Tag: Big River Crossing

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Stay and Play

There’s plenty of summer and animal fun to be had at the Memphis Zoo. (Photo: Courtesy Memphis Zoo)

It sure feels like summer! The hot, humid days have moved in with full force, but that doesn’t scare us. Yet as we all sit inside next to our struggling AC units, it’s easy to forget all the cool things going on in Memphis. The city attracted more than 11 million visitors last year, and for good reason: Memphis is a place people want to see. So get outside and re-familiarize yourself with all the great places and people that make Bluff City unique. Whether it’s restaurants, museums, or a night out on the town, there are plenty of reasons why here at home remains a great option for remaining summer plans.

Free Art and Museums

A staycation saves money, right? Save even more with these free attractions.

• The Dixon Gallery & Gardens is free through the end of 2024 with 2,000 objects in its collection and a glorious spread of botanic brilliance.

• The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art is free Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon, and also for family-oriented Community Day events.

• The National Civil Rights Museum is free for Tennessee residents with state-issued ID Mondays from 3 p.m. until closing.

• The Stax Museum of American Soul Music is free for kids 6 and under. Shelby County residents with ID get in free on Tuesdays from 1 to 5 p.m. And it’s free for everyone from 1 to 5 p.m. on Family Day, the second Saturday of each month.

The Memphis Zoo (Photo: Courtesy Memphis Zoo)

• The Memphis Zoo is free for wee ones under 2 years old. Tennessee residents get in free on Tuesdays from 2 p.m. to close.

• The Art Museum of the University of Memphis is always free.

• Access to the Metal Museum grounds, including its sculpture garden and gift shop, is always free.

• Walking and driving tours of Elmwood Cemetery are free, and it’s pretty quiet as well.

As always, you should check with the venues first before you go. And as you visit these places, you might be tempted to buy a membership. Go ahead. Find the level that works for you and enjoy it year-round.
— Jon W. Sparks

Hit the Town

A night at home curled up under a blanket to watch a movie or read a book is probably my ideal night. In fact, I’d say it’s so ideal that I do that practically every night, but, apparently, it’s good to shake things up a little every now and then. So this homebody did just that and dragged herself out of bed for a night out on the town. Sure, it was for a writing assignment, but I got out of the bed and that’s a start.

With a friend in tow, the night started at Bardog Tavern for dinner and drinks. I ordered something with rum that our server recommended — couldn’t really tell you what else was in it because I heard the word “rum” and that was enough for me. Turns out the name of the drink is James’ Cock, and I sucked it down like a Coca-Cola, so do with that what you will.

After that we headed to Blind Bear, a speakeasy I’d never heard about before, mostly because I rarely leave the house after 7 p.m. Then it was time for the Flying Saucer and, like, Beale and stuff. (I had a bit to drink at this point.) I think we headed to Paula & Raiford’s Disco after, waited in line for about 10 minutes, and then gave up and ordered a Lyft. But, yeah, it was nice to shake things up a bit for a bit of a “staycation,” but the best part was being able to fall asleep in my own bed. — Abigail Morici

Be a Tourist For a Day

More than 11 million people came to Memphis on vacation — on vacation! — last year. That’s roughly the population of Belgium. Why?! The crime! The heat! The potholes!

Daily Memphians might miss the mystique of the city’s cultural treasure trove that draws all those tourists each year. The Pyramid’s funny. Barbecue is routine. Beale is for tourists. Don’t get us started on Graceland.

But if you’re staycating this year, try (at least) vacating your house or your neighborhood. Go find out what makes Memphis a destination. Go reconnect with that everyday magic. Do it all while staying within your staycation budget, too.

Here’s a brief list of classic (and free!) tourist spots to hit for your Memphis staycation:

• Graceland — Brag that you’ve never been? Go. See what you think. Free walk-up admission to the Meditation Garden daily.

• Beale Street — Go for the people-watching. Stay for the music and a Big Ass Beer. Are your feet 10 feet off?

• Big River Crossing — A one-of-a-kind walk with Insta-worthy views of the river and the city. Free daily.

• Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid — Fish pond, gator pit, and massive aquarium? Check. The place is a tourist magnet for a reason. Free daily. — Toby Sells

Be a Homebody

Staycate means staycate. No need to go figuring out car trips to some semi-distant place or to rush out to some favorite or fetchingly rumored juke joint in the evenings just because you’ve got some spare time.

