Nightlife in the ՚Burg
A Guide For Where to Go During Summer Nights
As the sun drops below the horizon, Jacquelyn Boesler’s pool becomes one of the few places to go for teenagers in Williamsburg.
The majority of teenagers can agree that the words “Williamsburg” and “nightlife” do not belong in the same sentence. Although our hometown is a great place for people to have fun during the day, at night it is a different story, especially for teens. Williamsburg basically shuts down after ten for anyone under the age of twenty-one. There are very few teenage hangout spots. With attractions like Colonial Williamsburg and the Williamsburg Winery, local venues tend to draw older groups of people. Some people may argue that Busch Gardens and Water Country are good enough to fulfill the entertainment needs of an average teenager, however, these attractions are not open late and are mainly designed to bring tourists to the ՚Burg. Not only that, but they cost an abundant amount of money. A one day ticket cost ninety dollars! Because of this, there is a considerable need for teenage nightlife.
The famous landmark, Governor’s Palace, located in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg, is a well known hangout for teens. The huge lawn provides a great place for teens to socialize.
If you were to ask any teenager about what they do at night, they wouldn’t have much to tell you. Bruton High School Senior Macy Marotta even went as far to say that she spends her nights at a friend’s house because “there’s not that many other options”. Jamestown Junior Sofie Fox would also agree that the only place to hang out in Williamsburg is a friend’s house, or possibly the movie theaters. Currently, the routine place for teenagers to go during the late hours is Cookout, a popular fast food chain from the South. Lafayette Junior Ariana Gonzalez said, “I go to Cookout, because I like food and it’s open late.” Ariana added that she goes to Cookout about three times a week, because there is nowhere else to go. Jamestown High School Junior Tara Rowden agrees with Ariana’s views about Cookout. Tara also goes to Cookout, because “it is the only place open in Williamsburg.” Another popular place for teens to go at night is the movie theaters. Lafayette Senior Hannah Potter and Lafayette Junior Madisyn Guiseppi both claimed that they actually enjoy going to the movie theater at night rather than in the day. This one of the few great spots to go for teens at night, however, movies have become very expensive especially if you go there frequently.
Movie Tavern is a movie theater where you can both dine and watch a movie. Movie Tavern has very comfortable chairs and a great variety of food which results in a perfect place for teens to go at night.
In spite of the scarcity of teen-friendly places after hours, Hannah Potter pointed out that Williamsburg a good place for teens, because “it is safe.” Both Ariana Gonzalez and Madisyn Guiseppi disagreed, however, saying “Williamsburg is not a good place for teens, because there is absolutely nothing to do. If you want to have fun at night, you either have to drive to Richmond or Virginia Beach, which are both an hour away.”
There are many options to fix the problem of the absence of nightlife. Madisyn Guiseppi suggests that Williamsburg should make a drive-in movie theater. Ariana Gonzalez recommended that a teen club should be created. Another great idea was proposed by Lafayette Junior Sam Soule. Sam explained how beaches, like Jamestown beach, should have a day where it is open all night. She added that the beaches should be well lit and have many interactive activities. Not only would this be a very enjoyable and popular event, it would also bring in money for our city. With this added revenue, Williamsburg would be able to host more events and create more activities for everyone. Lafayette Junior Sarah Bryant believes that a mall should be built that stays open late. As of now, the closest indoor mall is the Patrick Henry mall, which is a thirty to forty minute drive away. Even if a store like Target were to stay open till twelve at night, that would help fill the gap, giving teens more options.
Since it is open till 3am, Cookout is the most well-known teenage hangout places in Williamsburg. It is rare to go into Cookout after dark and not see any teens at all.
No one can argue that there are not plenty of activities to offer during the daylight hours. However, once the sun goes down, all businesses close and the only ones that do stay open require you to be twenty-one or older. This is unfortunate, because Williamsburg has great potential to be an exciting city for all age groups during all times of the day. Clearly, Williamsburg needs to make a change and start including teenagers’ best interests and social opportunities when they decide on what to build next.
