Experience Belgium While Visiting Memphis this May!

Take a trip overseas without leaving the country by attending the Memphis in May International Festival May 2-8. This year’s event features the culture, customs and cuisines of Belgium. Famed exhibits will be brought to Memphis and will be featured all month long at local museums, galleries and public spaces. If you are an art lover or just have an appreciation for other cultures, you are sure to find something of interest from paintings, antique gun collections, and sculptures. If art isn’t your area of interest, attend a performance of they acclaimed Belgium troupe, Marc Malempre, featuring music, dance and theatre. Memphis, famous for world-class barbecue, will also host Belgian chefs and culinary experts as they share their tantalizing, authentic cuisine.  If you are interested in attending Memphis in May International Festival, you can compare pricing for lodging and make reservations online!

While in Memphis, head to Stax Museum of American Soul Music. The museum is only about three miles away from Beale Street, and the music labels the museum features are some of the most popular of their time. As you’re browsing, you’ll begin to learn the fascinating story of an old neighborhood that expanded into what is now known as Soulsville, USA. Look for photographs and samples of your favorite soul artists! While there, visit the Sax Exhibit on loan from Musical Instrument Museum in Brussels.

For a special treat, take the kids to Mud Island River Park where you will be taken on a guided tour of a five block replica of the Lower Mississippi. After you’ve learned about Memphis’ history at Mud Island, stop by the Mississippi River Museum where you can see an impressive and eye-catching exhibit outlining the history of the diamond industry in Belgium, known as the processing center for the majority of the world’s diamonds.

Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival in Orlando, FL

The Epcot Center in the Walt Disney World Theme Park celebrates the return of spring each year with its International Flower and Garden Festival in Orlando, FL. This festival is held from March 17th to May 30th annually. There are thousands of plants used in the festival to construct large topiaries shaped like Disney characters and create lovely gardens. Part of this festival includes Minnie’s Magnificent Butterfly Garden which attracts thousands of exotic butterflies with the various flowers and plants used in the garden. 

Mickey Mouse topiaries reaching heights of ten feet are displayed by gardners who are there to teach others how to create some of these magical displays. Local horticulturists are brought in to talk to the visitors about the plants and give tips and advice on how to make their own gardens better. Everyone can learn something, from those who have never gardened to those who have been gardening all of their lives. 

While visiting the Epcot Center, you might also be interested in exploring some other avenues of Disney World. Activities like Chef Mickey’s Character Dining the Disney Character Breakfast with Limousine will add some fun variety to your trip. If you are in the mood for a unique theater experience, you may also want to attend the Cirque du Soleil La Nouba which is sure to entrance any viewers.