My Social Distanced Daiquiri Party!

The coronavirus pandemic has shifted all of our lives drastically, especially the social aspect. Being the social being that I am, I have had to find new and different ways to interact with others and have my social fix. The other day, two of my good friends and I had strawberry daiquiris on her screened porch with Taco Bell/Chick Fil-a takeout. That way, we could all get together while still maintaining our social distance! The moral of the story is that you can still have a BALL while being safe, especially as a college student in her early 20’s.

Long story short: wear a mask, maintain a 6 foot distance, and make smart decisions. You CAN still have fun while social distancing – it simply takes a lot of creativity and care! Cheers!!!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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Adjusting to College Life During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Back in early March, all of our lives were transformed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Myself included, many of us assumed that we would be back to our pre-pandemic lives by the time the next school year starts. However, college life during the Fall 2020 semester and potentially the Spring 2021 semester will look completely different than we ever envisioned. As somebody who is about to start her Senior year of college in the middle of a pandemic, it is HARD to know that my college experience will be extremely different my last year than I ever thought it could. Since I have been back at college for almost two weeks now, I know that the adjustment into college life amid a pandemic will not be an easy one but it is an important one for us all to do.

It’s OKAY To Grief

During this pandemic, we have ALL lost something one way or another. There are several engaged couples who have had to cancel or postpone their wedding days, many people of all ages have had to cancel or postpone trips, celebrations, concerts, events of all kinds, and all of the above. Similarly, we college students are losing a lot during Covid-19. We are losing the many moments that we thought we would have this semester – everything from parties, socials, hangouts, retreats, meetings, and simply going to class in-person. Whatever we may be losing, know that it is OKAY to grief and feel the pain. In fact, ALL OF US are feeling it. The biggest piece of advice that my mother gave me is to feel the pain and sadness, as it will help one process it better. The same thing goes for a college semester that does not look anything like the one we had anticipated. If you feel that you need to talk to somebody about your grief about this new and different semester, then reach out to a friend, family member, or even a counselor on or off your college campus. Many people are willing to help, as we’re all in this together!

Use The Slowdown as an Opportunity

It most definitely sucks that the coronavirus has taken over practically every aspect of our lives. However, it should not be something that takes over your life. Although it is normal and okay to grief, it should not necessarily take over your life and the joy out of what is right in front of you. Personally, I had a really hard time adjusting to life during quarantine and the slow down. I am one who is such a social butterfly – I host people ALLL the time if I am not out and about. The slow down is HARD and I get it 100000%. We have all lost something, but it should not deter us from enjoying what is right in front of us. Use this time to do the things that you have always wanted to do. If it were not for the slow down, it would not have been able to recode and relaunch The Pink Chickadee. My platform on The Pink Chickadee has been such a blessing in my life, and I have to thank the Covid-19 pandemic for it. At the same time, I have also decided to focus on my own self growth and self love. I have really taken the initiative to take care of myself before anyone else, which has been a golden thing in my life that I sadly never put in the time to do before the pandemic hit. As for yourselves, use this time to do the same thing: think of something’s that you have always wanted to do yet never did and JUST DO IT. In the long run, you have nothing to lose!!!

Be Creative

Since the Covid-19 pandemic started, I have gotten real creative with ways to meet my social needs yet still maintain my social distance. Zoom has become my best friend, despite the severe Zoom fatigue that I feel regularly. 2020 is most definitely the year for all-things virtual and let’s definitely try to make the best of it. The possibilities are ENDLESS!!! If you need any ideas, check out my blog posts How To Get Involved in College During the Coronavirus Pandemic, 11 Social Distancing-Approved Gatherings, and Fun Ideas To Spice Up Your Next Picnic for more inspiration!

The Bonds We Create

All of us current college students each have one thing in common: we are college students at college during the coronavirus pandemic. We have all seen our lives transform in the blink of an eye, especially at our social college age. Our lively lives have shifted to anything but the liveliness that we saw before March 2020. The Covid-19 pandemic is going to bring us all many more struggles than we have previously seen since it started. We have all faced several obstacles during this time and have been tested way beyond our limits. But, remember, every college student at the moment is in the same boat as yourself, whether or not you realize it. Make the most of your time with your classmates and bridge those connections with others. Most of us are struggling during this time, so why not struggle together?!

