In Memphis, you’re always dancing on a fine line—dancing between what you know and what you have yet to find out. We’re perfectly happy enjoying our world-famous live music, sports, and barbecue all while charting our own course searching for hidden gems off the beaten path.
For those not in the know, we invite you to take a dance on the fine line with us. Here’s a peek at 7 under-the-radar activities that won’t disappoint:
Ride Your Bike on Big River Crossing
Hop on your bike or grab your running shoes and move across the Mighty Mississippi by way of Big River Crossing. This pedestrian bridge is the longest of its kind along the entire river, connecting Memphis to West Memphis and providing access to other trails. It also provides a one-of-a-kind view of the Memphis skyline. Open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Taste the Magic at Old Dominick Distillery
Memphis’s oldest distillery produces six spirits including whiskeys, vodkas, and their signature Memphis Toddy. For $12, you’re able to tour their entire facility and see what goes into making their spirits, followed by a tasting of all six. It’s a great way to kick off a weekend!
Explore the Memorial Park Crystal Shrine Grotto
Artist Dionicio Rodriguez built this man-made cavern using a style of concrete construction called Faux Bois. Everything at the Memorial Park Crystal Shrine Grotto is made to look real, but is actually styled from concrete, except of course for the religious dioramas depicting the life of Jesus Christ.
Walk Through Elmwood Cemetery
Encounter more than 100 years of Memphis history at Elmwood Cemetery. Underneath the canopy of the old trees lay the remains of some of the people who helped shape Memphis. There is no charge to visit, but there is a small fee if you want a docent-led tour. Either way, it is a fun and interesting way to spend a nice afternoon. Open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.
Go Back in Time at Malco Summer Drive-In Theater
One of the few remaining in the country, The Malco Summer Drive-In hosts a series of movie nights featuring old classics and cult favorites. Here’s how it works: show up at the theatre and park your car before sundown. When it’s dark enough, the movie starts followed by another and another, all night long. Expect themed nights, with three to six movies each.
Try Non-Traditional Barbecue
You may have already had your fill of our delicious Memphis Style Barbecue (if that’s even possible), but have you taken it past ribs and chicken to the next level? I’m talking about barbecue spaghetti, barbecue nachos, barbecue pizza, barbecue tofu, or a deep-fried cornish hen. You can find many of these dishes at our barbecue joints.
Is That a Real Shrunken Head?
Memphis has its fair share of museums, all corroborating our rich history and culture. But none like the Pink Palace Mansion. This Memphis institution doesn’t focus on any one particular aspect of the city’s culture but instead covers all things about the Mid-South: natural history, wildlife, Memphis history, the cotton industry, plus rare oddities like the infamous shrunken head.
Let’s face it, lurking under every great city, is a great treasure hunt… So go ahead explore, poke, try, question, and turn Memphis inside out. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to #BringYourSoul!
You might also be interested in: Explore Memphis | Things to do in Memphis | Memphis Attactions
