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Bars and clubs have always played as big a role as class and textbooks in the college experience. For years NSU students have been heading down Muskogee Avenue when the sun goes down into the welcoming arms of familiar places such as Ned’s, Town Branch Bar & Grill and Granny’s Attic.
Cheryl Overacker, NSU alumna, remembers a time when getting in was easy, and campus police looked the other way.
Students have spent many nights out in Tahlequah at various locations.
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“Everyone always went to Granny’s Attic because anyone could get in there. It was so fun and all of us could sneak in when we were freshmen,” said Overacker. “Of course we went to Ned’s a lot, too. After the bars closed everyone would always go drink at the river all night.”
Overacker remembers the leniency of campus police as well.
“We usually just walked back to our dorm and it wasn’t a big deal.”
Muskogee Avenue has always been the perfect location for businesses catering to college students, being within walking distance from campus with a picturesque downtown setting.
“I remember walking everywhere because not everyone had a car,” said Kellie Wilson, NSU alumna. “The fraternities would have huge parties that anyone could go to and girls always got in free.”
While the east side of the street was once the happening spot in downtown Tahlequah, all eyes are on the west with the opening and closing of Big Whiskey Saloon and renovations to Town Branch Bar & Grill.
Town Branch Thursday night karaoke is iconic of Tahlequah nightlife, a tradition owner John Gyllin assures isn’t going anywhere.
“We’re really going for a sports bar feel, with the new TVs and everything,” said Gyllin. “We want people to come out for our great food and stay for our great drinks and atmosphere.”
Although some things have changed over time, students at NSU still enjoy a night out on the town.
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Big Whiskey has become a popular hangout for the 18-and-over crowd on Wednesday nights. With the pool tables, dance floor and full bar, it has something to offer to everyone.
“I always look forward to Big Whiskey. They always play really good music there that me and my friends can dance to,” said Brittney Bollinger, Tulsa sophomore.
Unfortunately, Big Whiskey closed its doors recently. Now students are left to wonder if anything will take its place in the near future.
For decades, NSU students have walked down the same streets to the bars and clubs that provide them with stress relief from tough classes and schedules. While names may change and popular spots shift over the years, the end result is still the same:
“Oh, Tahlequah,” said Bollinger, “Another unforgettable night.”
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Photos by Rachel Lowry |
