This weekend, we enter Phase 4 of Illinois reopening plan. What does this mean for our weekend plans? Many of our favorite zoos, parks and businesses are reopening, with safety measures in place. So, get out and enjoy the beautiful summer weekend, but please take care, since we are far from beating COVID-19. Here are five things you can do around Chicago, including activities from home.
We understand that after months of being cooped up most of us are excited to see the city and businesses begin to open. However, COVID-19 is still present in the community and we urge you to exercise best practices — maintain at least 6 feet of distance, wear a mask and wash your hands properly and frequently — when going out.
Shop: BIDE Virtual Market
BIDE Market, a fully sustainable, plastic-free, vegan, and cruelty-free shopping experience, is back this weekend with their second virtual market on Sunday, June 28th from 1PM – 5 PM. Grab your ticket here and support sustainable brands working hard to make a difference. BIDE Vendors, including Lena Rose Beauty, Town & Anchor, Reprise Activewear and Abby Alley, will offer various discounts as well as free shipping for one day only.
Celebrate: Navy Pier Pride
On Saturday, June 27, Navy Pier will host a day-long celebration of equality, love and the LGBTQ+ community with performances, Pride-themed public art and activities at the newly reopened People’s Pier.
The line-up includes:
- The Vogue School of Chicago
- DJs: VitiGrrl, Rae Chardonnay and Audio Jack
- Radio Gaga
Social distancing measures are enforced, and face coverings and masks are required on site.
Do: Garden Gnomes Workshop
For more information and to register, visit https://lillstreet.com/
Go: Chicago Architecture Center Walking Tours
Make This: Blintz Baked French Toast
Molly Yeh‘s recipe begins with day-old challah bread, which acts as a sponge for a ricotta-and-egg-based custard spiked with cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, vanilla, and a bit of lemon zest. After spending the night soaking in the fridge to absorb all of that gorgeous flavor, the French toast gets baked off until golden brown and topped with fresh blueberries and powdered sugar. Simple, satisfying, and almost entirely prepared the day before brunch — win, win, win! Get the recipe on My Name is Yeh.
How to help:
Many are finding that helping others is an effective way to help combat feelings of powerlessness in the face of COVID-19. Here are some deserving nonprofits, including food pantries, that need your support.
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Macaire Douglas lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband and two sons. She proudly supports Save Abandoned Babies Foundation, a Chicago-based nonprofit organization that works tirelessly to prevent the illegal abandonment of newborns nationwide. Since its inception in 2000, more than 3,600 newborns have been safely surrendered and adopted into loving homes.
