There's increasing variety when it comes to planning an evening out in Grand Island and Hall County. More movie theaters, quality restaurants, bars and live entertainment are among improvements on the local entertainment scene.

Grand Island now offers 10 movie theaters at two locations. A 30-minute drive to Hastings offers more options at the Lied Super Screen Theater inside the Hastings Museum, which plays both educational and second-run feature films on a screen three stories high.

The city's newest movie theater is the Mall Stadium 7, located in the Conestoga Mall, which boasts of surround sound, stadium seating and online ticket sales. The Island Twin located in the Grand Island Mall on Webb Road also play first-run movies.

The Grand Theater, a historic movie theater in downtown Grand Island, also provides second-run movies and space for performances, which occur frequently throughout the year. It is run by a non-profit organization.

If a local theater doesn't offer a preferred movie, a videotape version can probably be rented at one of more than a dozen video store locations. Or a movie may be shown on cable or satellite TV.

The number of restaurants in Grand Island has boomed in the last 30 years. The latest Yellow Pages list nearly 85 restaurants in Grand Island, some offering fast food and some offering the best in dining.

Also, Club Voodoo on South Locust Street is a popular hangout for those who like to dance. The club features country music.

The Bonzai Beach Club, located at 107 N. Walnut, periodically showcases musical groups, both from Grand Island and the area. The Platt-Duetsche and the Liederkranz also offer live music and dancing periodically.

Skate Island and two bowling alleys the Super Bowl at 1010 E. Bismark Road and Westside Lanes at 112 Kaufman Ave. are among businesses offering family fun.

If your preference is talking over a cup of coffee or soft drink, coffee houses such as The Blue Moon Coffee Company or Grounds to Go are pleasant meeting places for people of all ages.