Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall – there’s always something exciting and fun to do in Midtown Memphis. From free concerts to meeting friends for coffee, checking out local bars and breweries, or frequenting local Southern restaurants, read on to find out the hot spots to check out!
Get Acquainted with Midtown Memphis
The ornate wrought-iron archway in Midtown’s Overton Square that reads “Midtown is Memphis” best describes this area. It sits between Downtown and everything east. Midtown Memphis is arguably the most eclectic and diverse part of the Mid-South. We call it our version of New York’s famous Greenwich Village.
Attractions – Midtown Memphis Things To Do
If you want to see the most popular attractions first – check out the Zoo and Overton Park. These two locations host many key Midtown Memphis events.
Overton Park covers 342 acres and is full of history. It’s one of Tennessee’s only remaining old-growth forests.
In the ’60s and ’70s, some highway planners wanted to get rid of the forest and connect 79 with the 40, but local female residents took a tough stand and won. Thanks to these brave and tenacious women, we still have our beautiful forest to enjoy.
Residents love taking a walk or riding their bikes through historic Overton Park. And there’s quite a bit to see.
The Overton Park is composed of :
- Park Grounds
- Memphis Zoo
- 9-hole Golf Course
- Brooks Museum of Art
- Rainbow Lake
- Veterans Plaza
- Memphis College of Art
- The Greensward
Overton Bark
And since it’s so dog-friendly, a section of the park is affectionately named Overton Bark. If you have dogs, it’s a great place to go walking and running.
And, there’s a section where pooches can go off-leash too. One thing to keep in mind is the high population of snakes in the park. If you’re taking a hike or walking your dog, make sure to stay on the trail.
Levitt Shell
Located in Overton Park, Levitt Shell, is famous for Elvis playing his first concert way back in 1954. There are free concerts here almost every week. The lawn is nicely maintained, and the bandshell is well lit. Plus, the grass slopes up nicely, so it’s easy for everyone to sit and see the performers. If you’re hungry, there are many food trucks, and you’re also welcome to bring a picnic.
Memphis Zoo
Memphians love their zoo! It was founded over a hundred years ago. Way back in 1905, it started with Natch the bear – a mascot for a Memphis baseball team. Natch, the black bear, was kept chained to a tree in Overton Park. This bear really needed a home . . . so the zoo was developed.
Another famous resident was Volney, the MGM lion. He’s the one roaring at the beginning of movies. Volney was a resident of the zoo until he died in 1944.
The zoo has over 4500 animals spanning 500 species worldwide, including Africa and China. One of the favorite animals is the Pandas. This is one of only three zoos in the country that has Pandas. Many visitors love to feed the animals – especially the stingrays and giant giraffes.
Overton Square
This hot spot is between Vollintine and Evergreen in the Memphis Theater District. In the 1970s, this was a trendy spot, but in the 1980s, it became neglected.
It’s been completely revitalized in the last few years and is a good hub for bars and restaurants.
There’s going to be a hotel soon, which is great because this area gets more than a million visitors each year. From exterior building art to street shows locally owned shops, you’ll see the best of eclectic art.
Most days of the week, there is live music ranging from rock, soul, country, and bluegrass. There’s plenty of entertainment and unique shopping as well as great restaurants, bars, and coffee shops.
Midtown Memphis Restaurants Breweries & Coffee Shops
Midtown is home to some of the most delicious dining in all of Memphis. Whatever you’re craving, you can find it here. Some favorites are
- Southern-inspired cuisine
- Fried chicken
- Brooklyn-style pizza
- NY delis
- High-end Asian
- Gourmet Italian
- Tapas-style Dishes
- Mexican Entrees
Things To Do In Cooper-Young District
Centrally located, this is a fun area to visit, especially if you’re visiting other attractions or attending Midtown Memphis events at the Overton Square or the Memphis Zoo.
Plus, it’s a favorite location for beer lovers.
If you like craft breweries, you’re in luck. Come and taste some seasonal specialties and local favorites. Two of the most popular haunts are:
- Railgarten Beer Garden – serving beers, cocktails, dinner, and incredible ice cream
- Memphis Made Brewery – focuses on fresh, locally brewed beers.
Cooper Street
If you’re more of a coffee drinker, make sure to take a stroll down Cooper street where you’ll find not only coffee but pastries, bagels, smoothies, and homemade soups. Plus, quite often, there’s live music. A few of the favorite Midtown Memphis coffee shops are:
So take a stroll and find your favorite spot to relax.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this introduction to fun things to do in Midtown Memphis. Come and experience this area for yourself. And, if you’d like to live here, contact us to see what Midtown Memphis real estate has to offer. The local midtown Memphis realtors at Captain & Co. are here to serve you. We can show you beautiful homes in your price range currently on the market. And we can let you know what may be for sale soon. Whether you’re ready to make a move now, or if you’d just like information about the area, contact Captain & Co.