The heels are on, the dress was picked over a month ago, and the birthday tiara and shot glass necklace are secured. It’s one of the most glamorous nights of every girl’s life, when finally, at the stroke of midnight, the last thing the law keeps us from purchasing and consuming (legally and without being in a frat house basement) is bestowed upon us. It’s the greatest of all days- it’s your 21st birthday.
Even here in Ewing, just like any other college town, it must be celebrated in style. The most extreme may hop on a train to Hoboken, maybe even Philly, just to be able to bar hop around the city. But for those of us who turn 21 on a class-filled weekday during the school year, that option isn’t always available.
So, what can you do to live it up on one of the many milestones of your life? One word, lots of locals, and endless possibilities of shot-buyers: SLOCUM’S of course! Okay, okay, it may not be the glamorous night you were thinking, but hey, you can save that for a weekend city trip!
Slocum’s also doubles as a bowling alley for you fun-lovers out there, so when you get tired of the warm atmosphere and friendly Ewing natives buying your first, second and third tequila shots (but really, who would get tired of that?) you can head over to the alley and take your first couple bowls as a legal adult! Sloc’s is conveniently located on Pennington, across from Paul’s Liquor store, so maybe if you don’t remember this night all too well, you are more than likely to return there every once in a while, or at least spot it across the road when you head to Paul’s to legally buy alcohol.
For those of you lucky enough to turn 21 on a Thursday, there’s always the possibility of KatManDu– a multi-bar nightclub located on the outskirts of Trenton. Thursday is known as College Night to most TCNJ and Rider students, and ladies get in free before 11 p.m. with a school ID. During the warmer months, you can celebrate a little more upscale here with their awesome outdoor stage and bar. KatManDu regularly showcases a live band on their outdoor stage, which allows you to groove under the stars.
Inside, you’ll also find a huge dance room equipped with a live stream to their webpage, along with a camera man who posts to Facebook. Can you say overnight celebrity? Push your way to the front- you can finally use the “IT’S MY 21st BIRTHDAY!” excuse and make your way on stage! Not only will the crowd love you in all your glory, but you can easily find your friends, crushes, whoever!
After such a night of partying, you can return to your dorm or house via the always generous Hassan, grab a couple pizzas, and prepare for your first legal hangover. You’ve earned it.
Our school may not be located in the best place for bar hopping, but that certainly doesn’t mean that you can’t have a great time amongst friends on such a night as your 21st. Whether you decide to spend it quietly with a few rounds of shots at midnight, or rowdy and dancing up a storm in front of the music machine at Sloc’s, make sure you do it your way, because you only turn 21 once!