Stay home. Sleep late. Alternatively, get up early in the morning when it’s still cool enough and take long walks on your property or in your neighborhood.

Give yourself at least one good substantial grocery visit. Then put it to use. Cook something new, for yourself or guests. And back in that fridge somewhere is an item you bought backaways with some purpose in mind you haven’t got to yet. Do it now before the food goes bad.

Fix up that spare room you’ve been using as a warehouse space. Change those worn-out bulbs. Take care of those overlooked potted plants. They’re thirstier than you are!

Homebody starter kit (Photo: Jackson Baker)

You bought those books. Now read them. Ditto with those magazines that are lying around. Forget about social media for a while. If you’ve got to turn on the computer, then use it to catch up on news you missed.

Look at yourself in the mirror and take inventory. I don’t need to tell you that you’ll see something that needs changing. Change it. Or at least start the process.

For a little while, everything is in your hands. Enjoy the fact. — Jackson Baker

The Memphis International Restaurant Tour

Eating out at a great restaurant is my favorite thing to do on a vacation.

Eating out at a great restaurant is also my favorite thing to do on a staycation.

You can experience other countries by staying home and visiting Memphis restaurants that specialize in various types of food from across the globe. Sort of “Around the World in 901 Days.” Maybe choose cuisine from a particular country each day of your staycation. Some places serve lunch, which usually is cheaper. And if you don’t know what to order at these places, ask your servers what they’d recommend. Here are some restaurant ideas:

• Tamboli’s Pasta & Pizza (Italian), 1761 Madison Avenue

• Pantà Memphis (Catalan), 2146 Monroe Avenue

• Mosa Asian Bistro (Asian fusion), 850 South White Station Road

• Las Tortugas (Mexican), 1215 South Germantown Road, and
Las Tortugas Deli Mexicana, 6300 Poplar Avenue No. 115

• El Sabor Latino (Colombian), 665 Avon Road

• India Palace (Indian), 1720 Poplar Avenue

Bala Tounkara at Bala’s Bistro (Photo: Michael Donahue)

• Bala’s Bistro (African), 4571 Elvis Presley Boulevard

• Casablanca Restaurant (Moroccan), 5030 Poplar Avenue No. 7 and
1707 Madison Avenue No. 103

• Sabor Caribe (Venezuelan), 662 Madison Avenue

• Tuyen’s Asian Bistro (Vietnamese), 288 North Cleveland Street

• Sakura Japanese Restaurant (Japanese), 4840 Poplar Avenue and 2060 West Street in Germantown

• Wang’s Mandarin House (Chinese), 6065 Park Avenue

Taking a trip around town to try exotic food is less expensive than airfare to exotic places. Not to mention lodging. You can go home to your own bed. And you don’t have to worry about passports.
— Michael Donahue

A Night at the Shell

There are a lot of places to see live music in Memphis: the Beale Street club packed with tourists, the Orpheum Theatre’s Gilded Age grandeur, the Green Room’s intimate sounds. But the best place in Memphis for a night of music is the Overton Park Shell.

Built in 1936 as a Works Progress Administration project designed to help workers during the Great Depression, it is one of a handful of band shells from that era still standing.

PreauXX at the Shell (Photo: Chris McCoy)

I was recently reminded of how lucky we are to have a place like the Shell when I saw PreauXX play there on July 1st. It was one of the super hot days we’ve been having this year, so I was expecting to be uncomfortable, at least until well after the sun had set. But the towering trees of Overton Park provided enough shade that a steady breeze made it quite pleasant, especially after a couple of days spent indoors hiding from the heat. We found a spot near the front of the stage and set up our camp chairs next to a young mom corralling her toddler.

My wife LJ stayed with the chairs as I checked out the food trucks, which were parked next to the new, greatly improved bar facilities.

We were chowing down on some barbecue tacos when PreauXX hit the stage, backed by his friends from the Unapologetic crew. The young mother was joined by her partner, and, after ignoring the music in favor of rolling on the lawn, the toddler threw his energy into dancing. (Really, it was more of a body-wide twitch, but he was trying his best.) When AWFM joined in for “Slide,” folks were streaming down the hill to do the title dance. This stage has hosted everyone from Elvis to Seun Kuti and Egypt 80, but for this night, PreauXX was the king. — Chris McCoy

Drag Shows at the Atomic Rose

Thanks to the phenomenon known as RuPaul’s Drag Race, we’re able to appreciate the art of drag without leaving our homes. And while watching hours of Snatch Game makes for the perfect staycation activity, so does supporting your local drag performers and artists.

