What’s a Teen to do on a weekend in Tryon, NC?

I was thrilled last weekend that Beauty & the Beast got a wonderful response from the community. I was just as pleased to go down to the Gallery Coffeehouse on Saturday night afterwards and see it full of teenagers from Chesnee, Landrum, and Polk County who were in the show enjoying themselves by visiting over Italian sodas and coffee drinks. I also noticed a few graduates there who were in town for the weekend catching up on socializing too.

I had a flash back to my youth and the teenagers hanging out at the gas station trying to decide where to go. Most often that involved jumping into as few cars as possible and driving to another town that had something open. It’s wonderful that Tryon has a comfortable space like the Coffeehouse right in the middle of downtown where teens can meet and socialize in public (rather than through their cell phones and computers). So, as we head into the beginning of the school year I thought I’d give a moment to name some of the places favored in town by the teen cast before and after the shows plus some places they missed.

Many cast members arrived in town to meet and socialize over dinner before the show. Sidestreet Pizza was an obvious choice with its large group seating capabilities and its reputation for excellent pizza. However, being an adventurous crowd their next stop was Kyoto’s which they also discovered had large seating capabilities and a variety of Japanese and Thai food that satisfied every picky palate in the bunch. They liked it so much they went back a second night! I’m not sure if they managed to visit China Dynasty or El Chili Rojo, but those are also great festive spots for large groups to eat tasty food together. Tryon closes up early during the week so the cast, hungry again after performing, headed out to the Waffle House in Columbus. They discovered Friday and Saturday they could save some driving and sit and order drinks and desserts at the Gallery Coffeehouse plus bring in more food from either Elmo’s or Buck’s Pizza. There was even a brief performance by a local pianist that had them dancing.

Some of the adults from the crew and audience needed a quiet reprieve after the show to be adults and socialize. The Melrose Inn was gracious enough to take a reservation and open up the bar area for those in the group that needed a break from teen energy.

Tonight the Melrose Inn is open to all for Talent Night on the Porch. Here you’ll find cheap food and drink and the chance to share talents among various artists. This is a casual atmosphere to try out new poems, songs and even juggling techniques. I know there are some teen poets, singers, and guitar players out there that have been hiding their talents. Come on out and show us what you’re working on now. If you need to “plug in,” the Gallery Coffeehouse offers the Listening to Coffee open mic on Friday night. In this atmosphere you actually get a chance to “take the stage” for a shining moment. Start practicing in front of a crowd now. Then watch for the new “Tryon Idol” competition coming soon.

Saturday night teens looking to get out might also venture up to Saluda and take a date to the Purple Onion Café to hear the beautiful roots country music of Volatile Baby. Woo your sweetheart to the sweet sounds of these ladies’ harmonies as they sing a variety of songs ranging from “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” to Lennon’s “Imagine.” Or, if you feel like dancing, bring a group of friends over to the Saluda Mountain Jamboree for the live blues, country, and rock of Southern Pointe. In fact, dancers of all ages will enjoy their repertoire of music from the 50’s to current hits.

As a final note, I want to remind our young drivers to be safe. Traffic tickets are expensive, but a life can’t be replaced. Take care of each other and have fun while you’re out and about.