We all know it. Memphis is a pretty cool city to be in and luckily, Rhodes students are in the midst of it all. We all have our preconceived notions and stereotypes of Memphis when we first come to Rhodes, but when it comes down to spending four years going to college in Memphis, everyone learn that Memphis is cool and hip. Especially for people like me (2nd semester senior, heyyy), we realize that time goes by so fast and the next thing we know, we’re about to graduate college. And while we’re not sure if life will take us to a new far off place or keep us in Memphis for a little bit longer, there are just some things we just got to do before we leave Memphis. This is why we present to you, your very own Memphis Bucket List: Midtown. Because everyone should make the most of their time in Memphis!
- Visit the Memphis Zoo
So we’re a little biased towards the sea otters not only because they’re cute, but also because we wish we could live their lives of floating around, chilling like villains. The zoo itself is a fun place to be and news flash if you didn’t know, you get in for free on Tuesdays as a Rhodes student! The zoo hosts a medley of events throughout the year, Zoo Lights being one of the big hits of the holiday season where ice skating, Ferris wheels and Christmas lights are a thing.
- Karaoke at the Blue Monkey
You may or may not be the next American Idol. Good thing it doesn’t matter. Whether you’re off-key or on-key, karaoke nights at the Blue Monkey are the epitome of fun, laughs and good times.
- Concerts at Minglewood Hall
Memphis is a music-lover’s heaven. As a city that is so enriched in the music culture, there are so many well-known and also lesser known bands/artists that make their way into the Memphis music scene. Minglewood Hall is one of the best places to check out these bands/artists. Minglewood Hall attracts all types of artists to cater to every music lover’s needs and updates its calendar to show people which artists are coming every month.
- Concerts at the Levitt Shell
On the topic of music, another must-do is watch concerts at the Levitt Shell. If you’ve been living under a rock, it’s time to step into the sunlight and bask in the glory of the open-air Levitt Shell concerts. Every spring/summer/early fall, the Levitt Shell hosts free music concerts that are open to the public and attract a lot of Memphians, eager to hear the talents of various artists. Located right across the street at Overton Park, the Levitt Shell is definitely a hot hangout spot for Rhodes students!
- Bar Getaway at Celtic Crossing
Celtic Crossing, or Celtic for short, is one of the go-to bars in the Midtown area. The drinks are great, the DJ and food are on-point and the overall atmosphere is lovely with the outdoor patio/bar and of course, the inside of Celtic itself. The music is always bumping and if you’re a sports fanatic, there are usually screens around with games that you can watch while enjoying some libations.
- Thursdays Squared at Overton Square
Are you staying in Memphis for the summer (which you should do at least once during your college career)? Do you love live music? Thursdays Squared at Overton Square is the place to be! Thursdays Squared is a summer concert series that features local and regional bands every Thursday. The overall atmosphere is perfect for college students and what better way to get out on a Thursday night but a music concert in the newly renovated Overton Square area?
- Cooper Young Festival
If there’s one event that I absolutely love that takes place in Midtown, it’s the Cooper Young Festival every fall. For the perfect mix of history, art, culture, food and music, the Cooper Young Festival is the place to be. Walk down Cooper Young while experiencing the excitement and shop around the marketplace to find handmade/custom-made gifts and items made by the local people of Memphis. There’s never a dull moment at the Cooper Young Festival and it’s something to enjoy with friends!
- Take a picture at the “I Love Memphis” wall
The “I Love Memphis” wall located in the Cooper Young district (located at the corner of Cooper and York) is a distinct wall that basically sums up how we feel about Memphis. It’s the perfect way to spice up your Instagram with your love for Memphis.
- Watch a movie at the Malco Summer Drive-In Movie Theater
This one is for all the Rhodents that decide to stay in Memphis during the summer. If you go down Summer Ave, you can watch drive-in movies (vintage, so fetch) at the Malco Summer Drive-In Movie Theater. The movies are double features so the cool thing is that you get two movies for the price of one. Grab your friends, pack some food and make your way over to the big screen.
- Trivia Nights at Multiple Locations
Get a team of friends together and get those craniums working because Trivia Nights in Midtown are no joke. Various places in the Midtown area host their own Trivia Nights on the weekdays, such as Young Ave Deli, the Cove, and the Blue Monkey. If you have that competitive spirit and team chemistry, get to one of the trivia nights and see if you and your friends can take home the prize.
Of course, there are so many other things that can added to this list because there’s so much to do in Midtown. Be on the lookout for our other versions of the Memphis Bucket List! What are your favorite things to do in the Midtown area?
Photo Credits (in order):
Overton Square by Lance Murphey, https://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2013/mar/5/making-an-impression//print
Memphis Flyer: http://www.memphisflyer.com/TheDailyBuzz/archives/2011/11/22/memphis-zoo-lights-up-for-the-holidays
Memphis Daily News: http://www.memphisdailynews.com/editorial/ArticleEmail.aspx?id=56623
Choose 901: http://choose901.com/memphis-music-levitt-shell-fall-lineup-2014/
Thursdays Squared: http://thursdayssquared.com/the-ladies-take-overton-square/
Choose 901: http://choose901.com/cooper-young-fest-2013-recap/
Lamplighter: http://lamplighter.cooperyoung.org/2011/06/04/news-briefs-2/