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03/21/2012 - Def Leppard - Poison - Lita Ford Bus Trip

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

TriStatesNightOut.com

Presents:

Def Leppard - Poison - Lita Ford

Bus Trip

7/19/2012 Allstate Arena, Rosemont, Il

7:10pm

563-513-7314 or Email info@tristatesnightout.com

Package includes:

Deluxe motor coach transportation to and from the show
Concert Ticket. Sections 214 and 215, straight on from the stage.

Price $99 per person

Itinerary:

Thursday 7/19/2012

2pm -- Bus departs from K-Mart parking lot on HWY 20

6:00pm -- Arrive at Allstate Arena (approximately, depending on traffic) We will stop once at Belvidere Oasis on way up and back.

7:00pm -- Concert Starts

Bus leaves 45 minutes after the show.
You will receive your tickets on the bus.
No Refunds
No smoking on bus
No large coolers (must fit under your seat)...no glass containers.
All passengers must follow instructions of trip host or they will be asked to leave the bus and find their own way home.
Under 18 must be accompanied by parent or guardian.

03/01/2012 - Cubs Vs. Sox Bus Trip

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

TriStatesNightOut.com

Presents:

Cubs Vs. White Sox Bus Trip

6/18/2012 U.S. Cellular Field 7:10pm

563-513-7314 or Email info@tristatesnightout.com

Package includes:

Deluxe motor coach transportation to and from the game
Game ticket, Upper level Sections 544, 546 or 548

Price $99 per person

Itinerary:

Monday 6/18/2012

1pm -- Bus departs from K-Mart parking lot on HWY 20

6:00pm -- Arrive at U.S. Cellular Field (approximately, depending on traffic) We will stop once at Belvidere Oasis on way up and back.

7:10pm -- Game Time

Bus leaves 45 minutes after the game.
You will receive your tickets on the bus.
No Refunds
No smoking on bus
No large coolers (must fit under your seat)...no glass containers.
All passengers must follow instructions of trip host or they will be asked to leave the bus and find their own way home.
Under 18 must be accompanied by parent or guardian.

12/13/2011 - 2011 Ugly Sweater Contest

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

2011 Ugly Sweater Contest

RULES

Contest runs 12:00 pm 12/14/2011 thru 12:00pm 12/23/2011
Post photos on wall to be entered.
Person submitting photo must be the person pictured in the photo/ugly sweater. Unless with written consent to use their likeness to info@tristatesnightout.com from the actual person in the picture.
Photo with the most “likes” wins.
Rules subject to change. All decisions of TriStatesNightOut.com are final.

PRIZE

A one night stay at the Hotel Julien
2 50 minute massages at Potosa Spa
Dinner for two at Caroline’s
$100 Gift card to Hartig Drug
2 TriStatesNightOut.com hooded sweatshirts

10/26/2011 - Haunted House Reviews by Shelby Duggan

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Dark Chambers

Rating: 3/5 skulls

(This review is for the regular scare, not the light fright scare)

Location: 121 E. 4th Street Dubuque, Iowa 52001

Price:
6-7pm: $5
7-11pm: $10

Pre-scare attractions: There wasn’t any. Granted I got there at 10:40pm and they close at 11pm, there should be an equal amount of entertainment from start to finish. Some suggestions would be actors going through the line and scaring people, playing a scary movie, or playing scary music.

Length: This was a rather short haunt. It took me about 10 minutes to go through the entire scare. Compared to other haunted attractions, $10 seems a little expensive for such a short scare.

Obstacles to consider: Towards the end of the route, you have to crawl through a rather long pathway. Therefore, if you have bad knees or back, are in a wheel chair or are claustrophobic, this is not the attraction for you.

Theatrical performance: This was one of the things I felt Dark Chambers had going for them. Most characters performed well and stayed in character throughout the entire scare. One was even observant enough to pick up on my name and creepily call out to me.

