Between its natural scenic beauty and its abundance of outdoor entertainment, Memphis is a town that’s great to get out and see—whether it’s lit by neon, moonlight or the sun.

Beale Street

Although many of the stops along Beale Street are indoors, you’ll likely encounter outdoor live music if you take a nighttime stroll along the famed street. Walk far enough and you’ll come upon Handy Park at Beale and 3rd, which boasts two outdoor music venues that are always free and open to the public.

Overton Park

Overton Park is another place that residents of Memphis love to frequent, located in the heart of Memphis and encompassing 342 acres. No matter what you love to do outdoors, Overton Park offers something for everyone, including a nine-hole golf course, the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, Rainbow Lake, the Memphis Zoo and a bunch of playgrounds for your little ones. Oh, and the 12-acre Old Forest State Nature Area is thrown in for good measure.

Shelby Farms Park

If you’re looking for great outdoor family fun that is also centrally located, Shelby Farms is one to check out. Explore more than 40 miles of paved and unpaved trails, take fun to new heights and climb through the trees on a treetop adventure course, or saddle up and hit the trails on horseback. There are many more great activities that are offered at Shelby Park Farms. Be sure to check out their website for the whole list!

Mississippi River

A trip to Memphis simply isn’t worth it if you don’t spend some time on the banks of one of the most famous rivers in the world. Ol’ Man River serves as the perfect backdrop for an impromptu picnic, an afternoon stroll or some sightseeing—and the myriad parks along the shore give you ample opportunity to enjoy the Big Muddy.

Mud Island River Park is one of the most popular spots, boasting an exact scale replica of the Lower Mississippi River to explore. Needless to say, there’s a lot to see and do while you learn about the mighty river and what it means to Memphis.

Memphis Botanic Gardens

Much of our city’s history is wrapped up in the land upon which the Memphis Botanic Gardens now sit. While it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to explore the entirety of Audubon Park’s 96 acres in a single visit, guests can stroll through any of the 31 gardens and have a different experience every time.

To plan your route ahead of time, learn what’s blooming in each garden by checking the Memphis Botanic Gardens website. Roses, cacti, herb gardens, conifer stands and irises are just a few of the big draws.

The national pastime

If you love summer and sports, this one’s for you: During baseball season, the Memphis Redbirds are frequently in action at AutoZone Park in downtown Memphis. The family-friendly atmosphere and numerous food options make taking in a game a great way to spend the day with loved ones—and because the Redbirds are the AAA affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, you’ll catch a sneak peek of up-and-coming Major Leaguers as they hone their craft.

Dixon Gallery and Gardens

Since 1976, this museum has been home to a splendid Impressionist assortment including works by Pissarro, Monet and Degas. In their will, the late Hugo and Margaret Dixon gave the house and its grounds to the people of Memphis in order to set up this museum. The initial Dixon collection included works by American and French Impressionists. The museum’s traveling exhibits are usually elegant collections based on a certain time period or theme, and although it is small, it is abundant with offerings. The gallery also organizes special concerts and picnics from spring through fall, and most of these are free of charge.

Mississippi River

Memphis is situated on the banks of the great Mississippi. Actually, Memphis is referred to as Bluff City because of the high bluffs along the river bank. With such a grand river, it is no surprise that many Memphis residents enjoy their pastimes and outdoor activities in or along the river. Enjoy a stroll along the cobblestones at the edge of the river, or take a picnic to one of the parks near the river. And if you are feeling venturesome, you can also go to the Big River Crossing, and here you can walk across the river from downtown.

Tom Lee Park

This park was named after a brave resident who saved 32 people when a steamer capsized in the Mississippi in 1925. The park runs along the great river and offers magnificent views of the city’s skyline and the river. The park hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the year, including the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Festival and the Beale Street Music Festival. When there are no major festivals, parking is available. However, the park is just a short walk from downtown attractions. Broad pathways provide ample space for walkers and joggers, while the broad stretch of green space is ideal for simply relaxing in the sun, a family game of Frisbee, or other outdoor activities.

Memphis Zoo

The Memphis Zoo has often been rated as one of the best zoos in the country both for its abundance of exhibits in a simple layout and for the mere fact that you can get very close to the animals. With a Teton ecosystem with lots of wolves and grizzly bears, a Northwest Passage habitat full of river otters and polar bears, and giant pandas from China, this top-notch zoo will charm adults as well as kids. During winter, festive lights and a skating tent draw the holiday spirit to the zoo. The park is also open for select evening visits.

