COVID-safe Activities in Montclair
The Montclair Art Museum offers a COVID-19 experience indoors. Image courtesy of Georgette Gilmore for the Montclair Art Museum, 2020.
by Leila Brown
COVID-19 has completely altered the way of life for Americans, and that includes Montclair without question. Until now, the benefit of warmer weather has allowed for outdoor dining, drive-in movies, and ample outdoor time for everything from extra long walks to enjoying an ice cream cone from your trunk at Applegate Farms. With the arrival of December and chillier days to come, here is a list of things to do in Montclair that are COVID-cautious and enriching to our community and small businesses.
50 Church Street, Montclair, NJ
A staple of fun and creativity for all ages, Doin’ Dishes has been serving Montclair residents right in the heart of town since 1997. The paint your own ceramics studio prides itself on creating “usable art” that is sure to hold your coffee, dinner, and flowers for years to come. The cozy crafting studio just off the corner of Church and Park is taking every precaution to ensure health guidelines are followed. Not only are guest reservations spaced out, but Doin’ Dishes has gone the extra mile to have hand sanitizer and color charts at the tables to keep congestion at the paint station to a minimum. Also, an air purifier runs around the clock to promote cleaner air circulation. This is the perfect outing for a family day or even a date night!
3 S Mountain Ave, Montclair, NJ
In need of a quiet afternoon taking in classic and contemporary art? Look no further than the Montclair Art Museum. MAM has incorporated standard COVID-19 guidelines such as temperature checks, social distancing, and mask-wearing while indoors--along with a required one-way track through the galleries that everyone must follow. As an added courtesy, the first hour of business is reserved for the elderly and immunocompromised every Friday. Also, MAM will be hosting a small selection of in-person classes for all ages, including “Family Studio Workshop: Seasonal Printmaking” on December 13th. All participants must be registered in advance to best cooperate with health and safety guidelines. Not ready for an in-person visit just yet? MAM will be holding several virtual classes, conversations, and events aimed at art lovers of all ages.
The Historic Crane House and YWCA
110 Orange Rd, Montclair, NJ
Whether you're a parent looking for educational enrichment for your little one, or you’re a Montclair local looking to kill some time taking in Montclair's history, The Crane House is a must-see. Once owned by wealthy merchant Israel Crane, the home has since been used as headquarters, dormitories, and meeting space for the Montclair-Essex YWCA. Thanks to the Garden Club of Montclair, the grounds of The Crane House have been beautified with holiday decorations appropriate to the home’s era. Go take advantage of a USA Today nominated holiday display! Tours for groups of five or less are available by reservation only for less than $40.
16 Label St, Montclair, NJ
If the quarantine sourdough craze didn’t quite work out for you, a trip to Montclair Bread Co. might be in order. Throughout this winter, Montclair Bread Company will be hosting “Bread Basics” classes to teach novice and expert bakers bread recipes that they can recreate at home. The bakery, located just off of lively Walnut Street, promises small classes to allow for proper social distancing and mask-wearing at all times. Reserve your spot early, as classes are sure to fill up!
351 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair, NJ
This hip paint and sip art studio is the perfect solution for a therapeutic evening. Grab a friend and a bottle of wine to enjoy two hours of guided painting. Pinot’s Palette provides all paints and supplies necessary to help create your very own masterpiece. Classes are only available with pre-purchased tickets, and COVID-19 guidelines are strictly followed during studio time. Want to get in touch with your inner Picasso, but aren't ready to sit in person? Pinot’s Palette has a plethora of virtual classes complete with supply pick up for worry-free and artistic in-home fun.
