Outdoor Adventures Abound in Memphis

This week we continue our fall adventures in Memphis. Should you and your family be interested in driving to a fun fall destination, Memphis is a great city to put on your list. BONUS: this captivating river town, home to Elvis’ Graceland and the widely acknowledged birthplace of the blues, can typically be reached from most Ideal Homes and Neighborhoods in less than seven hours. This fascinating city also offers plenty of opportunities for fun in the great outdoors. Along the shores of Ol’ Man River It only makes sense that Memphis, located as it is on the shores of the Mississippi, would have many an entertaining activity along the banks of that mighty waterway. The town doesn’t disappoint. Big River Crossing, open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., is the longest pedestrian bridge across the Mississippi. At nearly a mile in length, it connects Memphis to Arkansas. Since opening in 2016, Big River Crossing has afforded thousands of pedestrians and cyclists the opportunity to enjoy spectacular views of the river and of Memphis’ downtown skyline. At night, Big River and the Hernando de Soto Bridge turn on their massive display of LED lights and, together, become the Mighty Lights, a nightly light show that illuminates the river and is often themed for either holidays or special events going on in the city. That’s certainly not the only entertainment Memphis offers along the banks of the Mississippi. Visitors enjoy a whole series of riverfront city parks known as Memphis River Parks where visitors can have a picnic, walk the dog, workout, take advantage of a bike share program or rent a scooter. Some of these parks have splash pads for the kids, offer free yoga classes, free skating rentals, outdoor events and occasional concerts in amphitheaters. On the Mississippi itself, visitors often choose to go for a riverboat ride on paddleboats reminiscent of the times Mark Twain wrote about. Visitors also enjoy both scenic cruises, evening dinner and music boat tours. Other Outdoor Memphis Spots One of the largest urban parks in the country, Shelby Farms Park has 4,500 acres. It is home to a herd of buffalo and to 20 bodies of water, so there are lots of opportunities to fish and for non-motorized boating. Shelby Farms also has more than 40 miles of trails, both paved and unpaved, that are popular for biking, hiking, running and walking. Also at Shelby Farms, award-winning Woodland Discovery Playland is an innovative play space designed by kids for kids. And youngsters 10 and under can have plenty of fun at the Water Play Splayground. Other adventures at Shelby Farms includes paint or laser tag, horseback riding and those who are ages 10 and up can zip, swing and climb through a treetop adventure course called Go Ape. In addition to six ziplines, there are over 40 crossings and obstacles, including rope ladders, net bridges and Tarzan swings. Among the largest zoos in the country, the Memphis Zoo is one of only four in the U.S. where you can see giant pandas. It has more than 3,500 animals and sprawls to 70 acres, making it a great place to spend the day. Yet More Adventures We’ve only touched on a few of the many outdoor adventures and activities available to those who visit Memphis. Go HERE to read about 40 outdoor opportunities for fun and excitement that are available in Memphis.