Normally we all go, or a few of us. It is not nearly real spring yet, so growth is slow and we had all been there just the other week, doing a green sweet, spring clean-up. I do get to enjoy the shore, even more in recent years, especially with covid. Nobody was working and it was like having a vacation. Oh, wait, that wasn't me, that was my family. LOL Anyway. I guess if there is no traffic, it can be 3 1/2 hours. :)
I have been to a few different locations while traveling. If there is no great place to eat, I will fall back on that because I know I enjoy their food. I would like to say that the college adds a little more noise, but, I am not sure you would notice either way. There were a few places like that in San Antonio, but, I would say that it probably is the acoustics of the building. Most don't mind and some even like it. I am always with one or two people, so the seating is close, maybe? I am thinking 6 would put us too far apart and I wouldn't be able to hear as well.
There are too many nice places to choose from, I have to agree that if your visit isn't a good experience, they would get a thumbs down. I experiment with the way they serve their butter at home. I just love it. :)