Memphis is My Home

30
Jun

July 4th Activities in the Memphis Area

Author: Kelly, Category: Uncategorized

Now, I realize it’s hotter than can biscuits in the oven at the moment, but would July 4th seem right if it wasn’t?

There’s a number of events in and around town and most all of them include the one staple of a good Independence Day festivity: Fireworks. Here’s a list of events to get you in the patriotic spirit:

Star Spangled Celebration - June 30th

FM100’s Star Spangled Celebration is one of the most popular July 4th events in the Memphis area. Situated at Tom Lee Park, right on the Mississippi River, the celebration offers food, music (including Tennessee’s own almost-American Idol, Kimberly Locke) and, of course, fireworks. Festivities begin at 2:00 P.M. with the fireworks finale at 9:50 p.m.

A .pdf file containing all sorts of information about the Star Spangled Celebration can be found here.

Bartlett Fireworks Extravaganza 

Held at Bobby K. Flaherty Municipal Center, festivities will begin at 6:30 p.m. and end at 9:30 p.m. Food, live music and, what else? Fireworks.

Southaven July 4th Celebration 

Southaven, MS - spitting distance from the Memphis International Airport - hosts this celebration at Snowden Grove Park. I know you’re going to be surprised by this, but there will be music and fireworks.

Just remember folks, if you’re going to be out before the sun goes down, wear that sunblock. And the mosquitos are horrid right now, so bring plenty of OFF!

26
Jun

Memphis, AR/MS/TN

Author: Kelly, Category: Uncategorized

This is something that always seems to confuse people who aren’t from Memphis or, at the least, are new to the area.

Whenever you see Memphis listed in statistic articles or on census sheets, it’s listed as, “Memphis, AR/MS/TN.”

Let me explain. The Memphis metropolitan area actually lies over three states. Those states being Arkansas, Mississippi and, of course, Tennessee. If someone ever tells you they live in West Memphis or Marion, AR, they actually live right across the river from downtown Memphis.

If someone tells you they live in Horn Lake, Olive Branch or Southaven, MS, you can drive just beyond the Memphis International Airport to find them.

In order to demonstrate, I found this little graphic that gives you a better idea. Crittenden Co., AR and Desoto Co., MS snuggle right up against Shelby Co., Tennessee.

Don’t you feel smart, now?

21
Jun

Baby, It’s Hot Outside - The Memphis Zoo

Author: Kelly, Category: Uncategorized

‘Tis the season for lazy animals and that smell that only the zoo can bring.

Every summer, many people make their way over to the Memphis Zoo so that they can bring the kiddies and perhaps capture them on camera doing something cute (like learning about the birds and the bees courtesy of two randy monkeys). However, anyone who knows anything about The South knows this: walking around in the heat during late June, July or August isn’t for the weak.

I haven’t yet made my way down to The Memphis Zoo for their much talked about butterfly exhibit, but I will soon brave the heat to do so and hopefully return with many photos. In the meantime, for those of you who dare not brave said heat, here’s a bit of video I took last year of the animals here. It’s a little goofy, but hey: it’s a zoo video. Can’t get much goofier than that.
Read the rest of this entry »

21
Jun

Memphis - Orpheum Theatre

Author: Kelly, Category: Uncategorized

Memphis - Orpheum Theatre

Originally uploaded by mmwm

This photo from Flickr shows one of Memphis’ greatest assets: The Orpheum Theatre. The Orpheum hosts an array of touring Broadway musicals and such, but my absolute favorite thing about The Orpheum? Their Summer Classic Movie Series.

Every summer, The Orpheum hosts a number of movies at the theatre. The show begins with a traditional organist and sometimes a charity raffle. A few years back, I was able to see one of my favorite films of all time, Raiders of the Lost Ark, at the Orpheum. It looks like they’ll be showing that one again.

You can find a complete schedule of their movies here: http://www.orpheum-memphis.com/index.cfm?page=comingAttractions⊂=1&show=movie

I’ll definitely be seeing The Wizard of OZ and perhaps even The Phantom of the Opera (silent). Seeing Phantom with the organist should be righteous.

18
Jun

The Official “Hey, Y’all!” from Memphis.

Author: Kelly, Category: Uncategorized

People normally think of one or two things when they think of Memphis. The first is Elvis. We just can’t seem to get away from that one. No doubt, he was Memphis’ claim to fame, but we Memphians tend to suffer from “Elvis-blindness.” The numerous billboards, souvenirs and other assorted madness that litters our city tends to settle around us like the floral snow of the cottonwood tree.

The second thing people tend to associate with the self-proclaimed “home of the blues” is barbecue. Can’t really find fault with this one: Memphis does have the best BBQ.

My point in all this is that, amazingly, Memphis isn’t just smoked pig and blue suede shoes. Hopefully, through this blog, I’ll be able to show you just that. Now, if you don’t mind, I think I’m going to go run and pick me up a BBQ sandwich.