Summer weekends shout picnic season, hence why routine trips to Memphis' Levitt Shell should be on your radar. The free summer-long concert series kicked off in May and lasts through August, gathering hundreds of all ages and backgrounds to a Midtown amphitheater house of entertainment. It is truly a venue unlike any other.
Friday evening, some girlfriends and I bounced our heads to Australian boy-band Jakubi, whom none of us had ever heard of. That's the fantastic part about the Levitt Shell venue -- it frankly doesn't matter who's on stage. As soon as you enter the lawn and take a first glance at the crowd, you know you'll enjoy yourself.
Food trucks line stage right every weekend, though I took the opportunity to plan a picnic that I believe satisfied everyone on our blanket!
Twist-off wine bottles (Meomi pinot noir and Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc) prevented the need for a corkscrew. Plus, my friend recently gave me a gold S'well bottle, which keeps cold drinks cold for 24 hours, so we utilized it nicely for the bottle of white. Cold drinks are a must, people.
My new Tennessee cutting board from Amelia's Outpost at Hoot + Louise was the perfect for transportation; lightweight and narrow, it held a wedge of brie and water crackers flawlessly. Don't forget a few plastic knives.
Fresh Market's sushi selection was on-point for fancy finger food. We grabbed nigiri, tuna poke, crunchy shrimp, and riceless salmon rolls. Cherries and fruit offered pops of sweetness for munching throughout the show.
The blanket to our right was enjoying their Aldo's Midtown pizzas to-go, and a blanket behind us enjoyed Chick Fil A #1 combos. Whichever route you go for your summer picnic, I hope you'll take advantage of the offerings in your city. Memphis: the Levitt Shell is your spot!
(final photo by memphis daily news)