Costumes & props: Overall, the costumes and props were realistic. Some of the masks would have been more scary and realistic if they would have done it in face paint instead (ie. The clown from House of 1,000 Corpses) One scene I was rather impressed with was the man that was cut in half on the floor; I don’t want to spoil it, so I can’t say why.

Things I liked: The costumes, props, and theatrical performance.

Things I didn’t like: The crawling portion, the pre-scare attractions, and the length of the scare.

Overall, I think this was great first year for Dark Chambers. Like all haunted attractions when first starting out, there are a few kinks that need to be adjusted, but I think they are well on their way to being a class act scare. It will be interesting to see the improvements for next year.

Terror at Skellington Manor

Rating: 5/5 skulls

(This review is for the regular scare, not the light fright scare)

Location: 420 18th Street Rock Island, IL 61201

Price:
$12 for all ages and times
$17 for a fast pass

Pre-scare attractions: The line for the haunted attraction was held in the dimly lit main floor ball room. On the balcony in the ball room, a newly married couple dressed in their wedding day attire looked out over the crowd. Only problem was, they were rotting from the inside out. This was very realistic looking and creepy. Scary movies were also being played on a large overhead projector for all to see while standing in line (The Adams Family was playing when I was in line).

Length: This scare was the perfect length, not too long and not too short. Even though I enjoyed the scare, I knew it unfortunately had to end at some point.

Obstacles to consider: There are a lot of stairs to go up and down. Also, some of the things the actors say are a little intense. I’m assuming they tone it down when children go through though. (No actors used profanity)

Theatrical performance: The actors were very believable and almost too believable at times, which is good when it comes to haunted attractions. The clowns were my favorite. They said things such as, “I’m not really part of the scare. I came up the fire escape, and I’m actually here to kill you.” I thought it was very clever for the actor to say because it’s a common fear when going through haunted attractions that someone is actually there to kill you, and that they aren’t part of the haunt.

Costumes & props: The best prop for this haunt was the building its self. The building is very old and eerie in general, so that gives the haunt a little bit of an extra boost of scariness. The props and costumes were very well put together and realistic. My favorite scene was the meat locker.

Things I liked: The building overall. It’s said that the place is actually haunted and workers have said they have seen ghosts in the building. With everyone nowadays obsessing over paranormal experiences and movies, this gives Skellington Manor an edge over the competition. I also loved how well guest groups were spaced out from each other. There is nothing worse in a haunt than catching up to the group in front of you. I noticed that the workers paid close attention to the space between groups. At one point I noticed I could somewhat see the group in front of me and the actors in the next scene made sure to make that scene lasts a little longer so there was more space between our groups. That was one thing I was highly appreciative of. It’s hard to be scared of things when they pop out when you just saw the person pop out for the group in front of you.

Things I didn’t like: Some props that popped out at you were run by an air compressor and sometimes you could hear the air compressor before the prop popped out, so it wasn’t as scary. Maybe playing loud music by those props would cover up the sound.

This was by far the best haunted attraction I have ever been to. It was hard to critique because it was hard to find things I didn’t like about it. Skellington Manor has everything going for them, from the building to the costumes. The sets were well planned out and they have the acting to back it up. I will definitely be attending this haunt next year!

Heart of Darkness

Rating: 2.5/5 skulls

(This review is for the regular scare, not the light fright scare)

Location: 5111 Osage Road Waterloo, IA 50703

Price:
$13 for all age and times
$20 for a fast pass

Pre-scare attractions: There was a DJ playing music (pop music, not scary music). This made the time go by faster while waiting in line for the scare. There was also a booth that had scary props set up that you could take your own picture in.

Length: This scare was of a pretty good size. Not too long, not too short.

Obstacles to consider: There are some very tight spaces to push your way through, so beware if you are claustrophobic. Also, a lot of the haunt is very dark and hard to see in.

