One More Saturday Night?

The world ends sometime next Friday.

At least that’s how some are interpreting the Mayan calendar and the way it ends on Dec. 21, 2012. But not many are taking these dire predictions too seriously. We've heard the doomsday predictions before and survived. I think we'll make it through this one, too.

But let’s pretend for the sake of this column that the world does in fact end on Friday, Dec. 21, 2012. Let's say it ends sometime after the bars close early Saturday morning and before they reopen later that day. Apologies to the Grateful Dead for borrowing their song title, but if the Mayan calendar does predict our demise, we only have one more Saturday night on earth.

Let’s enjoy it!  

• A hearty breakfast provides fuel for a busy day, and your last day alive is surely going to be a hectic one. Mulligans Bar & Grill, 5526 15th St. E., opens at 8 a.m. Get a heaping plate of biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs and hashes browns and wash it down with some brewskies. The only way to begin the final Saturday on earth is with a full stomach.

• Time for some fun in the sun and one last Saturday afternoon gazing across the beautiful Manatee River. Tarpon Pointe Grill & Tiki Bar, 801 Riverside Drive E., boasts one of the best seats in the house for this. Enjoy a game of cornhole, volleyball or simply take in Tarpon Pointe’s tropical atmosphere with live acoustic music from singer/guitarist Darryl Lane at 1:30 p.m. Happy hour prices from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. include $2.50 domestic bottles, $4 Smirnoff martinis and $5 house wines. Grab some Bar Bite appetizers for lunch.
• But now it’s time for dinner. And maybe even a Christmas party. After all, Christmas is on Dec. 25 and that’s well past the Mayan’s Dec. 21 deadline. But the Hi-Way Bar, 420 301 Blvd. E., isn’t tempting fate. The bar is hosting its annual Christmas party starting at 5 p.m. Saturday and everyone is invited. Bring a side dish and a gag gift for the bar’s annual gift exchange and celebrate Christmas at Manatee County’s oldest family-owned bar with a crowd of friendlies, free food and inexpensive beer.
• An after-dinner smoke sounds good. But we’re looking for something other than that cigarette we bummed off the bartender. This place opened in April: Desert Winds Hookah, 4824 14th St. W., Bradenton’s new hookah hub. It’s open from 8 p.m. until 2 a.m. seven days a week. They don’t serve alcohol, but there are plenty of hookah varieties and music. A $10 cover includes your first hookah and refills are available for $2. Or, pay $15 at the door and get unlimited hookahs all night.
• The night is coming to a close so let’s go out with a bang. Cork’s Cigar Bar, 424 Old Main St., is hosting DJ Nite from 10 p.m. until 2:30 a.m. Go ahead, smoke that fine cigar that you've always promised yourself.

Now let's get back to reality. The world isn't going to end. So before this pretend final Friday begins - find a designated driver.