Memphis’s proximity to state lines in Arkansas and Mississippi makes the city a short drive away from bedroom communities in Fayette County, TN, Crittenden County, AR and DeSoto County, MS. Heavy highway congestion is rare and commute times from these areas range from 15-45 minutes.
The Mississippi River Greenbelt Park at sunset.
Greater Memphis’s exurbs extend into three states—Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas—and offer plenty of space, culture and character to please a variety of lifestyles. Fayette County in Tennessee boasts an abundance of outdoor recreation on the Wolf River and at Ghost River State Natural Area. Crittenden County in Arkansas is home to sprawling farmland, hunting acreage and unspoiled cypress-willow swamps. And DeSoto County in Mississippi is known for its collection of quaint Main Streets, historic sites and blues music heritage in the state’s Delta region.
Birding is big at this wildlife refuge located just outside Fayette County. Wintering waterfowl and migratory birds can be spotted resting and feeding throughout the year. In addition to avian species such as blue-winged teal and ruby-crowned kinglets, other wildlife such as beavers, frogs and deer thrive here. Photo courtesy St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
The park’s boat launch serves as DeSoto County’s only public access to the Mississippi River. The 41-acre green space also offers fishing spots as well as picnic and grilling areas. Photo by Robert Hoffman | Unsplash.
Located in Crittenden County’s West Memphis community, the sports complex boasts a variety of recreational spaces and facilities, including baseball fields, tennis courts, horseshoe pits, fishing areas and gathering spots for picnics and grilling. Photo "West Memphis skyline" by Nick8282 is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
The park has something for everyone, with three lakes, five tennis courts, a playground, three ballfield complexes, an eight-lane track, two miles of walking trails with exercise stations, a nature trail, a scenic overlook, an amphitheater, two picnic pavilions, and a mountain biking trail suited for beginners, Olive Branch City Park is a park that the entire family can enjoy.
This 120-acre working farm and restaurant provides family-friendly seasonal events including a haunted farm and a chance to hang with santa. The restaurant is a literal farm-to-table operation, featuring catfish po boy and homemade ice cream.
Being the only NHL regulation ice skating arena open year-round in the Greater Memphis Metropolitan Area, Mid-South Ice House is a community favorite that offers a variety of programming. Whether you’re interested in public skating, a skating school, theater on ice, curling, broomball, traditional hockey, or figure skating, Mid-South Ice House has something for everyone.
This 17-field baseball-only park is home to the Dizzy Dean Baseball World Series and has set the standard for what youth baseball complexes should look like, replete with concession stands and comfortable chairback seating for fans and observers. A recent addition to the complex includes the Southaven Field of Dreams, a mini complex for handicapped and mentally challenged children and adults.
Birding is big at this wildlife refuge located just outside Fayette County. Wintering waterfowl and migratory birds can be spotted resting and feeding throughout the year. In addition to avian species such as blue-winged teal and ruby-crowned kinglets, other wildlife such as beavers, frogs and deer thrive here. Photo courtesy St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
The park’s boat launch serves as DeSoto County’s only public access to the Mississippi River. The 41-acre green space also offers fishing spots as well as picnic and grilling areas. Photo by Robert Hoffman | Unsplash.
Located in Crittenden County’s West Memphis community, the sports complex boasts a variety of recreational spaces and facilities, including baseball fields, tennis courts, horseshoe pits, fishing areas and gathering spots for picnics and grilling. Photo "West Memphis skyline" by Nick8282 is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
The park has something for everyone, with three lakes, five tennis courts, a playground, three ballfield complexes, an eight-lane track, two miles of walking trails with exercise stations, a nature trail, a scenic overlook, an amphitheater, two picnic pavilions, and a mountain biking trail suited for beginners, Olive Branch City Park is a park that the entire family can enjoy.
This 120-acre working farm and restaurant provides family-friendly seasonal events including a haunted farm and a chance to hang with santa. The restaurant is a literal farm-to-table operation, featuring catfish po boy and homemade ice cream.
Being the only NHL regulation ice skating arena open year-round in the Greater Memphis Metropolitan Area, Mid-South Ice House is a community favorite that offers a variety of programming. Whether you’re interested in public skating, a skating school, theater on ice, curling, broomball, traditional hockey, or figure skating, Mid-South Ice House has something for everyone.
This 17-field baseball-only park is home to the Dizzy Dean Baseball World Series and has set the standard for what youth baseball complexes should look like, replete with concession stands and comfortable chairback seating for fans and observers. A recent addition to the complex includes the Southaven Field of Dreams, a mini complex for handicapped and mentally challenged children and adults.
7-time world barbecue champion Melissa Cookston is the owner of this award-winning bbq restaurant. She is also the author of two cookbooks, “Smokin in the Boy’s Room” and “Smokin’ Hot in the South.” Favorites from the kitchen include fried catfish, BBQ spaghetti, and BBQ meatloaf.
