INDIANAPOLIS — Marion County moved into stage four of reopening Friday, one week behind the rest of Indiana.
Restaurants can now operate at 75 percent capacity. That doesn't mean all are.
Edward's Drive-in is sticking to carry-out and patio service until capacity goes to 100 percent, which is expected two weeks from now.
"With the restrictions of so many people in the building and only so many tables available, it's hard to navigate, so the last thing we want to do is tell customers you can't come in because we're at capacity," said owner Jeff Edwards.
Bowling alleys were allowed to open for the first time in nearly three months, at half capacity.
At Royal Pin Expo in Beech Grove, every other lane is open, with tables closed off and hand sanitizer everywhere. Avid bowler Lou Spall said she and her husband didn't mind at all.
"It's been really hard," she said. "I bowled (in a league) three times a week and he bowled four times, so it's really exciting to be back."
Movie theaters were also allowed to open at half-capacity Friday, but a check of area theaters found that most appear to be holding off a while longer.
Bars and nightclubs can return to serving customers, initially at 50 percent capacity. That includes the 1205 Distillery, whose small bar closed since mid-March.
"We have a lot of regulars, it will be great to see them and be able to engage with people other than myself and (owner) Brad and make drinks for people other than myself and my girlfriend," manager Brian Sponey said,
Cultural and tourist attractions also got the green light Friday to open at 50 percent. The Indianapolis Zoo opened to patrons using a timed-ticket system to better manage the number of attendees.
Like the zoo, the Indiana State Museum has many new signs to keep patrons moving in one direction and maintaining social distance.
By mid-afternoon Friday, the museum counted 40 guests, far below a normal day.
"We are very excited to have guests, even one is important," said Cathy Ferree, president and CEO. "It's just nice to have voices in this very quiet museum for three months."
Ferree said the hope and expectation is with each passing day, attendance will increase.
"We hope people recognize museums are very safe places. We've done our due diligence at all locations to make sure people are as comfortable as possible," she said.
Sara Etherington came to the museum with her 8-year-old daughter Devyn Davis and her father-in-law Jerry Davis. Jerry said it was "cool" to have the museum all to themselves, with Devyn nodding enthusiastically.
"It's like the movie Night in the Museum," Davis said.
"I hope not!" Sara said, laughing.
Even though the museum is open, the adjacent Eiteljorg is not, nor the Children's Museum. Be sure to check ahead before heading to your favorite venues.