The $2-trillion dollar question: When can we travel again?
There’s no clear answer. The Covid-19 curve needs to flatten then completely disappear before travelers take back to the skies (for now, road trips are gaining popularity). While travel in general may be limited, many places across America are becoming creative for travelers who are craving art, music and experiences.
Now more than ever, destinations in the U.S. are offering social distance travel events that promote and ensure guest safety, like Live Nation’s instantly famous drive-thru concert series. Adhering to strict guidelines that minimize staff and guest interaction and enforcing social distancing, these events are safe to consider.
From drive-thru art museums to concerts from your hotel balcony, here’s 7 socially-distance music, film and art events happening across America.
1. “Safe & Sounds” Concerts at Pasea Hotel & Spa
In Huntington Beach, Pasea Hotel & Spa has arranged for guests to watch local live bands from the comfort of their balconies on Friday and Saturday nights. Guests can have a bottle of champagne delivered straight to the room during the performance. It’s one of the city’s best social distance travel events.
2. Live Music & Movies in Asbury Park
In Asbury Park, New Jersey, guests can experience a “car-less” drive-in event at The Asbury hotel’s Baronet, an outdoor space located on the 6th floor with views over Asbury Park and the Atlantic Ocean. In the evenings, the space transforms into an outdoor cinema, open to the public and showing a variety of movies projected on a 20 foot movie wall as the sun sets.
The venue is also now adorned with social distancing decal squares similar to the circles in New York City’s Domino Park, to encourage social distancing. This season’s schedule, which includes favorites such as Despicable Me and The Notebook can be found here.
A few floors up is The Asbury’s Salvation, a rooftop destination for the best views in Asbury Park coupled with innovative cocktails, renowned DJs and a sophisticated beach vibe. Reopened to the public with reservations and social distancing guidelines in place, the venue is now hosting weekend “Sun(sets)” live music acts. Upcoming artists can be found here.
3. “Concerts in Your Car” in Ventura, California
In the beach town of Ventura, California, the fairgrounds have been transformed into a drive-in concert venue. Guests can catch top musical acts including Third Eye Blind, Fitz and the Tantrums, Sublime and more. This new pop-up entertainment concept allows guests to enjoy live music from the comfort and safety of their own cars.
4. Drive-In Art Gallery in St. Pete/Clearwater, Florida
Art lovers can social distance while enjoying local art in St. Pete, Florida thanks to the new drive-in Theater Art Gallery offering 80+ outdoor murals created by local, national, and international artists. The murals are curated by the SHINE Mural Festival, and have now been outfitted with a brand new technology, PixelStix, allowing each mural to tell a 3 to 5 minute digital narration about the piece and the artist that created it.
5. Socially Distant Art in Dallas, Texas
Get your art fix at Dallas Arts District, the largest contiguous urban arts district in the nation, spanning 68 acres and 19 contiguous blocks. The Nasher Sculpture Centre is currently running its Nasher Windows programme; a new series of exhibitions sited within the Nasher’s entrance vestibule on Flora Street. It’s a great social distance travel event in Texas.
The installations are viewable through the windows from the outside of the museum and provide exhibition space for North Texas-based artists, while offering the public an accessible way to view art while the building is closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
6. Drive-In Movies and Dining in Rhode Island
Operating in Blackstone Valley since 1951, Rustic Drive-In has re-opened for the summer screening some of the most popular movies of the year under the Rhode Island sky.
Perfect for date night and family dinners, it’s an easy way to social distance and catch a great flick. New safety guidelines will ensure a stress-free night of entertainment.
7. Astronomy Festival in Badlands National Park, South Dakota
The Annual Badlands Astronomy Festival taking place at the Badlands National Park in South Dakota celebrates the beauty of the night sky and the wonder of space exploration, taking place this year on Friday, August 14.
Novices and experts can enjoy daily family-friendly activities, evening presentations and nightly telescope viewings, or simply drop by to stargaze in their own corner of the Great Plains and away from light pollution.
Have you been to any social distance travel events? Let us know in the comments below.
More stories:
A 9-step guide to travel safely during Covid-19
4 famous road trips to take in America
9 airline predictions based on aftermath of 9/11 and Great Recession (2008)
7 positive predictions for travel after coronavirus pandemic
Airlines are still flying planes with no passengers during the coronavirus pandemic. Here’s why.
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Jimmy Im has traveled to 113 countries, stayed in over 600 hotels and has flown a million airmiles. He lives in New York City.