Reach Out to Others

Life during Covid-19 is HARD! It’s hard for all of us. That does not mean that you have to go through all of the challenges of our new coronavirus world alone though. There are SO many people out there to help you during this time. Below, I have listed some of the many resources that are available to you:

The struggle is most definitely real when adjusting to college life during the coronavirus pandemic. Though it may be hard to adjust to this new and different world, the most important thing is that you DO still have access to an education during these trying times. Whether or not you are on your college campus this semester, strive to make the best of any situation that may pop up. Be sure to keep your connections with others going strong during this time and beyond – we all need one another now more than ever. This too shall pass, but we are ALL in this together. While a pandemic was in none of our plans for the Fall 2020 semester, it is now and we will have one another to connect with during these trying times.

XOXO – Katie <3

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My Social Distanced 21st Belated Birthday Outing

A special thanks to my great friend Cassie for making my 21st Birthday sign! Love you always girl <3

It’s rare that we hear the words birthday outing and social distancing in the SAME sentence. For most of us, we think that it is practically impossible to have a birthday or celebration outing of any kind without keeping the social distancing protocols in mind. As someone who is strictly following the current social distancing protocols that still wanted to get out and have some fun with my girls, I got creative and decided to have a belated 21st Birthday outing with some of my best girls when I came back to Raleigh. By getting together with my girls for a good time while still maintaining our social distance helped us to still have a great time while being safe.

Part 1 – The Vineyard!

To begin our outing we went to none other than a vineyard aka one of my FAVORITE places to social distance!!! We went to Cloer Family Vineyards in Apex, North Carolina which is one of the few vineyards in the Raleigh area that makes their own wine there. It is also family-run, which I LOVE as someone whose always down to support local businesses. The staff at Cloer Family Vineyards were also really good about keeping up with the current social distancing standards, as each table had a sheet on it that was both green and red. A green sheet on a table meant that it was clean, while a red sheet on a table meant that it was not. In order to maintain our social distance and stay safe, we decided to enjoy our bottle of the house Chardonnay outside. As of right now, most of my activities with others are outside, as I can better keep my social distance. At the vineyard, there were only four of us including myself which was real nice to both promote social distancing and keep it intimate!

Part 2 – Dinner in Our Trunks!

As previously mentioned about 1000+ times in this post, I am very strict when it comes to social distancing. Initially, I wanted to go to a hibachi restaurant. However, after quite a bit of thinking I decided that I wanted to play it safe and order from a local sushi favorite of mine and eat it from the trunks of our cars instead. The great part about ordering takeout was that we could all order from the restaurant of our choice! For the dinner portion, I had two more friends join that were not at the vineyard outing. I still had a small group, which made it intimate and special, but also perfect for celebration during this era of social distancing.

Social distancing or not, making memories with friends and family, especially for celebration is always a blessing. When we get together with others we can make memories that can and will last a lifetime. Through having my belated 21st Birthday celebration both social distanced AND an amazing celebration, I truly had it the best of both worlds.

XOXO – Katie <3

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How College is Different During the Coronavirus Pandemic

The coronavirus pandemic has drastically changed the way that college life looks. While it will only be temporary, it is definitely an adjustment. As someone who has been on her college campus living in her on-campus apartment before classes start for a week now, I can definitely say that college campuses look quite a bit different during a pandemic. Today, I will be sharing how college campuses differ while in the coronavirus pandemic.

Visitor Restrictions

Attending a small college with only two entrances for cars means that pandemic or not there are only a few ways to enter the campus. Upon entering campus, everyone is stopped by Campus Security, and the back gate entrance is locked. Whereas, in the dorms and on-campus apartments, the only off-campus guests that are allowed are move-in helpers. Moreover, the number of guests per dorm room/apartment is also greatly capped. Upon coming to campus, my classmates and I that are living on campus had to sign a contract that said that we would abide by the guest restrictions. By limiting the amount of visitors on campus, my school can better contain and limit the spread of Covid-19.

Mask Requirements

Whoever thought that in the year 2020 that masks would be the new black was seriously one in a million! I surely never anticipated that I would be wearing a mask practically everywhere I go these days, but it definitely IS the look of the year!!! Similar to going to the grocery store or my version of paradise aka Home Goods, wearing a mask is required on a college campus. At my school, there are signs literally EVERYWHERE telling students and faculty to wear a mask upon entering buildings and in areas where they cannot social distance. Research has shown that wearing a mask helps to contain the spread of Covid-19. Luckily, wearing a mask can be fashionable, too! Brands such as Lilly Pulitzer, Vera Bradley, Target, Kendra Scott, and several Etsy shops each have such adorable masks that one can wear to spice up their back to school wardrobe on and off a college campus. While we have to wear a mask, why not make it fashionable, even on a college campus?!

