Quarantine: Milwaukee Style

Greetings Milwaukee!

I hope you and your loved ones are doing well amidst this pandemic.  As most of us are (or should be!) sheltering at home, I thought I would put together of ways to fill our time and maintain our sanity while cooped up inside.  In no particular order, here are 10 Milwaukee-centric activities that can be done from the comfort of your own home:

1. Support your local small businesses – Whether you order delivery, pickup, or just buy a gift card to use later, there is no shortage of options. In fact, many restaurants that have never had delivery options are now offering it.  Check out an updated list of places here
2. Go to our virtual zoo – Even though it is closed to the public Milwaukee County’s zoo offers live webcam streaming of all your favorite animals so you can get a peak at what they are up to
3. Take a walk in one of Milwaukee County’s over 150 parks – If you feel the need to stretch your legs and breathe in some fresh air for a change, head over to your favorite park or perhaps explore one you have never been to before. Just remember, even when you are outside you should still be observing social distancing!  If you get somewhere and see it packed full of people though, please turn around and head somewhere less crowded
4. Request an absentee ballot for the April 7^th election – Currently the deadline to register online is March 30^th although you can request a ballot be mailed to you until April 3^rd. Due to the emergency, you do not need to upload a photo of your ID to register online
5. Fill out your census form online – By now everyone should have received a notice in the mail asking you to complete this year’s census online. The more people that fill it out online means fewer census workers will need to go door-to-door later on which saves resources and time
6. Check out your favorite YouTube channel – My personal favorite is Milwaukee-based Redlettermedia, which features hilarious and insightful movie reviews and other content
7. Experience Milwaukee’s museums online – While closed, the Milwaukee Art Museum has online content to check out. The website features numerous ways to enjoy the museum virtually, through guided tours, exhibit videos, and behind the scenes information
8. Attend a virtual happy hour – Because this is Wisconsin, of course we would find a way to still have a happy hour. There are a number of online happy hour and networking events being scheduled.  If turnout is good, I imagine more will follow
9. Check out the library online – Milwaukee libraries have a huge amount of material that is accessible online for anyone with a library card to enjoy
10. Dance! – Milwaukee Dance Works is offering free online classes to help get you moving and blow off some steam while you are at it

As we continue adjusting to this new reality we find ourselves in, more places will likely start to offer online/virtual experiences to keep our community connected and entertained. How have you been staying busy, Milwaukee? Comment below!