EXPLORE THE TOWNS OF SHELBY COUNTY

Germantown has something for every mood. Looking for an upscale evening? Head for a shopping spree at the Shops of Saddle Creek and see a theatrical production at the Germantown Performing Arts Center. Feeling outdoorsy? Explore 20-acre Riverdale Park, which offers playing fields and an ADA-accessible playground, or take the kids to an agricultural education program at the Bobby Lanier Farm Park. During the summer you can also pick up some fresh produce and enjoy cooking demonstrations at the Farm Park’s farmers’ market (now located at C.O. Franklin Park). In June, don’t miss the Charity Horse Show, a fan favorite since 1948 for good reason — skillful riders and beautiful horses delight attendees of all ages. Ready to laugh? Check out the “Running of the Weenies” dog race and costume contest in September. Hungry? Visit the Germantown Commissary and order the brisket or ribs with a deviled egg on the side (you can thank us later). If you’re looking for a fancy but fun date-night spot, head over to Southern Social for upscale Southern fare such as crawfish beignets, fried pimiento cheese sandwiches and stuffed quail.

Lakeland has more to offer than just lakes, although the five-acre fishing lake at International Harvester Managerial Park is perfect for casting a line. While you’re at the 65-acre park, stage a technical mountain bike ride or stroll along the walking trails over easy rolling hills. Hit some balls at Stonebridge Golf Course, designed by internationally known architect George Cobb. Once you’re done exploring, relax on the veranda with a glass of Sangiovese at Delta Blues Winery. Some afternoons and evenings you may even catch a live band on the music stage behind the tasting room.

Bring your binoculars when you take on Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park's 20 miles of hiking trails: The forest is replete with wildlife, including bald eagles and otters. Visit the campsites or vacation cabins if you’d like to stay overnight, and make sure to stop by the Shelby Forest General Store whether you need breakfast, lunch, snacks or supplies. This fixture just outside the park entrance is known for its disc golf selection and sizzling burgers – just ask Millington native Justin Timberlake. Enjoy the slower pace of rural life when you pack a picnic and bring a lawn chair to listen to seasonal live music on Sunday afternoons at Old Millington Vineyard and Winery – or as you play a round of golf on the 7,400-yard championship course at Mirimichi. You can also pick your own in-season fruit (or buy some from the roadside markets) of Jones Orchard. If you'd rather live life in the fast lane, watch racers fly around the track at Memphis International Raceway. In September, bring the whole family to Millington’s annual Goat Days festival, which features goat parades, tractor pulls, live music, games and rides.
 

You can still shop in the century-old building housing S.Y. Wilson & Company as residents have since 1893, but now you’ll find modern outdoor wear and gear like YETI coolers and Patagonia coats. Step back in time in Depot Square where you can peek inside historic sites like the Harrell Farm Log Cabin, Burrow Museum, blacksmith shop and post office. Refuel with a juicy burger made from exotic meats (think: venison, wild boar and elk) at Off the Hoof Burgers, and don't leave without a homemade fried pie from Vinegar Jim’s.

Take a short drive to Davies Manor Plantation to enjoy tea and a tour of the county’s oldest log home that’s open to the public. The 32-acre property is also home to a former tenant farmer’s cabin, a gristmill, a medicinal herb garden and more. In September, head to W.J. Freeman Park for the Bartlett Festival, which features a midway carnival, live music, car show and a Memphis Barbecue Network-sanctioned BBQ contest. Shop the Bartlett Farmers’ Market (May through September) for farm-fresh produce, or catch a concert at Bartlett Performing Arts Center. Challenge your mind at Escapology, where you’ll have to work together to find clues, solve puzzles and unlock locks to escape from a game room.

Explore scenic wetlands from an elevated boardwalk when you visit the 271-acre W.C. Johnson Park, which borders the Wolf River Corridor. For walking tours past Civil War markers and preserved churches, inquire at the free Morton Museum of Collierville History, located inside a Gothic Revival sanctuary circa 1873. Named “Best Main Street” by Parade magazine, Collierville's historic town square features shops and restaurants that frame a lawn for Sunset on the Square concerts in June and July. (Start or end your evening on the square with dinner and wine or craft cocktails at a new local-favorite, P.O. Press.) For national retailers in an al fresco setting, shop Carriage Crossing, an open-air shopping district with tree-lined pathways and more than 70 stores.