March arriving also signals the beginning of a season change! As we start feeling temperatures warming up along with vaccines rolling out in larger numbers, many of us are restless to get outside. Luckily, there are a handful of things starting up that will help you hold out until those summer temperatures in the area! Read on for some Spring date ideas!
Farmers’ Markets
Spring means the beginning of amazing farmers markets throughout the city. While the traditional Maxwell Street Market will remain closed for now, there are other options for still enjoying fresh, local greens. Green City Market has online delivery or curbside pickup so that you can order the delicious produce right to your home. Plant Chicago is also offering delivery, CSA, and pickup options so that you can enjoy your favorite local vendors safely. Plan pickups or deliveries with your friends and share the great recipes you come up with from your local ingredients!
Plant Nursery Visit/Workshops
The wave of home DIY interest has led many of us to get our hands back into the soil too. While online plant ordering has boomed over the pandemic, there are many local options where you don’t have to worry about your plant getting too shocked through shipping. Garden centers like Gethsemane are still open for browsing and finding your next houseplant. Get a (small) group together to go grab some new green friends to start off the new season! If you aren’t comfortable with going out, many centers like City Grange are allowing for curbside pickup or delivery. They also are offering Zoom “Ask the Expert” consultations, allowing you to plan landscape design, get help with houseplants, or even plot out some edible gardens!
Looking for greenery-based events? The Great Grow Along is a three-day virtual garden festival that will bring you together with speakers, workshops, Q&A sessions, and more on topics like edible gardening, urban gardening, houseplants, and composting! Chicago Botanic Garden also is hosting online horticultural classes during March on fun topics like beekeeping and indoor farming for health and wellness.
Chicago Theater Week
This awesome week of local theater has already kicked off, but there is still plenty to catch! Going through March 7th, you can experience virtual shows right from home from many local theatres! Try a new company with friends virtually, and hold a discussion afterward on your experiences. There are over 100 company options that you can see on the event’s website. Browse and find something that would make a great date night!
Stay safe while celebrating the Spring weather! To stay updated on the latest and most accurate information related to COVID-19, please refer to https://www.cdc.gov/
