Not worth the drive

Based on Magicrat’s comment that Leather and Lace Gastonia was “down and dirty,” I had to make the 30 minute drive to check it out during my short visit to Charlotte. It sure looks like it has down and dirty potential, but I can’t really say from personal experience after this visit.

L&L Gastonia is a kind of run down area on the outskirts of Gastonia—not a nice area, but not scary looking. I had to buy a $20 one year membership to get in. I tried to explain that I was from out of town and would never use a membership again, and asked about discounts, to no avail. I was told that it was North Carolina law that I had to buy the membership, even though I was not asked to do so at any of the other three clubs I visited during this trip. I thought about just turning around and leaving, but after driving 30 minutes, and with thoughts of down and dirty fun, I bit the bullet, paid the $20, and went in. I probably should have just left.

I took a seat at the small bar immediately inside the door and was completely ignored by the bartender for 10 minutes while she huddled with the door girl discussing something that was obviously more important than serving the one customer at the bar. While I waited, I looked around.