The Urban Outdoor Experience

Last week we wrote about what a city hike is.. This week we're going to write about different types of city hikes you can enjoy! Each type of city hike has its own unique set of challenges and rewards. Here are a few examples: Waterfront hikes : These hikes take you along the coast of a lake, river, or ocean. Waterfront hikes often offer stunning views of the water and the surrounding landscape. (Memphian tip: Think Big River Crossing, Tom Lee Park, and Harbortown) Urban park hikes : These hikes take you through city parks, which can offer a variety of terrain, from paved trails to wooded paths. Urban park hikes are a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some nature. (Memphian tip: Think Shelby Farms and Overton Park) Historical hikes : These hikes take you to historical sites and landmarks in the city. Historical hikes can be a great way to learn about the city's past and see some of its most iconic landmarks. (Memphian tip: Downtown Memphis) ...

What is a city hike? A city hike is a type of hike that takes place in an urban environment. It can be anything from a walk through a park, a challenging trek through a network of trails, or even on the sidewalks through a city's downtown area. City hikes are a great way to explore your city, get some exercise, and enjoy the outdoors. Benefits of city hikes There are many benefits to city hikes, including: Physical health : City hikes can help you improve your cardiovascular health, build muscle strength, and strengthen your bones. They can also help you control your weight and reduce your risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Mental health : City hikes can also be beneficial for your mental health. Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and boost creativity. City hikes can also be a great way to get some fresh air and sunshine, which can improve your overall well-being. Social benefits : City hikes can al...

  The Memphis heat has finally subsided and it's comfortable enough for just about everyone to get outside and enjoy some fresh air! Do you know there's a solar eclipse on Saturday, 10/14? There is! And there are many ways to enjoy it! Saturday, October 14, 2023 BLUES CITY KAYAKS "THE MOST SOLAR ECLIPSE THING YOU'VE NEVER DONE" This unique version of Blues City Kayaks' "Introduction to the Urban Wolf River" will likely be the first of its kind in the City of Memphis! The tour will start at 10:00AM taking pause around noon on one of the Wolf River's beautiful beaches to watch the solar eclipse take place. Soluna solar eclipse viewing glasses are included with the tour. For more information click here . Registration is required. BARTLETT LIBRARY SOLAR ECLIPSE CELEBRATION If you aren't going to xperience the 2023 Annular Solar Eclipse with Blues City Kayaks then do it with the Bartlett Library! The eclipse is at noon, but before that they will h...

When I was a child I was a Cub Scout. From what I remember I loved every minute of it, so I was happy when my 8 year old son in 2013 showed interest in joining Cub Scouts. I decided to become a den leader when he joined. That was 10 years ago. My son is no longer a scout youth. He earned his Eagle Scout rank and is now in college. I just started my 6th year as the Scoutmaster for the troop he was in. It has been an amazing experience!  The Boy Scouts of America is a youth organization that has been around for over 100 years. It is a great way for kids to learn new skills, make new friends, and have fun. Here are just a few of the reasons why you should sign your child up for Scouts: Scouts teaches life skills. Kids in Scouts learn how to tie knots, build fires, camp, cook, and more. They also learn important life skills like teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving. Scouting is a great way to get kids outdoors. Scouts spend a lot of time camping, hiking, kayaking and all kinds of ...

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this blog post are affiliate links, which means that I may earn a commission if you click on one of these links and make a purchase. However, I only recommend products and services that I believe in and that I think will be of value to my readers. I lead kayaking tours for a living as well as teach kayaking classes, hiking tours, and hiking classes. In addition I am the Scoutmaster for a Boy Scout troop. Around this time of year I get asked what a good gift would be for a teenagers who are scouts and adults who are outdoorsy. Over the years I've offered many suggestions and collected quite a list.  The best list, however, is not a list I've come up with. It's a list that dates back to the 1930s that was put together by a group called " The Mountaineers ". It's a list of items that should be taken on every outdoor adventure. It's a list I really emphasize to the scouts because it helps them live the Scout Motto to "Be P...