Social Distancing Protocols

The fact that a car can only run as long as it has a gas pedal and a steering wheel is similar to the fact that containing the spread of Covid-19 entails maintaining a distance of 6 feet apart while wearing a mask. Likewise, on a college campus, it is required that all student take precautions in following social distancing protocols. Most colleges have markers in order to ensure that students remain six feet apart from one another. My college, like many others, want to make sure that their on-campus residents follow social distancing protocols both on and off campus. My college has required that all students limit their off-campus travel, especially outside of my college town of Raleigh, North Carolina. If a student leaves the college town, then they must register with a specific site and list the things that they have done while there, in order to determine whether or not they need to self-isolate when they get back. That way, we all may be safe while on campus.

Contact Tracing

While the car may need a steering wheel and gas pedal to start, it also needs gas in order to start. The same goes for contact tracing on a college campus along with wearing a mask and keeping social distance, in order for a college to run smoothly during a pandemic. My college like many others is requiring all students, faculty, staff, and visitors to download the Campus Clear app. On the Campus Clear app, everyone who comes to campus essentially is screened for Covid-19 symptoms daily. Using Campus Clear requires its users to say whether or not they have coronavirus symptoms or has come into contact with someone who has Covid-19 and notes whether or not they are good to go. If a student is experiencing coronavirus symptoms, then they will receive instructions in the app on how to proceed. At the same time, if someone has tested positive for Covid-19, then those who may have interacted with them will be notified to self-isolate and asked to get a test as well. My school also has a building designated for students who have to self-isolate. Knowing that my school and many others are taking contact tracing seriously is extremely vital in keeping everything on a college campus up and running.

Classroom Layout

In order to promote social distancing, all classrooms have been laid out in a way that also promotes social distancing. While on campus, I have visited an academic building where everything has been drastically changed, in order to promote social distancing. For example, common areas are closed and tables that once had four chairs at them may only have one or two. As for in the classroom, desks and chairs are also laid out much differently in order to allow for students to maintain their social distance. At my school, desks and chairs have been rearranged in order to promote this. I found the social distancing classroom setting at my school to be rather friendly, while I know that some other schools’ classroom settings may not be the same. Whereas, my friends at larger universities were telling me that they have seen every other seat be blocked off or wrapped in bubble wrap. However schools choose to layout their classes to ensure that students keep their social distance, it must be done in order to keep others safe.

Virtual EVERYTHING

Since containing the spread of the coronavirus involves A LOT of social distancing, many college-related events have transformed to a virtual format. Classes, socials, club fairs, block parties, meetings, career fairs, and even sorority recruitment have all likely switched to meeting on Zoom or Google Hangouts. I have had training sessions, meetings for clubs/organizations as well as my thesis, and classes through a virtual format. Since large gatherings are not recommended at the moment, it is best not to have them. Most colleges are also strictly following the CDC’s, their state’s, and their local area’s guidelines as they pertain to keeping us safe. For right now, that means that most college events will be held virtually.

Outdoor Events Over Indoor Events

If an event can be done safely while social distancing, then it will 9 times out of 10 be done outdoors. In past years, many events that I have attended on my college campus have been either held virtually or outdoors if in-person. If a college chooses to have an in-person event outdoors, then it will most likely require all of their students to wear a face mask and maintain social distance at ALL TIMES. For instance, I attended an event on-campus earlier this week that was held outdoors where all of us were required to both wear a mask and stand 6 feet apart. At that event, each of us were split up into smaller groups to meet up with others. We also received goodie bags which were distributed to us 6 feet away from someone else’s goodie bag. Although this event looked a whole lot different than events in the past, it still felt SOOO good to see others in-person that I hadn’t have seen in a LONGGG time. Definitely take advantage of outdoors in-person events if you can, just wear your mask!

Online Campus

With the coronavirus still impacting practically every aspect of our lives, it unfortunately means that many students will not be able to be on campus in-person. Students will be attending classes and apart of campus from EVERYWHERE. With that all being said, it is important to know that virtual platforms such as Zoom, Instagram, Tik Tok, Facebook, email, and forms of messaging will be a vital part of the college campus scene. These virtual platforms will allow us college students to come together in ways like never before. The sense of community that us college students have felt on our campuses will transform to the digital world – I have seen it happen on my own campus and will continue to throughout the year. Knowing that the digital world is thriving on my campus, I rightfully assume that it is on many other college campuses as well.

