Have you ever traveled to a new city and found yourself immersed in a crowd of people who love that city; I mean people who are truly passionate about their culture. Zach and I woke up one day surrounded by those exact Memphis enthusiasts, flooded with to- do overload. We were eager and excited to be in a new town with new adventures but on a mission to be tourists with unbiased eyes. We had several months to “live” in the heart of Memphis and these were our favorite things about this fun city!
JAVA CABANA
This quaint little coffee shop is located in the cooper-young area of Memphis and features organic fair trade coffee and featured food items. This eclectic coffee house is home to live music and poetry readings and is always warm and welcoming.
THE PEABODY
The Peabody is an experience. The hotel is a treasure and truly one of a kind. No detail has gone unnoticed; from the duck monograms on the hotel welcome mat to the pristine lobby full of happy waiting duck seekers. The peabody ducks march down the elevator at 11:00 am every morning and remain inside the lobby fountain throughout the day and then proceed to march back up the elevator at 5:00pm every evening. Between the duckmaster and the crowds of people, you are in for quite the show. When the show is over, be sure to head to the skyline for views of the city. You don’t want to miss it!
RED FISH
Red Fish Sushi-Asian Bistro can be found in a 19th century home on Union Ave. Tables are set inside dining rooms of the home and rooms are dimly lit making the atmosphere extremely posh and perfect for a night out. The menu is extensive and exciting and will have you coming back for more.
OVERTON PARK
Not only is Overton Park a beautiful public park with running trails and places to roam, but it houses many adventures such as Levitt Shell, Brooks Museum of Art and the Memphis Zoo. Whether picnics, concerts, art or animals are your thing; Overton Park is sure to have what you’re looking for.
LOFLIN YARD
If you’re looking for a fun night out with games, food, music and fire pits, Loflin Yard is the place to be. Gather up your friends and head to downtown Memphis where you’ll find a restaurant/event space with several houses and yards meshed together all waiting to be explored and enjoyed.
BRYANT’S BREAKFAST
If you don’t mind the nostalgia of waiting in line for a hot biscuit, this old breakfast diner is the place to be. The restaurant has been on Summer Ave since the 70s and locals come flocking every morning for a taste of homemade biscuits and southern breakfast.
NATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS MUSUEM
Memphis is booming with dozens of museums remembering historical figures and moments in time. The National Civil Rights Museum will take you on a journey of important history worthy of remembrance. The museum is radiating emotion and beautifully designed; leaving visitors with informed knowledge and reverence.
LOS COMALES
All I can say about this one is, I’m a home-grown Texas girl. We eat Tex-Mex. If you’re looking for that in Memphis, Los Comales is as close as it gets! Delicious margaritas and really good food (and we tried all the Memphis Mexican recommendations)
JERRY’S SNO CONE & LA MICHOACANA
I’m sure you’ve heard of Jerry’s Sno Cone by now and for good reason. It’s one tourist hub I recommend waiting in line for. These sno cones are legit, but if you can’t stand to wait for a delicious dessert, we frequented La Michoacana on Summer Ave. The chocolate covered popsicles are definitely the way to go.
GHOST RIVER BREWERY
Ghost River Brewery is located on South Main and houses a family friendly tap room. Here you’ll often find craft beer on tap, food trucks and events such as trivia nights, live music and brunch on Sundays.
SHOW AT THE ORPHEUM
The Orpheum is everything historical you could ever dream of. It’s been sitting in the heart of Memphis for decades and revitalized multiple times to now house a beautiful theatre with fantastic shows for every generation. Date night, family night, wedding party; you won’t regret tickets to a show at the Orpheum!
THE COVE
The Cove is a uniquely detailed nautical themed dive bar that features Oysters and Cocktails. If you’re searching for a fun happy hour or late night drinks and music, this place won’t disappoint.
Memphis is full of life and culture with kind southern locals always willing to hand out fun suggestions. Our time in Memphis was spent exploring all the tourist spots and many local favorites. My best advice is to blend the two when visiting Memphis and you’ll head home with all the best memories.
