Marion, AR Outdoor Activities

Mid-South Ice House sparks heated competition amid icy environs by hosting hockey, curling, and broomball teams. The center also caters to figure skaters with regular freestyle sessions. In addition to athletic endeavors, it supports family-friendly revelry with regular open skates, lessons for ages 2 to adult, and a private party room. Cosmic Skate sessions every Saturday night capture the dazzle of the northern lights, sending a multihued glow over glinting ice.

Mark Grace has more than 15 years of teaching experience, including stints as the Director of Instruction at Colonial Country Club and the Director of the Memphis Golf Association. His golf academies occupy two locations, and both utilize the power of technological instruction aids such as video swing analysis, TrackMan Doppler radar ball tracking, and a computer coaching system that can compare the swing to those of more than 400 PGA model swings. Mark bases his teaching philosophy on the foundation of grip pressure, believing that the correct grip is the key to a fluid, balanced, and well-shaped swing.

The two-hour cruise is scheduled to meet at 6:30 p.m., depart at 7 p.m., and return at 9 p.m., affording passengers plenty of time to successfully saturate taste buds, ear buds, and dance buds. As you set off into the sunset backdrop on the Mississippi River, the wafting aromas of a feast prepared onboard will tempt a range of palates. Select from salads, hot entrees, carving stations, and sides; choices include prime rib, roasted turkey, red beans and rice, steamed seasonal vegetables, and seasoned potatoes. Complimentary coffee, soft drinks, and tea abound, and tipplers can head to the cash bar for a classic cocktail. Panoramic windows, two enclosed decks, and two outdoor decks showcase the historic waterfront unfolding in front of you as live music invites dance muscles to twitch rhythmically under the stars.

Each 90-minute jaunt covers more than half a century of Music City magic six days a week while cruising through the heart of the entertainment district. Pulling in for pick-up, each bus, like the time-traveling Miss Clawdy, captures the spirit of classic Memphis. Your tour begins with an all-aboard call, sung in the key of enthusiasm, by your musically gifted guide. Armed to drop both beats and knowledge, each Backbeat MC brings the city's landmarks to life with a blend of comedy, history, and participatory live performance. Passengers are kindly asked to remain in their seats with provided bongos, tambourines, and shakers properly secured in 4/4 time.

After moving from Vancouver to Memphis in 2001, the Grizzlies have established themselves as one of the NBA's perennial playoff threats, making the postseason five times since 2004. Competing in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference, the Grizzlies face off against formidable division rivals San Antonio and Dallas, scratching and clawing their way to victory and stretching to reach the food bags hoisted to the top of the backboard.

In between rim-rattling dunks, fans can explore the amenities at FedExForum, such as a variety of concessions and restaurants. The theme song that plays in the arena's concourse salutes Memphis's rich history of music and pays homage to the way Grizz the mascot's growl could sort of sound like a harp.

Tucked northwest of Sardis Lake just above John W. Kyle State Park, Mallard Pointe Golf Course showcases undulating bermuda-grass fairways that offer sweeping views of the area's towering trees. Designed by Bob Cupp, the course’s layout challenges players with back-to-back par 5s on the lengthy 6th and 7th holes, as well as on the 10th and 16th holes, requiring players to break at least once for s’mores while trekking from tee to green. Before hitting the fairways, swingers can take advantage of an extensive practice area consisting of a 350-yard driving range with six target greens and 100 hitting stations, a 10-acre grass-tee area, and a practice fairway bunker.

Course at a Glance:

• 18-hole, par-72 course
• Length of 7,004 yards
• Course rating of 73.8
• Slope rating of 131
• Four tee options
• Scorecard