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Picnic on the River — Start your day at Beale Street Landing, where the kids can climb on a cool new boat and catfish playground. Then stroll north on the Bluffwalk until you reach the pedestrian walkway to Mud Island River Park. Here, you can soak up dramatic views of downtown as you cross Riverside Drive. Let the kids launch rubber duckies down the Riverwalk, a replica of the lower Mississippi River. Continue on with a drive to Mud Island. Here you can grab a picnic lunch at Miss Cordelia’s grocery, which offers mouthwatering sandwiches and desserts. Then carry your goodies down to Greenbelt Park. Watching the sunset over the river is always memorable, especially when M bridge lights begin to twinkle.
Bike Around Midtown – If mom loves to bike, bring your tribe to Midtown and start your day at Overton Park’s fantastic new bike sculpture at Sam Cooper and E. Parkway. From the park’s east entrance, you can easily explore paved trails that wind through the Old Forest and lead to the Memphis Zoo. Be sure to see sneek a peek at their new babies, like this cougar cub. Or drop into the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, where the fanciful work of surrealist Salvador Dali is on display through May 10th. When everyone gets hungry, go south on Cooper to Overton Square. The Square boasts a dizzying array of eats, from New Orlean’s style po’boys at The Second Line to tasty curries at Golden India or pizzas at Bosco. If mom loves candy, finish your day at Sweet Noshings, where tasty penny candies and chocolates await.
Shop ‘til You Drop in Collierville – If a shopping extravaganza suits mom more, hit The Shops at Carriage Crossing, where you’ll find stylish threads and home furnishings for any occasion. Then, head to Bangkok Alley at Poplar and Houston Levee for a steaming plate of Thai fried rice or noodles. For funky retro goods, travel east on Poplar to Sheffield Antique Mall; with more than 100 vendors, they house a veritable treasure trove of goodies. Finally, finish up your day at historic Collierville Square, where an interesting mix of shops makes for a nice afternoon of browsing. One final note, don’t miss out on the coconut cake at Cafe Piazza. It is devine.