Kayaking + Dog Parks

Nothing says "active lifestyle" like paddling about in a kayak — water sports' answer to rollerblading. If you're planning on spending your summer days getting EXTREEEEEEEME at, say, Shelby Bottoms Park — East Nashville's alfresco esplanade for yuppies and bohemians alike — don't leave home without your 'yak. You're gonna need it to escape all those purebred puppies on the greenway trying to slurp the fixed-gear grease off your fedora.

Huh? If you're baffled by that last bon mot, which has to do with a ubiquitous clique of East Nashville bike enthusiasts, you're probably not an East Side indweller (and arguably better off for it). If you do get the whole "outdoors + dogs + summer = yay!" equation, however, but reside on the squares' side of the river, fear not. Nashville has a host — or at least a pair — of idyllic westward pleasure gardens where you can go to meet hot new singles and show off your prized tail-wagger.

I'm talking dog parks. There are three of them in Davidson County, located in Centennial Park, Percy Warner Park and, of course, Shelby Park. Show up anytime — dawn to dusk — to unleash, unwind and cavort with your canine. ADAM GOLD