10 Things You Can Do in Bakersfield During the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic, and the resulting quarantine, has been tough on all of us. Across the U.S. more than 5 million people have tested positive for the disease, and likely many more have it. We’ve also recorded more than 170,000 American deaths due to the virus, and thousands who have recovered are still feeling lasting effects. In short, while it’s tough to shelter in place, remember this. You’re not stuck at home. You’re safe at home.
Here in Kern County, more than 200 people have died, and we’ve had over 28,000 cases. If you want to enjoy Bakersfield but aren’t sure how to go about it safely, don’t worry. We’ve come up with ten specific things to enjoy about the area while remaining safe.
Get Some Outdoor Exercise
Go for a walk or a jog
Exercise has been encouraged during the pandemic from the start. You just have to do it safely. So, get out there in your neighborhood and get some fresh air. Just make sure to put on a mask if anyone you don’t live with is within about twenty feet, and maintain six feet of social distancing at all times.
Visit Our Local Parks
This could fall under “exercise” as well but is a bit more specific. Here are three great parks in Bakersfield that you can visit. Before you go to any of them, call to make sure they’re open, as hours are likely to vary during the pandemic. When visiting them, make sure you wear a mask and social distance.
Kern River County Park
This 1,012-acre recreational facility is just north of our city. Some of the amenities, like the zoo, are likely to be closed, but there are still natural areas to enjoy.
The Park at River Walk
This is much smaller than Kern River County Park at 32 acres, but you can relax at the side of the lakes and enjoy a walk.
Hart Memorial Park
A lovely place to get some fresh air and exercise, this park is also just north of Bakersfield and boasts 370 acres of grassy areas, lakes, and canals.
Get Takeout from Unique Bakersfield Restaurants
It’s still unsafe to eat inside restaurants. Diners are in a closed-in space, and since we have to remove our masks to eat, COVID-19 can easily spread. Just because it’s unsafe to eat in restaurants, though, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the local cuisine. Everyone’s doing takeout now, so order from your favorite dining establishment and take your food home.
Here are three local, Bakersfield restaurants that will give you a taste of the area from your own dining room table or back porch.
Noriega’s Restaurant
Looking for something delicious and different? Noriega’s serves traditional Basque dishes. While you won’t be able to enjoy the dining room and bar, unchanged from the 1940s, you can take home a meal for your family.
24th Street Cafe
Many consider this breakfast and lunch establishment one of the best restaurants in Bakersfield, and while you can’t enjoy those early meals there with other residents, you order one of their monthly specials to enjoy in your own dining room.
Hodel’s Country Dining
Buffets, something Hodel’s specialized in, may be a thing of the past. However, this restaurant offers delicious meals to go, including fried chicken, pork ribs, carrot cake, and many more country favorites.
Learn About Area Museums
When you want to experience the culture of any given place, you can hardly beat going to local museums. Bakersfield has several, and while they’re closed during the quarantine period, they have plenty to enjoy on their websites.
Bakersfield Museum of Art
There’s a lot to enjoy on this museum’s website. Check out exhibits, like “Memories of Illusion,” download art projects inspired by their permanent collection, and learn about past exhibitions.
California Living Museum
Also called the CALM Zoo, this museum has a great website with dozens of pictures of the animals that live there and a map of the zoo.
Kern County Museum
If you want to learn about the history of Bakersfield and the rest of Kern County, you need to check out this museum website. You’ll find links covering the history of the museum and more.
All that should help keep you busy! And remember, if you’re feeling cooped up, clearing the clutter in your home can help. At Derrel’s Mini Storage, we can keep your extra belongings safe, including business inventory, off-season clothes, and more. We have 18 locations in Bakersfield to suit your storage needs!
