New Year’s Eve isn’t just about a countdown. That’s why the local Dec. 31 party lineup includes venues boasting a full night’s worth of activities for a variety of tastes. This year’s roundup of New Year’s Eve shindigs spans everything from family-friendly games at Zoo City USA to ham and cornbread at SoHo Bar & Grill.
As the big night approaches, check The Walk of Shame blog at ledgerenquirer.com for updates on Columbus-area parties.
Here’s some of what you can expect:
From snagging that much-hyped kiss to deciding what to do after the clock hits midnight, New Year’s Eve comes with a variety of nightlife dilemmas. Here’s some advice on how to come out ahead:
Pace yourself. Don’t go hard core from a party’s 9 p.m. start. You’ll be wiped out before the anticipated countdown begins.
Know your plan. Leave the party-hopping agenda for the last minute and you’ll spend midnight in decision-making mode. Talk to your friends early to save money by purchasing event tickets in advance.
Make compromises. Be sensitive to varying budgets and don’t be afraid to spend the night at just one hot spot — especially in cases when you’re paying a $20 cover.
Remember, it’s just a kiss.
Don’t let the Dec. 31 emphasis on lip-locking depress you, singletons. Many experts call January National Break Up Month.
Party safely.
SafetyCab, a free service sponsored by Saint Francis Hospital, operates 9 p.m.-2 a.m. through Jan. 1. It serves Columbus, Phenix City and Fort Benning. Call 706-660-6069.
Families can head to Zoo City USA, 2301 Airport Thruway, for all-ages, alcohol-free party. A $30 wristband includes everything except food and beverages. Atlantabased Family Force 5 entertains, with opening act The M&M Band. The party is 5 p.m.-12 a.m. Call 706-507-9661.
AMF Peach Bowl Lanes, 1636 Bradley Park Drive, also has an allages party. It’s 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Cost is $99 per lane for parties of six, or $22 per person. Guests 21 and older who make early reservations with a $40 deposit get a free bottle of champagne. Call 706-324-4431.
Adults looking for something different from the average bar party should try celebrating at a restaurant.
Buckhead Bar & Grill, 5010 Armour Road, offers live entertainment and special entrees, as well as party favors and a variety of drinks from the restaurant’s bar. Doors open at 5 p.m. Call 706-571-9995. The club scene
Looking to celebrate in a bar? Plenty of hot spots will help you dance your way into 2009.
H2O, 6499 Veterans Parkway, has a New Year’s Eve Bash featuring DJ music, free champagne at midnight and a balloon drop with cash prizes. Action starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Call 706-327-9700.
The Saloon and Oyster Bar, 6005 Macon Road, celebrates with DJ music. Party starts at 9 p.m. No cover. Call 706-568-8400.
The Sports Page, 5736 Veterans Parkway, has karaoke until 1:30 a.m., as well as party favors. A steak special that serves two is $20.09. The meal special begins at 6 p.m., karaoke starts at 9 p.m. Cover is $5. Call 706-641-9966.
Neighborhood bar Pop-A-Top, 210 32nd St., hosts a country music party beginning at 8 p.m. Door prizes and free food. Call 706-323-9292.
The Shanty Shack, 4475 Warm Springs Road, has free mini champagne bottles and lots of party favors. The Naked Eskimos and Foreplay entertain. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Action starts at 6 p.m. Call 706-507-3418.
SoHo Bar & Grill, 5751 Milgen Road serves up black-eyed peas for good luck and collard greens for prosperity. Ham, cornbread, party favors and champagne will also be available at the shindig, which begins at 9 p.m. The M&M Band entertains. Cover is $10. Call 706-568-3316.
Cigar and martini bar Belloo’s, 900 Front Ave., has live entertainment from Java Monkey. Other draws include free champagne, snacks and party favors. Action starts at 9 p.m. Cover is $10. Call 706-494-1584.
Downtown bars celebrate with everything from live music to giveaways. Hit Broadway Dec. 31 and find which party is calling your name.
Head to Smiths, Ala., for a party at Del Ranch Bar and Grill, 4920 Lee Road 430. The Ranch Hands entertain, and you can also look forward to party favors and champagne. Party starts at 9 p.m. Call 334-297-9177.
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