Making the Best of Summer During Covid 19

It’s official. Summer is here. And I’m so excited! I’m ready for warmer weather. Wearing shorts and tees. And spending time with my kiddos without the pressure of schoolwork looming overhead. But I realize that this summer is not a typical one. Instead, this summer is becoming one of uncertainty. Because in many areas right now, the Covid 19 virus is not only still present, it’s rising. As a result, many states are adjusting their summer opening plans. While it’s true that this summer may not be ideal, you can still enjoy your summer despite Covid 19. Here’s how my family and I have decided to make the best of a summer filled with so much uncertainty.

Embracing Staying Close to Home

As much as we’d like to go away on a long vacation, we’ve chosen a staycation instead. Right now, the virus is surging in popular hotspots we frequently visit for vacation such as South Carolina and Florida. Visiting another part of the country and staying in a hotel where infection rates are rising isn’t too appealing. For this reason, we’ve chosen to stay close to home.

But we’re making the best of the situation. We’ll wear our masks and keep up social distancing. But, there’s no reason why we can’t still have some fun this summer despite Covid 19.

This year, we’ve planned a staycation that includes the following…

• Family Gatherings Outside – Our deck has become our outdoor gathering place for our family. It’s amazing what a canopy and a few lights can do to transform our outdoor seating area into a relaxing space.  When I want a break from the confines of my home, my deck is my refuge. I enjoy a cool drink or a good book, and take in the great view from our backyard. This area has also become a great place to host a socially distant gathering with extended family members as well.

• Exploring our Local Town – Since the pandemic, we’ve explored what our local town has to offer more than ever before.  For example, we’ve enjoyed supporting local restaurants in our area. Our eyes and taste buds have been opened to the many amazing restaurants we have right here in our backyard. These days, many of our local towns are blocking off portions of the city streets and opening them up for socially distant dining. It’s a great way to get out of the house, have a change in scenery, and enjoy a great meal.

• Visiting My Happy Place – I’m so thankful we live near one of the most beautiful gardens in the world – Longwood Gardens. Despite all the uncertainty, Longwood recently reopened, and I can’t wait to get back to the beauty the gardens have to offer. Even with Covid restrictions in place, visiting Longwood is truly like a vacation. When I step foot on the garden grounds, it’s like being transported to a lavish country estate with lush greenery and peaceful walking trails.

• Day Trips – In under two hours, we can soak up the sun and experience warm sand under our feet at the Jersey Shore. This summer, we plan to venture a little bit from home and head to the beach for a day trip. We’ll skip the crowded boardwalks and instead opt for the some of the quieter Jersey shore towns with quaint shops and outdoor eateries. It’s a sure-fire way to still experience the summer season even if just for the day.

What I Miss the Most

Ok, I’d be lying I didn’t mention that there are many things I will miss from carefree summers past. Some of these are…

• Eating Out Without All the Fuss – I miss the spontaneity of going to a restaurant any time without worrying about reservation time limits or keeping six feet apart.

• Family Road Trips in our RV – Well, I never thought I’d say this but I really do miss our family’s RV. Yes, you heard me right. We used to be an RV family. It wasn’t something I’d ever expect to own. But my husband, coming from a large family, grew up traveling the country via RV all his life. It was a perfect way for his family of nine to take to the road and see the sights.  We chose an RV for our family as a means to travel the U.S. and see many famous sites such as the Black Hills, Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone National Park, Niagara Falls, Canada, and Grand Teton National Park just to name a few.  But Florida (Disney), South Carolina (Hilton Head), and Maine were often our most popular destinations of choice. It’s ironic that after all the ups and downs of traveling in our RV and selling it just a few years ago, RV’s are now more popular than ever before. In fact, RV sales are booming.  Many families are taking to the road in an RV in lieu of staying in crowded hotels or renting properties via Airbnb or VRBO.  If you are considering an RV, it’s a great way to go especially now during this summer of uncertainty.

• Being Close to Family and Friends – Who doesn’t miss a hug from family and friends? Instead we have to settle for FaceTime, Zoom, or seating spaced six feet apart as well as socially distant (and socially awkward) photographs to capture our family memories.

• Summer Vacations! – It seems like forever since we went on a true family vacation far away from home. Last year our summer getaway was placed on hold as my son started his first year of college with a summer session. This year, our plan to vacation out West was sadly put on hold too.  But hope is not lost! There’s always next year, right?

Enjoying the Moment

Although this summer is like no other, I’m thankful that my family is home and everyone is healthy. I do miss the carefree summers of the past. However, I know how important it is to enjoy the here and now. Because nothing in life is ever certain. It’s up to us to make the best of it.

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” – Hebrews 11:1 (ESV)

How are you spending this summer of uncertainty?  Please share in the comments section below.