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I’ve read tons of information online about how the curve for COVID-19 is decreasing in some areas but increasing in others, especially here in the DMV. We constantly see messages in the news and on social media about how we need to stay home, some have expressed pure outrage that people are going outside – saying they are causing the curve to go up. Others, have made a decision to stay inside, though I’m not sure they really know what they are waiting on. I think we are all trying to figure it out.

Admittedly, I’ve had these thoughts at one point or another. I certainly didn’t want to put myself or others at risk for the virus. As a black woman, I am also acutely aware of the impact that this virus has on the black community, so this was/is a major factor to consider when thinking about the risks of going out. However, there is another side to this: what about mental health? I live alone, I suffer from an anxiety disorder and quite frankly, all of this was starting to take a toll on me. I needed to find a way to self-soothe, to get out of the house – safely. I’ve worn my masks. I’ve taken all of the precautions. Hell, I haven’t even seen my friends in-person since February. I’ve followed all of the rules and guidelines and if I had to do one more freaking house party on an app or a Zoom chat, I was gonna scream!

I decided to take a chance. F**k it. I take risks every day. I get in my car every day and have faith that I won’t get an accident. I’ve flown across the world and trusted that the planes won’t crash. I fully trust my instincts and my immune system – I’ve taken great care of myself. Honestly, I feel more safe being outdoors and away from other people, than the weekly trip I take to the grocery store, where people either don’t understand what physical distancing means or they just don’t care.

I went to Potomac Point Winery and Vineyard. I’ve been multiple times, it’s only 40 minutes away from me, and after reviewing their website – especially the info that relates to COVID – I trusted that they would enforce the reopening guidelines, given by the State of Virginia. See below:

• Onsite enjoyment available outdoors only.
• You have to make a reservation. Each reservation receives a 2.5-hour time block. This gives the staff time to properly clean and disinfect between each party.
• Bottle sales only. No tastings.
• Food and bottle purchases can be pre-ordered. This allows for a safe, contact-free experience (I did this and it was great).
• The staff at Potomac Point wore masks and kept a safe distance. However, guests aren’t required to wear a mask. I wore mine when interacting with the hostess and wait staff.

As I drove up the gravel driveway, I just knew I made a mistake. I saw all of the people outside and my anxiety said “get out of here now.” I ignored it and I am glad I did. My experience was great! The staff followed all of the guidelines, I wasn’t close to anyone at any point, and it felt great to be outside. To sip wine. To listen to birds chirping, guests conversing and laughing. To finally have the chance to listen to Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Jay Z, and Travis Scott outdoors, while dining on my white wine cheese platter.

I ran up and down the hill through the grapevines – which was great for my anxiety – not so much for my heart rate, lol! Clearly, I was outta shape. I even saw an older woman who was so happy, she started rolling through the grass in her long, royal blue summer dress. All of the guests who noticed laughed and clapped. We all shared in her sentiment – even if we couldn’t verbally communicate it to one another. There was a feeling of happiness and freedom everywhere and that was exactly what we needed. We were living our lives like it was golden – even if only for 2.5 hours.