Does the Johnson City late night scene seem dead? The traditional Thursday night Poor Richards and The Planet college night can get old quick, so you should know there are other options. I don’t know about you, but my idea of fun is not being rubbed by some random sweaty guy in a club when I am trying to unwind from a busy week of classes. There are many other clubs and venues that offer entertainment for ETSU students and even give discounts with student IDs.
Whether you are a fan of the local music scene or are just looking for a good time there are local clubs that have live bands throughout the week and have special events on the weekends. Heather’s Hideaway is a music venue that is known for being for having punk rock and rock’n’roll shows.
What is not well know is that they are bring in touring and local hip hop and rap performers. Halo is a bar downtown that has a laid back atmosphere and live music on the weekends. Down Home the place to go for some knee-slapping and guitar-picking fun with the local bluegrass talent as well as touring bands and rockabilly acts. The Refuge has all ages shows on a donation bases so you will not have to worry about a heavy cover charge. Local bands such as In Remembrance of Me, 24 Hour Front Desk, and the Only as well as touring bands like Cool Hand Luke, The Myriad, and Haste The Day have and will continue to play at The Refuge.
For good quality coffee that is much cheaper than Starbucks check out The Acoustic Coffee House and The Assembly Cafe. The Acoustic Coffee House is a place for live music and flowing conversation. Also, they host poetry readings where you can read your own stuff at or just enjoy other’s work. You can drop your laundry off at the laundrymat conveniently located next door and sip coffee while checking up on all of the reading you will have to do for your courses.
The Assembly Cafe, which is across from Heather’s Hideaway is a great place to hangout with friends and meet new people.
The cafe serves free coffee and has lattes, hot chocolate, and chai for as low as 50 cents and offers wireless Internet along with computers that are hooked up as well for visitors. They are open throughout the week and til 2 a.m. on weekends.
If you get tired of seeing live bands and want a different kind of entertainment check out the Comedy Club inside the Holiday Inn for a laugh.
For a night of old fashion fun pack your car full of friends and bring snacks to watch a flick at the drive-in. There are drive-ins in Elizabethton and Bristol, which are open during the summer until late fall.
Also, with just a short trip over the mountain to The Asheville’s Pizza Brewery Company for their $2 theater where you can order pizza, which you can enjoy while watching a new release for way cheap.

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