Best Spots in Memphis (Part 2)
We’re back with more must-see spots in Memphis!
Last week I shared the First Part of my must-see-while-in-Memphis list, which hit on some great coffee shops and restaurants. This week for part 2 I’m sharing some of my favorite outdoor spaces, parks, and other great Memphis attractions. Enjoy!
Shelby Farms is one of the largest urban parks in the U.S. – even larger than Central Park in New York City!
Parks
One of the largest urban parks in America, Shelby Farms has so many activities and trails available. It is the perfect place to unwind. Some of my top favorites are the splash pad (especially great for kids!), the boat rentals (try paddle boarding once if you have never!), and the Chickasaw Trail (paved, 2.75 miles).
This park has trails, playgrounds, a museum, and the Memphis Zoo is located here as well. It is located in Midtown, about 3.5 miles from campus.
At less than a mile from campus, this is truly a hidden gem. It is a small park but they have a trail loop that you can walk (or run) several times. It is shaded by lots of trees.
Memphis Attractions
The Memphis Zoo is one of my favorite places to visit. It is ranked among the top 10 zoos in the United States. They have free Tuesdays, where you can go for free with your student I.D. from 2 p.m. to closing time. I do highly recommend purchasing a membership if you want to go more than once.
Typical, but worth it tourist attraction. This is the recording studio downtown where Elvis and other famous artists have recorded their first albums. The tour guides there are fabulous!
A Memphis icon. This pyramid has been in Memphis for a long time and has served as a basketball stadium, but is now a gigantic outdoor store (Bass Pro). You can see alligators, fish, ducks, and more there. They also have the largest free standing elevator in America.
Other Noteworthy Places
This is a historic building that has been redeveloped and now has shops, restaurants, apartments, gyms, medical offices etc. You can spend a morning or an afternoon there, strolling around, shopping, eating, drinking and exploring. While you’re there, don’t forget to grab a MemPops! They have very unique flavors, that I promise you won’t have had in your life before!
An old American style suburb of Memphis. You can find old trains, a small park and fun old-style shops and restaurants here. If you want to see a typical American thing, don’t forget to visit the Army Surplus Store!
One of my favorite places to walk! They also have a splash pad area and a grassy area to play various sports on. They are currently in the process of redeveloping the area, so it will be even more awesome!
I hope this guide helps you in your exploration of a new city! I would love to hear what your favorite places are.
VIVIAN BRANDHOFF DANIS • THE NETHERLANDS
Vivian moved to Memphis from the Netherlands in 2011 to be a full-time student-athlete. She completed both her undergraduate degree in Sport & Leisure Management and her Master’s degree in Communication while throwing shot put and discus for the University of Memphis. VISA was the first organization that gave her many international friends, with most of whom she still enjoys hanging out with today. After meeting her American husband here, Vivian stayed in Memphis and now works part-time, while also being a full-time mom to her daughter Nora.