LEXI POLLARD
PRIDE STAFF WRITER

With the knowledge that summer 2011 will be my first summer spent entirely in North County San Diego, I have been searching for ways to spend my future free time. When I am sunburned from taking advantage of close proximity to beaches and in need of indoor fun, I now know the option of bowling exists at quite an affordable price. The Entertainment Center in Vista offers Two Buck Tuesdays, in which a game and other food items cost only $2. I decided to venture into this bowling alley before my summer vacation begins with a couple friends.

The towering sign that directs guests to the center reads “Bowling and Dancing.” My friend was both puzzled and excited by this juxtaposition, but we stuck strictly to our plans to bowl. Along with nearly 40 lanes and plenty of seating room, the alley boasted a decent sized game room and a snack bar. The alley also played a variety of music genres, which made the atmosphere fun and provided background music for victory dances when strikes and spares occurred.

At an affordable price with unusual deals and friendly service, the bowling alley provides the perfect pace to relax with friends and practice the art of bowling.

Although I am far from a successful bowler, and do not bowl often, I thoroughly enjoyed the simplicity of the activity. Bowling is a versatile sport, because it appeals to both competitive participants and easygoing newcomers. “Granny” style throws, spin throws and approaches to the lane all bring amusement to the game.

At the end of the day, I learned how to properly throw a bowling ball down a lane [without bumpers], lost a bet of who would win, and discovered a new victory dance.

There are several other alleys in North County in which try some of these things, especially the dancing part. AMF Eagle Bowl on San Marcos Blvd. near the movie theater lies the closest to campus. Not far away, at Westfield’s North County Fair in Escondido, the newly opened North County Tavern & Bowl serves up great pub grub and pints of cold beer for those over 21.

Get your goofy bowling shoes on, grab good friends, and spend a couple hours of a summer day rediscovering the joy in the game.

Photos courtesy of Tavern Industries