America's Vanishing Bowling Alleys

[miK.]

Well, THIS is sad...

America's Vanishing Bowling Alleys
http://www.businessweek.com/articles/201...ing-alleys

[AllGold]

That story just kind of ends with me wishing for more.

[hal]

I don't really see it as sad... just a sign of changing times. I use to bowl A LOT when I was a kid. I haven't been to an bowling alley in at least 15 years and a good 10 before that. I've got other things to do and I'm sure it's the same for many other former bowlers. There have been 1000 inventions in the last 50 years to compete against bowling.

Used to be three major alleys around here - think it's down to one now.

[freeradical]

Bowling is just about all there is to do here when it's 40 below outside...

Clear AFS Bowling Maintenance Worker

[vision63]

Lots of my friends bowl in leagues for fun. They love it.

[Buzz]

Used to bowl religiously (you know, cut Sunday school to go to the bowling alley seven blocks away...), and loved the sport until the body would no longer allow me to participate in the late 1980's. If I could, I'd still go bowling, but now it's limited to watching Baby Buzz on occasion. Contrary to hal, it is sad (to some of us) to witness the decline, even in the face of the myriad of competing inventions. There was something about bowling that I always found captivating..., though I get that there are more glamorous things that many enjoy that can be done for the same time and expense. Personal preference, for sure, but a bit of Americana that has provided fond memories for many.
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[jdc]

The just redid the alley closest to me, it's pretty dang nice now. Food is decent even.

I have a harder time with the cost. It's $30 for me and 2 kids to play for 1 hour in the middle of the day during the week.

That makes it a "once every 4-5 months" activity.

If they had some bargAin days we might go more. Not sure how crowded it is during those weekdays.

[Filliam H. Muffman]

jdc, how are Albany Bowl prices? Might be worth a stop the next time you are with the kids in the East Bay.
http://www.thealbanybowl.com/specials [ www.thealbanybowl.com/specials ]

[3d]

Add Roller Rinks to that as well.

[jdc]

A wee bit far. And more "Oakland" than east bay -- but I like those specials.

Maybe I will send that page to Capitol.

Roller skating, mini golf and ice skating all fall into this category. $30+ Water slides are $100.