Having brunch
“My friend, Kim, and I started a tradition this year called 12 Months of Brunch. Once a month we tried a new spot. When we began sheltering in place, we started ordering carryout from the same restaurant and doing video chats. Obviously, it’s not the same as a dine-in experience, but we still have fun! Hoping to get back to in-person brunching as soon as it’s safe.”
—Kaelyn Dunn, Senior Financial Analyst
Festivals with the fam
“My family and I love checking out seasonal street fairs and festivals when the weather is nice. Our local Polish Fest is canceled this year, but we’re looking forward to re-creating it ourselves when it’s safe to do so. We’ll just be eating pierogi at home in the meantime.”
—Lisa Kaminski, Associate Editor
Traveling back home
“I’m looking forward to traveling back to Southern Maryland to be with my family. Over the summer we usually buy a bushel of Chesapeake blue crabs and load on the Old Bay for a family dinner on the back of our boat. Instead, I’m creating the feeling at home by whipping up these Old Bay recipes.”
—Nicole Doster, Senior Editor
Tailgating and baseball games
“I miss spending Sunday afternoons in the parking lot before a baseball game, grilling and playing bags for hours until we head in to watch the Brewers. Crossing my fingers that we get to batter up in 2020.”
—Lara Eucalano, Senior Editor
Visiting local cafes
“Coffee shops were such an important part of my routine, and I can’t wait until I can go work at them with friends—or sneak in a live show on the patio at my favorite cafe.”
—Sydney Watson, Visual Designer
Checking off foodie bucket lists
“I can’t wait to continue my Milwaukee Pretzel Tour! Before the safer at home order, I was having fun going to different restaurants with my boyfriend and trying all of the amazing giant pretzels Milwaukee has to offer. I’m especially looking forward to hitting up some beer gardens when they reopen.”
—Katie Bandurski, Assistant Editor
Trying new regional dishes
“As much as we enjoy cooking at home and ordering contactless meal delivery to support local small businesses and restaurants, I really really miss traveling and experiencing new-to-me regional cuisines. Especially looking forward to my rescheduled honeymoon in Portugal!”
—Gina Burke, Strategic Growth & Optimization Manager
Visiting wineries
“I’m craving a trip to Door County, Wisconsin, right now. They’ve got so many attractions—the amazing wineries are my favorite. A winery tour and wine tasting plus the sights of beautiful Lake Michigan are perfect ways to spend some time off. I’m hoping to sip some raspberry wine this summer at my favorite orchard.”
—Claire Krieger, Visual Designer & Photo Researcher
In-person happy hours
“I’m missing time spent with my family and friends out at our favorite spots around town, especially for happy hours and brunch! I can’t wait to ‘cheers’ with them once we are back to normal. Until then, we’ll enjoy virtual get-togethers.”
—Christina Herbst, Assistant Editor
Traveling for fun
“I miss traveling! I can’t wait to get out of town as soon as the coast is clear.”
—Rachel Wilke, Senior Social Media Editor/Designer
Sharing food with family and friends
“When we all go out together, my family loves sharing so everyone gets to taste a bit of the menu. This oversized Bloody Mary was one of our favorite sharables with cheese, sausage, celery, cocktail onions, pickled mushrooms, shrimp, sliders and an entire fried chicken. Whew! Soon enough we’ll be back at it again and probably craving another one!”
—Caroline Stanko, Associate Editor
Showing my child the world
“My husband and I invested in family passes to the zoo and a handful of local museums, so our little guy can learn more about the world around him. We can’t wait to reconnect with our favorite animals and exhibits (dinosaurs! bugs! the gift shop!). Until then, we’re happy to take virtual tours instead.”
—Ellie Martin Cliffe, Deputy Editor
Spa services
“I’m really missing professional spa and self-care services. DIY spa products at home are nice, but nothing can replicate what the pros can do.”
—Zoe Braun, Senior Financial Analyst
Date nights
“I’m looking forward to going back to my favorite Mexican restaurant. During the summer, my husband and I walk to our go-to spot at least once a month. We sip margaritas, munch on the best chips and salsa in town, and chow down on enchiladas. It’s the perfect mid-week date night. Even though we can make our own margs and Mexican food at home, it will be nice to get out again and support one of our favorite local restaurants.”
—Emily Racette Parulski, Senior Editor
Going to the movies
“I am so excited to go to the movies again! It seems silly because I’m watching tons of movies now, but I have a weekly tradition of going to the theater with my aunt and uncle. I miss the time with them, and I’m looking forward to movie theater popcorn. In the meantime, I’ll make popcorn on the stove.”
—Maggie Knoebel, Culinary Assistant
Birthday parties
“Both of my kids have summer birthdays, so I’m looking forward to having family and friends over to celebrate after quarantine. And you can’t forget the birthday cake!”
—Peggy Woodward, Senior Food Editor
The post 16 Things We Can’t Wait to Do When Quarantine Ends appeared first on Taste of Home.
Lisa Kaminski