Varying Social Distancing Definitions

With college students coming together after being apart from one another for about 5 months, there is most definitely differences in how they view the importance of social distancing. While me and most of my friends take social distancing very seriously, there are also many college students who do not. There will be parties and classmates of yours that will not wear a mask or practice social distancing when off campus. There will also probably be times that all of us college students do not feel comfortable when asked to partake in an activity. Even though our definitions of social distancing may be different, it is most important to remember to do YOUR PART in maintaining your social distance. Most importantly, you MUST do whatever makes YOU feel the MOST comfortable during these trying times. DO NOT do anything that you do not want to do or feel comfortable doing. Trust me, it will pay off in the long run!

Social Distanced Hangouts

With social distancing measures still in place pretty much everywhere, that means that many of us college students have to get creative with our hangouts and gatherings. College campuses have to regulate social distancing measures. That being said, picnics, walks, and outdoor activities will become the latest and greatest way for college students to hangout on campus. A friend of mine who attends a much larger university than mine also said that some of the restaurants at her school have been closed, in order to maintain social distance. Knowing that many colleges are taking social distancing very seriously, us college students will have to get real creative with our hangouts. If you need any ideas, please feel free to check out my post 11 Social Distancing-Approved Gatherings for inspiration!

Staggered Move-In’s

To promote social distancing and safety on college campuses, many of them are opting to stagger college move-in’s. At my school, we usually have one big day for Freshmen move-in. On the contrary, this year, that move-in has been spread out to three different days. As previously mentioned, each student is allowed only two moving helpers who all are required to wear masks when moving in. The same goes for my on-campus apartment. That way, everyone can strive to stay safe!

Zoom Fatigue

Now the struggles of college life during a pandemic: getting SICK OF ZOOM!!! I don’t know about you, but I get real tired of sitting at my desk ALLL day long on Zoom calls (I wish I was feeling 22 LOL!!!). Like myself, many college students get real tired of staring at a screen on Zoom all day everyday. It is definitely a STRUGGLE and y’all THE STRUGGLE IS REAL!!! Though some days feel much longer and more like a hassle than others, it is important to remember that you are not alone and that many others feel the same exact way.

Greater Emphasis on Social Media

With many colleges having a major online campus presence, many colleges will be placing a greater emphasis on their social media. I am extremely involved in a few on-campus organizations. Many of them have emphasized that social media will be a key way in reaching students on campus in ways that they have not like ever before. As online events take precedence over in-person one’s, the usage of social media will not only help promote those events, but also keep students engaged and have a sense of belonging on their campus even though it may look a bit different at the moment.

College life most definitely looks different right now due to the coronavirus pandemic. Even though college life has witnessed its several changes since March 2020, it does not mean that the authenticity of the college experience is completely taken away from us college students. It just means that us college students have to find new ways to socialize and engage with one another while remaining safe. During this time, each of us has a special story and experience to share, whether or not we are a college student or even living on campus as a college student, and we will remember these trying times and look back on them many years later. I hope to look on these times with a bittersweet smile on my face and I hope y’all will be able to too.

XOXO – Katie <3

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Fun Ideas To Spice Up Your Next Picnic

With our new and social distancing-embracing world, picnics have become a favorite activity of mine to gather with friends and family. Not only are picnics great to promote social distancing while still seeing those that you love and care about, but they can also bring us together to enjoy a nice meal or to simply catch up. Today, I am going to be sharing some fun ideas to spice up your next picnic, and make them OH SO special during this unique time!

1 – Pick a New Location To Picnic Each Time

Whether on your college campus, somewhere nearby, or both, picnicking at a different place each time allows for you and your crew to explore different places in your area while still enjoying one another’s company. Especially if you and your crew meet regularly to picnic and are able to get around to different places, then picnicking in various places nearby would be such a fun way to explore your local area while catching up with one another. That way, you and your crew can travel together nearby while enjoying each another’s company.

