As the social-distancing guidelines continue, more businesses and nonprofits are getting creative in the ways they serve the community. There are enough virtual events out there to keep you just as busy and entertained as you’d be in the height of season, with something worth checking out every day.
This week, these are some of the best local restaurants, artists and shops enticing us to ‘get out of the house’ without actually leaving the safety of our homes. From a virtual 5k to celebrate Earth Day to an online wine tasting with Angelina’s Ristorante, here’s everything to put on your agenda for the perfect week in.
All week, 4/19-25: Run a Virtual 5K with Running Friends of SWFL and Millennial Brewing Company
Running Friends of SWFL teamed up with Millennial Brewing Company to present Run for the Trees: Virtual 5K/10K Run—a solidarity race in support of nature for Earth Day. For every run completed, the nonprofit will plant a tree in Southwest Florida. You simply sign up for $20 and use a run-tracker app or device to log your miles, then upload your results to the website before Saturday April 25th to join the cause.
Tuesday, 4/21, 3 p.m.: Talk Fashion with Marissa Collections
Marissa Collections has kept its fashion game strong by hosting live chats on social media with renowned designers, who share a glimpse into their lives and inspirations. On Tuesday afternoon, CEO Jay Hartington chats with jeweler and artist Todd Reed during the Instagram Live Link Up series.
Wednesday, 4/22, 4 p.m.: Take a Classical Music Break with the Grand Piano Series
Though the classical pianist group’s normal performances have been halted for the safer-at-home mandate, the musicians from the Grand Piano Series are still playing. Join pianist and harpsichordist Magdalena Baczewska in Coffee Time With Magdalena for a Zoom chat to discuss her upcoming album Debussy and how the performer and Columbia University professor is staying inspired in quarantine.
Thursday, 4/23, 9 a.m.: Dance it Out with The Naples Players
This theater company has really stepped up to keep the arts alive during the pandemic. From yoga classes to mask sewing to anxiety-beating improv sessions, The Naples Players have kept up a robust schedule. Tune in on Thursdays morning for the Adult Dance Meet-Up, a contemporary dance class suitable for all levels. The class is free, but a $10 donation is encouraged.
Friday Afternoon, 4/24, 3:30 p.m.: Go Behind the Scenes with Florida Repertory Theatre
Artistic director Greg Longenhagen and his team at the Florida Rep have been streaming virtual events, like its successful virtual, jam sessions with local musicians and the Stage@Home series, which airs Fridays at 3:30 p.m. The event will include a discussion with the design and creative team behind the musical A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, which the Rep performed in February.
Friday Night, 4/24, 5:30 p.m.: At-Home Wine Tasting with Angelina’s Ristorante
Famed for its impressive wine program, Angelina’s Ristorante is here to keep you wined and dined, even in quarantine. This Friday night, wine director and sommelier Dinah Leach hosts a Virtual Wine Tasting via Facebook Live. Call the restaurant to place an order for a $75 tasting package with a bottle of the Zenato Pinot delle Venezie DOC 2018, the Il Grigio da San Felice Chianti Classico Riserva 2014, and the Grattamacco Bolgheri Rosso 2018, along with a perfectly paired antipasti platter. Pick up your kit curbside, or request delivery for a social-distancing wine dinner with friends. 239-390-3187
Saturday, 4/25, 4 p.m.: Virtual Crawfish Boil with The Boys and Girls Club of Collier County
The team at the Boys and Girls Club of Collier County relies on its annual Crawfish Boil to fund its programs. With the live event canceled, Regina Peña and her husband, Dr. Manuel Peña, of Peña Plastic Surgery in Naples, offered to host the event virtually on Facebook Live. The $50 ticket not only supports the nonprofit, but scores you access to Dr. Peña’s coveted sangria recipe.