No Plans? No Problem! Your "Things to Try, DIY & Buy" Weekend Itinerary is Here

A continuing series about  awesome social distance activities in DC to keep you entertained during the outbreak and inspired to keep daydreaming about your next adventure in the Nation's capital

 It's still April isn't it? Or is it May already?

The weekdays are starting to run together in a foggy blur, but there are plenty of virtual and social-distance-safe weekend entertainment options out there to help keep your sanity and help support local DC businesses during the coronavirus shutdown.

If you've almost out of virtual museums and exhibits to explore, we've put together an itinerary of things to try, DIY and buy this weekend.

9:00am: Turn your home into the hottest brunch spot in town

The weekends are made for some hard-core brunching. Just because you’re self-isolating at home doesn’t mean you have to do without chef-crafted crab eggs benedict or avocado toast. Stay in your jammies and order from one of Washingtonian’s best brunch and brekkie options. And if you’re yearning for a boozy brunch (which, of *course* you are, Piccolina da Centrolina is selling $40 make-your-own “bottomless” mimosa kits, and Stable DC is selling a tamer to-go mimosa kit for $23. Accompany your meal with a good book from one of DC’s amazing independent bookstores.

10:30am: Namaste! Take a virtual yoga class

Join the US Botanic Gardens and WithLoveDC on Saturdays as they continue the USBG’s weekly community yoga class. Typically offered on-site at the USBG Conservatory or outdoor gardens, the Garden is offering a virtual yoga experience to continue the program for community health and well-being. You will be guided through a one-hour meditation and yoga practice via this link. Space is still first-come, first-serve, only the first 500 yogis to log in will be able to practice.  If you’re looking for something more intense, try one of these online workouts.

12:00pm: DIY ramen lunch

Nothing says comfort food like ramen. Get your noodle and broth fix with a vegan miso (with tofu) or shoyu ramen (with pork) kit from Ramen by Uzu that includes all the fixins (fresh noodles, broth, and garnishes). Pick up some green tea and Pocky sticks while you’re at it!

1:30pm: Explore DC's heritage trails

Get outside and take a stroll along one or more of Cultural Tourism’s Neighborhood Heritage Trails.  Each trail offers a one- to two-mile trek punctuated by large poster-sized markers that combine stories, historic photographs and maps to bring DC history and culture to life.  There are 17 heritage trails throughout the city, so pick one and get some fresh air! Before you go on any tours, though, check the Cultural Tourism D.C. website for intel on where to pick up tour pamphlets—there’s even a mobile app with audio to make your walking tour an immersive experience.

3:00pm: Wine, shopping + live music

Enjoy Art Hop & Wine with Takoma Main Street online all weekend with local shopping and live music. Pieces from local artists are already available online to peruse as well as the details on the best wine deals from the neighborhood. Grab yourself a bottle or two and check out live performances from Mr. Gabe, Jon Morrow, and a local drum circle. The majority of the performances will be streamed on Facebook. You’re also invited to donate to Takoma’s Microgrant Fund. 

5:00pm: Dessert before dinner? Why not!

Sprinkles Cupcakes is offering daily at-home cupcake kits to tempt your sweet tooth. The sets come with four or 12 assorted, un-iced cupcakes plus frosting, sprinkles, and a spatula for you to do the edible artistry yourself. If you’d prefer to do the baking as well, you can order their retail set of cupcake mix, baking cups, and a Sprinkles spatula.

6:30pm: Meal kits, they're what's for dinner

It’s not DiGiorno, it’s Geppetto Catering -- and thank goodness for that. This local catering company recently launched a line of stay-at-home packages that they can deliver straight to your door with free, contactless delivery. The kit serves four (or could serve just you four times) and comes with dough, locally made sauce, cheese, and your choice of curated toppings such as meat lover’s or garden veggie. Each meal kit also includes a Caesar salad and a six-pack of beer or soda. If you’re looking for a  little less DIY end to your day,  order in or pick-up a ready-to-eat entree from an independent DC dining spot (not a franchise).

8:00pm: Filmfest DC and chill

Skip Netflix and spend the night chilling and watching FIlmfest DC. The virtual festival will initially run from April 23 until May 21. The team will roll out at least one feature and one short film per week, which will be available until the following week. Viewers can stream them for free via the Filmfest D.C. website. Each cycle will include at least one locally made movie and a bonus opportunity to view a film that sold out in past years.

Curious? There's more!

• Super Size Edition: Parents' COVID Survival Guide
• Book Lovers: Feed Your Addiction at DC's Independent Bookstores
• 9 Ways to Turn Your Home Into a Sanctuary