Get the party started with summer weather, vaccines and plenty of bourbon
As we contemplate a return to something like normal, we emerge to find that nothing is normal at all. Cicadas chase us from the quiet enjoyment of our own backyards. Then, there’s the weather. Rain, give us a break.
Still summer looms.
If we are vaccinated, we can go maskless and in most circumstances enjoy a little less social distancing. And there are bound to be strings of hot sunny days that drive us outside to pools, farmers markets, ball fields and more. Long live summer!
Get the Vax—And Go For a Shot at a Million
And, speaking of getting vaccinated, please do it. As a region we are aiming to reach an 80% vaccination rate by July 4. A noble goal—and there’s plenty of vaccine to accomplish it. If you have a vaccination, Kentucky has an incentive for you.
You can sign up to get a shot at a million dollars just for having the shot.
Enter at govstatus.egov.com/shot-at-a-million-home, fill in the form and wait for the drawings. You have to be 18 and older to enter. There are three $1 million prizes at stake. Those 12-17 can enter to win one of 15 free scholarships, including room-and-board, tuition and books to any Kentucky public college, university or technical or trade school.
Prizes will be announced publicly by the governor Friday, July 2, Friday, July 30, and Friday, Aug. 27.
All this is much better than COVID, no matter how you look at it.
Flourishing Gardens
Talking of farmers markets brings to mind a wonderful story told by Jill Morenz of the Catalytic Fund for the Beyond the Curb series on River City Living. It’s virtual again this year—and free—and the episodes can be viewed at the website.
Jill told a charming story about textile designer Susan Beresford and her cottage in Dayton where her design skills are influenced by organic forms and the colors of flowers and plants. She has produced a bountiful harvest and experiments with her Bloody Mary mixes. She has turned her little patch of heaven into a bit of a business called Farm to Hangover.
Obviously, Susan has made the most of being stuck at home—and created a beautiful and tasty experience for herself and her friends. Let that be a lesson in how to make the very best of a less-than-good time in isolation.
Another Reason to Get Out
The B-Line has added four new stops to its impressive collection of establishments offering the bourbon experience in Northern Kentucky.
The new stops are Smoke Justis and Libby’s Southern Comfort in Covington, Three Spirits Tavern in Bellevue, and the Beehive Augusta Tavern in Augusta.
They join an impressive list of existing B-Liners on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour: New Riff Distilling, Boone County Distilling Company, Second Sight Spirits, Neeley Family Distillery, The Old Pogue Distillery, The Purple Poulet, Prohibition Bourbon Bar, Bouquet Restaurant, Coppin’s at Hotel Covington, Rich’s Proper Food & Drink, Wiseguy Lounge, Bourbon Haus 1841, The Globe, Tousey House Tavern and the Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar.
While you may feel your wings have been clipped for 17 years, it hasn’t really been that long for you—and you will always fly better than cicadas.
Enjoy your summer. Hug somebody. It’s time.
