Chickasaw Bluffs & Shelby Farms: Memphis's Own Wildlands

The old-growth bottomland forest lining the fourth Chickasaw Bluff above the Mississippi — trails wind through cottonwoods and sycamores two and three feet in diameter before climbing to the bluff edge and a view of the river that looks the same as it did before European contact. The park's 20-mile trail network traverses forest that has never been logged; bald eagles and great blue herons work the river oxbows visible from the bluff trail in winter, and in spring the redbud and trout lily turn the forest floor violet and white.

The Memphis institution that standardized what most of the country now calls Memphis-style barbecue — dry-rubbed ribs slow-smoked for 14 hours, pulled pork shoulder, and smoked sausage with sauce served on the side. Multiple competition trophies on the wall; generous portions. The Midtown location is the original.

One of the largest urban parks in the United States — 4,500 acres of lakes, meadows, and forest within the Memphis city limits, anchored by Patriot Lake, the largest lake in Shelby County. Paddleboard and kayak rentals operate at the lake dock from spring through fall; the surrounding trail network connects to six additional lakes through 40-plus miles of mixed-surface paths. The afternoon light on the open water is consistently good.

Small plates of soups, salads & entrees are served with taster-size pours of wine in posh surrounds.