Social distancing got you feeling a little stir crazy? A few Alexandria businesses are hosting quarantine-friendly online activities to help keep you connected to your neighbors and favorite local establishments.

Hops N Shine, a Del Ray bar with an ongoing fundraiser for laid-off employees, is hosting a virtual beer tasting on Thursday (April 30). The tasting, hosted by Hops N Shine on Facebook live, will feature the Ashburn-based Old Ox Brewing Company and four beers — the Festival, Hoppy Place, and two more yet to be named.

To participate, Hops N Shine encourages viewers to join in by buying their own selection.

Lost Boy Cider is hosting a similar happy hour discussion every Wednesday at 4 p.m. with industry insiders discussing the state and taste of all things cider. This week Jay Brandish, retired Navy veteran and founder of Red Clay Ciderworks in North Carolina, is the featured guest.

For those with children, there are other youth-friendly activities sponsored by the city. The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria is hosting a weekly animal talk on Saturday mornings, from 9:30-10 a.m. The series is aimed at elementary school-aged children and helps teach them about crafts and careers related to caring for animals.

The Alexandria Police Department is also running a weekly virtual storytime at 7 p.m. on Fridays. This week’s book is Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle.

Image via Lost Boy Cider/Facebook