Square Books bookstore in Oxford, Mississippi.
By Dr. D. Jackson Maxwell
The school year is underway, but there are still some chances for a quick trip to a nearby vacation destination. As my kids have gotten older, it has become more of a challenge to find a trip that everyone in the family can enjoy. Finding things to do together is not impossible but does require some thought and planning. What we have come up with is the “overnighter.” The overnighter is a mini-vacation to destinations within a 1-2 hour driving range. This allows for an after work Friday or early Saturday morning leave with a return by Sunday night. Here are a few of the family friendly, fun-filled destinations we have discovered!
Water destinations are a favorite of our family. Swimming, kayaking, paddleboards, boating, and just floating in a tube or on a raft are all alright by us! Fortunately, there are plenty of lakes only a short drive from Memphis. The two we have spent the most time at are Horseshoe Lake, Arkansas (34 miles south-west of Memphis), and Sardis Lake, Mississippi (53 miles due south). While neither lake is huge, they are both big enough (or “lake enough”) to support almost any water activity from waterskiing to fishing to merely floating about. While both are fairly isolated, they do have overnight rentals or camping nearby for a weekend stay. Throw in a campfire or a cookout and this makes for a perfect weekend!
Just 87 miles down the highway is Oxford, Mississippi. Home to the University of Mississippi and The Grove, where Ole Miss students come to tailgate, see shows, and picnic. On campus you will find the University of Mississippi Museum that houses a variety of collections including American art, scientific instruments, and Greek and Roman antiquities. A short walk from the museum along the Bailey Wood’s trail leads to Rowan Oak. Rowan Oak was the home of Pulitzer Prize winning novelist William Faulkner. The home is open for tours Tuesday through Saturday. Before leaving town, make sure to visit Courthouse Square for shopping, food, music, and even a bit of culture at the famous Square Books, with its ties to popular author John Grisham.
Nashville is a big city and getting bigger. For country music lovers, it is a slice of heaven. Take a tour of the legendary Grand Ole Opry as well as the Ryman Auditorium plus stroll down the Music City Walk of Fame that honors all types of music that have a connection to Nashville. Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame — need I say more? There are museums dedicated to notable country music dignitaries like Johnny Cash, George Jones, and Patsy Cline. End the day with a dinner reservation at The Blue Bird Café, where the likes of Taylor Swift and Garth Brooks got their start. The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere is wonderful and spacious with insightful zoo keepers’ talks and a huge fort-style playground for younger children. During winter, The Opryland Hotel has plenty of holiday shows and events, including millions of lights, ice sculptures, and a Christmas Spectacular. The Parthenon, Adventure Science Center, and Riverfront Park Ice Rink are also popular.
Little Rock offers a variety of family fun options. Only two hours east on I-40, Little Rock is the Arkansas state capitol. The capitol building offers guided tours showcasing memorials and providing insight into how state government works. The William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum highlights the Clinton presidency through gifts from heads of state, photographs, videos, and artifacts. Next door is the Museum of Discovery which interactively focuses on technology, science and math. The Museum features a Tornado Alley Theater and a Guinness World Record Tesla coil. Also in the River Market area is the Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center. This free attraction provides a look at many of the outdoor recreational activities Arkansas has to offer. Located on the Arkansas River, the surrounding grounds offer trails and the chance to explore and view nature in an urban setting. Finally, be sure to stop by Heifer Village and Urban Farm. The exhibit areas are filled with hands-on activities and galleries that spotlight different cultures and draw attention to global issues such as world hunger. Heifer Village hosts numerous events throughout the year, so check their website to see what is happening during your visit.
These are just a few options of some amazing places and things to do near Memphis when you only have a couple of days. So, when that free weekend appears, get family off the couch, out the door, and discover what is just around the corner! These quickie, overnight trips can serve to bring the family closer together while building lifelong memories.
Dr. D. Jackson Maxwell is an educator, freelance writer, and lifelong biggest ball of twine chaser. Please forward questions or comments to: djacksonmaxwell@gmail.com