No matter the time of year, you can always count on great outdoor activities in Memphis.

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Memphis is an amateur photographer’s dream come true. Majestic river vistas and a downtown bathed in neon lights make striking backdrops for selfies, quick-action pictures and panoramic photos alike. While the whole town is photogenic, there are certain landmarks that really show off our good side. And, frankly, they make taking pictures an absolute dream.

If you haven’t discovered them yet, here are 10 spots that lend themselves well to a camera lens. (And just for fun, we’ve included a few bonus spots as well!)

Wolf River Greenway

Although you may not associate Memphis with greenery, there’s plenty of nature to be found throughout the Bluff City. One of the best ways to get a view of our softer side is to visit the Wolf River Greenway, which features more than 36 miles of trails and connects the communities bordering the bottomlands, hardwood forest and wetland areas around its namesake river.

(Humphreys Blvd. between Walnut Grove and Shady Grove)

Shelby Farms

Not far from the Wolf River Greenway, Shelby Farms Park might be the best location for playground photos in the South. But don’t just take our word for it — the Woodland Conservancy Park was named one of the “16 Best Playgrounds in the World” by Mental Floss magazine. What’s more, the surrounding woods, lakes, and wetlands offer myriad opportunities to catch some additional nature shots. The key word when it comes to Shelby Farms: variety. One photoshoot here can make it look like you visited several locations.

(500 North Pine Lake Drive, Memphis, TN 38134)

Heart Bridge Crosstown

Memphis is a city filled with beautiful murals by extremely talented artists. Take this one, for example. (Though the question really should be, who doesn’t love Memphis?) Check out the highly appealing “I love Memphis” mural at Heart Bridge Crosstown. The mural is big in size and is great for a group shot with your friends. Just be sure to #BringYourSoul when you go!

Location: 419 N. Watkins Street

Mud Island River Park

River views and city views? Yes, please! Mud Island blends urban surroundings with natural features in a major way. With the Memphis skyline on one side and the Mississippi River on the other, you can’t screw up a scenic shot here! Don’t forget to check out the scale model of the Lower Mississippi River while you’re in the area. The pavilion on-site once hosted the Memphis Belle.

(125 North Front Street)

South Main Arts District

If you prefer your urban scenes with historical context, the South Main Arts District makes an excellent canvas. Public art pieces and city landmarks like the National Civil Rights Hall of Fame will bring a depth to your photos that’s hard to ignore. This location is perfect if you’re looking for unique-to-the-city backdrops that resemble giant art pieces or cool, old school architecture. If you take photos here, you really will create one-of-a-kind art that drips with Memphis magic.

(South Main St. and G.E. Patterson)

Elmwood Cemetery

It may seem odd or even a little morbid at first, since photographing at a cemetery isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but this really is one of the most photographic spots in Memphis. Hint: It’s really incredible in the fall. If it sounds right up your alley, Elmwood Cemetery’s unique grave markers and numerous sculptures give off a picturesque serenity you won’t want to miss. The fact that the grounds are also home to a bird sanctuary and an arboretum brings even more beauty to the peaceful surroundings. Come spend some time in one of the most unlikely yet creative spots around (but, maybe make sure you come during daylight hours)!

(824 S. Dudley Street, Memphis, TN 38104)

Overton Park

Located in midtown Memphis, Overton Park offers a huge band-shell amphitheater, an old-growth forest and a zoo — not to mention the Brooks Museum of Art and a quirky mid-century building. Of course, there’s plenty of regular old park space and wide-open fields where you can shoot photos as well. The sky is literally the limit when it comes to taking unique photos here.

(Midtown Memphis, between Poplar, North Parkway and East Parkway)

Summer Avenue

Summer Avenue is one of those great all-American streets. For a glimpse into Memphis’ past, look no further than Summer Avenue’s 6 miles of antique stores and thrift shops. Don’t miss the drive-in theater and mom-and-pop restaurants along the way!

Metal Museum

High on a bluff that overlooks the sweeping Mississippi River stands a large, beautiful home that was once the site of an old military hospital. Just as its name suggests, the Metal Museum is dedicated to the art and craft of fine metalwork, and the remarkable works of art on the premises lend themselves well to being captured on film. Keep in mind that it’s free to enter the grounds during the times when the museum is open to the public. That said, there’s a fee to take professional photos on the grounds. Keep that in mind before bringing people with you.

