What’s there to do after work in SWVA!?
What’s there to do after work in SWVA!?
Return to Roots recently facilitated focus groups on the campuses of Radford University and Virginia Tech. We wanted to know what would keep college grads here in Southwest Virginia. Hands down they all said; a happenin’ nightlife. Well, I wasn’t convinced we didn’t have that, so I went searching, determined to prove that we’ve got it all here in SWVA!
I was hurt.
I was disappointed.
But I’m not down yet!
I did find some night spots despite the perception that there aren’t any. There are a few! But man, did I have to search! So first of all, all you clubs and bars out there that have live music, for goodness sakes, get yourself a website! People are looking and they can’t find you! You can’t sell a secret!
And another thing: All you Chamber of Commerce’s and City Councils in SWVA. Encourage a night life! You are not going to have a younger generation to complain about if you don’t give them some place to go and something to do! Tight ABC laws and rents that are too high aren’t going to discourage immoral behavior, they’re discouraging young single professionals from wanting to live here. Lighten up and start the party!
Business entrepreneurs! Looking for that “Hole of Opportunity” in SWVA? It’s in Night Life. Create a funky, fun, happening eatery/bar that provides a range of live music NOT JUST COUNTRY OR BLUE GRASS, and you’ll make a mint!
Currently, here are some spots. If you’re not mentioned here—then get a website and contact Return to Roots at veb@vebinc.org!
- Gillie’s in Blacksburg has started having music on the weekends. Been there, and it’s a sweet little spot with great food, and a good beer and wine list. It’s small, so get there early. They’re getting an impressive line up of local and out-of-region bands and solo acts. I recently saw James Leva and Purgatory Mountain there. Awesome night out with my hubby. Dinner, drinks, and cover charge for two was under $50. The food is vegetarian, but don’t let that discourage those of you that like to eat something that had a mother. It’s tasty, filling, and you won’t miss the hog. For menu go to www.gilliescuisine.com. For info on music calendar and booking, go to myspace.com/gilliesmusic.
- Cafe del Sol in Floyd is a little place I’ve been watching grow over the past couple of years. Run by a Floyd family, it has true Floyd flavor; a little neo-hippy, organic, yet technology is cool thing going on. They feature local musicians in a very comfortable atmosphere. Check out their website for gigs. They have an open mic night as well. If you’re interested in booking your own band or self, give Sally a call at (540) 745-2287.
- 5 O’Clock Bar and Grill in Glade Spring, VA evidently gets some kickin’ pop-rock cover bands like Common Ground and Octane Overload. If you can find these bands MySpace pages, you can find what upcoming gigs they have and where in SWVA to go! Hey, if it was easy, it wouldn’t be any fun! Address and phone for 5 O’Clock is: 35025 Brittany Lee Dr., Glade Spring, VA 24340 (276) 429-2275
- Turn One Sports Bar in Wytheville, VA does have a website! Hurray! And they claim on it to have live music, but their April calendar looks blank . . . so give ‘em a call and ask what’s up.
- Although I’m trying to find spots that don’t just have country and blue grass (nothing wrong with these genres, I’m just trying to show that SWVA has options) I have to mention the Floyd Country Store, because if you haven’t been there, you’re really missing something.
- We’re heavy on Floyd, so I certainly hope we’ll incite the rest of SWVA to let us know about the hot spots out there . . . but I’d be remiss not to mention Odd Fellows Cantina. The food is just too good, the service always right on, and the music is well rounded and professional.
- State Line Bar & Grill, 644-8 State Street in Bristol, VA. Phone: (276) 652-0792. Advertises food as well as a full service bar and nightly entertainment.
- Village Cafe’ in Marion, VA at 1424 N. Main Street, located within the Best Western, is a restaurant and full service bar with live entertainment on the weekends.
- Poor Farm Casual Café at 411-413 East Main Street in Wise, VA rather intrigues me with the word “casual” in its title. I need to check this place out. Restaurant serving what sounds like a great menu, complete sports bar and live entertainment.
That’s all I’ve got! I hope there’s a huge uproar of night spots and eateries contacting Return to Roots to shout in a “Horton Hears a Hoo” sort of way “We’re here!”
–Lucinda McDermott Piro