Meeting new people in the “real world” may seem like a scary thing during a worldwide pandemic, but these local places are doing their part to make that step a bit easier to take. Events at Phoenix Park (330 Riverfront Terrace, Eau Claire) allowed people to meet others during yoga classes, concerts, and walks/runs while being able to maintain social distance. The Joynt (322 Water St., Eau Claire) proved itself as a popular area watering hole, a place people could meet and bond over their love of alcoholic beverages. The Eau Claire Young Professionals group (101 N. Farwell St., Eau Claire) brought together young business-minded folks to build connections and even share a laugh or two this past year. –Parker Reed