SimplyGrand social distancing activities

As a result of COVD-19, you and your family may be struggling to find SimplyGrand ways of having social distancing fun that are cool with everyone.

Here are five suggestions which will allow loved ones to stay together while steering clear of the virus.

FROM BORED TO BOARD

Take a trip back in time and share a piece of your childhood with the kiddos by digging those old board games out of storage. Can’t find them or want to add some new ones to your collection? One spot to check out is Grand Cities Games. In addition to Monopoly, Clue, Sorry and other classics, this locally owned store offers comics, miniatures, RPG products and more. For additional info, go to www.facebook.com/grandcitiesgames. A curbside pickup order may be placed by calling 701-775-8602.

DRIVE BY DESSERTING

When you’ve been cooped up inside and the weather isn’t ideal for a stroll, load up the car with your loved ones and go cruising. First stop is Dairy Queen, where each person can order their favorite creamy sweet treat to-go. Then it’s time for some heart and bear hunting! Y’all may have noticed that area businesses and households have been displaying colorful hearts and teddy bears in their windows. Many of these “hunts” started through local Facebook groups but have now moved beyond virtual walls. Spotting them is an enjoyable pastime that’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Be sure to take a drive by the Visitors Center (4251 Gateway Drive) and check out our SimplyGrand windows! For a list of Greater Grand Forks Dairy Queen locations, click on www.visitgrandforks.com/dining-nightlife.

SWEAT IT OUT

Pretty sure I’m not alone in admitting my daily calorie intake has definitely increased during this pandemic. One awesome way to burn off some of those unwanted pounds is with a new-to-you piece of exercise equipment from Play It Again Sports. They have the perfect machine to keep your spirits and heart rate up during quarantine! Peruse their current inventory and schedule a delivery or curbside pick-up time at www.playitagainsportsgrandforks.com or call 701-795-1424.

SOWING SEEDS OF LOVE

One of Forks’ top nurseries, All Seasons Garden Center, is now selling My Little Sprout House plant and grow kits. There are three to choose from: Flower; Herb and Pesto. Just $15 gets you the soil, seeds, tray, labels and instructions. It’s an excellent activity for adults and kids alike that will literally reap tangible rewards. To order a kit for delivery or curbside pick-up, call 701-746-7777 or click on www.allseasonsgardencenter.com.

THAT’S HOW WE ROLL

You’ve probably heard about how baking has become a popular way to pass the time. While in most parts of the country bread is the preferred recipe; around here, lefse is our carb of choice. Never tried or even heard of lefse (aka Norwegian tortillas)? Uff da! You’re definitely missing out on one delish Up North dish! Made with potatoes, flour, butter and milk, this flatbread is tasty just plain or topped with butter, sugar and/or cinnamon. Preparing it also makes for one fun family project, with each person being assigned a different task – mixing, rolling, griddling, etc. To learn more about how to make it at home and purchase the necessary equipment/accessories, visit our local Home of Economy website and then click on the Home of Lefse link. If you need any of the required ingredients, Hugo’s Family Marketplace happily delivers (www.gohugos.com).

For more information on these and all our SimplyGrand to-dos, stores, dining and more, go to VisitGrandForks.com. We also invite you to follow Visit Grand Forks on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.