Voted as the number-one best drag bar in the South by Time Out, Atomic Rose is the top destination for your staycation entertainment fix. The club recently went viral, at the height of Tennessee’s anti-drag controversy, when local drag queen and activist Bella DuBalle informed the audience of the severity of the bill and what it meant for the drag community. But the clip that circulated around TikTok only gave viewers a tidbit of the magic the nightclub possesses.

Drag at the Atomic Rose (Photo: Drew Parker)

DuBalle is known as Slade Kyle outside of drag and says one of the things that makes the club so special is that it is a true melting pot, inclusive in multiple ways encompassing all genders, races, and sexuality. This diversity is showcased in one of their most iconic events known as the “War Of The Roses,” which Kyle describes as an eight-week drag competition, featuring a large and diverse pool of performers.

And if you happen to swing by after War season, the club also offers Friday and Saturday shows, as well as a drag brunch on Sunday. Friday and Saturday shows start at 10:30 p.m., and Sunday brunch service starts at 11 a.m., with the show starting at 12:30 p.m. — Kailynn Johnson

SPORTS!

We can never get enough Grizz action at the FedExForum. But they’re out of season (unless you’ve made the pilgrimage to the Las Vegas Summer League to watch Kenny Lofton Jr. hoop). Luckily, there’s another pleasant Downtown destination to get your fix of ’ball. AutoZone Park is home to the Redbirds and 901 FC, but it’s sometimes apparent that Memphians take the stadium for granted, evidenced by the quite noticeable number of empty seats during baseball and soccer games. It’s still hot outside, but an afternoon or night out at the ballpark is an excellent way to shake up a routine and try out a new experience in town.

Even if you’re not into sports all that much, there are plenty of additional perks that come tacked on to a game. A personal favorite of mine is an all-you-can-eat series at Redbirds games, which, for just a few extra bucks, gets you a pass into a roped-off section that provides drinks, snacks, hot dogs, and an endless supply of the featured entrée (anything from brisket, to nachos, to my personal favorite: hot wings).

901 FC’s Bluff City Mafia (Photo: Memphis 901 FC)

Other enticements include specialty nights for $1 hot dogs or $2 beers. And when those nights line up, oh man. Kicking back with a few brews in what can either be a pleasant or a raucous atmosphere, depending on the matchup, is a reliable recipe for a fun night out. And if there’s a fireworks show afterward, well, all the better. Don’t sleep on it, Memphians! — Samuel X. Cicci

Tend Your Garden

If you time your work hours right and stay hydrated, summer gardening can be a breeze — and yield delicious rewards. Why else would the University of Tennessee’s Institute of Agriculture host its Summer Celebration of ag workshops and activities in Jackson only last week? The summer means heat to some, but for others it’s known as peak growing season. While that might sound dangerously like work, once your garden is up and running, tending it can be the perfect break from both screen time and chair time.

Early mornings can be sublime even in July, especially with an eyeful of blooms and fruits of the vine. It’s also a good time to water those roots before the blazing sun can bake the water droplets off the leaves. And yet, assuming you’ve done your homework and have a little mulched, irrigated, squirrel-protected paradise outside your door, there’s still more awaiting the horticultural staycationer: a world of garden clubs and nonprofits to liven up the typically solitary pursuit of the perfect bloom.

Take a break from the screen and tend your garden. (Photo: Alex Greene)

You don’t have to be a master of the pursuit to join the Memphis Area Master Gardeners, and it can be a great way to learn from expert volunteers who offer classes, working closely with the local UT extension service. There are also long-established neighborhood garden clubs, like the Cooper-Young Garden Club with their annual garden walk, and even community gardens if you prefer your plant-tending to be more sociable. Check out memphiscitybeautiful.org for a registry of every community garden in the city. — Alex Greene

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News News Blog News Feature

Newly Named “Ducks Unlimited Park” Formalizes for the Future

(Credit: Big River Park Conservancy)
Big River Conservancy executive director Chris Ware I Credit: Big River Conservancy

New details emerged Thursday about a 1,500-acre park on the Arkansas side of the Mississippi River — accessible by Big River Crossing — that got started with a $1 million gift in 2021. 

The park is now called Ducks Unlimited Park, leaders unveiled Thursday. Chris Ware, an attorney with conservation experience, was named the executive director of Big River Conservancy, the nonprofit that oversees Big River Crossing, Big River Trails, and Ducks Unlimited park. 

