Exploring the great indoors: Evansville destinations for fun inside
EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE) - As we deal with the gloomy weather and chilly temperatures of January, it may not seem like the best setting to have fun, but Evansville has several places ideal for fun inside.
January in Indiana, though beautiful in its own way, is not the most enticing. Lucky for us in the tri-state, we have recreation options that get us out of the rain.
If you’re looking for cozy, consider Bluestocking Social. The locally-owned book and art supplies store has been winning people over for over three years.
“I’ve already made plans to come here with friends soon.”
“I love it, they’re so responsive,” said two store customers.
The store also holds events like their quiet concert series and visits from authors and artists. That’s in addition to their usual supply of books, art supplies, and store dog, Huxley.
The store owners say also host book clubs and art classes.
“There’s a lot of people that want a place to come and talk about art and talk about books,” said Bluestocking Social owner Matt Fitzpatrick. “Outside of just the buying, but just to have a place where they can take classes or try a new art medium that they’ve never used before.”
Maybe you’re looking for a place to play games and meet new people.
Game lovers will feel at home at The Gaming Guild.
“This was just a great hobby to get me out of the house, to get me out of my head space.”
“It’s an excuse to get out, A - from home, B - your comfort zone, and then C - just get with people who enjoy doing similar stuff,” said two gamers taking advantage of the open play area.
The store holds events for specific games, like Warhammer, but also keeps tables open for people to meet and play their favorites or try something new from their game library.
They also have necessary supplies for any fan of tabletop games; including board games, card games, miniatures, dice, and more.
“A lot of people during the pandemic realized that being able to play board games and sit down with people is a lot of fun, and when you can’t do that for a long time it makes you want to do that that much more,” said The Gaming Guild owner Zach Schroeder.
What if you’re looking for something a little more irreverent?
High Score Saloon is an arcade bar with about 55 classic machines, classic game consoles, pinball, and more. A few of the machines run on quarters, but most of them are free to play, they just ask that you spend at least $5 somewhere during your visit.
“We do see a lot more people, who want something different than just going and sitting at a bar, come out here,” said High Score Saloon owner Clint Hoskins. “They’re trapped inside and they want to do something with friends, and this is a really easy place to go and have a good time with a group of two, three, four, or ten.”
Aside from the games, they have food, cocktails, craft beer, slushees, and more. The owners say they work to cultivate a fun space where people don’t feel pressured to drink a lot.
“Oh I love it, it’s awesome.”
“It’s nice to actually be able to do something while you’re drinking,” said said one group playing a classic arcade game.
“It’s fun to be like, the grownup, where your parents might have said no to the games that cost money, but as an adult you’re by yourself, you don’t have kids to take care of, so you get to just say yes.”
“Pulp Fiction on the TV, it’s perfect,” said a couple playing Guitar Hero.
For more information on each of the places we visited, visit the following links:
https://www.bluestockingsocial.com/
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