How to relax for Labor Day
It’s Labor Day weekend in Central Florida, and this national holiday likely won’t resemble that of years past. Events and festivals have been called off amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and public officials are urging caution to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
However, there are still a number of ways to celebrate the day safely.
Labor Day (Sept. 7 this year) commemorates the efforts of American works and labor unions, noting the progress they’ve made in social and economic achievements.
The holiday could serve as a chance to recognize the efforts of farmers, factory workers, first responders, government employees and construction workers. It can also be a good opportunity to seek out “Made in USA” goods.
Otherwise, it’s a great chance to take the day off work and kick your feet up. Here are a few ideas for relaxing and having fun safely
during Labor Day weekend.
Rent a boat: GetMyBoat is a peer-to-peer boat rental marketplace with 130,000 listings worldwide. In Central Florida, browse available pontoons, speed boats, personal watercraft and fishing boats just in time for Labor Day weekend. Find listings on getmyboat.com.
Swan boats are also available to rent at Lake Eola on a firstcome, first-served basis.
Plan your dream vacation (or a last-minute camping trip):
It’s not a great time to be an avid traveler or explorer. All around the country and world, frequent flyers are stuck inside, unsure of what to do with all of their pent up wanderlust. It’s possible to have a fun adventure closer to home, or this could be a good time to plan for next year’s grand vacation.
Assuming that more widespread travel is possible by midto late 2021, start saving and researching that Paris trip you’ve been dreaming about. Envision yourself lounging on the sandy beaches of Costa Rica by this time next year (hopefully).
Alternatively, try to find campsites or Airbnb rentals still up for grabs in Florida. The online
platform Hipcamp has a specific filter for sites available this weekend. Peer-topeer rental service Outdoorsy helps get RVs into the hands of those who don’t own them.
Support an Orlando eatery or brewery:
Are tacos your favorite meal? Treat yourself by checking out local joints, such as Tin & Taco, MX Taco, Black Rooster Taqueria, Tako Cheena, Hunger Street Tacos or Gringo Locos.
Maybe barbecue is your jam, so order some 4 Rivers or Pig Floyd’s. If Cuban sandwiches are your best friend, contemplate eating a meal from Old Cuban Cafe, Black Bean Deli or Zaza New Cuban Diner. If sushi tickles your fancy, investigate offerings at Wa Sushi, Kabooki Sushi, Bayridge Sushi or Sushi Pop.
Grab to-go brews from Rockpit Brewing, Hourglass Brewing, Sideward Brewing, Ten10 Brewing Co., Tactical Brewing Co., Orlando Brewing, Ivanhoe Park Brewing Co. and Redlight Redlight, just to name a few Orlando-area hotspots for craft beer.
Hit the beach: Across Florida, beaches are open for socially distant recreation. In Central Florida, enjoy Atlantic Coast beaches from New Smyrna Beach down to Melbourne and Paradise beaches. Or head to the Gulf of Mexico to spend time on Clearwater Beach, Treasure Island and St. Pete Beach.
Whatever you do, remember to stay at least six feet apart from other groups, follow pandemic
beach etiquette and pack your sunscreen.
Have a movie night: The 2020 live-action adaptation of “Mulan” will be available to Disney Plus subscribers for $29.99 starting Sept. 4. For members who don’t mind waiting, it will be available at no additional charge on Dec. 4.
Otherwise, put on a good back-to-school movie or find a good summer flick as the season winds to an end. Sentinel staffers recommended titles from “Dirty Dancing” to “The Sandlot,” “Dead Poets Society” and “Eighth Grade.”
Central Florida drive-in theaters are also open and showing movies outdoors with plenty of room to spread out.
Catch a soccer game:
Orlando City takes on Atlanta United at home in a match kicking off at 8 p.m. Sept. 5. A number of tickets are available to watch the game in person at Exploria Stadium, which currently seats only a fraction of the venue’s full capacity.
Otherwise, host a watch party at home and catch the game on Fox. Find more game information at orlandocitysc.com and follow along with updates at prosoccerusa.com.
Head to a Central Florida theme park or attraction:
Central Florida’s theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando and Legoland Florida are open for business, welcoming guests with COVID-19 modifications, including mask requirements and temperature checks.
Note: Before heading out to Disney and SeaWorld, guests must make a datespecific park reservation.
SeaWorld Orlando is currently offering a 2021 Fun Card for $109.99, which also grants admission for the remainder of 2020. Prices go up Sept. 8. Universal Orlando is offering visits through Dec. 24 with the purchase of a singleday ticket by Sept. 30. Walt Disney World is bringing Florida residents savings on two-day, three-day and
four-day tickets.
Smaller Central Florida attractions, from Gatorland to Andretti Indoor Karting & Games Orlando, Fun Spot America, Icon Park, WonderWorks, Topgolf and Kennedy Space Center, are also open.
Visit Florida’s state parks:
Central Florida state parks, including Blue Spring, De Leon Springs and Wekiwa Springs, are open but some with limited capacity. Arrive early to ensure entry to the popular parks, then splash around in refreshing spring waters or have a picnic with a few close friends or family members.
Wekiva Island is also open for business in Longwood. Most recreation areas in Ocala National Forest are welcoming visitors. For now, the Rock Springs tube run at Kelly Park remains closed.