Located on the outskirts of Memphis, Lakeland enjoys the amenities of a large city with the quieter pace of suburban and rural life. Its location lets you quickly drive to attractions in Memphis and neighboring counties, providing plenty of things to do. Of all the options nearby, these nine are among the best to explore.
1. Delta Blues Winery
At the edge of Lakeland, you’ll find Delta Blues Winery, a beautiful property where you can tour the grounds, listen to live music on the weekends, and indulge in wine tastings.
In the years to come, Delta Blues Winery intends to harvest its mature grape vines and craft its wine from seed to bottle onsite, but for now, it prioritizes creating an inviting and relaxing atmosphere for its guests.
The winery may not be making wine with its grapes yet, but it has imported fine Italian grape selections grown in West Tennessee. With these grapes, the winery has curated a selection of wines that visitors can enjoy while listening to live music, like the Memphis Symphony Orchestra Big Band, from the stage of the tasting room.
2. Lakeland Golf Club
Another enjoyable place to visit within Lakeland is the Lakeland Golf Club, formerly Stonebridge Golf Club. This site is particularly prominent in the Mid-South area of the state because it was designed by the well-known golf course architect George Cobb, who designed several professional-grade courses that have hosted major golf tournaments. Cobb’s overarching goals in his designs were to create something beautiful and enjoyable to play while avoiding the frustrations plaguing golfers at less thoughtfully designed courses.
The Lakeland course has a reputation for being challenging and enjoyable for golfers. It offers plenty of opportunities to test golf techniques and skill levels with water hazards and bunkers while providing scenic vistas. For those less inclined to hit the green, the club is also home to a restaurant and bar.
3. Malco Summer Drive-In
Pulling up to a drive-in for a movie and popcorn is an experience that never gets old, and just a 15-minute drive out of the city, you’ll find the Malco Summer Drive-In. You can watch new releases like Deadpool & Wolverine or family-friendly flicks like Inside Out 2. Don’t forget to bring along blankets and cash for movie snacks for an extra enjoyable and memorable experience.
4. Davies Manor Historic Site
Just beyond the Lakeland border is Davies Manor Historic Site. The site offers tours of one of the oldest log houses in the region, a commissary, a gristmill, and numerous gardens. The home has been converted into a museum exploring the history of the people who resided on the land, both the enslaved and the Davies family.
The historic site sits on 32 acres of land, and visitors are welcome to explore the grounds, including its walking paths and local wildlife spaces, at their own pace. The manor is a place to learn about the property and the region’s history, with information dating back to the 1700s.
5. Shelby Farm’s Park & Conservancy
Offering 4,500 acres and a buffalo herd, Shelby’s Farm Park and Conservancy has a seemingly endless list of things to do, and it’s just 15 minutes out of the city. Running through this massive park is a 10.5-mile pedestrian and cyclist-friendly trail that connects Memphis and Cordova, and it’s not the only trail park visitors have access to. The park boasts more than 40 miles’ worth of trails for visitors to enjoy. On top of this, there’s horseback riding, award-winning playgrounds, and more than 20 sites for fishing.
6. Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park
Within Shelby’s Farm Park grounds is the Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park, where the daring can soar through the park’s treetops on a zipline obstacle course. For those wary of heights, there are also adventures that will keep your feet firmly planted on the ground, including an outdoor escape room, mini-golf, and axe throwing. It’s a place that dares you to take risks and go on a wild adventure in your backyard.
7. Jones Orchard
From May to October, Jones Orchards grows and thrives with fresh, locally produced fruits and vegetables. If you want to cross a few items off your grocery list, the two onsite markets are just over 20 minutes from the city. You can even make a day of your visit to the orchard and spend time picking strawberries and treating yourself to something from the orchard’s Market and Farm Kitchen.
The orchard becomes a hub during the fall months with its many fall festivities, including everything from pumpkin patches and corn mazes to haunted Halloween attractions dubbed the Shadowlands Festival of Fear.
8. Putt Putt Golf & Games
At Putt Putt Golf & Games, mini golf is just the tip of the entertainment iceberg. The place is filled with attractions that make it feel like an amusement park more than a mini-golf course. Visitors will find bumper boats (which, as the name suggests, are just like bumper cars, but on the water), go-kart racing, virtual reality games, laser tag, and a virtual rollercoaster. It’s a place that will entertain entire families with its vast selection of options.
9. International Harvester Managerial Park
Covering 65 acres of land, International Harvester Managerial Park offers a slew of outdoor activities that appeal to every age. There are many walking and biking trails, places to fish, picnic stops, and a community clubhouse that hosts events and classes for the Lakeland community. It’s a community hub that allows you to connect over a well-cared-for green space.
Conclusion
Though it might be tempting to spend another night at home binging your favorite show or playing at the best casinos online, there are many things to do in and around Lakeland that will keep you entertained. So, what are you waiting for?
By Chris Bates