(374 Metal Museum Drive, Memphis, Tenn.)

Hu. Hotel

Once called the Madison Hotel, this well-known photography spot is now known as the Hu. Hotel. Thankfully, the name change has done nothing to diminish its beautiful views. Just steps from Beale Street, the Orpheum and the FedEx Forum, the Hu. Hotel Rooftop presents breathtaking views of the Memphis city skyline. If you’re seeking somewhere to plan your next photography stop and get inspired while you’re at it, drop by the rooftop.

(79 Madison Ave., Memphis, Tenn.)

Although the landmarks outlined above provide a solid starting point, there are dozens more just waiting to be discovered. Everywhere you look in Memphis, you’ll find beauty ready to be captured. Here are a few bonus spots to add to your must-visit list:

Big River Crossing

Nearly one mile in length, this bridge is the longest public pedestrian bridge crossing the Mississippi. And its views are as spectacular as you might imagine. Day or night, this stunning pedestrian bridge across the Mississippi River offers some of the best photo ops in town. Head out on Big River Crossing during daylight hours for an unparalleled view of the Memphis skyline, the bluffs and the river itself. At night, the bridge is brilliantly lit up, which makes it the perfect spot for a memorable selfie.

Beale Street

One of America’s most iconic thoroughfares, Beale Street offers endless chances to indulge your inner shutterbug. Whether you’re interested in people-watching, photographing historic buildings, capturing some energetic live music shots or getting a selfie with the Elvis statue, you’ll never run out of pictures to take. Beale Street offers three blocks of restaurants, shops and nightclubs bursting with photographic possibilities. The whole district is a melting pot of culture, color and creativity. The biggest problem? — you might never want to leave.

The Memphis Pyramid

Since reopening in 2015, Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid in Memphis has become a major tourist spot and not just because it’s a premier destination for shopping and dining. The Pyramid is one of the city’s most unique and photogenic structures, and getting a great shot of it can be challenging but rewarding. Plus, the outdoor observation deck near the top offers an impressive view of the Memphis skyline.

“Hope Will Lead Us There” Mural

Memphis has no shortage of jaw-dropping street art, and a tour of the city’s murals provides seemingly endless fodder for photographers. One of our favorite pieces is the relatively new “Hope Will Lead Us There” mural, which is located on the back side of Streets Ministries on Pontotoc Avenue. The work of artist Erin Williams, this mural is big enough for a memorable group shot with an uplifting message.

The Peabody Hotel

A stunning, historic hotel that first opened its doors in 1869, the Peabody checks off a lot of photographic boxes. Photo ops abound in the interior, which is home to some of the most incredible architecture in the city. The Peabody Hotel’s iconic red rooftop sign is itself a mainstay, whether you photograph it from elsewhere in the city or while on the roof of the hotel itself. And if you’re able to catch a glimpse of the daily Peabody Duck March at 11 a.m. or 5 p.m., this one-of-a-kind local tradition is not to be missed.

Memphis Riverboats

Memphis Riverboats has been offering sightseeing tours and dinner cruises on the Mississippi River since the 1950s. The riverboats — modeled after the classic paddlewheel steamboats of the 19th century — are stunning photographic subjects, and the sightseeing tours offer some unique views of the city to boot.

Looking for more amazing Memphis content? Check out Choose901!

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Graceland

Graceland was the home of the late Elvis Presley, otherwise known as The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. To this day, fans flock to Memphis to visit Elvis’ grave, tour his house and even get an up-close-and-personal look at his car collection. Be sure to take a guided tour so you don’t miss the fascinating details that each room has to offer.

The National Civil Rights Museum

The National Civil Rights Museum is located a few minutes from Beale Street and was erected on the site of Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination. The museum traces the history of the civil rights movement in the U.S. throughout the years via a mix of interactive exhibitions and artifacts.

Sun Studio

Originally founded as Memphis Recording Studio by Sam Phillips, Sun Studio is known as the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll. After all, Elvis Presley did record his first song here, and there’s no better qualifier than that. Take the tour to hear stories about Elvis—along with other famous singers like Jerry Lee Lewis and Roy Orbison who also frequented the studio over the years—and don’t forget to take a picture holding a microphone once used by The King himself.