Theatrical performance: The actors were believable, especially the chainsaw guys. I felt like there weren’t very many actors in the actual sets though. They were mostly in spaces between sets to pop out at you. Something to consider for next year would be to add more actors to the sets. Yes, an actor popping out at you is scary, but it gets less and less scary the more they pop out. When actors pop out at you, you don’t really get a chance to see what they’re wearing or what they are. All you know is they just popped out at you. But when actors are in a set such as a slaughter scene, they are usually better lit and you get the full effect of what they are. This is what people will remember and keep them coming back year after year.

Costumes & props: The costumes and props were very realistic. There was one section where a fridge was full of blood and organs and there was a counter top full of blood and body parts. This was very well put together and reminded me of a scene from Hostel where the butcher is chopping the people into pieces.

Things I liked: There were things in this haunt that I had never seen in any other haunt, such as a walk way through a spinning cylinder. I have seen something like this at county fairs in the fun house, but never in a haunted attraction. It is lit well so you can see where you’re going, but it will definitely make you dizzy.

Things I didn’t like: The number one things I didn’t like and what ruined the haunt for me was the space between groups. I understand that this happens on occasion because one group goes a little fast or slow, but this was hard to push aside. Usually if I catch up to a group in front of me, I slow down and wait for them to go a little further. In this case, I couldn’t even do that because the group behind us was spaced so closely to my group. This happened right at the beginning too, so it somewhat ruined the haunt for me. It’s hard to be scared by something popping out at me when I just saw it pop out at the group directly in front of me. At one point, pretty early on, I was in the middle of at least two different groups in front of me and behind me. There had to have been at least 12 people going through the haunt at once and I was in the middle of it.

At one point the individual groups were taken into a room where clowns directed you down separate paths from other groups which helped space the groups out, but I ran into another group within two minutes. I paid $13 to go through this haunt and half of the stuff didn’t even scare me because I was in such a large group of people.

Overall, I was somewhat disappointed by the haunt. I traveled from Dubuque, Iowa to Waterloo, Iowa and spent $13 on admission to go through a haunt in a group of at least 12 people. The only thing that saved this haunt was the props, special effects, and acting.

08/03/2011 - Sales Reps Needed Immediately!

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Tri-States fastest-growing website for nightlife and entertainment is looking for area sales reps to start immediately.

TriStatesNightOut.com is an online entertainment & nightlife guide featuring daily events, dining and drink specials, live music venues, and a comprehensive directory of bars, restaurants, bands and entertainment. We're now seeking sales representatives to start immediately!

The ideal candidate will have prior sales experience (advertising sales preferred), a passion for the Tri-States area, and be willing to work as an independent contractor on 40% commission of all sales made PLUS a 5% bonus with goal. Laptop and mobile wifi is recommended.

If you think you have what it takes, reply to info@tristatesnightout.com with an attached resume and/or references, and please put "Sales Rep Position" in the subject line. Any correspondence deviating from this format will be automatically deleted. We look forward to hearing from you!

TriStatesNightOut.com

06/30/2011 - Why The Birds Sing.... My Journal On Skydiving

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 08:00:00 GMT

by Judi Duggan

May 25th- Wow. Considered doing a story for TSNO newsletter on skydiving. Was offered a spot on the next jump. I jumped at the opportunity, but now am feeling a little apprehensive. I seriously cannot back out of this now, I already said yes, plus I will look like a big wuss if I do. Can't have that. Now I might die lol.

May 27th- I think I made a new friend. Have been chatting a lot with Woodstock Bader, really nice guy, and funny too. Politically incorrect, and I love it. I asked him not to give me any guidelines, warnings, thoughts on doing this, he obliged my request. I think giving my gut reaction to this might be a better perspective for me as a writer. After all, I am FOURTY FOUR. Which, hardly qualifies me for a Guiness record, but definitely not something I had seen myself doing at this age. I always wanted to do this when I was younger, and swore I would, but just never got around to it. Now, at my age and stage of life, I am. Holy crap. I could die. Woodstock has 'claimed' this won't happen, but seriously, when paperwork has 'death' on it like a gazillion times over, it has to be at least a small possibility. Not sure I trust this guy.

