My Post-Quarantine To Do List

I think some of the mantra that is getting us through quarantine is that we are all really in this together. A lot of my immediate circle has been really great at sticking to the social-distancing rules. But, no matter how much we all know this, I think we're still allowed to complain a little bit sometimes. Honestly, this isn't an ideal situation for anyone. Part of what is getting me through this is making a mental to do list of the things I'm most excited for when this is over. Even with things starting to open up, it definitely has me thinking about things I still can't do yet.

Skiing: I just purchased my IKON prices before prices go up. It came with insurance that if we can't ski in the 20/21 season, it will be valid for the 21/22 season. I buy a pass every year so I am definitely okay with this guarantee, but it does have me wondering if skiing in the winter will be what we're used to. The only ski resort in Colorado that opened up this season was Arapahoe Basin. They opened with the restriction of 600 skiiers on the mountain at a time. Those 600 skiiers could not show up without a reservation and getting a reservation turned out to be quite difficult. Hopefully, this policy will not carry over into this ski season for other resorts. But after cutting our season short, I think we'll all just be excited to get back out there.

Movie Theaters: I never thought I would be so hyped for this, but right before quarantine, my boyfriend and I bought season passes to Alamo Drafthouse. This is my favorite movie theater in Denver - it's more of an experience than a movie theater. They sell season passes for $15 a month and you can go to one movie per day. It's also an easy walk from my house. We used it once before quarantine. They did send me a survey email to fill out to see what people's opinions of them opening with restrictions was. I was all for it, but so far there hasn't been a set date for them to come back.

Happy Hour: This is open with restrictions in Denver, but I haven't gone yet. I did go to brunch once and it was relatively the same experience as going to brunch has always been. Luckily it's summer now, so rooftop and patio happy hours shouldn't be too far away for me.

Theme Parks: Theme parks like Lakeside and Elitch's don't have opening dates yet. My new house is very close to both of them, so of course I would love to go. We bought a season pass to Elitch's last year for around $50 per person. We didn't use it as much as we would've liked so we held off this year and I'm glad we did as they aren't going to be as valuable if they open later. I can also see how it would be tough for these places to open with restrictions.

All in all, it's going to be a very different summer that we're going to have to make the best of. It may even end up being good for us if we're creative. We've already hiked a lot more and we've lined up a lot more camping trips than we usually do. Even if it is the quarantine that's pushing the outdoors on me, I'll take it. It's the best time to be a tourist in your own state - there's a reason you live there so make the best of it. We'll be back to normal some day, but as of now it really is bigger than all of us.