Things are slowly starting to move back to some sort of new normal this summer. While we all still need to take precautions, the green phase is allowing for socially distant events in Chester County for you to enjoy. From dining out to gathering for performances, establishments are trying to make enjoying the summer months as safe and healthy as possible for everyone during these trying times. Here are some ways you can spend your time, socially distanced, over the next couple of months.
Dine Out
West Chester is known for its expansive dining offerings and the green phase means that we can get back to enjoying them in person once again. Many neighborhood favorites are offering a mix of outdoor and indoor dining this summer to accommodate the safety of staff and patrons. Sip a pint at Iron Hill Brewery or enjoy a fresh smoothie from Jaco Juice & Taco Bar along Gay Street. Head to Market Street Grill for indoor and outdoor dining. There is a range of options when it comes to patronizing your local favorites in person during the green phase in West Chester.
Shop
Many of downtown West Chester’s retail businesses are open for in-person shopping during Pennsylvania’s green phase. From salons to boutiques to galleries, the places you love are ready to welcome you back to their stores. While stores are now open to the public, you should expect some new procedures including a mask-wearing requirements and an emphasis on contactless payment and social distancing, which may result in wait times depending on the size of the establishment.
Support Local
You might not feel safe heading out to socially distant events in Chester County or patronizing local businesses in person just yet. That’s fine! What you can do to continue to support the businesses that you love in your community is either opt for takeout or curbside services (as many of them are continuing to provide that option) or you can pick up a gift card. The West Chester Gift Card program allows you to purchase a gift card to use at any number of participating businesses in the area. You can use one portion at one business and save the rest for a another and they never expire, so whenever you do feel comfortable heading back out in public, you’ll have essentially prepaid your way!
Open-Air Marketplace
West Chester is forming the city’s first open-air marketplace this summer! As a result of the pandemic, being in confined quarters with others isn’t advisable but everyone still wants to be able to support the local businesses they know and love. So West Chester is closing down Gay Street to vehicle traffic and turning it into an open-air marketplace. There will be hand-sanitizing stations, masks, and signs to inform people about safety procedures when enjoying the marketplace. The borough plans to keep the marketplace going through the fall until the weather is too cold. Four blocks of Gay Street from Matlack to Darlington will be closed to vehicle traffic during this time. Stroll along, in the open air, and enjoy lots of local businesses safely! For updates on rules and procedures, visit the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce.
As always, when you’re planning which socially distant events in Chester County you’ll participate in this summer, it’s important to stay updated on local and state regulations regarding COVID-19. Things can change rapidly, as we’ve all seen, so make sure you’re informed on the latest guidelines and requirements before heading out to enjoy beautiful downtown West Chester. Stay safe and healthy!
Thinking about moving to downtown West Chester? View our Reinhold Residential apartment communities, including Sharples Works in West Chester. Contact our leasing agents to learn more.