2 – Order Takeout

Just because you’re having a picnic does not mean that you have to have home cooked food each time! While sandwiches, fruit, and chips/crackers to nibble on may be the classic picnic staples, they don’t have to be. From the Cheesecake Factory to Taco Bell to a local favorite, the possibilities for takeout are ENDLESS. Since eating out at restaurants may not be the safest option for everyone, ordering takeout from your favorite places and having a picnic instead can be the next best thing for us all in the meantime!

3 – Make Breakfast Favorites

Okay ladies, let’s make a picnic toast with some mimosas!!! Breakfast for a picnic?! I think YES! From biscuits to pancakes to waffles and everything in between, breakfast is such a staple meal of the day that can be a super fun way to have a picnic with your crew. Let’s just say that I made waffles for a picnic with some friends, and it was a HIT!! You can even spice it up a little more by having a mimosa together, just as if y’all were at your favorite breakfast joint.

4 – Fun Dining Ware

Nothing says a cute picnic like fun plates, napkins, & cutlery! Luckily, places like The Dollar Tree, Walmart, The Christmas Tree Shops, and Target all sell super adorable and affordable party dining ware that can be used for picnics as well. I’ve LOVED finding super cute and fun dining ware, as they do add an extra fun twist to any picnic, and I know you will too!

5 – Bring Something Homemade

There’s nothing better than going to a picnic and showing up to seeing something homemade from the heart. I LOVE making something of my own for a picnic, as I feel it adds an extra touch as if I’m hosting someone in my own apartment. Like being in the kitchen, you can make just about anything to bring on a picnic, just be sure you can transport it. From pizza to a cheese board to pasta and even soup, the possibilities for homemade recipes are NEVER-ENDING!

6 – Do a Craft Together

Nothing says a fun time like a craft party! I know I LOVE doing crafts, especially in social gatherings. While picnics may be the new normal in terms of social gatherings for the time being, it does not mean that we cannot do the activities that we love such as crafting while at it. Craft parties have always been a favorite of mine, through doing activities such as wine and designs, card making, and scrapbooking. Why not do a craft party picnic style?!

7 – Potluck Style

Similar to any social gathering that is not social distanced, why not make a picnic a potluck picnic?! Depending on the size of your crew that you’re meeting for a picnic, it can be pretty tricky to transport everything for your picnic all on your own, which will make having a potluck a much more practical way to go. Likewise, doing a potluck style picnic will also allow everyone that you’re meeting up with to feel included and apart of the picnic. A potluck style picnic is definitely a fun way to go, with it allowing for easy transport of goodies and everyone in your crew to feel included.

8 – Have a Photoshoot Too

A picnic AND a photoshoot?! Let’s give it a GO!!! Since social distancing has brought about several changes in the ways that we gather with our friends, a picnic AND photoshoot will allow you to capture those memories while still gathering. Y’all will simply be gathering in a different way!

9 – Play a Card Game

Cards Against Humanity, What Do You Meme, and Apples To Apples, OH MY! The number of card great games out there is INSANE. This high number of card games will allow you and your crew to eventually find one that y’all will enjoy while picnicking together and making memories all at the same time.

10 – Get in a Walk, Too!

Why not get in a workout too?! There are SO many places that offer walking trails and areas to picnic. If you’re like me, then you may be the type of person who goes for a long walk and then gets hungry and vice versa. Going for a walk and exploring the scenery and enjoying some time setting and taking everything in for a nice picnic is most definitely the best of both worlds! Why not take full advantage of your local parks?!

Social distancing or not, picnics are an excellent way to gather with those you want to see. While picnicking may be the latest and greatest way to catch up with your crew amid the coronavirus pandemic, there are definitely SO many ways to make your picnic super fun and uniquely yours. The most important thing is that you and your crew are able to catch up and make memories together, even if they are done in a different way for now.

XOXO – Katie <3

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How To Get Involved in College During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Whether it be clubs, sports, social events, or all of the above, college life definitely has something for everybody. While it may seem daunting to choose what you may want to get involved in at college, there are several ways to get plugged into college life and figure out where your niche on campus is. For most of us, you will not find your niche of involvement right away, but you will find it. While the coronavirus pandemic may make it a bit harder to figure out what that niche maybe, it is still possible – you just have to think outside of the box. Today, I will be sharing how you can determine what YOU want to do to make your years in college the BEST that they can be even during the Covid-19 pandemic!

Do Your Research!

