I've seen the tactic work and fail. Last time ND was in state, some kids drove hours to see Agalloch but were under 21. From what I gather, Agalloch did everything in their power to try and help 'em out to no avail.
If the plan DOES fail, it's possible to hear shows from the rear parking lot. My suggestion is to keep out of sight of the rear door as the bouncer checks every once in awhile to make sure nobody is sneaking in.
Anyhow Paul suggested I share this info with you folks...
Nearest Hotel to Ralph's:
Courtyard Marriot on Grove St (within walking)
24 Hour places in area:
Walmart Supercenter 25 Tobias Boland Way Worcester
(It's been open close to a year so GPSes should be able to find it now. If not... it's the first or second exit off 146 out of Worcester then follow the signs.)
Pricechopper supermarket
564 Southwest Cutoff
Worcester, MA 01610
(address basically translates to just up Route 20 from its split with route 146 which in turn is right near Route 90).
Kenmore Diner
250 Franklin St
Worcester
(little 24 hour breakfast joint. Something of a shoe box and likely to have 3/4 of the show's population in attendance).
Denny's Restaurant
494 Lincoln St
Worcester, MA
(Larger than Kenmore but food isn't as fresh and it attracts a much worse crowd. The original Kenmore burnt down due to appliance issues. Denny's had a guy beaten to death for no real reason.)
If you think you'll need some bandages or OTC medication, check CVS.com for details on 24 hour locations. Note that while the word "pharmacy" is in the chain's full name, not every place will dispense non-OTC medication in the wee hours. Can't tell you if any of them do so I'd suggest calling if you think the need may arise.
Alcohol:
Breweries
Wormtown
455 Park Ave
Worcester
(Good beer but samples go you $10.00 at a bar in the family restaurant next door. Nice to be able to grab 64 oz of fresh beer until 10pm but not so nice having to hang in a lounge with sportsfans and old ladies for a pint)
Pioneer
195 Arnold Rd
Fiskdale, MA
(beer is comparable to Wormtown's-if not better for certain styles. Used to be an orchard so it's a nice rustic facility with a gorgeous bar. Also sell the 64oz and select 220z. varities)
Liquor Stores
The are package stores on every other corner for your basic Busch&Co type products. If you're a bit more picky try these places:
Mass Liquors
Chandler St
Worcester, MA
(Nice balance of selection and price. Last time I was in, signage indicated their normal price on Sam Adams and Long Trail undercut sales at some of the competition).
Austin Liquors
Gold Star Blvd
Worcester, MA
(It's a grovery-store sized liquor store. Tons of stuff. Mid-range prices.)
Julios Liquors
Route 9
Westborough, MA
(General rule is if a beer is distributed in Central Mass, Julio's will have it. They also stock a variety of meads, hot sauces, and I think started in on the hard ciders too.)
Bars
As Worcester is the 2nd or 3rd biggest city in New England (depending on the census) there are tons of bars around. For the cheap stuff, Ralph's is pretty average so I'm not going to go into those too much.
Hotel Vernon
Kelley Square
Worcester
($2.00 drafts and men who never leave their stools. A dive bar that is actually well... a dive bar).
Dive Bar
Green St.
Worcester
(Craft beer bar. Not really so much of a dive, comparatively speaking.)
Armsby Abbey
Main St.
Worcester
(Up until 10, these guys have a pretty awesome kitchen that churns out locally sourced foodstuffs. After that, there's some amazing stuff on tap until 2am and a pretty badass selection of bottles to boot. Sister location of the Dive Bar).
Geeky stuff:
That's Entertainment
Park Ave
Worcester
(Spirit Award winning comic shop that also serves other areas of geekdom equally as well. Got myself a Sega Saturn, a Khanstuffed animal, and a boxed Mr. T doll here).
Higgins Armory
Worcester (just off 190)
(An arms/armor museum. Some seriously cool pieces ranging from viking wear to early guns and shiz.)
Anyhow my shift is over. Later, gator.
