AMF Sawmill Lanes

My ambivalence with bowling alleys continued today.  I've always enjoyed bowling from time to time...it's an interesting endeavor, but I've never liked bowling ALLEYS, maybe because when I was a kid they were dark, smoke-filled pits of noise.

I was astounded by how clean and bright Sawmill was, it was busy but not packed on an early Sunday afternoon, definitely all the lanes were not in use so I was psyched ...until I got up to the counter...and the curse of the bowling alley resurfaced.

I don't know what it is.  Do you have to be in a league, know the secret handshake, pay homage to AMF, or have a reservation to get a lane?  The lady looked at me like I was crazy "Oh, open bowl?  Oh we won't have any open bowl until after 3."  

Geez, yes...uh, open bowl...I'll pay full price...cash...no Groupon, Entertainment book...nothing of the sort!  Didn't matter.  We made the long walk of shame out of the bright, pretty bowling alley, listening to the 12 pound balls impacting pins, the gleeful laughter of children and adults alike and wishing we could join their reindeer games.

That's what I've never understood about bowling alleys...it's like they're always booked solid by mysterious leagues and such, and the average joe with two kids can't walked in off the street and knock down a few pins.

When bf suggested I meet him and his friends for an afternoon of bowling, I was puuuumped! I haven't been bowling in a few years and have never been to any lanes in Columbus. I was extremely pleased and surprised when I arrived at Sawmill Lanes. Parking? Check. Clean? Check. Musty smell of cigarette smoke lingering from 1985? No? It's a miracle!

It was great walking into a well-lit, clean, updated bowling alley and seeing lots of friends, families, adults and kids enjoying some good old-fashioned fun on a Saturday afternoon. The guys I was with had ordered some pitchers of beer ($8.75 for Budweiser) and a pizza that they said was just "meh" for the $16 price tag. But again, you're at a bowling alley.

It looked like they had a separate bar area and plenty of room for private parties. Plenty of bowling alleys too, maybe 50 or so. Shoes were decent, the computer system didn't give us any technical issues and overall it was a really fun way to spend a couple of hours.

Prices have definitely jumped since I was in high school, about $11 for one game and shoes-or they offer shoes and unlimited bowling for 2 hours and $20. Looking around, it seemed like they could cater to the kiddies as well by offering bumpers and slides to help with ball-rolling.

Glad to have checked this place out!

Having not been to a bowling ally since literally my childhood, I wasn't sure what exactly I was about to walk into. I assumed it would consist of only people over the age of 50, cigarette smoke, worn-out shoes, and a dirty atmosphere. To my surprise it was the complete opposite!

There were families and friends of all ages, fun music playing, and advanced lanes. The best day to go for cheap college students, like myself, would definitely be Sundays. From 10 pm until 12 am they offer 'all you can bowl' for only 12 dollars! (with tax). I was surprised how much (sober) fun my friends and I could have, although, they do offer a wide selection of alcohol for those hoping to improve their game a little! For the younger children there are bumper lanes available as well as a  decent sized game room.

As far as bowling went, the balls were all relatively new, the shoes were in good shape (although not the most fashionable), and the lanes were easy to program and ran smoothly.

I can't wait to go next and hopefully beat my high score of 147!