“See” listings
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RIVERARTSFEST
This annual outdoor festival features a juried artist market with works by more than 180 artists, local live musical acts on four stages, food samples from Memphis restaurants and artist demonstrations. Oct. 23-24. (10/2010)
South Main Arts District
901-826-3629
riverartsfestmemphis.org -
COOPER-YOUNG FESTIVAL
This massive annual arts festival spans several blocks in the city’s largest historic district. More than 85,000 people show up each year to purchase arts and crafts made by nearly 400 local artisans and catch live outdoor rock shows. Sept. 18. (09/2010)
Cooper-Young Historic District
cooperyoungfestival.com -
SHELBY FARMS PARK
Spanning more than 4,500 acres, Shelby Farms Park may be one of the largest urban parks in the country. Visitors can explore hiking trails, boat on Patriot Lake, picnic, play disc golf, fish at Catch ’Em Lake and even watch bison roam a broad, open range. (09/2010)
500 N Pine Lake Dr
901-382-2249
shelbyfarmspark.org -
SLEEP OUT ON THE MISSISSIPPI
Mark Twain would be proud of this monthly event offering city slickers a chance to camp on the banks of the muddy Mississippi River. Bring a sleeping bag, and the folks at Mud Island River Park will provide tents, dinner, live music, a campfire with marshmallows and breakfast. Sept. 10. (09/2010)
125 N Front St
901-576-7241
mudisland.com -
CRYSTAL SHRINE GROTTO
It might seem a bit morbid to visit a cemetery on vacation, but one of the city’s funkiest artistic creations lies within the gates of Memorial Park. Built by artist Dionicio Rodriguez, the grotto is constructed of rock quartz crystal and illustrates Christian scenes. (05/2010)
5668 Poplar Ave
901-767-8930
memorialpar...emetery.com -
MEMPHIS IN MAY INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL
This month-long celebration kicks off with the three-day Beale Street Music Festival (through May 2), but the real draw is The World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest (May 13-15), during which smokers and grillers from around the world vie for international barbecue bragging rights. (05/2010)
357 S Riverside Dr
901-525-4611
memphisinmay.org -
SHARPE PLANETARIUM
Settle back into an almost horizontal position to see a realistic presentation on the universe while narrators point out various constellations and galaxies. (03/2010)
3050 Central Ave
901-320-6362
memphismuseums.org -
OLD MILLINGTON WINERY
This 12-acre vineyard and winery is located on part of the oldest farm in Shelby County, with three acres dedicated to chambourcin grapes. Guests can watch the process, have a picnic lunch and take a few bottles home. (03/2010)
6748 Old Millington Rd
901-873-4114
oldmillingtonwinery.com -
LEVITT SHELL
The location of Elvis Presley’s first rock ‘n’ roll show has had a hard life. It was almost demolished several times, once to make room for a parking garage. Beginning in 2007, Levitt Shell was finally renovated and now hosts regular concerts. (01/2010)
At Overton Park
901-272-5159
levittshell.org -
THE W.C. HANDY HERITAGE AWARDS
You will get the blues, but in the best possible way, at this event. Held on Beale Street on the birthday of W.C. Handy-the father of the blues-this parade features the best talent the city has to offer. Nov. 15. (12/2009)
Beale St
901-527-3427 -
THE RIVER INN OF HARBOR TOWN
Designed like a classic riverside town, with window boxes and wrought-iron lamp posts, this neighborhood has blossomed to include its own restaurants, shops and this boutique hotel. Stop by the hotel's terrace late in the day and have a cocktail while the sun sets over the Mississippi River. (12/2009)
50 Harbor Town Sq
901-260-3333
www.riverinnmemphis.com -
ZOO LIGHTS
See the Memphis Zoo like you've never seen it before, with more than a million lights, live reindeer and even a snowy entrance. Try your hand at a cookie-stacking contest, get a picture with Santa and enjoy horse-drawn carriage tours thought the zoo. (12/2009)
2000 Prentiss Pl
901-276-9453
www.memphiszoo.org