River Citizens

Even though Memphians are well versed in what it means to live near the Mighty Mississippi, and even though we love to identify ourselves as “The River City” and “The Bluff City”, the truth is…the city has moved further and further East over the last half century. Unless you’re live in a flat downtown or in a home in Harbortown, chances are you don’t make it down by the river very much. But the Mississippi River is the reason Memphis exists in the first place and it’s a beautiful reminder of who we were, who we are, and who we can be.

River Play

There are plenty of ways to enjoy the Mississippi all year round. Sure, it may take a drive downtown but the views and experiences are worth it…no matter how far West you have to travel. Here’s some fun ideas for an afternoon by the river.

1. Comeback and a stroll - A visit to Comeback Coffee won’t disappoint. If you love a good roast, a tasty latte, or a home baked pastry, this modern local coffeeshop is the perfect starting point for your river stroll. Grab a treat and then hop back in the car to drive down to Riverside and enjoy a stroll through the new Tom Lee Park. 

2. Enjoy the charm of Harbortown? We love to peek into Cordelia’s Market and grab a fresh cup of Vinculo coffee (mission minded and locally roasted). Cross the road to Greenbelt Park and enjoy a lovely path that borders a small corner of the Mississippi River. This path is perfect for walking or biking, offers some real mileage, change of vistas, and plenty of fellow walkers on a fair day. This shore of the Mississippi is more accessible here, if you’re in the mood for close up observations of our mighty waterway.

3. Ever visited the Metal Museum of Memphis? The museum sets near President’s Island to the south of downtown and its property offers some of the most stunning views of the River. The quiet scenery from the Metal Museum’s backyard gives space to enjoy the Mississippi without the hustle and bustle or even foot traffic you experience elsewhere. Take someone you love to the museum, enjoy the impressive exhibits inside, and then take some time to sit in the garden and spend a few quiet moments enjoying the majestic vistas of the river. As you head back East, we recommend a stop in at Crazy Gander Coffee Company on Madison Avenue for a yummy cappuccino.

4. If you love biking, you’ve got to love Big River Crossing. There’s nothing like a walk or bike ride across the Memphis-Arkansas Bridge…even in winter, the walk is refreshing and offers stunning views of the cityscape, barges, boats, and bridges. A walk one way is nearly a mile so a jaunt back and forth provides some great exercise as well as rewarding views. On your way home, swing by the Arrive Hotel on S. Main for a cup of coffee from Vice & Virtue to warm up and wind down.

Here’s to a new year of enjoying our River (& our roasts!). Get down to the Mighty Mississippi and remember what Memphis is all about.