May 28th (morning entry)- Well last night kind of freaked me out. Not gonna lie. I went to photograph Kickoff to Summer for TSNO and ran into quite a few friends. One particular friend (thanks Geno) reminded me of a mutual friend who died doing a tandem jump a few years back. Jim Pregler was a very experienced sky-diver, and a great guy, and it sent my mind spinning. Is this REALLY worth dying over? Am I that big of an adrenaline junkie that I would risk life and limb to purposely thrust myself out of a plane, ON PURPOSE??? Have to run so I can get photos of the Jim Boughton Memorial Run though, so I will finish my thoughts later.

May 28th (evening entry)- I am really having serious reservations as to whether or not this is a good idea. Anyone who knows me well knows I tend to over think things, drastically. Given this much time to consider my options, possibilities, and outcomes, my mind has been working overtime for a while. I have been reduced to a queasy feeling in my stomach, not much of an appetite (which is fine by me), and a nervous feeling of impending doom DOOM!! I am going over to the neighbor's for a bonfire tonight, hoping that it might calm my nerves, and just takes my mind off of it. Meeting Woodstock for breakfast with Shelby at 8:00 a.m. and then driving up together to jump at 9:00 a.m. Not thinking I will actually eat, but we'll see.

May 29th (pre-jump) - Well last night was a terrible idea. Went across the alley with the best of intentions, and wound up staying until 3:30 a.m. It wasn't that I was having so much fun, (which I was) but that I was trying desperately to forget for a while that I could die the next morning. Epic fail. Everyone knew what I was about to undertake, so I wound up spending approximately 4 1/2 hours of the 5 hours discussing the jump. Maybe I shouldn't have opened my mouth and told everyone I was doing this. Too late now, can't go back. Too close to the results to even consider the possibilities; either that or it is a combination of sleep deprivation and hangover which seems to be encircling me in a weird serenity. I am surprisingly calm as I ready to walk out the door and meet Woodstock. Wish me luck. But just in case, everything goes to my husband of 21 years, and the love of my life. Shelby Sean, Shannon, Marcus and Chris have been great kids, Kelly you are an absolutely amazing friend, and I am ready. Please put my epithet on my headstone "I knew this would happens".

May 29th (post-jump) - We had a nice, leisurely breakfast at Panera, and discussed many, many things. The only thing remotely close to the jump was concerning the ceiling above (cloud cover) and whether or not we could jump due to the clouds. We had some very intense and interesting discussions on the way to Lancaster, and I enjoyed the ride. Weird sense of serenity continued.

Once we reached the airport, we entered the hangar, and proceeded to be given a very long set of forms to fill out by Tasha, one of the instructors at Tri-State Skydiving. I thought she seemed really nice, and noticeably in one piece, so that bodes well. Then I sat down to conquer the forms. Sense of serenity has now evaporated. Death, dying, death, dismemberment, death, death, death, death. Really? I get it. I could die, I could be seriously injured, and now I am freaking out again in my own mind. You do not want to know the dialogue that ensued within. At first I read every sentence, made sure I understood what I was signing; but I soon enough tired of the tedious wording, and started initialing and signing everything without understanding what I was signing. You can only read the words reorganized so many times before you just go numb. I have now decided Tasha is evil.

Handed in the paperwork, stepped on the scale, (which normally I am not a fan of, but yes please, make sure I will not be too heavy, give me extra straps if you think it will help) and then the mini-class began. Jon, another instructor with the sky diving club, and Tasha's husband, started out with some brief explanations and examples. We watched a video, which looked awesome. We walked out to the plane, practiced exiting, how you sit, what will happen, and how you thrust your body in a weird, 'tah-dah' type of pose. Seemed simple enough. We went back to the hangar, and began practicing prone positioning, then suited and strapped up. It's real now I guess. I was volunteered to go first, so we made the strides to the plane. As I walked to the plane, and took my position inside, I made a mental note that the serenity was back. I was no longer scared as we made our way down the runway and into the brilliant blue skies. We took about 10 minutes to reach our maximum height of 10,500 feet, and the view was incredible. During my flight I noted the patterns of the fields below, the geometric fluidity to the lands and farms that seemed to intertwine with the highways and byways between them.

