Category Archives: Recreation

Loflin Yard

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Loflin Yard: Located at the very endcap of the south main district, Loflin Yard is a great concept for hangout, drinks, spontaneous big groups and a good time.  Its got two separate bars, a kitchen, a live sound stage and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating to hang with your friends.

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Fire pits, picnic tables, large format jenga, rings games, corn hole, etc–there are plenty of hangout activities to play while unwinding after the day. We had a good time.  Its also the only “bar scene” in Memphis that I know about that had small children running around, which gave it a cool family friendly atmosphere earlier in the evening.

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(This is critical parenting intel. This means that there’s a place where you can meet your friends who don’t have kids for a drink and hangout. You don’t have to hire a babysitter to participate, and your munchkin can run around the yard and play without driving everyone bananas.  Just parent responsibly. Capiche?)

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We didnt eat, but they also have a pretty gourmet kitchen which appears to do high end small plates that look pretty good.

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All in all, we had a delightful time at Loflin Yard, and would recommend it to anyone as a gathering place to hangout for drinks.

Memphis Bicycle Paths & Mountain Bike Trails

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Memphis has experienced a bit of cycling renaissance in the last several years.  There are bike lanes criss-crossing the city and a sprawling rails to trails system that will eventually connect Overton Park to Shelby Farms Park and beyond.  Here’s a short list of the places that you can ride in the Memphis area. 

Shelby Farms Park – Shelby Farms is literally exploding with things to do.  However, in this segment, we’ll focus on the riding.  With the Shelby Farms Greenline running through a large portion of East Memphis, Shelby Farms Park is accessible by bike to anyone who lives in Binghampton, High Point Terrace, Pidgeon Estates, Avon or any area in East Memphis between Sam Cooper and Walnut Grove.  Using bike lanes, you can get there from the University District as well.  Shelby Farms Park offers great cross country riding through the Wolf River bottoms as well as paved bike paths for cruising.  There’s also a BMX track here too.  This is a great place to go for a pretty day to ride.

Stanky Creek – Stanky Creek is in Nesbit Park in Bartlett and offers some of the most technical Cross Country mountain biking in the Memphis area.  With lots of drops, tight chutes and trees, this will be a more challenging trail day.

Lakeland Trails – Memphis Arlington Rd and Canada Rd.  These are another set of technical cross country mountain bike trails.

There are LOTS more trails than these in and around Memphis, but this will get you started, and I’d recommend checking out the Mobile App called Midsouth Greenways which has more current information on the everchanging state of the trails in Memphis.

Gear to Go: Memphis Bike Shops

Peddler Bike Shop has been around Memphis forever.  I can remember going in there while I was in school and watching their bike techs work in sheer awe.  These guys know biking and they know the area.  I bought my last bike from them and have been really happy with it and their support.  They’ve three locations in Memphis, so they aren’t that far away.

All About Bikes – I stumbled into All About Bikes when I was looking for a kiddy trailer to ride the Greenline with.  All About Bikes is relatively new, but they’re located between Broadway Pizza and the Belmont Grill, both of which I eat at frequently.  I had a great experience.  The owner’s name is Victor Ghosheh and he is as knowledgeable and nice as can be.  We bought the trailer and have loved it.  There’s an added benefit for All About Bikes because anytime I eat at either of those two restaurants, I stop by and browse for stuff that I NEED.

Other Links:


Stanky Creek Team – I don’t know the Stanky Creek Team personally, but I’ve heard about them for years.  From what I know, they’re the Merry Band of Hooligans that love biking Nesbit Park and participate in the local bike events in the Mid-South Area.  If you’re looking to get more involved in the local bike scene, these guys would be a great place go in addition to the local bike shops.

Memphis Botanic Gardens

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Memphis Botanic Gardens are an excellent recreational destination in East Memphis.  The Gardens are well manicured as expected, but there are so many other facets of the Garden. 


 


They sell annual memberships which are pretty inexpensive and they have lots of events at the Gardens which appeal to all ages. 

 

“Live at the Garden”: The live sound stage and music series “Live at the Garden”  has hosted everyone from Paul Simon, the Doobie Brothers, Earth, Wind, and Fire, Roberta Flack, Sugarland, The Band Perry, Ray Charles, etc… the list goes on and on with great performers.  These concerts are lots of fun and the venue is really cool and well done.

Fratelli’s Café: Is a fun little Garden spot with fresh salads and sandwiches. 

 

If you’re looking for a fun and pretty place to grab lunch, then this is a good spot.

 

My Big Back Yard: For some ages and stages, this is the most important attribute of the Garden.  They’ve carved out a vast expanse of their beautiful park and made it a winner for young families and littles.  They have daily events like Caterpillar Club for children to learn about nature.  The large educational play area is a great place to play for children as little as 18 months all the way up to elementary school.  We love My Big Back Yard which by itself is worth the annual park membership.

 

They also have art events, farmer’s markets with CSA produce delivery, as well as crafts fairs, etc.  Memphis Botanic Gardens is a wonderful cornerstone for the East Memphis community.