Nashville moved into Phase 1 of its reopening plan on Monday, May 11 and with segments of life beginning a shift toward the new normal, we have a few more options for entertaining ourselves while maintaining social distancing. In this initial phase, retail shops and restaurants can open at 50% capacity, while all entertainment venues remain shuttered in an effort to curb close social contact. Not everyone will feel comfortable going into enclosed spaces away from home, so here are six creative ways to get out of the house and have a little fun, while still maintaining social distancing in Nashville.
Drive-in movie
The drive-in theater is a retro alternative to the traditional movie theater making a comeback amid calls for social distancing. The family-owned Stardust Drive-In Theatre in Watertown, Tenn., is open but operating at half capacity to allow for more space between vehicles. On weekends, guests are encouraged to arrive an hour before showtime to ensure entry and snag a good parking spot. The Moonlite Drive-In in Woodbury, just under 20 miles east of Murfreesboro, opens for the season on Friday, May 15th to serve the greater Nashville community. Both concession stands will be open (Stardust is accepting online orders to decrease contact; Moonlite staff will wear masks and gloves with a plexiglass shield at the order counter) and are an important part of the way theaters earn any income. Otherwise a food permit ($8 at both Stardust and Moonlite) will enable guests to bring in outside food and beverages to enjoy a completely contact-less movie theater experience.
Nashville’s Percy Warner Park
Take a hike
Greenways and trails are open and excellent places to get some fresh air and exercise while still social distancing. Some of our favorite local hikes are the Narrows at the Harpeth, Percy Warner Park, Beaman Park and Henry Horton State Park. Group sizes must remain small, and social distancing must be maintained between separate parties.
Berry picking!
Spring and summer offer some of the best seasonal produce, and picking your own berries alleviates some of the contamination concern that may occur when shopping in traditional grocery stores. Woodall Farms in Springfield, TN is opening up to visitors for strawberry picking while maintaining social distancing practices. Kelley’s Berry Farm also has strawberries ripe for picking, and, as the summer season progresses blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries will be ready to pick in June, July and August, respectively. Kelley’s Berry Farm is open for pick-your-own-berries Monday - Saturday from 7am - 6pm.
I Dream of Weenie
Pick up a picnic
There’s no better spot to enjoy this shoulder-season weather than the great outdoors. Grab a blanket and make a pit stop at your favorite local restaurant for take-out and settle in at a park or your backyard to eat al fresco. East side wine bar Lou and downtown cafe D’Andrews Bakery both offer curated picnic packs to-go. Or, consider Southernaire Market, Corner Market Catering or Proper Bagel for an excellent array of deli sandwiches, salads and sides perfect for designing your own spread. For the bun-clad perennial picnic favorite, swing by I Dream of Weenie, a spot practically designed for socially distant diners and order ahead online for completely contactless payment.
Pro Tip: Check with the restaurant when you’re ordering which utensils and paper products will come with your meal, and be sure to pack any additional supplies you’ll need from home.
Mural scavenger hunt
Hop in your car, break out your bike or just take a stroll around your neighborhood and document all the murals you find. Nashville’s iconic photo-op murals are mainstays in popular neighborhoods, but now that amateur artists are getting in the game with temporary chalk installations popping up on sidewalks all over town, there’s more urban art than ever to discover. Check out Nashville Public Art for a map of all the public art installations around town if you need help scouting your hunt.
We’ve created a FREE Nashville Street Art Scavenger Hunt Bingo Card to give the outing a competitive edge, should you choose. Each time you reload the page a new Bingo card will generate, so everyone can play on their own card.
Five Daughters Bakery
Dessert party
My mom, a nurse for more than 30 years and a steady stream of stalwart advice, always says; “Stressed is just desserts spelled backwards. So if you’re stressed, eat dessert first.” I say we take a page out of Nurse Becky’s playbook and celebrate the stellar sugar-dealing institutions in Nashville: Sweet 16th Bakery; the Cupcake Collection; D’Andrews Bakery; Yeast Nashville, Dozen Bakery and Goo Goo Cluster just to name a few. Design your dream dessert spread by selecting one baked good or confection from a couple of local spots and host a sampling party!
Share your social distancing destinations
As we navigate these new socially distanced norms, we’d love to hear what you’re up to in Nashville! Share your favorite socially distanced destinations in our comments section below.
Note: these tips are for families that are already self-isolating together, and offer ways to explore Nashville while maintaining a safe distance from others to help ensure the health of everyone. As always, please continue to follow all social distancing guidelines issued by Metro Nashville and the CDC.