ADVICEBURG: Night Owl Seeks Advice

People often dream of living in a cooperative community. Well, Anne Macleod Weeks did for 40 years. As a teacher, dorm parent, guidance counselor, coach, principal, and advisor to faculty and parents in boarding schools, she pretty much experienced all that life can throw at you. She welcomes your questions and concerns.
Submit your questions for Anne at thebarnacle.ca/advice and receive guidance in next month’s Barnacle!


Dear Anne,
I moved here a few years ago and I love it, but I find things tend to close around 10pm. I really like being out and about in the evening as I’m more of a night owl. In the summer it’s a bit better, but I find things close up super early in winter: restaurants, bars, cafes, etc. Any advice for someone who wants to stay out later in a town with an early bedtime? Thanks.
-Night Owl


Dear Night Owl,

Another night owl, here, and I feel your pain. When I walk the dogs at 11 pm, the whole town is dark. Makes seeing the stars easier, but it’s clear everyone but me is already asleep for the night.

The options in town are definitely limited. The Knot, maybe the Half Shell or Lightship in the summer.  We don’t even have a movie theatre anymore.

But, this is one of the choices we make when we move to a small town, I guess. Hopefully, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks; afterall, you say you love it here.

Just some thoughts for you:

Make your own fun. You must have friends who are also night owls? If not, make it a priority to reach out to make some. I remember one of my neighbours, who is relatively young, saying that when he moved to Lunenburg, he had to actually look for people to make friends with and then actively encourage spending time together. We have the luxury of beaches and parks all around us where you can hike and have a beach fire. Bridgewater also has at least some options with live music in bars and a bowling alley that stays open until 11 pm on Saturdays. Maybe head out to Larry’s Lunenburg Seaport in Riverport on a Friday night. It’s a great place to meet new people.

My usual go-to, though, is to encourage joining groups where you might meet like-minded people. For instance, the volunteer fire departments not only serve our communities, but they also build a strong camaraderie and have events for members and a place to just hang out. There are all sorts of Facebook groups that organise local meet-ups. And, of course, there’s always Hali.

When the boredom gets to you, head over to Reddit and read the responses on what to do at night in a small town. It is endlessly entertaining, and it will at least make you realise you are not alone. Anyone up for shooting empty propane cans in a fire pit?! Just kidding.

Anne

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