Ducks Unlimited Park can be accessed from Downtown Memphis via Big River Crossing and via Bridgeport/Dacus Lake Road off of I-55 in West Memphis.

It now comprises 1,500 acres of land with a 7-mile paved trail loop and half-mile out-and-back trail with views of the Mississippi River, the Memphis skyline, and West Memphis agriculture. The park also connects to the Big River Levee Trail System, which includes more than 110 miles of riverside trails atop the Mississippi River’s levee system.

Credit: Big River Conservancy
Credit: Big River Conservancy
Credit: Big River Conservancy
Credit: Big River Conservancy
Credit: Big River Conservancy
Credit: Big River Conservancy
Credit: Big River Conservancy

Ware is a native Memphian and has served on the board of Big River Parks Conservancy. He’s practiced law for 12 years, with a focus on estate and business planning and land conservation. Since 2017, Ware has worked with TennGreen, a statewide land conservancy, including work on securing the land for Ducks Unlimited Park. 

Ware will now be responsible for day-to-day operations of the park and implementing its master plan. He will also manage easement acquisitions and serve as both the legal and financial representative for the nonprofit.

Credit: Big River Conservancy
Credit: Big River Conservancy

Memphis-based Ducks Unlimited, the country’s largest wetlands conservation organization and namesake of the park, is taking the lead on the conservation strategy. Over the coming years, that work will return the acquired land to its natural habitat as well as introduce new trails, a welcome pavilion with an outdoor classroom, restrooms, and an off-leash retriever training dog park. Ritchie Smith Associates is designing the master plan.

“Putting our expertise to work in our company’s own backyard is a significant opportunity for our organization — one we do not take lightly,” said Adam Putnam, CEO of Ducks Unlimited.

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News Blog News Feature

Big River Park Started With $1M Gift

Levee Trail by the Mississippi River (Credit: Big River Park).

A $1 million gift will establish Big River Park on about 1,500 acres of land along the west side of the Mississippi River. 

The move will purchase land there now in the hands of multiple owners. That land is primarily between the Hernando De Soto Bridge and Big River Crossing on the Harahan Bridge. Buying the land and stitching it together will help ensure that it is conserved and protected for recreational and outdoor needs of the Memphis region. 

The $1 million gift is from the First Horizon Foundation to create the park and the Big River Conservancy. That group will own and operate Big River Park as a publicly accessible nature preserve with recreational amenities. Its board will work with TennGreen Land Conservancy and Ducks Unlimited to protect the land from incompatible development and subdivision. The group will also encourage public access and permit the construction of trails and other park amenities. 

Credit: Big River Park

“With the Mississippi River as one of our company’s environmental focus areas, we are proud to play a vital role in this initiative,” said Bryan Jordan, president and CEO of First Horizon Corporation. “This initiative and partnership will safeguard and conserve the land along the river as well as provide our community with opportunities to enjoy the beautified space.”

First Horizon was also an early sponsor of Big River Crossing, which opened in October 2016. Since then, many bikers and hikers have found their ways to the Big River Trail System, which includes more than 70 miles of riverside trails along the Mississippi River’s levee system. The conservancy said more trails are planned throughout the park, including some trails through the restored wetlands areas. 

The project will also provide key environmental benefits. The wetlands and floodplains there have been converted for farming. Once they’re restored and as the level of the Mississippi River fluctuates throughout the year, the floodplain will absorb and hold the rising waters. In the process, the floodplain plants will filter pollutants, degraded farm soils, and debris from the floodwaters before returning cleaner water to the river.

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News News Blog

Bridges to be Lit Purple for Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

Hernando DeSoto Bridge (Credit: Mighty Lights Memphis)

The Hernando DeSoto and Big River Crossing bridges will be lit purple Monday, July 19th, for TN Voices in honor of July being Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.

Officially recognized in June 2008, Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month (also called BIPOC Mental Health Month) was created to bring awareness to the struggles that underrepresented groups face in regard to mental illness in the U.S.

The theme of the 2021 BIPOC Mental Health Month is “Strength in Communities,” with a focus on alternative mental health supports. “Our 2021 toolkit will examine community-developed systems of support created to fill in gaps within traditional systems that may overlook cultural and historical factors that impede BIPOC and QTBIPOC mental health,” states Mental Health America on its website. 

More information about TN Voices can be found at tnvoices.org.

