Rapid City SD - 3 days

Hi,

1. I%26#39;m travelling around this part of the US near the end of July (male - by myself) and decided Rapid City would be a decent base for the Badlands one day and Rushmore/ Custer parks on another. See any problems with this plan?

2. I haven%26#39;t booked accomadation but will probably stay somewhere in central Rapid City so that I have a good choice of things to do in the evening. Are there any good bars/ clubs (preferably with live music)you can recommend (Friday/ Saturday)?

Thank you

Rapid City SD - 3 days

Sorry I can%26#39;t be of help regarding your question about bars/clubs. We had an 8 year old in tow when we visited so we didn%26#39;t get to experience this.

As for your first question, Rapid City is an ok base for touring the Badlands, but you will be doing some driving to see Custer and Rushmore. It%26#39;s about 40 miles to Custer SP and 25 miles to Rushmore. These mileages are just something to consider, especially if you are going to see the lighting ceremony at Rushmore. But..if you are looking more amenities and services and don%26#39;t mind driving, you would probably do better at Rapid City, as it is much larger.

When people visit the hills, they typically make a base in Keystone, Hill City or Custer. These towns, though small, have plenty of hotels, and if I recall, some did have bars with live music (western feel).

Enjoy your trip.

Rapid City SD - 3 days

Than you very much for your quick and useful reply

I%26#39;d agree with your choice to stay in downtown Rapid City if you%26#39;re looking for any nightlife.

Keystone/Hill City/Custer has more tourist places and small town bars. Some occasionally have music but the general setting is better for couples and families.

Don%26#39;t know what your budget is like. If you%26#39;ve got a little cash to spend, I%26#39;d highly recommend the Radisson downtown in Rapid City. You could also try the Alex Johnson. A cheaper option is the Townhouse Motel a few blocks east of the bar scene. Other walkable options are the Holiday Inn and the Howard Johnson Express--but I don%26#39;t think you%26#39;ll save any at these places compared to the Radisson and they%26#39;re further away.

I%26#39;d recommend three spots with live music on weekends that are within two blocks of the Radisson. Dublin Square, The Firehouse Brewing Co. and Paddy O%26#39;Neill%26#39;s (in the Alex Johnson). If you get here during the summer, the Firehouse music will be outside in a courtyard--it%26#39;s a great spot. The Firehouse is also my first recommendation for a solo diner--grab a set at the bar. It%26#39;s the only micro brewpub in the area.

Paddy O%26#39;Neill%26#39;s is a small, cool old place that usually has solo acoustic music. Dublin Square is bigger and usually has full bands.

The 445 Bar is in the lobby of the Radisson and sometimes has live music--sometimes doesn%26#39;t.

If you%26#39;re a wine fan, the Wine Cellar is a little wine bar/restaurant. If you%26#39;re looking for the best meal in town (kind of expensive, though) and a glass of wine/beer where you can sit at a bar, try The Corn Exchange.

All of the above places are non-smoking. One more place called Thirsty%26#39;s completes the non-smoking scene. The rest of the bars in town are smoking bars.

If you%26#39;re visiting in 2008 on or before August 28, a block of 7th Street downtown is closed off every Thursday evening from 5:30 to 8:30. There%26#39;s a band and a beer garden. I don%26#39;t know that I%26#39;d adjust your schedule to try to make it to this, but if you happen to be here at the time, it%26#39;s a fun stop. Schedule: http://www.rapidcitysummernights.com/

Wow! What a brilliant response! Thank you very much for some excellent detailed advice.

I am non smoker and in any case all bars/ restaurants/ clubs are now non smoking in the UK.

Thanks again, I look forward some good beer and music and staying in convenient hotel/ motel.

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