Many of us had plans and resolutions at the beginning of 2020. This was the year to travel, see distant places and explore. This all changed when the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world and our country and we were inspired to care for each other by keeping these adventures at bay.
Lucky for all of us, since 2009, even Merriam-Webster recognizes that there is a better word and way: staycation. Amidst the chaos, anxiety, and grief, perhaps we can spend some time at home and within our community to reduce the infection burden and save lives.
Where is Prince George now?
As BC’s restart plan has entered Phase 2 and is moving toward Phase 3, many of our local businesses are resuming operations. I for one have taken full advantage of this. First stop, my lovely hair stylist: Beauty & Beast Hair Parlor. Elisha Crosby, the owner of Beauty & Beast, treated me to a well-needed hair trim and some great chit-chat. I was thoroughly impressed with her COVID-19 prevention measures and am thrilled to support this local business.
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Signs at the Beauty and Beast Hair Parlor: Red means do not enter, green means please come in.
Other local businesses have gotten majorly creative during this pandemic. With delivery services, discounted take-out, and other creative measures, I see the Prince George economy livening. As an amateur barista, I was running low on some of my sugar-free syrups. A local business, Kup at a Time was open and they even offered me a 10% discount to pick-up curbside in April. It was a no-brainer to shop there. Another business focusing on a similar model was Madras Maple Cafe offering 15% on take-out orders in the two months. Their take on south Indian food is one of my favourites in this city. I have been guilty of craving their Mysore Masala Dosa, vegetable pakoras, and chili gobi late at night.
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Dosas at Maple Madras Cafe.
Exploring but staying local
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Fraser Mountain View last weekend.
Hiking is one of my favourite pastimes and one I learned to love since moving from Toronto to Prince George five years ago. As BC’s parks continue to open, I am cautiously optimistic that there will be some hiking adventures I can go on locally this summer. Last weekend I trudged up Fraser Mountain in Fraser Lake, BC which was about a 1.5 hr drive from Prince George. It was one recommended by the group Go Outside PG and had great views of the Fraser Lake area at the top. Another one in the books!
With any travel and recreational activities, it’s important to follow your health authority’s recommendations at all times.
If you’re looking to liven up your June in Prince George, here’s a list of some events occurring this month.