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News News Blog

Charles McVean, Entrepreneur and Philanthropist, Dies at 78

Charles McVean. (Photo by Larry Kuzniewski)

When the news broke Sunday of the death of Charles McVean, he was being widely remembered as someone who was a great achiever – not only as an entrepreneur but as a devoted philanthropist.

McVean, who was 78, had been ailing for some time. But he continued his active interest in his community work, which, among other things, included the Peer Power student-to-student tutoring program, and the creation of the Big River Crossing, the country’s longest active rail/bicycle/pedestrian bridge.

He was a member of the Society of Entrepreneurs, selected for his success in running McVean Trading & Investments, LLC, and last year was honored with the Master Entrepreneur designation by the society.

In a story in Memphis magazine announcing the award, he was described as being observant of opportunities, whether in business or community, and going after them with a passion.

The story said: “Early in his commodities work, he noticed something about the cattle futures market: ‘I said, we just got a bunch of gunslingers and cowboys trading these cattle. I think I can apply some of the more advanced statistical techniques learned [from] the grain trade and beat these guys.’ And he did.”

He received an Innovation Award from Inside Memphis Business magazine twice, first in 2013 for Peer Power, and again in 2017 with Charlie Newman for the Big River Crossing.

Memphis Congressman Steve Cohen issued a statement that said, “Charlie McVean had a brilliant, creative, and innovative mind. He used it for Memphis in the areas of public education and amenities. … We need more Charlie McVeans who give back to make us better. His was a unique, valuable, important life.” 

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News News Blog

People Are Biking, Walking More Amid Pandemic

CREDIT: Facebook/Big River Crossing

Facebook/Big River Crossing


The number of people biking and walking here is higher than usual, according to new data from the city.

The city’s Bikeway and Pedestrian Program looked at data from nine automatic bicycle and pedestrian counters installed at different spots around the city that revealed a surge in activity, largely corresponding to the city’s Safer-At-Home order issued in late March.

The counters located in parks, along trails, and on city streets detect passing bikes and pedestrians to provide a total count of both modes or a combined count.

Overton park closed to car traffic in late March and began tracking bikers and walkers at its primary access points and the Old Forest gateways earlier this year. At the Old Forest Gateway near Rainbow Lake there has been a huge jump in bicycle activity since late March.

From the third week in March to the third week in April, the number of cyclists counted per week at that spot jumped by 2,000 users. While cyclist numbers hovered around 2,000, pedestrians counted were close to 6,000, according to the data.

On the graphs below, the Overton Park’s Tucker Street access point off of Poplar Avenue is referred to as Tucker, the Old Forest entrance near Rainbow Lake is dubbed Tyler, and the entryway along East Parkway is called Ben.

City of Memphis


On Big River Crossing, traffic increased to numbers similar to those in the spring following its opening. Counters along Big River Crossing were installed in fall 2016 and have been tracking traffic ever since.

This year, cyclist numbers began similar to that of last year, but by the second week of March, traffic was higher for that week than the same period in any previous year. And by the fifth week of March, the bicycle counts were more than double the average for that period with a total weekly count of 1,245. Last year, less than 400 users were recorded during that week.

City of Memphis

There are multiple counters along the Shelby Farms Greenline. Where the Greeline meets Germantown Parkway, a counter recorded a spike in activity beginning in the last week of March. Usage between late March and the end of April was, on average, 160 percent higher than the same period in 2019.

City of Memphis

Moving west, the counter along the Greenline at Farm Road tracked an average of 5,000 cyclists and pedestrians per week between the last week of March and the end of April. From the fourth week in March to the next week, there was close to a 200 percent increase in activity.

City of Memphis

Even further west, the Greenline counter near Highpoint Terrace recorded more than 7,000 users from late March through April. This is nearly double the average use for this time period.

City of Memphis


The segment of Wolf River Greenway that runs parallel to Humphreys Boulevard has seen the highest usage since tracking began in 2014. Compared to the previous five years, springtime usage climbed more than 80 percent on that portion of the Greenway. In the last week of March alone, nearly 6,000 cyclists and pedestrians were counted, compared to about 2,500 during that period last year.

City of Memphis

The city installed an on-street bicycle counter on Florida Street near Crump in 2017. While traffic recorded by this counter is in line with previous years during late February to late March, the first week in April shows a huge spike in usage. The count for that week was 64 compared to 22 in 2019 and 13 in 2018.

