String 'n Swing Tennis

Nashville's Centennial Park is the Central Park of the South. But it's laid back and laced with southern charm. On a beautiful day, it's filled with families gathered around picnic tables, college students lounging on blankets, and kids kicking soccer balls. Right in the middle of it stands a full scale replica of the Greek Parthenon, providing history and architecture found nowhere else.Parking and transportation at Centennial Park There is ample free parking surrounding the entire park. Parking availability was recently expanded to add parking on the grass, in addition to the paved areas. The bus line stops on West End Ave, just a few steps away, making it accessible via public transportation.Best and worst time to go to Centennial ParkThe community hosts countless free art and culture events at the park from May through September. These include Musicians Corner, (a carefully curated lineup of local and national acts), local theater performances, Nashville Ballet in the Park, food truck festivals, and more. This makes spring through fall, especially on the weekends, the best times to go. Winter, only because of the cold, deters visitors.Admission to Centennial ParkAdmission is free, year round. In addition, parking and almost all events are free as well. If you wish to go inside the Greek Parthenon museum, located on the park grounds, it costs $7 for adults and $5 for kids and seniors.Must see/do at Centennial ParkTake a stroll around Lake Atagua, or run the one-mile trail. But don't run too fast or you'll miss the stunning flower gardens located by the pavilion (where swing dancing lessons are held seasonally). And take a moment to climb the larger than life stairs up to the Parthenon and let your mind travel back in time.Other places to visit near Centennial Park If you're looking for physical activity, head next door to the Centennial Sportsplex. This massive indoor area offers aquatics, tennis, fitness equipment, hockey and ice skating. If you journey down West End Avenue in either direction, you'll come across countless chain and local restaurants. For a local coffee (Nashville's favorite beverage) experience, try the eclectic and always entertaining Cafe Coco.Inside tips for visitors to Centennial ParkIf you want something refreshing on a hot day at the park, head over to the paved area between the lake and Parthenon. A man will be serving his famous snow cones out of a bicycle cooler.Author's bio: Rebecca Cicione has lived in Nashville for four years. She works in the nonprofit and music industries and her favorite place to be is anywhere outdoors.