Summertime in the Big O

[stoversghost]

I'm hauling the family to Olean for a brief stay next month and I was wondering about the following:

1. What will 9 holes at SBU cost me with a cart? Do alumni still get a break?
2. I understand that Big Ron's, the Central and the Royal are all shuttered. Is the Verona still pouring?

Thanks for any info.

[Bona91]

1. Weekend rate for the old course is $15, same price regardless of if you play 9 or 18 holes. Carts I believe are $11-12 per 9 holes.

2. The Verona is still pouring.

[Phantom]

The Central is long gone and used to sit where the beautiful new JCC downtown campus is, Big Rons (been gone for much longer) is now a CVS, and The Royal has been replaced by Sean Patrick's Irish Pub and Verona is now under new management...

And who says there is no progress in Olean!!!

[MIKE MACALUSO]

how about warners pizza ? on the side subs and the village green ? wasnt judy's subs part of big ron's ? olean will never be the same without the castle and loretto foods across the street !

[Phantom]

Aah memories! Although, I am not a member of the Olean Chamber of Commerce nor do I play one on TV. I can tell you - On the Side, and Village Green still exist, albeit in different locations, Loretto salad dressing is still being made and distributed and that the Warner Pizza recipe lives on through Dave's Pizza (501 Cafe and Pizza).

I can only vaguely remember Judy's Sub Shop (Wasn't that formerly the Palace Cafe?) I remember as a kid seeing some "Huggy Bear" looking character (Billy Joe) with the long fur coat and over sized hat, big shoes with stacked heels, strutt'n the streets or cruising his big caddy around that neighborhood! He was self employed, I believe!

[MIKE MACALUSO]

billy joe mcclain, i believe...there used to be a ton of action down that way in the 60s and 70s...

[FriendsofAN44]

Granny's Verona and Sean Patrick's (within 2 blocks of each other) are the places to go if you don't mind elbow to elbow crowds and loud music, usually either a band or a DJ. Still a great time though.

For a quieter, more sophisticated time, hit the Village Green. No jukebox, just a comfortable bar with lots of Bonnies talk, and always a well-heeled crowd. Odds are good you will run into Olean's Mayor there, and it is a regular hangout for Bona coaches, staff, all the way up to the AD.

For great pizza, hit 501 Cafe (formerly Dave's, which was formerly Warner's), still the same great recipe that Al & Ruth made famous. No 56-inch muskie on the wall though ;-) Napoli Pizza and Tasta Pizza are can't-go-wrong choices as well.

For fantastic subs, the only place to go is A & J's Subs. A bit pricey, but on a homemade roll and loaded with ingredients. The cheeseburger sub is my favorite.

For locations of all these joints, just check your hotel phone book. They're all very easy to find.

[goldenboy]

There are plenty of things to do in Olean. Just look at the OTH's Out and About. People are amazed there is so much going on in our area. With so much going on in the area why would any one want to see Olean's mayor. Hearing him from a distance is good enough!

[Observer1]

Aaahhh there was nothing like the chili at Mary's afterhours!!