by Renee Winterstetter
“Where is everybody?”
“What is there to do?”
Weekends often bring most of us yearnings for freedom or entertainment after a long week of college and the job. But, what is there to do in Texarkana?
Answers to this question are as varied as the individuals who answered them. “This place is dead!” exclaimed Michael Smith. “The only thing that I can find to do is go to the Texas High parking lot and blow off nitrogen.”
“The parking lot is about the ugliest and most boring place,” added Pete Baker. “If we don’t go there, we just go to someone’s house. There’s just not much to do.”
Others disagree. “For the size of Texarkana and the area traditions, the city is doing a pretty good job of providing things. They could offer a bigger variety, and more art, theaters, and concerts. But I like to go to ‘Shawnessy’s’ and ‘Doc Alexander’s’ because both have a pleasant atmosphere. I like to go to ‘Doc Alexander’s’ too,” agreed Charles McCord. “It also gives a good parking place.”
The club route includes “Romeo’s,” a disco, “Doc’s,” that offer good food and liquor at reasonable prices, and “Shawnessy’s,” with its more subdued setting, are among the favorites, but there are others to choose from.
“Pizazz” is the best club you can go to, but it’s on the Arkansas side, and you have to be 21 to get in,” commented Kirsten Latham. “At the ‘Hayloft,’ the age is 19, if you like honky-tonks.”
This club age barrier causes many people to search for activities elsewhere. The main place is Shreveport where the age limit is 18. “One reason people go to Shreveport is because of the age limit,” confirmed Chris Cox. “But, Shreveport has more to offer, and is closer than Dallas or Little Rock. I think that people are looking for something new. Disco and preppie are out. English punk will be the next fad.”
“Here you see the same people. In Shreveport, there’s different faces and more to do,” added Angela Cavitt, giving another reason for Louisiana migration. “‘Cowboys’ is the best club there. It’s an urban cowboy type, but has disco music, too.”
It seems that people are constantly searching for entertainment, whether in Texarkana or Shreveport, a variety of clubs, pinball establishments and restaurants are available. Money is also a factor. “Because of the economic situation, we need entertainment that isn’t costly,” said Joe Coleman.
But, who says that you have to spend “mega bucks”? There is something in Texarkana to fit every budget. “Football games, movies (like Rocky Horror), and video places like Chuck E. Cheese Pizza Time Theatre are always good places to go when you don’t have much money to spend,” said Jin Oh.
So, another weekend is coming up. What is there to do? Plan ahead—there’s more than you think.