#901Day at Crosstown Concourse

I'm not sure when the tradition began, but in recent times, every year on September 1st, Memphians celebrate pride in our city with events and festivals throughout the TriState Area. The date, 9/01, is our city's predominant area code and is synonymous with all things Memphis, Tennessee. I joined in the festivities during my visit home for Labor Day weekend. I learned about this year's activities through social media, mostly from the Instagram feed of one of my favorite Interior Designers, a fellow plant lover, and procurer of all things #BlackGirlMagic, Carmeon Hamilton of Nubi Interiors (sidebar, make sure to follow her @nubiinteriors on Instagram for all of the inspiration you need to get your life in order). I learned from her instastories that there would be a major event at the Crosstown Concourse, a newly developed site with lots of charm. I immediately decided to invite family and friends and make it a point to be there.

Ironically, all of my friends and family members flaked on me. It felt weird being the disappointed one for once, though I doubt anyone bats an eye when I flake on them at this point... Neither here nor there. I was flying solo at the event and I am so glad I did! I had time to go where I wanted to go throughout the Concourse, stop and marvel at the design choices, eat here and there, and best of all, I was able to take my time moseying along. I snapped photos from my perspective rather than putting anyone through the insufferable task of taking them of me standing in front of this and posing next to that, taking away from their fun. I was able to take it all in at my own pace. It was my first time visiting the finished space, though I'd driven by the location in its former glory as the Sears, Roebuck & Co Distribution Center constructed in 1927 and during its looong construction phase. I'd never stepped foot inside of the building, mostly due to the fact that it was vacated by the time I was born in the early 90's, but I do recall it being in a staple landmark that indicated where "Midtown/Cooper Young" and "North Memphis" begin/end.

The new, repurposed space really reminds me of a few reasons why I love my city. Memphis is full of weird buildings with rich history that have been repurposed; the Pyramid, now home to Bass Pro Shop (meh...), was formerly a 32-floor, 321 ft sports and entertainment arena (I saw Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson in all his raised brow glory there during his WWE days where I personally started the chant "Don't trust'm, bust'm! Don't trust'm, dust'm!" #bars). If the city of Memphis had a spirit animal, it wouldn't be a grizzly bear though I have so much love for our team, it would be a phoenix. Memphians are constantly learning to adapt, reinventing ourselves, taking calculated risks when a previous business venture doesn't pan out as planned, and getting back up after a fall. Walking into the Crosstown Concourse really underscored that for me in the same way that the new additions to Tom Lee Park and Shelby Farms did.

From the outside, the Concourse is dull and a bit unappealing, but the inside is lively and vibrant. The industrial modern finishes simplify the space and allow the businesses within to stand out and take center stage. The bold furniture choices, murals, and the illuminated, winding, red staircase leading to the art gallery were true highlights; rich textile choices in the building's infrastructure would've led to over-stimulation. Each of the businesses on the first two floors were so well pronounced against the concrete and muted colors. Housed within the Concourse are health clinics, restaurants, a bakery, a brewery, retail stores, spas, and swanky apartments that can be booked for a year's rent or a few nights' stay. It's full of study spaces and places to meet up and conduct business. I imagine the leases for residents and businesses are pricey as heck, but it's a nice look for the well-to-do professions working at the nearby hospitals and firms throughout Downtown Memphis and surrounding areas.

The #901Day Celebration included sidewalk chalk, bubbles, and hula hoops for the kids, live bands, a small orchestra, and a quartet of horns for all listening in, burgers, ice cream, and sweet treats for all. I managed to stop by a table where poets, dressed in black slacks, crispy white buttoned downs and thin black ties, were creating original poetry on the spot for attendees using typewriters. Here's my poem:

A Poem for Alex

Baby blue

books too

bright smile

been driving for miles

been thinking how i just got deja vu

been wondering if you did too

ESQ 9/01

I managed to have photos taken inside of a tiny Winnebago elaborately decorated with photos and lights and decked out with props (see the first and last photos in this post). I ate a scoop of Bourbon Butter Pecan ice cream from Area 51 ice cream shop and it was divine! A little boozy for my taste, but perfectly smooth and not too sweet. Unfortunately, the major art galleries were closed, but I was able to get a good look at some beautiful pieces and was wowed by it all.

Of course, this trip home wouldn't have been complete without a visit to the inspiration for this blog's aesthetic, Gibson's Tastee Donuts. Gibson's is open 24/7 and has the BEST donuts I've ever had the pleasure to devour. They have such a wide array of yeast and cake/doughy doughnuts that I can never buy just one. Their prices are super reasonable; you can get a dozen at 10 Bucks flat for an assortment of different kinds (super cheap + super delicious = major score).

Moving away from home has given me a greater appreciation for my hometown and I boast about its beauty whenever I can. When I was an Undergrad at Vandy in Nashville, when I interned with Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, when I volunteered in Coban, Guatemala, I was always happy to make sure everyone knew about my roots and how significant this city is to my identity. Living just a few hours away in Jackson, MS affords me the opportunity to take weekend trips on a whim to enjoy time with family and friends and to discover more about my city. I am so proud to be a product of Memphis. I'll do my best to come home to celebrate 901Day along with other, major holidays each year, no matter where I end up living. Is is a realistic goal? Maybe not, but I'll take it one year at a time and see what happens...

Thanks for reading.

#901Day #CrosstownConcourse #Memphis #Gibsons #YouDeserveADonut #Hometown #Celebration