Memphis Botanic Garden is a collection of gardens that covers over 96 acres (39 hectares) in East Memphis. The lovely Japanese garden, with its bridges, ponds and goldfish is a favorite with visitors, who come for the candlelight evening tours in the summer. In the spring, the Ketchum Iris Garden glows with a myriad of colors, while the Municipal Rose Garden is at its best in May, June, and September. There is even a Sensory Garden that is designed to appeal to all five senses.
Liberty Bowl Stadium is a massive football stadium that can seat up to 58,325 spectators. In 1965, the Liberty Bowl College Football Classic shifted from Philadelphia to Memphis, and that is how this stadium got its new name. It has witnessed some of the most remarkable college football games over the years. It also plays host to rock concerts.
Lucius Burch State Natural Area is a beautiful green oasis that stretches along an area of 728 acres (295 hectares) in Memphis and forms part of the Shelby Farms Park. The lush area comprises the ancient Wolf River, swamps, and hardwood forests. Its quaint landscape has become the abode of many local mammals, colorful birds, reptiles, and small amphibians, making it an ideal place to spot these dwellers in their natural habitat. A network of trails through the area allows visitors to explore its scenic environs.
Not so much a museum as an educational indoor playground, this place is full of interactive activities for kids. Youngsters can climb a skyscraper, explore a fire engine or "ride" a police motorcycle. Children especially love the miniature grocery store, where they can push their carts and "shop" for staples, and the playing bank, where they can write checks. Special exhibits and activities are also offered every month, including puppet shows and live music.
This lovely 80-acre (32-hectare) cemetery is a wonderful place to go on a warm afternoon. Huge, shady trees protect the most interesting collection of graves and gravestones in the city. Elaborate Victorian monuments mark the final resting places of city founders such as Robert Church, the first black millionaire in Memphis, as well as Mayor E.H. "Boss" Crump and 19 generals from the Confederate Army.
Tom Lee was an African-American living in Memphis who became a hero when he saved 32 people from a sinking steamboat in 1925. Even though he could not swim, he rowed a small boat into the strong currents of the Mississippi River to rescue the victims. Tommy Lee Park, stretches for a mile and half along the banks of the river, is dedicated to this hero and contains a monument to him. This is the site of several events throughout the year, including the Barbecue Contest, the Sunset Symphony concert at the end of May, and a Jazz Festival.