Before getting onto campus, look up clubs and organizations that may peek your interest. Most colleges and universities have a list of their clubs/organizations on their club website. I would most definitely look up that list and make note of which one’s you’re most interested in. In addition to looking up clubs/organizations that interest you on your college’s website, you can also see if the one’s that interest you have a social media page on Facebook or Instagram. Through doing so, you can most likely see photos of the club/organization’s membership body as well as the events that they do. Then, you can determine whether or not that club/organization is a good potential fit for you to get involved with. Moreover, I would also follow any club/organization’s social media pages, in order to receive updates on events. Whether they may be a club in your intended major, a religious group, a sorority, or an intramural sports team, or all of the above, knowing what clubs interest you will better help you to get plugged into college life.

Attend Club/Organization Fairs

While this may look a little different this Fall in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, I would highly suggest attending any virtual activities that your college offers that allow you to learn more about student life. Although most of us are not sure what club/organization fairs will look like at colleges and universities across the country this Fall, the biggest piece of advice that I can give you is to follow clubs/organizations that seem interesting to you like previously mentioned. One of the best ways to become a part of a club/organization’s membership body is to simply message the club’s social media page to ask to join their potential email list. Club/organization’s email lists are great ways to find out about events, meetings, and fundraisers. With many colleges still doing plenty of events online, email lists are a great way to get reminders sent directly to you about all things going on on your campus, whether virtual and or in-person, especially for things that peek your interest!

Be OPEN!

Even though many aspects of college life may seem daunting or not of your interest, I advise you to remain open to the many possibilities that college life may bring. If your roommate invites you to an event that may not interest you at first, then STILL GO! While many things may not peek our interests at first, it does not mean that way may end up enjoying them and want to get plugged in even more. Staying open to the several opportunities that college brings is extremely important and helps us to grow into the strong, extraordinary people that we are to become in college and beyond. The possibilities in college are ENDLESS, SO GO FOR IT!

Get Out Of YOUR Comfort Zone!

My mother always tells me that the only way you get out of your comfort zone is when you grow. Indeed my mother is right! Want to attend an event virtually or in-person but don’t have anyone to go with?! GO by yourself! Interested in checking out a cafe or restaurant but all of your friends have plans?! GO anyways! Want to try out for a sports team or join a religious group but do not know anyone involved in them already?! DO it anyways! The possibilities are literally out of this world when we do things that make us uncomfortable. Getting out of our comfort zone is a nerve-racking feeling, especially on a virtual platform. However, once we do get out of our comfort zones we allow ourselves to grow and become who we are meant to be in the long run. Personally, I have found the times that were uncomfortable for myself to be the most rewarding times in my life. Guess what?! I wouldn’t be the person I am today if I had not gotten out of my comfort zone and tried new things, alone or not, and I know you will only become your best self if you do just the same.

Stick with What YOU Like

To set the ball straight: you WILL NOT fit in with every club/organization’s student body or interests on your campus and that IS OKAY! The best part of attending college is the diverse student bodies and vast amount of clubs/organizations and activities to do. The best piece of advice I can give you is to stick with what YOU LIKE! If the Book club interests you more than the French club, then focus your time on attending Book club meetings and getting to know your fellow club members. It may take some time, but you WILL find your niche. Simply stick with activities from clubs/organizations and school-wide events that suit your interest, and it will come to you along with likeminded classmates who may become some of your best friends and potentially lifelong friends.

Pandemic or not, college life is daunting! However, if you put in the time and effort to get to know others and yourself, you will truly find your niche. While it may take time to find your place on campus, just know that it IS there waiting for you when you are ready!

XOXO – Katie <3

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My Social Distancing-Friendly Beach Trip

Life is better at the beach, especially during a pandemic! With everything going on in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, being at the beach was a great way to relax and still social distance. While travel may look different this year, especially overnight travel, it does not mean that we can’t still enjoy it. Today, I am going to be sharing my super fun and relaxing experience traveling overnight to Bethany Beach, Delaware on a social distanced beach trip.

Emphasis on Shopping Small

One of the most unique assets of Bethany Beach is the fact that the town only permits small businesses in its area. I find the plethora of small businesses there to make it such a special and down-to-earth traveling experience as well. I have always preferred local businesses when traveling to your typical chain restaurant, and Bethany Beach truly embraces shopping small! Some of my favorite restaurants in the area include: Shaka Shack, Off the Hook, Bethany Diner, The Salted Rim, Grotto Pizza, and Good Earth Market & Organic Farm. Meanwhile, Bonkey’s is definitely one of the best places to indulge in some ice cream. In terms of shops, Candy Kitchen is a super cute candy shop that pops up EVERYWHERE in the area, and my Aunt Sherri is obsessed with it! Besides Candy Kitchen, I have not shopped much in the area, the boardwalk has a lot of options for some t-shirts and souvenirs. The emphasis on small businesses in Bethany Beach makes me really appreciate the area, especially during the pandemic.