City of Memphis


Explore Bike Share began offering free 60-minute rides for 30 days on March 20th and recently extended the offer through May 20th. In the initial 30 days of the campaign, “Let’s Ride This Out,” check-outs from EBS’ top 30 stations usage increased by 54 percent compared to the month prior. Of those checkouts, close to 85 percent were new EBS users.

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News News Blog

Church Plans to Open Park Area For Big River Crossing Visitors

The Church on the River is raising funds to upgrade its playground in hopes of opening it up (and offering water) to visitors to Big River Crossing.

The church sits just below the Tennessee-side gate of the pedestrian bridge, which spans the Mississippi River. Its playground is now a large, grassy area, fenced for security. It has a swing set, some plastic climbing structures, and a large shade tree.

Church of the River/ioby

As for the Big River Crossing entrance, according to a statement from the church, “There are no additional amenities: no playground, no benches, no picnic tables, no shade, not even a drinking fountain.” But the church has begun a fund-raiser on the ioby crowd-funding website to change that and open the area up to all. The church wants a ”a true family-friendly destination, where children can safely play and adults can relax and find water and shade.”

The church wants to replace the current play structures with larger, more diverse play equipment, install a safe surface and drainage, build a concrete walkway from the path to the play area, install benches and picnic tables, plant new trees and other foliage, and extend water lines form the church to the area for a water fountain.
Church of the River/ioby

“But while we have the available space on our property, and the desire to share it, we are just a small congregation and, therefore, do not have the funds to make all the necessary improvements,” reads the group’s page on ioby. “While our congregation will fund many of these improvements, we are also seeking donations and grants from other sources.”

As of Thursday morning, the group has raised $6,138 of the $21,777 needed to fully fund the project.

The funds raised on ioby will specifically fund the extension of the water line for a foundation and a play area for toddlers.

The area would be reserved for church use only on Sundays from 10 a.m.-noon and during some occasional church events.

Church of the River/ioby

“We believe this playground would benefit the quality of life not only for families who live in the South Main/Downtown area, but also families from across Shelby County who visit the Big River Crossing, and adults who walk, run, or bike across the bridge,” reads the ioby page. “Our church’s desire is to be a ’good neighbor’ to all.”

For more information, visit the church’s ioby.

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News News Blog

Innovative “SilentHike” Event Coming to Big River Crossing

CREDIT: MindTravel/YouTube

MindTravel/YouTube

A recent SilentHike event in New York City.

A new “meditative musical experience” invites hikers across Big River Crossing while they listen to a “silent” piano concert through wireless headphones.

Concert pianist Murray Hidary will bring his SilentHike concept to Memphis on Saturday, August 10th at 6 p.m. The hike is a part of Hidary’s overall MindTravel experiences.

“MindTravel brings together Murray’s passions for contemporary classical music, visual art, theoretical physics, and wisdom traditions,” reads the website. “They are the four pillars of an integrated experience that seeks to explore an understanding of the universe at both the visible and hidden levels.”

To learn more, here’s Hidary’s TEDx Talk on it:

Innovative ‘SilentHike’ Event Coming to Big River Crossing (2)

The Memphis event is part of a 21-city tour of SilentHikes with walks through the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, Detroit’s Riverwalk, Hunter Creek Trail in Aspen, Portland’s Forest Park, and more.

“During the SilentHike session, MindTravelers will wear wireless headphones and embark on a hike with music, guidance, and thoughtful commentary from Hidary,” reads a news release from MindTravel. “The hike will culminate in a ‘silent’ piano concert in the gardens.

“All the components — music, words, silence, visual cues — work synergistically to help participants connect with themselves and the world around them.”

Here’s what it looks like:

Innovative ‘SilentHike’ Event Coming to Big River Crossing

Played via a recording of Hidary, “the evocative, improvisational piano music ignites freedom and expansiveness that amplifies the healing and inspirational power of being surrounded by beauty.”

The event will begin with a short introduction and intention-setting session. The group will don their headphones at dusk for views of the Mississippi River and Mighty Lights.

MindTravel

Hidary playing during an event.

“All of the elements work together to create a contemplative and powerful creative journey, all while enveloped in the transcendent sounds of the beautiful, original MindTravel compositions,” the company says.

The event is free but you have to register if you want to reserve some headphones. 

