When one thinks of Lincoln, Nebraska, assuming one thinks of it at all, it’s probably fair to say that “art” isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. No worries, Lincoln. It happens.

And then this mural went up in downtown Lincoln. Now we all owe Nebraska an apology. Especially you. You know who you are, naysayer.

This post is part of the UpTake Public Art Series. If you see an interesting piece of public art, snap a picture and send it in. We’ll feature it on UpTake!

Photo: karindalziel via Flickr

Memphis has a rich musical heritage that stretches far beyond Elvis Presley and his Jungle Room. It’s the hometown to musicians famous and unknown and the inspiration for numerous songs, including of course the lyrical “Walking in Memphis” by Marc Cohn. Get in touch with this tradition by taking your own stroll through Memphis.

Stax Museum - known as Soulville, USA, Stax is widely considered the home of soul music. Once a recording studio, Stax is now part musical academy, part music history lesson. A visit here will educate and entertain.

Graceland – yeah, it has a cheesy reputation, but this compound and the story of Elvis Presley is an important part of the Memphis music story. A visit here offers a deeper appreciation for the man, the music, and the tragedy of a life cut short.

Sun Studio - tour the studio where Elvis got his start and where Rock n’ Roll itself was recorded before the Memphis kid came stepped through the doors. Bonus: a free shuttle runs between Graceland and the studio.

Beale Street - once you’ve learned about the history, head to Beale Street to listen to modern day musicians play live at one of the bars. OK, they aren’t singing many modern hits, but you’ll hear great covers of old favorites.

Hi-Tone Cafe – once a successful recording studio, Hi-Tone now features shows by up and coming musicians. The Memphis story continues here.

After catching a show, head to one of Memphis’ famous BBQ joints to complete your Memphis experience.

Photo:Britt Reints

I recently had the privilege of corresponding with the Honorable Mike McGinn, the mayor of Seattle (the area I called home until last month) about things to do in the Emerald City. His first suggestion was to “rent a boat from the Wooden Boat Center in South Lake Union.”

The Center for Wooden Boats (CWB) is a floating museum on South Lake Union (they have a second location at Cama Beach State Park, north of the city) whose mission is to preserve and continue the stories and understanding of wooden boats. But it’s not just for looking, you can also rent a craft, learn to sail, have a wedding, or just sit back and watch the boats float by. You know, stuff like that.

If you decide to visit the Center for Wooden Boats you may want to stop by Serious Pie for a slice of pizza. Serious Pie shares space with the Biscuit Bar and a wine shop, the combination of which makes for a great picnic on the water. This one is my idea, not the mayor’s.  See, I’m bringing something to the table (or picnic basket as the case may be).

I’d like to thank Mayor McGinn for his suggestions and helpful list of things to do in Seattle.

Town Square in Prescott Arizona.

The town square in Prescott Arizona is the hub of the area’s cultural activities. My husband and I headed up there this weekend and wound up attending an art festival that we didn’t even know was scheduled (the 37th Annual Western Art Show and Sale). It’s summertime, and the event calendar is in full swing.

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