Memphis was built around the Mississippi River, and the lure of "Big Muddy," as the swirling brown river is affectionately called, is still the source of much of the city's vitality. The river's surrounding parks are the site of Memphis' largest celebrations, from the annual Beale Street Music Festival, Memphis in May's World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, the Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza and more.

The river is also a hotspot for budding and expert watersport enthusiasts. The first stop for anyone looking to enjoy watersports in Memphis should be Outdoors,Inc. Co-owner Joe Royer is the city's undisputed canoe and kayaking expert, and Outdoors,Inc. not only offers equipment rentals and lessons, but also takes individuals or groups on daytrips of varying lengths and difficulty levels.

The banks of the river provide as much athletic entertainment as the water itself. two bridges, the Hernando de Soto and the Memphis Arkansas Memorial Bridge, connect Memphis to Arkansas, while joggers, bikers and Rollerbladders enjoy the paved walkways from the south end of Downtown to the Wolf River Harbor. To learn more about Big Muddy's history, visit Mud Island River Park(mudisland.com), accessible from Downtown either by tram or walking bridge.-M.H.R.,