Well, you wake up one morning and suddenly you realize that you have landed in Johnson City and the confines of the ETSU campus or your new apartment seem safe.
Watching the campus squirrels and listening to the sounds of construction can only get you through so much of your day. I know that even the smallest of cities can seem intimidating when you are plopped into unfamiliar territory.
Though looks can be deceiving, there are a plethora of things to do within walking distance of the university. I suggest you leave the awkwardness that has situated itself between you and your new roommate and discover what Johnson City has to offer.
If you are limited to the stamina of your legs then taking a stroll down West Walnut Street is a perfect means of entertainment. There you will immediately find Poor Richard’s and the Planet, both of which have reputations that precede them. You only have to count every third person walking down the hall and I’m positive they will tell you all about the two “hot spots”. Needless to say, I won’t waste my time.
Down the road you will find the Acoustic Coffee House. This low lit den doubles as an unobtrusive bar at night. While the atmosphere is akin to any generalization you might have of the hippy sect, it is not strictly limited to that. With poetry nights, and the occasional band playing outside, you never know what kind of entertainment is to be had.
Right next door is the vintage and resale store called Bettye Jane’s. Besides providing what the mall is lacking in quality vintage, they also do screen printing. If you are in a band, this place is always a good option for your merchandising needs. Local photographers’ work adorns the walls and add to the “cool older cousin’s apartment” vibe going on. Bettye Jane’s is always a pleasant stop on a day of shopping. Later, as you come to the end of the road there you will find the Shamrock in which a variety of items are sold. Foremost it is a tobacco store but many stop by for their milkshakes.
If you decide to venture off to the other side of campus, you will find Dad’s used CDs and DVDs in the strip mall located on West State of Franklin. While it is no record store out of High Fidelity, it is the closest thing Johnson City has. Dad’s provides more variety than Target or Wal-Mart. They are especially accommodating to those whose favorite bands do not frequent the radio. Their prices are on the cheap side, so of course it is very student-friendly.
Furthermore, most of us have the urge to venture out at night. In the event that you are heading out relatively early, Into the Fire is a perfect place to impress a date or if you decide to try something a bit different. The set-up here is that the patron can paint a variety of pottery – mugs are pretty popular – and the good people who work there fire the piece in the kiln for pick-up on a later date. It is both a creative and fun option when you are burnt out on the movie theater.
In the evening is when the adjoining East Main Street comes alive. Several venues line the street and provide many options concerning music and atmosphere. First off, if you enjoy a more intimate setting then Halo’s is for you. They usually offer bands of the folk or bluegrass persuasion. If dance music and themed nights are more your thing, ergo Pharaoh’s plays host to drag shows and many nights of dress-up in their small dance club.
Next door is Numan’s for all you billiard lovers and immediately following is Gatsby’s. Though it is known for housing Ansley Robert’s (A&R) shows, there is also dance club downstairs. A good deal of the A&R productions feature local favorites and the occasional cover band.
Down the street there stands The Hideaway, once dubbed the CBGB’s of the South, with its tough exterior. This bar is a staple of the local hardcore scene. The Hideaway is relatively small but this only helps one get closer to the action on stage.
Finally, across the street there sits The Assembly. A caf with free coffee and Internet access greets the passerby. Though most people know this place as church, it is not relegated to just that.
Some evenings The Assembly provides all ages shows featuring Christian and secular bands. Moreover, all the venues on East Main Street provide plenty of options, but the Assembly is some place to hang out if the bar scene is not your cup of tea.
Through examination we find that Johnson City is not your metropolis of East Tennessee, but supposing you go out and look, you should not be left wanting.
The stores, venues, etc. featured are just a small sample of the locally owned and unique stops in our downtown.
While checking out the aforementioned options it is likely that one will discover places I left out. Most importantly, it cannot not be expressed enough that the need to get out and explore is vital.
Believe me, your room does not sustain a life, you need to leave it to acquire one.

Author