Great Lakes COVID Safe Dates
COVID Safe Dates in the Great Lakes
February is best known for its amorous holiday, Valentine’s Day. COVID precautions and limited access to some usual date spots can make this a challenge, however. What to do when your go-to restaurant is closed? Where to go when you need a memorable experience that meets all of the safety protocols for life in a pandemic? We’ve put together a list of memorable places to take your significant other around the Great Lakes and ensure you don’t miss out on your favorite Hallmark Holiday. Have a spot we missed? Drop it in the comments!
Michigan
Go Ice Skating in Campus Martius in downtown Detroit! The rink is in the city’s center and surround by a gorgeous urban landscape. Make reservations at https://downtowndetroitparks.com/ and enjoy the rink without having to suffer the throngs of a usual evening skating.
Check out Dow Gardens in Midland. Dow Gardens offers a canopy walk 40 feet in the air in the Whiting Forest. A very cool experience! Make a reservation on their website here: https://dowgardens.org/plan/reopening/
Visit the Frederik Meijer Garden and Sculpture Park Grand Rapids. According to their site, the Meijer Gardens is “a destination marrying world-renowned sculpture and horticultural landscapes, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park's indoor and outdoor gardens and sculpture galleries hold something for the whole family to enjoy.”
Buy your tickets online here: https://www.meijergardens.org/plan/
Of course you can hit the slopes at any of Michigan’s great hills, from Boyne in northern Michigan to Pine Knob or Mt. Brighton downstate!
Chicago
Visit the Lakeshore Drive-In. The Lakeshore Drive-In has created a socially responsible event series that puts gigs in the hands of industry professionals and creates space for Chicagoans to get back to enjoying live entertainment safely.
More information here: https://www.lsdrivein.com/
Get a cocktail to go! Bring the bar home with delicious cocktails to go from Three Dots and a Dash here: https://www.exploretock.com/threedotsandadash/experience/214848/menu/three-dots-and-a-dash-pick-up
Or get a to go cocktail from The Violet Hour.
Get yours here: http://www.theviolethour.com/cocktails-to-go
Now you’ve brought the bar home and you don’t even have to wear pants.
Cleveland
Visit the 12th largest public garden in the country and Holden Forest and Gardens. The Holden Forest is a great way to connect with the beauty of the outdoors and support a wonderful organization that strives to see communities enriched by plants and trees. They even have discounted admission through March 31st!
Check out more information here: https://holdenfgold.wpengine.com/visit/directions-hours-and-admission/
Who doesn’t love the zoo? The Cleveland Zoo is the perfect outdoor, safe date spot. The Zoo is open to 75% capacity but is maintaining most of its amenities for convenience of visitors. Spend the day and consider becoming a member to support the daily operations of the Cleveland Zoo to help them through these trying times.
For more info on their reopening go here: https://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/zoo/tickets-attractions/cleveland-metroparks-zoo-reopening
Milwaukee
Check out Explorium Brew Pub in Greendale. They dedicate themselves to the art of handcrafted beer and are willing to share their knowledge and beer, with their patrons. Additionally, they have ample space both indoors and out to ensure you’re safe!
Check out more at: https://exploriumbrew.com/
Visit Stock House Brewing Co. and pick up a carry out order! They refill growlers, sell 4 packs of their beer and let you build your own 4 and 6 packs for your own variety pack! You can order online for ultimate convenience, but if you’re looking to see what makes Stock House tick, sign up for one of their brewery tours for a unique behind-the-scenes experience.
Learn more at: https://stockhousebrewing.com/
Do you have a special spot for Valentine’s Day? Share it in the comments!