Donelson Bowl (Demolished)
Nashville, TN
Photo courtesy David Lewis

The big neon Donelson Bowl sign has been catching the eyes of Nashville drivers since the late 1950s. With its sweeping arrow and colorful lettering, it was one of those classic bowling alley marquees that practically made you want to pull in and roll a few games.

The alley opened in late 1959 and went on to become Nashville's oldest continuously operating bowling center. For more than six decades, the familiar sign welcomed everyone from league bowlers to families looking for a night of fun. David Lewis captured it looking just as inviting as ever, proving that sometimes the sign is every bit as memorable as the place itself.

UPDATE: Donelson Bowl closed in 2023, and the building was demolished soon afterward. Plans call for the landmark neon sign to return as part of the property's future redevelopment. 08-26

Madison Bowling (Closed)
Nashville, TN
Photo courtesy Pinslasher

Madison Bowl's sign recently under went a big renovation. This Nashville, TN's bowling alley marquee was in bad shape and now looks great. Many thanks to Pinslasher for info.

The giant bowling pin out front is hard to miss. After a fresh renovation, the Madison Bowl marquee looked better than it had in years, proving that a little paint and some new neon can make a classic roadside sign shine all over again.

Madison Bowl opened in 1960 and was one of three nearly identical bowling centers built around Nashville by the Crescent Amusement Company. For decades, the colorful sign welcomed league bowlers, families, and anyone looking for a fun night out. Pinslasher caught the marquee shortly after its facelift, showing off one of the area's best-looking bowling signs.

UPDATE: The bowling alley has since closed, but the building and its landmark sign still stand while plans for the property continue to evolve. 08-26

Oak Valley Bowling Lanes
Nashville, TN
Photo courtesy Pinslasher

The Oak Valley Lanes recently had a $1,000,000 renovation. They now have new scoring, lanes, and masking unit. Many thanks to Pinslasher for info.

Looking for a few games? Oak Valley Lanes received a major facelift with new lanes, automatic scoring, and updated masking units that gave the bowling center a fresh new look.

Opened in 1980 just off Dickerson Pike, Oak Valley Lanes became a popular neighborhood spot for league bowlers, families, and anyone looking to spend an evening knocking down a few pins. The million-dollar renovation helped keep the alley rolling for years before the final frame was bowled.

UPDATE: The bowling alley has since closed, but the building remains standing as the home of a commercial printing business. 08-26

Pla Mor Bowling Lanes
Statesville, NC
Photo courtesy Tony Craig

With a name like Pla Mor Bowling Lanes, how can you not spring for a couple more games? The vintage roadside sign has been drawing bowlers off Davie Avenue since 1961, and it's still one of those classic landmarks that's hard to drive past without taking another look.

Pla Mor has been a favorite gathering place in Statesville for more than six decades. Inside are 24 lanes, and amazingly, the original pinsetters are still hard at work behind the scenes. While the scoring system has been updated over the years, the alley still has the kind of old-school atmosphere that's becoming harder to find.

Whether you're stopping in for league night or just looking to roll a few frames, Pla Mor still feels like the neighborhood bowling alley it was built to be.

UPDATE: Pla Mor Bowling Lanes remains open, and its classic roadside sign continues to welcome visitors. 08-26

E Town Lanes (Rem.)
KY
Photo courtesy Emily Steele

Here's an old marquee that's hard to miss along Dixie Highway. E Town Lanes has been catching the eye of passing motorists for decades, making it one of those neighborhood bowling alleys that feels right at home on a classic American highway. 10-07

Known for many years as Dix-E-Town Lanes, the center has been part of the Elizabethtown roadside since the 1960s. Families, league bowlers, and weekend visitors have all passed beneath the familiar sign on their way inside for a few games. The building has changed names over the years, but it has never lost its place as one of the area's longtime gathering spots.

UPDATE: The bowling alley continues operating today as Strike & Spare B&B Lanes. The vintage marquee still stands, although it has been updated and no longer features its original neon. 08-26

Skyway Lanes
New Johnsonville, TN
Photo courtesy Tony Craig

Looking for a little family fun? Skyway Lanes has been welcoming bowlers along Broadway in New Johnsonville for years. The roadside sign lets you know you've found one of those hometown bowling alleys where just about everyone seems to know each other. 06-06

Over the years the business has grown to include pizza and an arcade, but the bowling lanes are still part of the attraction. It's the kind of place where you can grab a bite to eat, roll a few games, and spend an easy afternoon without being in a hurry.

UPDATE: Skyway Lanes remains open as Skyway Pizza & Lanes, with bowling still available alongside the restaurant. 08-26