I’m not a big country person. I mean, I grew up on Long Island, on the South Shore no less. The most country I was exposed to as a child was listening to Shania Twain and Faith Hill. Which, apparently doesn’t really count as country? Sorry, girls. However, in the past few years, it seems like cowboys boots have found their own niche on the shores of LI. Country really became evident to me when “Footloose” was released in Fall 2011 and I became obsessed with the soundtrack. The line dancing-fused tracks were more country than the original movie, with touches of pop and hip hop. Suddenly, I needed to learn the steps, download songs, and find a pair of perfect red cowboy boots. I’m still working on the latter. To my amazements, there were scattered places on Long Island that dedicated nights to country, and gasp, a local country station!
Last night, I decided to make the trip to Riverhead. The Hilton Garden Inn, across from Tanger Outlets, hosted their first “Country Western Night.” I’ve gone to other country nights and they’re mostly at bars so I was curious how a hotel would handle it. This was a new experience. First thing, they held the event outside. Which, if you ever attended anything dance-related, it’s much appreciated. Second, they had real food! The hotel designed a southern-inspired menu for the night which included baby back ribs, pulled pork, baked beans, and bread pudding. They had the typical cheap beer option but a twist, free wine tasting! This doesn’t necessarily scream “country” but sure does taste good. The free wine tasting was hosted by Peconic Bay Winery. Instead of a typical DJ, the music was hosted by My Country 96.1 so the DJ played from Top Hits to oldies to more obscure, but beloved country tracks. There was also a dancer instructor like most places. Her name is Kel Ann and she was great, breaking down the steps perfect and being extra spunky.
I like this kind of country night. I think the biggest appeal was the event being held outside, which in my mind is how the South does it. I’m still working on the courage to join the veteran line dancers but I’m making my way. A few more classes with Kel Ann might do the trick. I heard a few people ask if there was a next scheduled night, which I hope the hotel decides to do. I mean, they even did a raffle for a free wine tasting tour and overnight stay for free! You don’t find that touch of class at most bars. Although, I did miss the red solo cups.
