While the temperatures may continue to climb well into what is considered autumn, summer always seems fleeting to me in Nashville. I mean, it’s only July, and yet we’ve got just a few weeks before kids are back in school (more on that and back-to-school shopping in a future KIL newsletter). So, it’s now or never to take your family out to enjoy some weekday water activities, with the help of some local outfitters. (Looking for some good water-safety tips? Read this gem from City Cast Nashville’s Whitney Pastorek before you head out.)
I used to own NPC, but since it was purchased at the beginning of last season, I’ve had nothing to do with it. So, I can’t take any credit. But I can see that Katy, the new owner, is offering lots of fun programming at Hamilton Creek on Percy Priest Lake, including full-moon paddling outings and learn-to-paddleboard classes. Through Labor Day, she’s offering 5 p.m. evening paddles, and there is nothing quite like golden hour on the water.
RQV changed ownership last year, too (details are here if you want to go way back in the City Cast Nashville files) and its new owners kept the old staff leading the charge. That means there are lots of experienced folks putting you on the water. They offer pontoon and kayak fun on the Cumberland River. Plus, there are even kayak scavenger hunts!
Cumberland Kayak is serious about the “adventure” word in their name. In addition to providing Cumberland River outings with views of the skyline, the company leads guided trips to scenic waterfalls in Middle Tennessee, including Burgess Falls and Fancher Falls. Cumberland Kayak also volunteers to organize clean-up events with the Cumberland River Compact.
Not a people-powered watercraft person? You can still have fun in the water. Metro Parks runs Wave Country, a swimming pool and water park off of Briley Parkway. Get soaked in the wave-action pool and slide down the water flumes. You can BYO cooler and snacks (alcohol is not permitted). Admission is $12 for adults and $10 for kids, and half-off for children Tuesday through Friday between 3-5 p.m., so it can be an affordable family outing.
