What To Do Instead of a Saturday Night at Paulie’s

Okay, let's set the stage: Saturday night after a long week. Exhausted and delirious, but you get that infamous text from your friends, “Darty and then Paulie’s?” Of course, you want to answer “yes” because that’s what everyone you know does on a Saturday, but everything in you screams for something else. So let me give you something else :)

As soon as 21 hits, the go-to choice is the bar, but there are so many more options for a fun night with friends. 

Red Oak Brewery is fantastic and a personal favorite. Only 15 minutes away, the space is huge, has an amazing outdoor space and, most importantly, has great food options. The vibe is very much a German lager house, and it feels like a total escape from Elon. Kinda feels like Oktoberfest for all the abroad-people who are missing their international homes!

Beer Republic is right around the corner. This quiet little gem is usually pretty chill on a Saturday night. You can play games with friends, enjoy their outdoor garden space and pick from their selections of beers and wine slushies. The downside is that there is no food, but it’s still 100% one of our new favorite finds. 

Bright Penny Brewing has a similar vibe to Beer Republic but is bigger, busier and a little farther away. They have beer, wine and food, and while I haven’t been there yet, the vibes look amazing for a chill 21+ night. 

Grove Winery is a short 15-minute drive away from a gorgeous location! You can participate in a wine tasting, enjoy the outdoors or even attend many of the events they host. Perfect for a girl's night with a very necessary photo op. 

Sometimes, a Saturday night out doesn’t have to be a 21+ event; it can be a fun activity night instead. Our favorite memories include finding fun, wholesome things to do with friends. However, the activities in a small town can be very limited. Here are some options based on the time of year, vibe, and weather!

For the days you want to be outdoorsy: Conservators Center, Cedarock Park, Great Bend Park, and local Farmers Markets. 

Sports related: Burlington Athletic Stadium and Elon games. 

Things to do/actual activities: Painted Grape, Putt Putt Fun Center

Alamance Event Calendar: Events Calendar - Explore Upcoming Events | Alamance County Visitors Bureau, NC 

These are just a few of the various things you can do with the people you love. As we move through the years here, the same thing can get repetitive, and sometimes it’s nice to mix it up. Doing something different than the usual can create long-lasting memories that you will cherish! What’s important is that you listen to yourself and what you want and spend as much time as possible with the friends you have made in our little Elon bubble. Go explore and have fun!

FeaturesClaiborne Rhodes