It's August in Memphis, and that means Elvis Week. I've covered this event in Memphis for the last seven years as a video journalist and am excited that this year, on the 35th anniversary celebration of his life and legacy I am able to share Memphis with you.

a big small town

I recently asked a group of friends what they loved most about Memphis, and consecutively the answers were, "Well, everyone knows everyone," and "It's a big small town". Memphis really is the biggest small town. There is the small world theory that there are just six degrees of separation between any two people on earth, and here in Memphis it's hard to go anywhere without finding that friend of a friend.

beyond graceland

The annual Graceland pilgrimage brings thousands of people from all over the world to our city, but most of them will never see the hidden, peaceful parts of Memphis. Here are my top 3 favourite places to quiet your mind and recharge.

1. shelby farms park + greenline

With 4,500 acres of green space, Shelby Farms is the largest urban park of its kind, but the ways it connects us together makes it our biggest asset. The Shelby Farms Greenline is a seven mile urban trail connecting Midtown Memphis to the park. From the Greenline hop on the Wolf River trails to the eastern edge of the park. Just next to the dog park, which is crossed with trails for biking and horseback riding, is one of my favourite lakes to relax and find solitude.

2. botanic gardens

As you head west towards downtown, the aroma in the air and the bright colours you see will spark your senses and draw you into the Botanic Garden, a 96-acre property with 23 specialty gardens whose mission is to enhance lives by connecting people with nature.

3. greenbelt park

Mud Island is a small peninsula surrounded by the rolling Mississippi River and home to the Harbor Town community. Just adjacent to downtown Harbor Town is tight-knit community with a mix of housing ranging from riverside mansions to apartments. But it's not the French-inspired architecture or the shops and restaurants in the town's square that makes people cross the muddy water, it's the breathtaking views as the sun sets behind the Mississippi River.

finding inner peace

To celebrate the Memphis yoga community, six local studios are offering complimentary yoga on August 18th for an event called Yoga Once a Day. The studios are Midtown Yoga, Evergreen Yoga, Yogafest, Better Bodies Yoga, Bikram Yoga, and Give Yoga. Visit the studio's websites for their Saturday schedules to find a class, and join us!

lululemon Regalia officially opens on August 23rd, and we'll be yoga-ing on August 24th for our grand opening by doing yoga on the Peabody Rooftop. Find more details about this event on the Regalia Facebook page.