Great debate: Downtown versus Water Street
It's more than just buildings
Taylor Kuether and Rob Hanson
Issue date: 3/18/10 Section: Currents
Downtown
By Taylor Kuether
Walking through downtown Eau Claire is like walking through a different city entirely. Quaint yet somehow chic, the sidewalks of the downtown area transport you to anywhere but the northern Midwest.
The downtown area is home to many a popular collegiate haunt; the Acoustic Café, Infinitea Teahouse and the Cameo Budget Theatre among them. A quality cup of coffee accompanied by live music every Thursday through Sunday can be had at the Acoustic, whose atmosphere screams "quintessential college coffee shop."
If coffee isn't your cup of tea, an actual cup of tea can be enjoyed just down the street at Infinitea Teahouse, home to over one hundred different varieties of tea. One can see recently released movies at a fraction of the box office price at the Budget while at the same time being transported to the 1930's Golden Age of film just by stepping inside and laying eyes on the vintage decor. Also found in the downtown area is The State Theatre, where big-name performances take place, and a myriad of specialty shops where one can purchase anything from art supplies to grossly overpriced children's clothes. For the over-21 demographic there is a lively assortment of bars, the number of which rivals even Water Street.
But the downtown area isn't limited simply to Barstow Street. It includes the beautiful Phoenix Park area, where a farmers' market takes place every Saturday and where natural beauty can be found any day of the year. In warm weather, it's the perfect spot to go for a walk or simply find a quiet patch of grass and read.
While it lacks the cliché rowdiness of Water Street, the downtown area is the better choice for every day of the week that isn't Friday or Saturday night.
Water Street
By Rob Hanson
Water Street is a place that offers something for everyone, from exciting night life to fine dining - and all within a few short blocks. While downtown offers a few dining spots, venues and shops, it is more spread out and less aesthetically pleasing.
By Taylor Kuether
Walking through downtown Eau Claire is like walking through a different city entirely. Quaint yet somehow chic, the sidewalks of the downtown area transport you to anywhere but the northern Midwest.
The downtown area is home to many a popular collegiate haunt; the Acoustic Café, Infinitea Teahouse and the Cameo Budget Theatre among them. A quality cup of coffee accompanied by live music every Thursday through Sunday can be had at the Acoustic, whose atmosphere screams "quintessential college coffee shop."
If coffee isn't your cup of tea, an actual cup of tea can be enjoyed just down the street at Infinitea Teahouse, home to over one hundred different varieties of tea. One can see recently released movies at a fraction of the box office price at the Budget while at the same time being transported to the 1930's Golden Age of film just by stepping inside and laying eyes on the vintage decor. Also found in the downtown area is The State Theatre, where big-name performances take place, and a myriad of specialty shops where one can purchase anything from art supplies to grossly overpriced children's clothes. For the over-21 demographic there is a lively assortment of bars, the number of which rivals even Water Street.
But the downtown area isn't limited simply to Barstow Street. It includes the beautiful Phoenix Park area, where a farmers' market takes place every Saturday and where natural beauty can be found any day of the year. In warm weather, it's the perfect spot to go for a walk or simply find a quiet patch of grass and read.
While it lacks the cliché rowdiness of Water Street, the downtown area is the better choice for every day of the week that isn't Friday or Saturday night.
Water Street
By Rob Hanson
Water Street is a place that offers something for everyone, from exciting night life to fine dining - and all within a few short blocks. While downtown offers a few dining spots, venues and shops, it is more spread out and less aesthetically pleasing.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Sara
posted 3/18/10 @ 8:39 AM CST
Friday and Saturday nights are great downtown, especially for live music. There are many establishments with live music many nights of the week for the all-ages crowd and 21+. (Continued…)
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