A favorite of the locals, this old-school eatery serves your standard American fare, including sandwiches and omelets. While many come for the big portions, many stay for the friendly service.
Voted the best BBQ in DeSoto county, Old Style is exactly that, replete with green-and-white-checkered tablecloths and that southern hospitality charm. Highlights include chopped pork BBQ, ribs, half chicken, burgers, and sandwiches.
Velvet Cream is the oldest running restaurant in DeSoto county, having opened its doors on July 23, 1947. Like a scene straight out of American Graffiti, newly-licensed teenagers would flood The Dip’s parking lot with their cars, eager to hang out with friends while grabbing a bite to eat. Although the era of the diner is a thing of the past, the menu’s Americana fare remains, featuring hamburgers, shakes and malts, and american pie.
7-time world barbecue champion Melissa Cookston is the owner of this award-winning bbq restaurant. She is also the author of two cookbooks, “Smokin in the Boy’s Room” and “Smokin’ Hot in the South.” Favorites from the kitchen include fried catfish, BBQ spaghetti, and BBQ meatloaf.
A favorite of the locals, this old-school eatery serves your standard American fare, including sandwiches and omelets. While many come for the big portions, many stay for the friendly service.
Voted the best BBQ in DeSoto county, Old Style is exactly that, replete with green-and-white-checkered tablecloths and that southern hospitality charm. Highlights include chopped pork BBQ, ribs, half chicken, burgers, and sandwiches.
Velvet Cream is the oldest running restaurant in DeSoto county, having opened its doors on July 23, 1947. Like a scene straight out of American Graffiti, newly-licensed teenagers would flood The Dip’s parking lot with their cars, eager to hang out with friends while grabbing a bite to eat. Although the era of the diner is a thing of the past, the menu’s Americana fare remains, featuring hamburgers, shakes and malts, and american pie.
Housing artifacts dating back to 1541, the DeSoto County Museum works to preserve the history of Desoto County, and offers historic carriage tours around the DeSoto County seat.
The arts center serves as one of the primary homes of the Kudzu Playhouse, a theater group focused on showcasing local talent of all ages. Recent productions have included Descendants: The Musical and The SpongeBob Musical. Photo by Luis Quintero | Pexels.
Open since 2015 in Hernando, MS, the market features an emporium of more than 100 local vendors offering everything from locally sourced antiques to slow-roasted coffee and handcrafted furniture. Photo by Ray Shrewsbury | Unsplash.
The West Memphis, AR arts center and nonprofit offers arts exhibitions, after-school and weekend classes for kids, a youth theater program, summer camps and more.
Photo by Tobit Nazar Nieto Hernandez | Pexels.
If you’re looking for gifts, collectibles, or antiques, Old Towne Main Street is the place to go for all your holiday shopping. And if you’re inclined, you can combine your love of shopping with a historical tour by stopping off at the Chamber of Commerce to pick up a walking map that illustrates 27 historical sites that take you through Old Towne.
Doubling as an arts agency and event space, the Desoto Arts Council offers a wide range of activities and programming including art classes for children, and wine tasting competitions, oil painting, and pottery classes for the adults.
This free outdoor art gallery, located next to the chamber of commerce in Old Towne Main Street, happens year-round and features paintings by local artists.
Housing artifacts dating back to 1541, the DeSoto County Museum works to preserve the history of Desoto County, and offers historic carriage tours around the DeSoto County seat.
The arts center serves as one of the primary homes of the Kudzu Playhouse, a theater group focused on showcasing local talent of all ages. Recent productions have included Descendants: The Musical and The SpongeBob Musical. Photo by Luis Quintero | Pexels.
Open since 2015 in Hernando, MS, the market features an emporium of more than 100 local vendors offering everything from locally sourced antiques to slow-roasted coffee and handcrafted furniture. Photo by Ray Shrewsbury | Unsplash.
The West Memphis, AR arts center and nonprofit offers arts exhibitions, after-school and weekend classes for kids, a youth theater program, summer camps and more.
Photo by Tobit Nazar Nieto Hernandez | Pexels.
If you’re looking for gifts, collectibles, or antiques, Old Towne Main Street is the place to go for all your holiday shopping. And if you’re inclined, you can combine your love of shopping with a historical tour by stopping off at the Chamber of Commerce to pick up a walking map that illustrates 27 historical sites that take you through Old Towne.
Doubling as an arts agency and event space, the Desoto Arts Council offers a wide range of activities and programming including art classes for children, and wine tasting competitions, oil painting, and pottery classes for the adults.
This free outdoor art gallery, located next to the chamber of commerce in Old Towne Main Street, happens year-round and features paintings by local artists.
