SimplyGrand virtual fun for everyone

As we battle our way through this pandemic, finding social distancing approved ways to have a good time requires a little extra thought and creativity.

I’m giving a high five to the following SimplyGrand virtual to-dos!

TUNES ON TAP

Being cooped up inside gotcha feeling the blues? Get tuned up courtesy of Alerus Center! Their original online concert series will feature a talented local artist performing LIVE, every Friday night, on the Alerus Center’s Facebook page. It kicks off April 24, beginning at 7 PM, with Daniel Knight and runs through June 12. Other featured artists include Danny Moffitt, Leslie Jane and “The Voice” contestant, Jozy Bernadette. If you wanna wet your whistle while you listen, make a pre-concert stop at Happy Harry’s, Rhombus Guys Brewing Company or Half Brothers Brewing Company and pick up some brews to take home.

HEAT THINGS UP

Whether you consider yourself the next Rachael Ray or one of the country’s worst cooks, everyone can have fun mixing things up in the kitchen. Dust off that old church cookbook or better yet, go online and find some social media sites offering up great new recipes. A few of my favorite Facebook pages are “Tasty”, “Café Delites” and “Delish”. I may be a little biased but as a huge fan of both Molly Yeh and my coworker, Stephanie Bernstrom, you also need to check out the “SimplyGrand Dishing with Steph: From Yeh to Yah, That’s Good” weekly blog at VisitGrandForks.com. She will provide step-by-step instructions so you, too, can cook like a Food Network star!

SHAKE IT OFF

Have you fallen prey to packing on the “COVID 19” (as in 19 pounds)? One awesome way to burn off a few of those extra calories is with an online workout. Both Choice Health & Fitness and Achieve Therapy & Fitness have virtual classes everyone can partake in such as step, cycling and yoga. Check out their Facebook pages for a list of upcoming events.

FLAVORS TO SAVOR

No plans for the weekend? Why whine about it when you can wine 'n dine instead thanks to Ely’s Ivy! Chef Scott Franz and his talented culinary crew have announced a unique Weekend Wine Tasting Series that makes for a perfect date night at home or Zoom party with friends. Each weekend you'll have the option to sample three to four wines paired with a chef curated snack plate designed to enhance the wine tasting experience. A set of four half glasses of vino and one tasting plate is just $25. Plan ahead and schedule your order now for a future Friday or Saturday tasting event by going to the Ely’s Ivy Facebook page.

EXPRESS YOURSELF

Attention all artists and artists-in-the-making! During this new age of social distancing, the North Dakota Museum of Art (NDMOA) invites you to participate in an experimental exhibition entitled “Art in Isolation”. This call is open to everyone regardless of age or skill level. The subject may be how you are dealing with the social, political and health situation facing the world today. All forms of creative expression are welcome including PDF or JPEG of Photographs, Digital Art, Painting, Drawings, Printmaking, Sculpture, Installation, Poems, Writings, Music, Sound and Performance. To participate, email images of your work to NDMOA and they will print it on copy paper (8.5x11/black and white) to later be installed in one of the Museum’s galleries. The goal is to cover a gallery wall making one large masterpiece comprised of individual works. Submission deadline is 5 PM on May 1, 2020. More details may be found on NDMOA's Facebook page.

Have any cool social distancing activities/ideas you’d like to share? If so, please email them to shelley@visitgrandforks.com and they may just be featured in an upcoming blog!

For information about all our SimplyGrand events, attractions, restaurants, stores and more, go to VisitGrandForks.com. We also invite you to follow Visit Grand Forks on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.