Respite

After a turbulent spring of closed playgrounds and shuttered restaurants, distance learning on the sofa, and hosting office meetings at the kitchen table, our feelings of fear and uncertainty turned to fatigue and restlessness as we wondered how long the shutdowns would last.

Now that summer has started and the state has reopened, many of us are looking for respite, which is defined as a short period of rest or relief from something difficult or unpleasant. And whether you were simply inconvenienced by the closures or had the unfortunate experience of contracting COVID-19, we can all agree that this past spring was certainly, well, unpleasant.

So perhaps you need a moment to yourself or maybe you’re looking for something to do to get the family out of the house. These activities are designed to offer the ultimate R&R after a spring spent on-edge indoors.

TAKE A WALK AROUND DOWNTOWN

Stop at Boulder Coffee for a to-go iced latte, then wander around taking downtown. Put your headphones in to tune into a new podcast, or leave the technology at home and enjoy the sounds of birds tweeting, restaurants opening for the day, and children playing at the Triangle.

READ A BOOK ON THE SHORES OF SHELL LAKE

Some of us had intentions to start (or finish) a new book during quarantine, but even when time seemed to stretch on forever, most of our nights were spent catching up on housework after days fielding 6th grade science questions between work calls. But now that you’re back in the office and the kids are out of school for the summer, you might have a little time to crack open the novel on your nightstand - and what better place than at Shell Lake? The soothing crash of waves, the distant calls of birds… maybe the book can wait, afterall… because a long nap sounds nice, too.

PLAY A ROUND OF GOLF AT THE CANYONS AT BLACKJACK RIDGE

It worked out well that the renovations at the Canyons at Blackjack Ridge overlapped with the outbreak of the novel coronavirus that caused statewide shutdowns, but now that some of the restrictions are lifted and the 18-hole course is set to open in August, many of us are dusting off our clubs in anticipation of playing the new and improved greens.

GO ON A HIKE AT KEYSTONE ANCIENT FOREST

Because the 1,360 acre nature preserve just outside of Sand Springs is operated by volunteer trail guides, the forest was closed to visitors this past spring. Now that open hikes are back on the calendar, grab a canteen of water and set out for an adventure amongst the 500-year-old cedars and 300-year-old oak trees.

HAVE LUNCH AT WINN’S ON THE WATER

Ever had a cajun club on a floating marina? It’s a slight upgrade from your run-of-themill turkey sandwich eaten hastily over your laptop. Drive out to Pier 51 for everything from bacon cheese fries to ribeyes. Enjoy the salty breeze and lakeside views while you dine.

PITCH A TENT AT KEYSTONE STATE PARK

Typically, our regular routines take us everywhere from the coffee shop to the dry cleaner to the baseball field. But while we sheltered in place during the outbreak of COVID-19, most of us just saw the same four walls: our homes. And while we are fortunate to have a place to shelter safely and comfortably, sometimes a chance of scenery can be nice. Pack your tent and set up at Keystone State Park, which features picturesque views, a fishing pond, park playgrounds, picnic areas, and outdoor grills. Even Fido can come, too, since pets are welcome.

While our homes are where we usually find respite, this summer most of us are eager to get out of the house for a bit. And once we feel restored and have finished our adventures, we can retreat once more to our home sweet homes.