If you’re bored, then you’re boring: South of Kirby

Posted in CULTURE to If You're Bored, Then You're Boring by Beth Dillman on Friday, April 9, 2010 at 8:00 am

My topic for this week focuses on things to do south of Kirby, or perhaps things to do that are more fun in the Spring. If we're going the Sesame Street route, we can also say that "S" is my topic for the day. This was not by design, but my three things to do all involve that letter.

I will admit, it helps to have a car to get to these places, but with bus service and the beautiful weather to bike in, these are not out of the question for those car-less and relying on public transportation.

Sweet Wine

First up, check out Sun Singer. An excellent article was written a few years ago, but it's been awhile, and this place is great enough to discuss a bit more.

The main reason it comes up is that I had a terrible experience there a few weeks ago (through no fault of Sun Singer). My friends and I agreed to meet there for lunch, and, as frequently happens, I showed up a few minutes late. By the time I got there, all three of them had laughed about the idea of eating in a "liquor store" and texted that they were definitely not eating there.

I don't get it. I really don't. I guess, perhaps, the atmosphere when you enter is not that of a bistro or deli, but rather a shop. I'll agree. But c'mon, folks, give things a try. This place is fantastic, and the service has always been impeccable, despite the sometimes cramped dining area (and awfully tiny tables). They have wine slushies. Let me say it again: wine slushies. Amazing. End of story.

Now that the weather is getting nice, Sun Singer is even more fun to visit, as outdoor dining is available. But this place, for the food alone, is worth whatever problems you might have with the ambiance (and honestly, I think it's just fine, shop or no shop). Every time I go, I inevitably send my boyfriend to choose four cheeses for our cheese plate, as they allow you to pick any that you want from the deli, and he likes to pick out random ones to try (of which there are many). If it were up to me, I'd always get the same four: Sage Derby, Red Dragon, Capra, and Dubliner. Try them out; they're fantastic, and the server has always been great at recommending a glass of wine to accompany our choices.

The cheese plate, followed by a sandwich or wrap, and paired with some wine is great for a date, a group of friends, or to impress your parents when they come to visit and you don't want to bring them to the same old Prospect restaurants.

Besides being a good place for lunch, dinner, or sitting around having conversations with a glass of wine, there are a few other things to check out here. The deli is fantastic, and has a large selection of cheese, meat, and other products to bring to get-togethers and parties. The store has a variety of wines, beers, and liquors with knowledgeable workers. The Facebook page is great, as it constantly sends its fans weekly updates on their soup of the week and other specials. Finally, they occasionally have wine and liquor classes, at which you can learn more about your favorite types of alcohol. Again, there's information about these classes both on the Facebook page as well as their website.

Sunshine and Sculptures

Second, having had some amazing food and drink, go to the Sculpture Garden. There are two places that I tend to park. One is right off of Windsor, where there is a large playground for children, and immediate access to different trails. The other is south of Windsor and off of Race. Past that parking lot is the Sensory Garden, full of beautiful flowers and herbs, as well as alternate access to the different trails, and plenty of picnic tables.

The sculptures are interspersed along the trail, and make the trail more interesting, as it gives you landmarks to follow as you walk. Beautiful throughout the year, it's never been too crowded the times I've gone, and there's plenty to see depending on what you're there for.

I keep meaning to bring a kite to fly in one of the open fields, but have yet to make it out there during a blustery day. It seems like it would be a perfect place for it.

Singing the Night Away

Third, having had fun hiking and playing, finish the night at Star Karaoke. Although stark on the outside, and seemingly just another place next to a Dairy Queen and by a movie theatre, Star Karaoke can quickly become a fun night.

When entering, talk to someone at the register to rent a room that will fit your group. You and your friends will then get a room with a karaoke machine and TV screen, along with two other essential items: (1) you get a disco ball. Gotta love a disco ball; (2) you get a button at the table to summon a server, so the drinks never run dry.

It is karaoke heaven. Everything from a machine with a ton of selections, from popular music to classic oldies (and boy, does my brother love the anime songs), tambourines that light up for accompaniment, and sweet potato pizza and Korean barbecue to munch on. As the night goes on, the videos that accompany the karaoke songs become more and more bizarre, making the trip even more surreal.

Strutting Your Puppy

Finally, the one-shot to do this month... The Mutt Strut taking place at Hessel Park on April 24th should be fun to check out, if you don't mind getting up early on a Saturday morning. It's a fundraiser for the Humane Society (I know, I mention them a lot, but they're just fantastic) and will give you your dog fix until the Market at the Square starts again and you get to pet all those adorable puppies on May 1st.

It's a good cause, and hopefully it'll be a beautiful day to watch a bunch of dogs and their owners enjoy raising money and competing for "best tail wagger."

There are still corporate sponsorships available, so be sure to check it out if your company wants something to get involved in.