Hey, Memphis! Do y’all remember what I said last time? “We are outside this summer … responsibly.” I meant it! Memphis has so much to offer outdoors, where you can get your regular dose of vitamin D and have a good time. While I started pre-gaming for summer in early May, this is only the beginning. Here are a few activities I’ve enjoyed recently (and will definitely be double-dipping into).
Memphis Parks
If you’re not following Memphis Parks (IG: @mem_parks), pause your reading right now, get out your phone, and follow them immediately! You are missing out on a lot of free, fun activities. Recently, I attended Poetry in the Park and Lit in the Park. Poetry in the Park with @wekeepingitp was the vibe I always knew I needed. The weather was perfect at Mary Elizabeth Malone Park. The peace levels were at an all-time high. Some people painted, while others picnicked and enjoyed the spoken word. And of course, it was all free! Lit in the Park was held in collaboration with Literature Libations. Just imagine chilling in the park with your book, new best friends, and a charcuterie board from Feast and Graze. Got it in your mind? Good! I’ll see you at their next event!
What I’m most looking forward to is engaging in Yoga in the Park with my friends. Have you ever heard the saying, “You’re not old, you just need to stretch”? Well, it’s true. There is no better way to stay young than getting into some gentle yoga, sunshine, and deep breathing. Personally, I’m leaning toward attending the Senior Yoga first (even though I’m not a senior). There are a few mornings where I feel like I’ve aged overnight! I’m sure some of you can agree.
While this summer, I’ll be having a lot of responsible, adult fun, I’d be foolish not to mention Memphis Parks Family Fun Fridays. They are hopping from park to park, offering free family events that include a free meal or dessert (to the first 500 people), a teen station with arcade games and more, plus all the other typical fun park gadgets. By now, you should be following them on Instagram, so go ahead and look at the dates and add them to your calendar.
Overton Park Shell
If you’ve been a reader of mine for a while, you’ll know that my picnic basket, blanket, and four-pack cooler is currently in my trunk and will remain there until the end of the Orion Financial Free Concert Series at the Overton Park Shell. Do I know all of the bands playing? No. Do I still enjoy myself immensely? ABSOLUTELY! Free live music, food, beer, and friends equals a good time. If you’re new to the Shell, here’s a mini list of what you might need:
A blanket or lawn chair
- Bug spray (I’ve rarely needed it, but it’s nice to have in case.)
- Food (But there are always two or three food trucks.)
- Water (Gotta stay hydrated, mane.)
- Wine or beer (But they sell it there, too.)
- A good attitude (If your face stank, please stay home.)
Pro Tips:
- Get there early to get a good spot.
- Order your food first if ordering from a food truck.
- Bring a bubble machine (because why not?).
- Be generous and throw some money in the Shell Bucket … iykyk
Shelby Farms
If you’re talking about being outside and enjoying Memphis, Shelby Farms is a must! There’s so much to do there. I recently had the opportunity to attend their Canoe + Cocktails with Memphis Mom Collective. Sidenote: If you’re not following them, what are you waiting for? I had the best time ever!
Shelby Farms also hosts Get Outside Fitness, which includes line dancing, yoga, and more. I’m on a yoga kick this season, so you know where I’ll be! It’s free, but sign-up is required.
“Amazing” is how I always describe Shelby Farms. I’ve seen some stunning sights while walking around Hyde Park Lake. I might arrive with the intention of “just getting my steps in,” but I always leave renewed and restored.
With all that this city has to offer us this summer, there’s no excuse to stay cooped up in the house. Grab your people, charge your phone for the pictures, and get outside! The city is waiting for us.
P.S. My teens are enjoying doing the absolute least this summer. And I’m okay with that. They worked hard this school year and deserve some restorative time … whatever that looks like for them.
Patricia Lockhart is a native Memphian who loves to read, write, cook, and eat. By day, she’s a librarian and writer, but by night … she’s asleep.