Beaches

Above it all, I have found the beaches to be one of the best places to social distance in Bethany Beach. The appeal of social distancing at the beach is that people always come in groups anyways and want to spread out, so pandemic or not it does not make a difference. In fact, I found myself to enjoy the beach more during a pandemic, as people are more likely to keep their distance from other groups, which means I have more space to spread out and sunbathe! Additionally, at Bethany Beach, there are police on the boardwalk and employees at booths to Delaware State Park’s beaches beyond the boardwalk to ensure that only a certain number of groups are on the beach at once. Knowing that people are looking out and ensuring that others are social distancing made me feel a lot more comfortable going to the beach.

Activities

Besides of course going to the beach, Bethany Beach has a lot to offer. Nearby Rehoboth Beach has a ton of outlet shops and a much longer boardwalk with lots of shops and restaurants as well, which I got to spend a day doing. At the same time, Bethany Beach offers mini golf and has arcades nearby, even though we didn’t go since it was crowded. As for outdoor activities and sports, Bethany Beach has many gorgeous and scenic trails and walking paths as well as a brand-new park right by its boardwalk. Many people also bike around the boardwalk area too, which I love to see!

Getting to go to Bethany Beach this summer was such a treat and it was even more fun to do with my family to get that time with them. Bethany Beach has such a strong family-friendly and down to earth atmosphere that made me LOVE it as a sweet beach town. Personally, I always feel that a beach trip is needed at least once a summer, and this summer it was needed more than ever.

XOXO – Katie <3

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Traveling During the Coronavirus Pandemic

At the beginning of this year as any other year, I got real giddy about all of my possible upcoming travels. As it has affected us all, something that starts with a C, known as the coronavirus pandemic has put a halt and has risen a lot of uncertainty on our anticipated travel plans. This year, I had trips in the works to Bethany Beach, Delaware for girl’s and family trips at our family beach house, Charlottesville, Virginia & Charleston, South Carolina for my 21st Birthday, East Grand Lake, Maine & North Lake, New Brunswick, Canada for a family reunion, Emerald Isle, North Carolina & Greenville, North Carolina to visit my roommate in a summer program, Boston, Massachusetts with a hopeful day trip to Newport, Rhode Island to visit my cousin, and a September trip to Asheville, North Carolina with my Honors Program for their annual Fall Trip (luckily, that one has been pushed back to Spring 2021 so fingers crossed!). However, each of those plans has been put on halt. Personally, I hate to say “cancelled”, as I believe that we will ALWAYS have opportunities to travel to the places that may have been crossed off of our bucket lists this year – 2020 is just not the year for some of our trips. While it may be saddening to watch many of our travel plans get put on halt, it DOES NOT mean that we cannot travel; we just have to travel in a different way. Although 2020 may not be the year for us to pack our bags and hop on a plane to someplace far away, it is for sure the year of traveling to places in our own backyards!

Dealing with Travel Uncertainty

Photo taken at Prince William Forest, Triangle, Virginia

I know that for myself, I have experienced the worries of when my next trip will be. For most of us, it appears as if most of our travels will be postponed and/or eventually put off for the 2020 year. While it is extremely hard to not know when your next big trip will be, do not dwell on it. Instead, focus on what you can control and try and explore some place nearby your home or go and visit a friend or family member in a different area (only if you both are comfortable and discuss precautions taken before the visit). Most importantly, remember that you are NOT alone. In fact, pretty much everybody is struggling with the extreme uncertainty that the coronavirus pandemic has brought upon us all, especially as it has affected many of our much-anticipated plans of all kinds. Through it all, we are a community of people that are each going through similar things during this coronavirus pandemic, even if you cannot see it on the surface.