We reached altitude, and Jon flung open the door. As I stuck my hand out, I quickly noted the coolness of the altitude. On the ground, it had been a warm, humid type of day, but up here, it was noticeably cold. I thought it would be a difference, but I never dreamed how drastically it would change. My breath seemed to be sucked out and replaced with a cool, icing vapor. As I unlocked my knee (my right knee is pretty much shot, too much basketball with little regard for rehab) I looked down, and let go. As we thrust ourselves into the air, it didn't feel like falling at all, as much as I thought it would. It was more like flying. And as we flew, it suddenly occurred to me that this is why birds sing. Jon was amazing. He guided me down, and even gave me some whirls and loops on the way at my request. The entire time, the whole lofty glide to the ground, I noticed that the wide, humongous smile never left my face. I don't recall ever feeling that free, that peaceful, and that exhilarated all at once, ever before in my entire life.

Holy cow!! Except that was not the words I used when I landed. It was more 'colorful' than that, and definitely not suitable for print, so we'll go with cow for the purposes of this story. As we returned to the ground, with Jon firmly strapped to my back, we skidded in for a perfect landing. I immediately was unstrapped, and turned around to embrace Jon, and thank him for the wonderful experience. I embraced Woodstock and Shelby, and officially became a member of a truly amazing club.

I will always remember the beauty of the experience, and as I now look back over my journal entries, I realize how silly I was being with myself. There is and always should be a small element of fear in everything you do; it keeps you on your toes, aware to your surroundings, and on alert. But fear should never be a deterrent in experiencing the great things that life has to offer. One of the things I had reconciled myself with, and explained to my daughter Shelby prior to my jump was, I would rather die at 44 experiencing everything that life has to offer, than living to be 94, and never having done much of anything at all. So, if you feel that little tickle in the back of your head, suggesting that this may be something worth trying, give Tri-State Skydiving a call. From the moment I walked in the door, until the moment I jumped in the van to return home, I was made to feel not only welcome, but a part of a big family. Jon, Tasha, and the entire crew are some of the most welcoming, friendly people I have met. Their passion for the sport and wish to share it with others truly shines through, and I guarantee you won't be sorry .

10/15/2010 - We Keep Growing!

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 08:00:00 GMT

TriStatesNightOut.com has grown and grown quickly in the first year of existence. We started day one and had six visitors to the site. With some great people working hard and spreading the word, we have grown to have thousands of hits per month!

We pride ourselves on constantly keeping you informed of what is happening with Tri-States Nightlife. We also wanted to provide a one stop source for you to find restaurants, bars, bands, and events.

When we began building the site we couldn't believe how much there was to do in the area! We have had some nights where there were literally 50 or 60 events going on.

I would like to thank everyone for all of the support we have received. We spend each day trying to make TriStatesNightOut.com the most comprehensive website in the Tri-States area!

If you see anything on the site that is not accurate, please let us know!

Thanks again for all your support!

06/26/2010 - OUR MISSION!!!!

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 08:00:00 GMT

We've all heard it...

"Dubuque sucks."

"Platteville sucks."

"There's nothing to do here."

"Galena is one of the worst cities to live in."

Well, guess what. We couldn't disagree more. The only thing we don't have in this area is pride. It's about time we change that. No more whining. No more excuses. No more "Rockbottom." The apathy ends NOW.

At Tristatesnightout.com, our goal is to revitalize the Tri-States entertainment industry by providing the general public with a comprehensive, aesthetically pleasing, interactive, and easy-to-use resource for local nightlife and everyday entertainment.

Ultimately, our mission is to bring a sense of pride to an area with limitless potential and some of the best musicians, establishments, and attractions in the world. And Tristatesnightout.com is your complete guide.

Rock on, Tri-States!