Possible Trip to NY?

adaisey

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Hey guys, figured this would be the best place to ask this question. IF I'm looking into possibly heading up for the Richmond game, where do you recommend I stay? What are the gameday "rituals" that I should be a witness to.
 
For the Richmond game, the primary ritual will be watching middle aged alums act like they’re 20 years old, for it’s 80’s Weekend. Game will sell out, and Richmond will lose.
 
I just checked on Hotels.com and it looks like you only have 2 options: the Best Western and Holiday Inn. I've stayed at both and Holiday Inn is slightly nicer, but Best Western is more than fine. They're both around $125, but Best Western is a lot closer to campus. By a lot, I mean like 5 miles. Either way, yes, Olean does have Uber/Lyft, but there probably aren't too many cars. You could stay in Ellicottville, which is a small ski resort town about 30 minutes north of campus, but that's probably slightly more expensive.

You must 1000% get a Burton burger. Will you think it's the greatest burger ever? Maybe. Will you be pissed you waited 45 minutes for it? Probably. Either way, if this is going to be a one-off trip for you, absolutely go to the Burton. The owners of like 40+ years sold it last year to a group, financed by some Bona alums. I haven't been since ownership changed, but I imagine it's basically the same. It's not a place where you'll sample 100 NYS craft beers from the Adirondacks to Buffalo, but it's the best place to get a sampling of being a Bonnie. If you do want the burger but don't want to wait a million years, I'd recommend going about 2 hours before tipoff (it's 6:30 p.m. for SBU-RICH, so it'll definitely be open). The Burton will also be the epicenter for the postgame-2? a.m. 80s Weekend debauchery.

You should also swing by The Rathskellar, the official on-campus bar. So I don't start a B*ndwag*n-esque debate here, let's just say the Skellar has... inconsistent service and leave it at that. Even if you don't buy any food/drinks, walk down there for a couple minutes. There are some cool jerseys, photos and other displays.

I know, another place with booze, don't sound so surprised, but downtown Olean has a cool, new brewery called Four Mile Brewing. It's more of a craft place like you'd see in a city like Richmond. Great flatbreads and I recommend the Allegheny IPA or Pre-Prohibition Ale there.

Yes, there are some sober things to do in Olean/Allegany. Depending on how the weather is that weekend, you should walk around outside near Devereaux Hall. The architecture on-campus is gorgeous, so it'll be worth seeing (Richmond's is too, but ours is more Italian/Spanish, as opposed to UR's more classically English look? idk architecture like that I'm a Twitter shitposter that acts decent on A10Talk). By late February, you'll have a better chance of winning Powerball than guessing what the weather will be. Yeah, we get a lot of snow, but on February 24, 2017, it was 71 degrees on the Friday of alumni weekend! 71!!! That was about 9 months after it snowed on my class of 2016 buddies' graduation on Mothers Day... If you don't go to Ellicottville, you could also check out Seneca Allegany casino, although it's not exactly Vegas, Mohegan Sun or Atlantic City. There are some more outdoors things you could do in the warmer months, but in February, honestly the entire area is Bona-centric.

Finally, you won't get any shit for wearing Spiders gear, unless you dress up as Spiderman or something. If anyone starts making fun of you for liking Richmond, just bond with them over our mutual disdain for VCU. We always pull for you guys in the Capital City Classic...

This has been your Bona Commenter online tour, hope you go visit!
 
I just checked on Hotels.com and it looks like you only have 2 options: the Best Western and Holiday Inn. I've stayed at both and Holiday Inn is slightly nicer, but Best Western is more than fine. They're both around $125, but Best Western is a lot closer to campus. By a lot, I mean like 5 miles. Either way, yes, Olean does have Uber/Lyft, but there probably aren't too many cars. You could stay in Ellicottville, which is a small ski resort town about 30 minutes north of campus, but that's probably slightly more expensive.

You must 1000% get a Burton burger. Will you think it's the greatest burger ever? Maybe. Will you be pissed you waited 45 minutes for it? Probably. Either way, if this is going to be a one-off trip for you, absolutely go to the Burton. The owners of like 40+ years sold it last year to a group, financed by some Bona alums. I haven't been since ownership changed, but I imagine it's basically the same. It's not a place where you'll sample 100 NYS craft beers from the Adirondacks to Buffalo, but it's the best place to get a sampling of being a Bonnie. If you do want the burger but don't want to wait a million years, I'd recommend going about 2 hours before tipoff (it's 6:30 p.m. for SBU-RICH, so it'll definitely be open). The Burton will also be the epicenter for the postgame-2? a.m. 80s Weekend debauchery.

You should also swing by The Rathskellar, the official on-campus bar. So I don't start a B*ndwag*n-esque debate here, let's just say the Skellar has... inconsistent service and leave it at that. Even if you don't buy any food/drinks, walk down there for a couple minutes. There are some cool jerseys, photos and other displays.

I know, another place with booze, don't sound so surprised, but downtown Olean has a cool, new brewery called Four Mile Brewing. It's more of a craft place like you'd see in a city like Richmond. Great flatbreads and I recommend the Allegheny IPA or Pre-Prohibition Ale there.