Bass Pro Shop

This pyramid-shaped landmark is one of the most fascinating places in Memphis. Drop by the Big Cypress Lodge for a delicious meal, knock down as many pins as you can at the bowling alley and take in a wide array of marine flora and fauna at the aquarium. For a bird’s-eye view of both the city of Memphis and the Mississippi River, ride the free-standing elevator up 28 stories to the observation deck.

The Children’s Museum of Memphis

A must-visit for families with children, this museum features a cityscape with kid-sized businesses, a flight simulator, a climbing wall and more. However early you arrive, be prepared to drag the kids away at closing time.

Mississippi River Cruise

The Mississippi is the third-longest river in the country, and there’s no better way to experience it firsthand than by taking a cruise along its waters. Kick back and relax as you drink in the Memphis skyline from another angle.

For all things Memphis, check this out!

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The food bank will be distributing the following items:

• Bread
• Produce
• Meats
• Other Proteins

Registration for this event will be on May 21, 2018, from 10-1 pm at the North Frayser Community Center located at 2555 St Elmo Rd. 38127. Attendees must bring proof of residence, ID, and Proof of Income to qualify.

For information about the Mid-South Food Bank, you can check out their website here!

The post Mid-South Food bank to give out food this Friday appeared first on We Are Memphis.

If you’re planning to get hitched in Memphis, you have a lot of great venue options to choose from. From elegant mansions and opulent halls to blank canvases and vibrant outdoor spaces, Memphis has it all. Here are five of our favorites:

1. The Peabody Hotel

An iconic fixture of Downtown Memphis, the Peabody Hotel should be at the top of your list if you’ve always imagined getting married in a luxuriant, historic setting. Often referred to as “The South’s Grand Hotel,” the Peabody offers several elegant ballrooms of different sizes, ensuring a viable option for any wedding or reception party.

2. Annesdale Mansion

This 1850s Italianate-style villa is rich in Southern charm. Complete with a tree-lined drive, hand-painted ceilings and crystal chandeliers, Annesdale Mansion is nestled among 7.5 acres of luxurious lawns and gardens in Midtown Memphis’ Annesdale Snowden Historic District. Seeking the perfect backdrop for a traditional, romantic Southern wedding? Look no further.

3. Memphis Botanic Garden

The sweeping green spaces of the Memphis Botanic Garden encompass 96 beautiful acres, including several different indoor and outdoor areas available for wedding bookings. If there’s anywhere more idyllic to get married than a serene outdoor sanctuary, we can’t think of it.

4. Propcellar

The idea of a blank canvas with which to create an entire wedding from scratch sounds like a nightmare for some couples and a dream for others. If you fall into the latter category, Propcellar is for you. This warehouse space is bright and airy, with tall ceilings, concrete floors, countless windows and, best of all, nothing to get in the way of your personal vision. And if that vision incorporates a rustic ambiance, Propcellar will provide beautiful antique furniture rentals for your wedding or reception.

5. Dixon Gallery and Gardens

As its name suggests, Dixon Gallery and Gardens is both an art museum and an event venue that can accommodate up to 200 wedding guests. Have your ceremony or reception on the intimate and cozy South Lawn Stage, or there’s a handsome pavilion and 17 acres of vibrant lawns, gardens and woodlands on-site.

Picking a wedding venue may seem daunting, but with so many quality options available here in Memphis, you’re bound to find something that fits both your dreams and your budget. Best of luck—oh, and congratulations!

The post Need wedding ideas? See the top wedding venues in Memphis! appeared first on We Are Memphis.

“Memphis Heritage Trail will be another great addition to our city as we educate and celebrate our rich cultural history,” the mayor said, and you’ll get no argument from us! The trail and the simultaneously-launched Memphis Heritage Trail app make it easier than ever to find historically significant and culturally rich sites in Memphis—of which there are many.

Heritage and history

One of the greatest (and most overdue) accomplishments of the Memphis Heritage Trail is the fact that it highlights African-American history and achievement. From the National Civil Rights Museum and the Blues Hall of Fame to the Clayborn Temple and the historic Mulberry Street shotgun houses, examples of the city’s African-American history are at the heart of the Memphis Heritage Trail.