Use This Time as an OPPORTUNITY

Photo taken in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

Even though it is a real damper to see many of our trips be put to a halt, it is definitely not good practice to remain in a rut. Remember that it is OKAY to grief and you have every right to feel all the feels. On the contrary, those sad feelings should not keep you from living your best life, especially when it comes to planning new adventures. In commemoration of some of the trips that you were supposed to take this year, it may be fun to plan a day trip nearby or an overnight trip at a friend or family member’s place to still keep those travel feels going strong! Ever want to explore a trail nearby your house or even a State or National Park within a day trip’s reach?! Then, this is the time do it! Having limited time to travel leaves most of us to choose trips to places that are much further than our own homes, which leaves us with not much time (if any) to explore places nearby. For example, I took a day trip to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia – somewhere I’ve always wanted to visit yet never had the time (more on that later!). If you cannot think of any cool places near your house that you’re interested in visiting, then you may want to try Google searching places within a day trip reach of your hometown and see what pops up. You never know what you can find!

Be Sure You Can Keep Your Social Distance

Photo taken at Burke Lake Park, Burke, Virginia

While a trip to a big city may sound like an appealing day trip if you’re near one, I would not recommend putting it on your 2020 trip radar. The Covid-19 pandemic is still looming upon us, and it is not going away at least for now. That being said, it is important to take social distancing precautions while you travel. ALWAYS bring a mask with you no matter where you go, as you never know when and where you may need it. Consequentially, I would suggest keeping a bottle of hand sanitizer with you in your car and/or in your bag as well. Some of the best trips to take to social distance involve walking and hiking trails as well as parks that may offer opportunities for each. However, I wouldn’t discount towns that may have ice cream shops, cafes, or restaurants where you can social distance and still take a stroll. If you choose to explore a town, I recommend going to one that has some sort of outdoor activities or scenic views where you can still maintain your social distance. Additionally, vineyards/breweries are also a great way to take a fun and scenic day trip while keeping your distance.

My Summer 2020 Travels So Far!

Photo taken in downtown Clifton, Virginia

Although my summer travels do not look anything like I anticipated them to, it does not mean that I have not made the best of the current situation. Instead, I have decided to use 2020 as an opportunity to explore where I live. So far, I have explored: Burke Lake Park in Burke, Virginia, the town of Clifton, Virginia, Sugarloaf Mountain & Sugarloaf Vineyard in Dickerson, Maryland, Fountainhead Regional Park in Fairfax Station, Virginia, the town of Harpers Ferry along the Appalachian Trail in West Virginia, and Prince William Forest in Triangle, Virginia. While they are close to home, I have really loved getting to explore each of these destinations. In fact, Harpers Ferry has been a place that I have been dying to see for a few years now, and little did I know, it is such a gem and a great day trip from Northern Virginia. I never truly knew how great the non-suburbia parts and outskirts of the Washington, DC-Virginia-Maryland tristate area were until just a few weeks ago. Personally, I really wish I got to know my backyard outside of the city a lot sooner!

Photo taken at Sugarloaf Mountain, Dickerson, Maryland
Photo taken at Fountainhead Regional Park, Fairfax Station, Virginia
Photo taken in downtown Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Photo taken at Sugarloaf Vineyard, Dickerson, Maryland

Future 2020 Travels

Photo taken at Holts Landing State Park near Bethany Beach, Delaware

Having traveled to various places close to home, I am very excited about some of the upcoming travels that I have planned for the remainder of 2020. While past the summer is up in the air at the moment, I do have some exciting adventures planned for the rest of the summer. I will be spending about two weeks including the Fourth of July at my family’s beach house in Bethany Beach, Delaware. After a few weeks of relaxing seaside, I will be heading for the mountains for an unplugged few days in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia right nearby Shenandoah National Park. My Big Sis (essentially a mentor and potential best friend for life) from college and I are also planning a vineyard outing in the upcoming week. There is also a creek right by my house that I’m hoping to plan more outings to with family and friends as well (social-distanced of course!). Excitedly enough, I am planning to share posts on my travels to Bethany Beach, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the vineyard that my Big Sis and I visit in the coming weeks!

With most of us scratching to get out of our homes, I highly suggest taking a day trip (or two or three) whenever you can. Travel may not look the same right now, but it does not mean that you cannot get out and explore. What the coronavirus pandemic has taught me is to always prioritize travel. Travel has been one of my biggest passions and has taught me SO much about different people and cultures. At the same time, you do not have to go far to meet and see a new culture – there are so many places within a day’s reach that can provide you with just that! Whether you’re in a small town in Virginia or a big city in Europe, there is always room for learning, growth, and exploration along with culture. Just look around: there is SO MUCH adventure out there!

XOXO – Katie <3

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