By: Sarah Satterfield
Are you and some of your closest friends tired of the same routine every single day? Switch up that routine for a night in beautiful historic downtown Rome, Georgia. With over 50 shops, 31 attractions, over 30 dining options, 10 bars, and 3 lodging accommodations, Downtown Rome has it all to create a relaxing or thrilling girls’ night out! Coming from a college senior, living in Rome I have experienced a lot of amazing food, memories, and events in Downtown Rome that can appeal to all.
Start out the night with a drink at Dark Side of the Moon in a relaxed casual environment with your friends. During the spring, summer, and fall the folding doors fully open to give the bar a lived-in feel. Serving craft beers, cocktails, mocktails and everything in-between that can accommodate any friend group. As well as corn hole, ping-pong tables, and dart boards in the back section if your group enjoys a little fun competition.
Been a long day and want a snack before dinner? No worries! Dark Side of the Moon is connected to Harvest Moon, which is one of Rome’s best restaurants. You can enjoy an appetizer such as the scrumptious fried green tomatoes while grabbing a drink. Dark Side of the Moon is a major hit with locals, college students, out of towners, and everyone that walks into this hip bar straight off Broad Street!
Looking for more of an upscale start to the night? Newby Vineyard and Winery is a family owned and grown winery right in Rome located with a tasting room right on Broad Street! Purchase wine by the glass, flight, or bottle for an ultimate start to a girl’s night out. Feeling really special? You can even make a reservation for a private testing for you and your squad. Don’t know which wine to try? As seen on the website, “Newby’s 2019 Blanc du Bois was chosen as the Georgia Trustees white wine of the year! ” Be sure to check out the rest of Newby’s menu encompassing food and drink items you and your friends can enjoy.
We all know that social media rules a lot of our lives these days. Are you and your friends feeling like updating your Facebook, Instagram or other social media handles during the pre-dinner drinks and catching up at the start of the night? Whether your friend group is all out for a celebratory night or just catching up, Rome has the perfect destinations for taking cute pictures! If you feel like taking a walk to Aventine in the River District you will stumble upon the ever-famous white wall. As a college student living in Rome my friend group and I love taking pictures against this white wall and it has been a place of consistency throughout dinners, formals, and special events.
Are you and your group ready for dinner? Downtown Rome offers some of the best restaurants on Broad Street! If you are looking for more upscale American cuisine, John Henry’s Grill is the perfect place! With amazing brunch, lunch, and dinner options this makes it a perfect place to have a special dinner. The blackened salmon is one of the most popular items and definitely a must try if you like fish.
If your group is looking for something more casual, Mellow Mushroom serves the best pizzas and draft beer. Feeling like continuing pre-dinner drinks into dinner? El Zarape serves up the best margaritas and Mexican style food in Rome since 1982!
Craving something sweet? Run to Honeycream where they serve up delicious artisan gelato and other desserts to delight every customer. A city favorite and a great place to gather with friends at this French style cafe. They also have an open patio with decorative tables outside. Coffee, espresso, and lattes are also available here to keep the party going!
If you and your friends are looking for an opportunity to be under neon lights to end the night on a high note, Rome offers that, too. If you are looking for a more laid back casual environment try out Cosmic Dog Outpost beer garden. Cosmic Dog offers a “garden style” outside bar, which is extremely popular in the summer, often with live music every weekend. Make sure to check their website if you are planning on going to either of these to see if any bands playing interests you. If your squad is looking for a country- dive bar look no further than Peaches or Giggity’s Sports Bar. Peaches hosts various country music concerts, often with big names such as Ernest, Connor Smith and many others in previous years. This small venue is ideal for seeing your favorite artist in a small town bar feel.