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News News Blog

Riverfront Trails Could Get Signage, Other Amenities

CREDIT: Riverfront Development Corporation

Riverfront Development Corporation

The trail from the Wolf River Greenway to the Big River Crossing could get new signage and branding, as the Downtown Memphis Commission’s Design Review Board is scheduled to vote on the matter Wednesday.

Just under five miles, the trail includes paths near the Pyramid, the Fourth Bluff, Tom Lee, and Martyrs Park. 

Riverfront Development Corporation

Thirty-nine concrete identification balls will line the trail


If approved, signs with mile markers, maps, trail identification, and other information will be installed on the RiverLine, along with water fountains, benches, and trash cans.

Identification signs for 10 parks along the trail, including the Vance, Mississippi River, and Crump Parks will also be installed.

More than 50 signs directing people toward the trail would be placed throughout the Uptown, Downtown, South Main, and South End neighborhoods.


According to the application submitted to the design review board, the new signs and other way-finding tools are meant to promote greater public awareness and usage of the riverfront trails, while creating a more comprehensive and connected east-west trail from downtown to the riverfront.

The project also includes installing a sidewalk to connect Martyrs Park to the Big River Crossing.

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Letters To The Editor Opinion

What They Said…

CREDIT: Greg Cravens

Greg Cravens

About Jackson Baker’s Politics column, “Is Terry Roland a Bully?” …

There’s a certain mental framework that comes from growing up watching too much wrestling on television. Maybe that’s Roland’s issue here. Ritual exaggerated violence for entertainment encourages a certain bombast and swagger that substitutes for developing the subtler skills of rhetorical debate more commonly expected from politicians.

Physical violence is beyond the pale. If you are expecting mealy-mouthed political correctness from Roland or a number of our other local representatives, you will be waiting a long time. That’s what their supporters and constituents want and expect. Maybe Willie Herenton had it right: It’s all bullshit.

Thoughtful

About Eileen Townsend’s cover story, “A Night at the Ditch” …

I currently live just outside of Austin, Texas, but I grew up going to the races at Riverside Speedway. Your article was very well-written and really touched my heart. My mother tells me that the first time she ever felt me move in the womb was at Riverside. I now work as a PA announcer in Texas with a travelling sprint car series and edit racing videos for a streaming service called Race on Texas.

Thank you for a touching look through an outsider’s eyes. I hope you enjoyed your evening at the races. You should go again sometime!

Nick Robbins

About Bruce VanWyngarden’s Letter From the Editor, “Orange is the New Black” …

“There are 300 million genies out of the bottle in America. Thanks to the NRA and their friends in our government, guns are everywhere and easy to get. No legislation can make a dent in that number in our lifetimes.”

This is a discouraging point of view and basically a summation of my own thoughts. The full picture is even more discouraging. The Second Amendment is our country’s fundamental design flaw. The NRA and gun culture as a whole are symptoms, not the disease. We can’t even pass sensible legislation on firearms in the United States or make serious efforts to reduce or eliminate the number of firearms in circulation because of that damned Second Amendment.

This is what we’re stuck with in the absence of massive systemic change — change that no one is truly pushing seriously. While I’ll never actively discourage someone from taking steps to try to reduce gun violence, I believe the fight is ultimately hopeless. I hate that it is.

Jersyko

You wear orange, and the soulless gang kids say, “Oh, gee, we gotta quit the endless cycle of violence.” Sure. Or, you wear orange and create a consciousness that we need to have some form of re-education for young men considered likely to shoot/get shot. That would be great. Am I missing a step here?

Danzo

About Mark Akin’s column, “Tackling Time” …

Muscle mass, endurance, and agility can all be addressed via an ancient exercise program known as the martial arts. I could never motivate myself enough to engage in mindless exercise like running, bicycling, or whatever for the simple goal of physical fitness. Karate has the added benefits of mental challenge and social interaction that are equally important to good health.

Some people think karate is for the young, but with a good instructor who can tailor his or her program to the physical abilities of every student, karate has tremendous benefits that you just can’t get working out in a gym. Toss in self-defense training, and you’ve got yourself a pretty well-rounded health regimen.

Jeff

About Toby Sells’ post, “West Memphis Plans for Big River Crossing” …

That land across the street from the entrance in West Memphis is vacant. Put stores, restaurants — something that will garner an interest when they get to West Memphis! Other cities have grown. It’s time West Memphis does the same.

Lucia Johnson

Re-open the Plantation Inn, have Willie Mitchell’s band play regular gigs, and consistently serve underage drinkers.

Packrat