WHERE TO GO ICE SKATING IN NASHVILLE

There are few more iconic winter activities than gliding across the ice, hearing the blade of a figure skate connect with the ice as a skater flows into a jump. After all, figure skating is the oldest sport in the Winter Olympics.

You might not necessarily think of Tennessee as prime skating territory. And it’s true you can’t just grab your skates and head to the nearest frozen pond. But Music City is home to the Nashville Predators, a professional hockey team with a rabid fan base and there are places for lacing up your skates. Here are a few options for getting on the ice this winter in Nashville.

Gaylord Opryland Resort. The mammoth Opryland complex is converted into a winter wonderland called So. Much. Christmas. Themed activities include displays of millions of lights, ice tubing, snowball-throwing, touring ice sculptures and skating on a 9,000 sq. ft. real ice outdoor rink. The $23.99 fee is good for unlimited all-day skating, plus skate rentals, so you can skate, go explore the other activities at the resort (or go to see the Grand Ole Opry next door) and then come back for another twirl under the stars.

Ford Ice Center, which is operated by the NHL’s Nashville Predators, offers public skate sessions at three different indoor facilities, in Bellevue (to the west), in Antioch (to the south) and Clarksville (to the north), meaning you’ll find an option in whichever direction you’re traveling. It is a cashless facility and online reservations in advance are required. Cost is $12, and that includes skate rentals.

Centennial Sportsplex in Centennial Park. Run by the Metro Nashville Parks Department, this is a budget-friendly indoor option, free for kids under 4 and $6-$7 for everyone else. Skate rental is $3. Choose from two sessions a day on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays on two different indoor rinks. There are coin-operated lockers where you can store your stuff when you are on the ice. A small concession stand sells pizza, bagels and other treats, and you are welcome to bring your own snacks. Centennial Park is centrally located near the Vanderbilt University campus, so there are lots of restaurants close by.