While it may seem a little "out there" it is a great way to add a little bit of humor to covid-19 stress. © 2021 Lonely Planet. Virginia Gov. WASHINGTON — Members of President Donald Trump’s failed presidential campaign played key roles in orchestrating the Washington rally that spawned a deadly assault on the U.S. Capitol, according to an Associated Press review of records, undercutting claims the event was the brainchild of the president's grassroots supporters. Today is National Voter Registration Day! The Inn at Little Washington in Virginia will be filling the dining room with stylish dummies in period clothing – the work of a nearby theater – so that patrons don't feel the space is too empty or lacking in ambiance when they return, despite state regulations that demand indoor dining rooms operate on limited capacity to reduce the chances of spreading the novel coronavirus. “When we needed to solve the problem of social distancing and reducing our restaurant’s occupancy by half, the solution seemed obvious ― fill it with interestingly dressed dummies.”, Noting that the installation will encourage “plenty of space between real guests” as well as offer some cheeky photo ops, he added, “We’re all craving to gather and see other people right now. Why these 5 college towns are ideal post-COVID destinationsThe 10 best drive-in theaters in the US10 ways hotel stays will change after COVID-19. But instead of leaving half the seats empty, chef-owner Patrick O’Connell is filling them with human-sized mannequins dressed in 1940s-style fashions. Many family-owned eateries have announced permanent closures as their municipalities set plans to emerge from monthslong lockdowns in Virginia and other states. A renowned restaurant in Washington, Virginia, is about to find out. Michael Panzica and Brad Nosan want to add 12 or 13 units inside the Barricelli Inn building at Cornell Road and Murray Hill. After all, they are about to become the Inn's most consistent dinner guests, with their own favorite and reserved tables. “I’ve always had a thing for mannequins ― they never complain about anything and you can have lots of fun dressing them up,” O’Connell told HuffPost via email. The private bathrooms are equipped with a hairdryer and free toiletries. Ralph Northam (D) issued a stay-at-home order for residents on March 30 as concerns over COVID-19 escalated, at which point restaurants transitioned to takeout and delivery service only. That, along with cheeky masks featuring the mouths of Marilyn Monroe for the ladies and George Washington for the gents, adds up to a blend of safety precautions and dinner theater O'Connell hopes will win over locals and visitors from DC alike. Dinner with dummies: US eatery fills empty seats with mannequins due to Covid-19. Yes, you read that right. Featuring an on-site restaurant, The Inn at Little Washington is located in Washington, Virginia. Pub landlady, 53, dies of Covid as she lies in hospital bed planning funeral for husband, 62, who had been killed by virus two weeks before. The Inn at Little Washington Thinks Mannequins Will Make Social Distancing Less Awkward https://t.co/PvrjtTeh50 via @Eater_DC — Christian Vasquez (@chrismvasq) May 13, 2020 “O’Connell says that Washington, Virginia—where the Inn is located—currently has no Covid-19 cases that he knows of,” the Washingtonian reported. To create the display, O’Connell is collaborating with Virginia’s Signature Theatre and Maryland’s Design Foundry, a custom event design firm. He said this week that he believes his state is on track to begin the first phase of its reopening Friday. View Patrick O'Connell, chef at The Inn at Little Washington, poses with mannequins used for distancing diners in the inn's dining room in Washington, Va., May 20, 2020. Find the travel option that best suits you. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Though many of the specifics are being worked out, Signature Theatre’s managing director Maggie Boland said she and the team will dress the mannequins in 1940s-style costumes, wigs and makeup to lend the restaurant a “post-war party” vibe. A cable TV is included in each guest room. Why these 5 college towns are ideal post-COVID destinations, 10 ways hotel stays will change after COVID-19, 20 unmissable extreme sports (and where to try them), Here's what to expect when Sri Lanka opens to visitors this month, How to make new friends when you're a digital nomad. A Michelin Three Star, Forbes 5 Star, AAA 5 Diamond country house hotel retreat, The Inn at Little Washington presents exquisite American Cuisine with a French influence in a charming and sophisticated dining room. I want emails from Lonely Planet with travel and product information, promotions, advertisements, third-party offers, and surveys. Tap here to turn on desktop notifications to get the news sent straight to you. 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