Enjoying Nashville when You're too Young for the Music Scene

While Nashville, Tennessee is obviously a place that caters to the above-legal-drinking-age crowd that I won't be joining for another eight months, my boyfriend and I still managed to have ourselves an unforgettable week in country music's capital city. At times, we felt a little out of place among the countless bachelorette parties and found it difficult to get into the majority of the music venues. However, the energy of the city alone was enough to have me completely head-over-heels in love with Nashville.

Our wholesome week was full of spontaneous adventures and unique experiences that I wouldn't trade for any seat on a barstool on Broadway. Here are the highlights:

Go Bowling at the Pinewood Social

Home to a lot a laughter and just the right amount of friendly competition was the Pinewood Social, our favorite date spot of the week. Located at 33 Peabody St, not far from Broadway in the heart of Nashville, this venue offers a lot more that bowling. With food, dipping pools, an airstream trailer bar, bocce ball courts and more, this place is the ultimate date spot.

While I’m sure the food and other activities were just as fantastic as the atmosphere, we opted to stick to bowling on the adorable vintage lanes repurposed from a Indiana Bowl-a-Rama. Keeping track of our own scores using an iPad (or a score sheet, should you choose to really embrace the vintage feel), I threw most of the gutter balls and he threw most of the strikes. 

Cool off at the Waterfalls

Located just in between Nashville and Chattanooga, an hour and a half drive from either city, lies the breathtaking beauty of Rock Island State Park. The short hike over slippery and rocky terrain was well worth the view, as we soon found ourselves in the middle of one of the most picturesque landscapes I have ever had the pleasure of witnessing. 

While I was perfectly happy enjoying the sun, cool water, and natural beauty, those who were more daring took the plunge off the thirty-five foot waterfall into the deepest point of the swimming hole. Next time, I promised myself I would be a bit more bold.

Relive the Middle School Days

When I was 12 years old, I loved to roller skate, so you can bet that my inner 12 year old self was absolutely thrilled to spend an evening at the Brentwood Skate Center roller skating in disco-ball lit circles to Flo Rida and B.o.B. The $3 photo booth and fog machine made our night just that much more exciting.

Have a Picnic at the Parthenon

On one of my last nights in Tennessee, we took a quick trip to Nashville's own Greek landmark. With our handy picnic blanket in hand, we scouted out a spot on the lawn with a great view of the Parthenon to enjoy our ever-so-Southern meal of chicken and waffles with a side of mac n' cheese (clearly a very healthy and balanced meal, pictured below). 

Catch a Concert at Ascend Amphitheater

Upon arriving in Nashville, I was surprised with tickets for the sold out concert of one of my favorite artists. After attending said concert (and internally fangirling the entire time), I am convinced that seeing a concert should be on every Nashville bucket list. After all, what would Music City be without the music?

Ascend Amphitheater is the perfect place for that Nashville concert experience, especially if you're looking for a bigger show. We pitched our convenient backpack chairs where we could see the stage and the city skyline. I feel a little bad for the opening act. . . The sunset over the AT&T building completely stole the show.