Painted Tigers
Look around as you drive through Memphis, and you’ll spot tigers, seemingly everywhere — 100 of them, the last time we counted — and painted all colors of the rainbow, or even sheathed in black rubber tires. This was a clever promotion to help the University of Memphis celebrate its 100th birthday — area artists painted lifesize fiberglass sculptures, which were sponsored by area businesses. First installed in 2014, most of them still roam the city today. — Michael Finger
A. Schwab’s on Beale
A. Schwab’s motto really says it all: “If you can’t find it at A. Schwab, you’re probably better off without it!” The multi-story Beale Street retailer, established in 1876 by Abraham Joseph Schwab, is the oldest business on the street. It began as a men’s haberdashery and served as a dry goods store before becoming the quirkiest general interest store in town. In addition to selling a little of everything under the sun (sunglasses, gag gifts, home goods, candy), Schwab’s also currently houses a museum of old Beale Street ephemera. If you're with a date, you can even get romantic over an old-fashioned ice cream soda at their in-house soda-shop. — Eileen Townsend
Shelby Farms Buffalo Herd
If you need a home where the buffalo roam, look no further than Shelby Farms Park. Memphis’ own herd of bison lives life surrounded by blue skies, a lush grassland, plenty of shade, and a freshwater well. Life doesn’t get much better for a buffalo. Playing host to the herd for over three decades, park guests can adopt their own buffalo to support the herd and be part of the family. — Sam Cicci
Nancy Mardis
Al Green’s Church
If you're from Memphis and you are unfamiliar with the sweet soul stylings of The Reverend Al Green, stop reading this right now and get yourself to a record player. The “Let’s Stay Together” and “Take Me To The River” hit maker came to the Lord in 1976, and has been Memphis' most soulful preacher ever since. He currently preaches at Full Gospel Tabernacle, a church near Graceland. The 1984 documentary, The Gospel According to Al Green, is about Green’s pastoral service. — Eileen Townsend
