contact. And New Hope, among other towns, is offering free 15-minute parking to help facilitate curbside pickup service.
Dive into the deep end.
Feel like you’re missing out on spring? Head over to Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve, in New Hope. It’ll be just like diving straight into spring’s deep end. It’s a modest network of trails, but each is long and meandering, which means you’ll be able to take your time and soak in all the sights and scents, of which there are many. Get there before the end of May and you’ll still be able to see the spectacular carpets of spring ephemerals covering the forest floor. It’s hard to hate on life when you’re faced with a natural wonder like that.
Look out for your neighbor.
We’re certainly coming out of this with a whole new appreciation for these communities that we already had fallen head over heels for. And, while we plan to do our part for the local economy, there’s more to that than simply spending on businesses. If you’re in a position to support your neighbor or neighbors, you should. Start by simply checking in. If someone needs help with childcare, offer to babysit. If a neighbor works at a restaurant that’s in danger of closing, ask if there’s a fundraiser you can donate to. The more of us there are participating in the economy, the better it’ll be for all of us.
