Simple Pleasures: Hitting the Lanes

Whenever I feel overwhelmed by the chaos of 21^st century living, I take comfort in the rituals of bygone days. I think back to high school, for instance, when my friends and I would head over to the bowling alley on Fridays after classes let out, stock up on snacks from the vending machines, and lace up our shoes for hours of entertainment free from the prying eyes of our parents. Of course, there were also no social media sites or RSS feeds to distract us from the time we were spending together, which only strengthened the bonds we formed while playing the game.

Thankfully, bowling is still very much alive and kicking in New York. From upscale chains like Bowlmor, which offer luxurious amenities for bowlers throughout the city, to the more relaxed and traditional Rab's Country Lanes on Staten Island, there are plenty of places to choose from when the night calls for a classic kind of fun. Grab some buddies and go as a group or add a little romance to the mix and bowl one-on-one. Either way, don't forget to turn off your cell phone and enjoy the simple pleasures of a casual sport in excellent company.

Photo courtesy of wikimedia.org.