The trail is a great way for Memphians to connect with our shared history, but it’s also more than that. This ongoing revitalization project will renovate existing structures and attract tourists to the area, all while revitalizing historically rich yet often-underserved parts of the city. As Felicia Harris, manager of planning and development for the trail, explained, “It’s about educating our future, our children, and our residents and our visitors alike about all the beautiful assets that Memphis has to offer.”

Exploring the trail

To start exploring the Memphis Heritage Trail, be sure to download the app, which makes it easy to find your way to historic sites across the city. There’s also an online map on the trail’s official website and, for those who are less technologically inclined, a printable driving brochure is available as well. After you set off, you’ll see wayfinding signage, beacon technology, art installations and historical markers along the trail, many of which provide historical information in addition to pointing the way.

Keep in mind that the Memphis Heritage Trail is a work in progress with two of the four planned trail loops currently open. The Civil Rights Loop and the Entertainment Loop are each about 2 miles long and include nearly 30 historic sites. Of course, there are many more miles and sites to come as progress on the trail continues.

To learn more about the Memphis Heritage Trail, download the app today and start exploring! The trail offers everyone from visiting tourists to longtime Memphis residents the chance to connect with the city’s rich cultural history in a deeper way than ever before.

The post A Memphis-based app that teaches the history of the city is live! appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Chef Patrick Reilly, a native of Ireland who’s known for his outstanding skills and innovation in Memphis’ culinary community, is also known for his attention to detail. Reilly will serve up his culinary interpretation of that famous multi-course Joycean meal for a gathering called “The Dead: A Joycean Feast,” which will be held January 9 at The Brass Door, a pub that’s the heartbeat of the city’s Irish community in Downtown Memphis.

The feast will include smoked ham croquettes with parsley sauce, pate with figs, oysters prepared several ways, bread pudding with whiskey butter, and colcannon – a classic Irish dish of mashed potatoes and cabbage. And, of course, there will be wine, whiskey and stout. Reservations are required for the ticketed event.

“I’m a big Joyce fan, but really the motivation behind it is part of the desire to incubate a real cultural community at the pub,” said Deni Reilly, an Irish-American who’s Patrick’s partner in business and life. The couple owns The Majestic Grille, and Majestic Hospitality Consultants, which operates The Front Porch and The Brass Door.

“In Ireland the pub is more than just a bar or restaurant – it’s often a cultural gathering spot for the entire community, where world events are discussed over a pint, writers glean inspiration for works, and musicians entertain with spontaneous song,” she said.

“The Dead” revolves around guests at a dinner party on the Feast of the Epiphany – the end of the Advent season that marks the arrival of the Magi’s visit to the infant Jesus. Love and loss, jealously and pride are among the themes explored in the novella, and The Brass Door’s Joycean Feast will include readings by members of Memphis’ Irish community, and likely a rousing song or two, in keeping with Hibernian tradition.

Guests are encouraged to wear period costume, which will blend seamlessly with the ambience of The Brass Door, housed in the restored Marx and Bensdorf building, constructed in the early 20^th century.

The Brass Door was established in 2011 by Seamus Loftus, a native of County Mayo on the beautiful windswept west coast of Ireland, and his business partners, Memphis natives Meg and Scott Crosby and Shawna Engle. The pub closed temporarily in July and reopened in the fall of 2017, with the Reillys now leading operations.

“The pub has always had just a lovely, genuine atmosphere about it, and we plan to work to enhance that,” Deni said. “When the owners of the pub brought us on board, it was really to provide operational leadership. The Majestic Grille is known for its consistency in the quality of the food we serve, our rigorous staff training, vendor relations, and the way we treat our staff and guests as family. So that’s what we’ll be bringing to The Brass Door — operational consistency.”

This will be the pub’s first special dinner of the New Year, but its first event of 2018 is slated for January 6^, when it will host Nollaig na mBan, meaning “Woman’s Little Christmas” in the Irish language. Traditionally held on the Twelfth Day of Christmas, Nollaig na mBan is a day when men take charge of children and chores while women head to the pub for a day of cheer and comradery.

“It’s a tradition that’s catching back on in Ireland, with lots of pubs and hotels hosting days like this, so we thought it would be fun to celebrate the women in our lives and ring in the New Year as it ought to be — with mimosas, brunch, and a massage,” Deni said.

Check out the Facebook event page for “The Dead: A Joycean Feast.”

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