Visions

 
 


Visions

 Visions

Location: 711 Rigsbee Avenue, Durham, North Carolina, USA

Opened:

Closed: 2010

It seems that this address has housed many bars over the past 20 years or so, with Visions being but one. The genealogy seems to run as follows: Competitions, All About Eve, Visions, Club Bedrock Ultra Bar and Lounge (2010), Club Steel Blue (2010-2011), and finally, in July 2011, The Bar. From what I can tell, these bars were mostly lesbian, or at least gay/lesbian-friendly. But of all these, Visions probably claims the most impressive longevity.

Here's how GayCities described Visions back in her heyday:

Trendy and popular hot spot for women.
Despite a reputation for a being a bit snobby and expensive, there always seem to be a lot of ladies who frequent this establishment. There are pool tables and an outdoor patio if you feel like taking a break from the dance floor.

Then there's this heartfelt advice from Clubplanet:

Visions - Dress up. Visions isn’t necessarily "formal," per se, but it’s sexy and sleek; this is the kind of place where if you’re dressed like a tool, you’ll stick out like a sore thumb. (Probably more than a sore thumb, actually—those don’t really stand out when you think about it). The point is: it’s a solid place. Bring your A-game

I'm definitely thinking high maintenance southern belle as I read this. Lipstick lesbian--if with a pronounced though charming drawl.

And then you stumble across the patron assessments, which seem to describe another gal entirely. Sometimes Visions comes across as just a lovable old lezzie dancing dive, fun and unpretentious:

Like in this comment from yahoo in June 2006:

I  LOVE WOMEN: VISIONS IS A GOOD CLUB! I LIKE THE ATMOSPHERE, AND THE DRINK ARE DIRT CHEAP COMPARED TO ANY OTHER CLUB. DJ TIGGER IS OFF THA CHAIN. I LOVE IT!

Or yahoo in September 2006:

you'll luv it!: Visions is a great place, all you need to bring is your happy face, have fun attittude and somebodys sister. The bartenders are great, the DJ has her good nights, there's room to breathe oh' and did i forget to say GIRLS GYRLS & MORE GALZS :)

Or Clubplanet in September 2007:

i went to visions and had i really good time. the staff was friendly and the people were nice. i dance the whole night away

Or GayCities in May 2008:

Went there as a vistor to the city during pride. Had an absolutely wonderful time.

At other times, Visions comes across as not only NOT upscale, but as a magnet for thugs and predatory men.

From yahoo, August 2006:

bring your boxing gloves: I've been a few times. Not a good sign when cops are always in the parking lot. Almost everytime I have been, there has been a fight that seemed to be too much for law enforcement to handle. The cover, drink prices and music are reasonable, gotta wonder if a cheap cover is worth my safety though. There is a nice patio area outback and it seems like its never used. Unfortunately Im looking for another hang out spot.

From yahoo, October 2007:

I'm not to fond of the club its crowded and hott! Usually when I come out, Im coming out to enjoy myself, you know, have a good time, but that does'nt happen, cause me and my girls always get hounded by those wack, lame dudes that be out there. Word to the Wise, if you want to have some Adult, Grown Up fun, this is not the place!!! I want to party with Men not Boys!!!!

If even half of this is true, no wonder Visions eventually expired.... 

Photo: Visions exterior