How to stay social with social distancing

By Skylar Bridgeforth

Since January, COVID-19 has placed a damper on many events, including concerts, movie premieres, and summer vacations. Through all this, businesses have quickly adapted their procedures to fit new social distancing guidelines. Even though a night out may look different than it did last year, there are still many fun activities to do around Cleveland.

With “spooky season” knocking on our door, one spooktacular and socially distanced activity is grave rubbings. Grab a crayon and a piece of paper and get ready to experience a unique part of Cleveland’s history. Erie Street Cemetery, residing on E. 9th, holds almost 8,000 burials dating back to 1827 also happens to be the oldest cemetery in Cleveland.

Mapleside Farms is a popular attraction for Cleveland natives. With its apple orchards and pumpkin patches, Mapleside has activities for adults and children alike. The Apple House will open on Sep. 15 and the Pumpkin Village will make its newly modified debut on Sep. 19. The Pumpkin Village will be open to those who purchase tickets in advance online and starting Sep. 20 through Nov. 1, Saturdays and Sundays will have a different theme each weekend.  

Mapleside is offering a new attraction called The Magic of Halloween. This drive-up, multi-sensory show lasts 20-25 minutes where the sights and sounds of the season will come alive. This event will be offered every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night starting Sep. 17. Tickets for the Pumpkin Village can be found here.

Film connoisseurs and 80s/90s cult classic fans will revel in the double feature hosted by Masonic Cleveland. The Blue Velvet and Wild at Heart film series takes place on Sep. 19 with doors opening at 5 pm and the show starting at 6 pm. Tickets are not available at the door and must be purchased in advance. Tickets can be purchased here.

Even though movie theatres have not been able to open, drive-ins have shot up in popularity. The Aut-o-Rama drive-in theatre is located in North Ridgeville, Ohio. This theatre has two screens- one of which usually has child-friendly films- and shows everything from Finding Dory to It. Because of this at any time during the week, there is something showing likely to suit everyone’s fancy. Tickets can be purchased here.

For those more outdoor inclined, Kayaking Ohio will be hosting a Glow Kayaking event on Oct. 2 at 7 pm in Downtown Fremont. This event is no charge for those that own a watercraft. Those that don’t can rent one by booking online. Glow sticks will be provided to decorate crafts. Participants will paddle up the Sandusky River under the harvest moon. Bookings can be made here.