Yes, there are some sober things to do in Olean/Allegany. Depending on how the weather is that weekend, you should walk around outside near Devereaux Hall. The architecture on-campus is gorgeous, so it'll be worth seeing (Richmond's is too, but ours is more Italian/Spanish, as opposed to UR's more classically English look? idk architecture like that I'm a Twitter shitposter that acts decent on A10Talk). By late February, you'll have a better chance of winning Powerball than guessing what the weather will be. Yeah, we get a lot of snow, but on February 24, 2017, it was 71 degrees on the Friday of alumni weekend! 71!!! That was about 9 months after it snowed on my class of 2016 buddies' graduation on Mothers Day... If you don't go to Ellicottville, you could also check out Seneca Allegany casino, although it's not exactly Vegas, Mohegan Sun or Atlantic City. There are some more outdoors things you could do in the warmer months, but in February, honestly the entire area is Bona-centric.

Finally, you won't get any shit for wearing Spiders gear, unless you dress up as Spiderman or something. If anyone starts making fun of you for liking Richmond, just bond with them over our mutual disdain for VCU. We always pull for you guys in the Capital City Classic...

This has been your Bona Commenter online tour, hope you go visit!
Thank you for the super detailed response. I'm really hoping it works out and I can make it up for the weekend!
 
If you're a fan of gibberish, you're likely to run into the great Lester Green at Angee's before the game, an Italian restaurant on Union St. I've never had the pleasure, but you might have better luck than I.
 
For one of the best meals you can get anywhere, go to the Beef 'n Barrel on Union Street in Olean, but be prepared to wait in line if it's right after the game. Also, if you ski or just love the slopes and wintry scenes, check into staying at Holiday Valley, just 20 miles up the road from the Reilly Center in Ellicottville. https://www.holidayvalley.com/lodging/lodging/
The WNY area is a great vacation bargain.
 
You can't go to western NY and not get wings. Randy's has some of the best in the world and Third Base is in the top 10.

Go to Five Mile Brewery. They have excellent beer and surprisingly delicious food. On Thursday night you're likely to run into Schmidt.

On Friday and Saturday night you'll find all the village bars completely packed. Things will get especially rowdy Saturday night if they win. If that happens: escape before 1 am.
 
The Beef N Barrel is a must, and if you like Italian food, go to Angees. It's a Bona restaurant/bar on North Union St., and the owner often provides dinners for visiting teams whose DOB's know what's what. Go to Randy's Up The River or Third Base for some wings. As far as places to stay, there are a few Airbnb's around that I've heard are very nice. The Hickey Tavern in Allegany should be busy after the game with it being 80's weekend.
 
Nice to know there’s some normal, friendly people on the other side of Richmond. Unlike the animals that inhabit that sprawling, neolithic, state funded acreages in downtown Richmond, otherwise known as VCU.
 
Yes, and you'll find the folks around Olean are quite friendly too as long as you don't talk any trash about Bona or the Southern Tier.
 
Randys sucks and the service is awful but i do enjoy the atmosphere and usually youre there to watch 3 hours of a game so the wait is somewhat bearable. best wings in town are at 3rd Base.... stop there before going home.

Burton Burger pregame.... Beef n Barrel is a must at some point.... you order the beef on weck with a side of your choice but i suggest french fries and get a side of gravy for dipping the beef.
 
If you like beef, then you have to go to the Beef N Barrel for a beef on weck. If you're not into a salty kummelweck roll, just ask for a plain roll. The place is outstanding.

Angee's is the big Bona bar in Olean, but The Burton is the big Bona bar in Allegany. Pre-game, it would probably behoove you to try The Burton. That will give you the true experience. Angee's is a good spot for a post-game meal and drinks. Mom and Pop type of Italian joint with lots of old time character.

Randy's and 3rd Base are good for wings, but sort of greasy spoon bar types.

On Saturday night, if you like live music, The Hickey Tavern in Allegany will always have a solid band and some... uhhhhh... flavorful characters. That was always my spot in college. Raw dog crew.

Contrary to popular belief, Bona folk aren't savages. As long as you aren't a VCU Pav-like, overly-boistrous opposing fan, you'll be treated just fine. SBU alums/fans like to have a good time.
 
You all keep saying Angee's, one of my greatest Bona shames is I've never been there. I'll have to go next time I'm back for the Mason game.

Also, if you want a really nice breakfast spot (especially for Sunday brunch if you have the true late night Bona's experience), go to Sprague's Maple Farms. It's in Portville, about 15 minutes east of Bona's. Incredible maple syrup there.
 
You all keep saying Angee's, one of my greatest Bona shames is I've never been there. I'll have to go next time I'm back for the Mason game.

Also, if you want a really nice breakfast spot (especially for Sunday brunch if you have the true late night Bona's experience), go to Sprague's Maple Farms. It's in Portville, about 15 minutes east of Bona's. Incredible maple syrup there.
I don't know you from (Jaylen) Adam (s), but my hunch is missing Angee's isn't even in your top 15.

Yes, go to Sprague's, particularly for breakfast. Say hello to Randy and tell him I sent you, we were on the golf team together. It won't get you an f' ing thing, but I need the local rep.
 
I think you can see how strong the attachment is for many of us Bona fans. I guess that's why 455 posts have already been made to this sub-forum in its short life, far more than others (though the Spiders have a creditable number too). People like to denigrate Olean as they do many small towns, but a visit there would be a good way to see what keeps our far-flung alumni wanting to go back.
 
Randy's wings don't even compare to 3rd Base imo but Randys environment will be better on game-day. Burton is a must, as is the Beef N Barrel as others have stated. Downtown Olean has changed quite a bit (for the better) since I graduated in 2013 so I would check things out downtown.
 
I feel like I’ve already been due to everyone’s responses. Thank y’all for that, and yes. There are normal non-Pav like basketball fans in Richmond.
So what's the verdict? Are you making the trip? The Spiders have gotten so good, we're all scared. Sorry for the reverse jinx.
 
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