Morning, y’all. Chloé here. ✌️

I don't know what day of isolation I’m on, but it seems like the rules of decent society are breaking down. I ate a giant hamburger for breakfast the other morning.

But this means the circumstances are perfect for a new kind of fun.

So, with that in mind, our brilliant intern — Brianna Williams — and I came up with a list of fun virtual date + party ideas, as well as ways to spend the quarantine solo.

(Please keep government directives + social distancing rules in mind while participating.)

If there’s ever been a time to treat yo’ self, it’s now, right. | Gif by Giphy

📽️ Script readings

Let your inner actor out by reading one of your favorite scripts with friends, just like if you were at a professional table read.

If you’re in quarantine with enough people, casting the parts might be easy. If you need more people, get on whatever app you’re using to stay connected (FaceTime, Zoom, HouseParty) and let your inner Meryl free.

I’ve secretly wanted to do this forever, so when I saw this LitHub article, I knew it was time to share the idea. Scripts here and here, and if you’re feeling really dramatic, get the complete works of Shakespeare here. ProTip: You can also google scripts for episodes of a lot of popular shows. I call Moira on “Schitt’s Creek.”

If you want shows with a Chattanooga connection, consider “Will and Grace” or “Orange is the New Black,” both of which have local actors, Leslie Jordan and Lori Petty, respectively.

🎲 Two words: game night.

Skip the usual ones (no one wants to play Monopoly) and go for something that will get you moving, like Charades. And, if you’ve never played Whoosh, Bang, Pow, now is the time.

Or create your own trivia game. You can use apps, like TriviaMaker, to generate ideas. Or if you have a close-knit group, go ahead and customize your game with facts about friends + family. Remember the game on “Friends?” That’s what we’re thinking.

Still need ideas? Check out this list of games that don’t need any preparation or supplies. If you’re looking to support a local business, order this game from Chattanooga-based Humanaut.

🎤 It’s karaoke night/hootenanny time.

If you don’t have any equipment, no worries. Grab a hairbrush and use YouTube to play the music without lyrics.

If you have instruments at home, break them out and get down hootenanny-style, instead.

That’s right. Turn off the devices (unless you’re looking up the words; I guess that’s fine) and just sing together. Sing just for the fun of it. I promise it feels good.

ProTip: Record it + submit it to be shown in a virtual installment of the local show, “The Floor is Yours.”

You can always sing along with local artists who are doing virtual concerts, too. Courtney Holder is having one Wednesday at 2 p.m.

📚 Read + create alone, together

Set up a standing video chat date with all of your friends, whether it be daily, weekly, or biweekly. And then do something you’re all interested in.

○ Read a book together + discuss virtually. I suggest anything by Chattanooga native and political historian John Meacham.

○ Set time to create something together. Color this free template from local artist Jaime Barks.

○ Learn the newest TikTok dance. Chattanooga’s Terrell Owens is doing it. Pictures/videos or it didn’t happen. Email us.

📱Netflix and chill, alone-together

Have a proper date night — virtually. Pick a recipe you both like + try to cook it separately while updating each other via video. If you want to make it more serious, consider a virtual class from the Sweet and Savory Classroom in Chattanooga.

Don’t forget to get a glass of wine or mocktail, some candlelight, and go ahead and get out of those stretchy pants to make it special.

You can also download Netflix Party and watch the same movie at the same time from different locations. There’s a chat option too, so you can discuss your latest binge.

🛀 Treat yo self

○ Pick up your favorite meal to-go from a local restaurant, and don’t forget to tip.

○ Treat yourself to a homemade spa—create a DIY facemask, take a bath, and put on your comfiest pajamas.

○ Splurge on something like locally made Hearth and Pantry’s new All-American Pantry Essentials Box, which includes strawberry jam, seasoning blends, pink lemonade infused sugar + more.

○ If you don’t love to spend time alone, now is the time to get more comfortable with it. We believe in you.

❓Question