As we continue our three-part Coffee Shop Guide, we hit Midtown, where Memphis’ modern coffee shop scene all began. 

The 34-home subdivision is near the site of a new Frayser public library and the Rodney Baber Park trailhead for the Wolf River Greenway. 

Unlike typical lawsuits, the plaintiff are not seeking monetary damages nor possession of the property. Instead, they are asking a court to deem the blighted sites a public nuisance. 

“Most of us sort of live in our little world where everything is always the same. The leaves change, and the grass grows, but when a river drops like this … there’s a real sense of discovery — a sort of magic.” 

The 114th annual Holy Convocation of the Church of God in Christ kicked off at Mason Temple Tuesday, Nov. 8. COGIC Bishop Jerry W. Macklin said of Memphis: “It feels good to be home.”

The new $99.3 million plan will include a 181-room hotel, four restaurants and bars, and 10 high-end apartments. There are five Dream Hotels located in the U.S., including one in Nashville.

Andy Surber is the new head of school at Grace St. Luke’s Episcopal School, and the job is a homecoming of sorts for the school administrator.

The Memphis Japan Festival, presented through a collaboration between the garden and the Japan-America Society of Tennessee, showcases all things Japanese.

Over the years, possible solutions have included a new parking garage as well as shuttle services as two city mayors, multiple community leaders and even the police have joined the fray. 

Effi Oswald, 12, who came dressed as Bigfoot, noted that the creature’s existence has never been disproven. “I believe in him because he probably lives in the deep woods ... My whole family believes in Bigfoot.”

“All of (Notes for Notes) studios were in cities that had a rich music history,” said the head of the local Boys & Girls Clubs. “So, I knew we’d definitely be a good fit.”

City leaders broke ground Thursday, Nov. 3, on a new 20,000-square-foot Frayser Branch Library on James Road that replaces the existing 60-year-old facility.

Downtown Dining Week began in the aughts and includes more than 50 participating restaurants this year. 

Tom Intrator’s 18 Main is seeking a 20-year PILOT and tourism surcharge for an updated Dream Hotel project. 

The item returns to the Memphis City Council for discussion at its Nov. 15 session.

Until Valentine’s Day 2025, motorists may want to take I-40. 

The trust fund for city and county property taxes earmarked for the redevelopment area cleared the first of three votes before the Shelby County Commission.

The council also takes preliminary votes Tuesday, Nov. 1, on a plan and financing arrangements for an ambitious remake of the Klondike community in North Memphis.

The Monday, Oct. 31, commission meeting sees a final vote on a change to how a county ethics officers is chosen. So far, there has been little public discussion by the body of the measure.

Nearly two years after Tommy Pacello died of pancreatic cancer, his friends and colleagues are celebrating the visionary city planner’s birthday by unveiling a fellowship that will support his work. 

Brinson’s Downtown and Craft Axe Throwing celebrated the holiday with a gathering on Floyd Alley.

Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris said the grant from the county’s reserve fund is likely the first of several for a full restoration of the 137-year old church.

As the hospital’s six-year, multi-billion dollar expansion gets underway, 500 office employees have moved into 150 Peabody Place. And area shops and restaurants are mighty glad to see them.

Memphis Public Libraries book sales help raise funds for the library while also offering great deals on used books to eager shoppers.