Memphis 2021
I thought I knew Tennessee pretty well. From our base in Nashville, my husband and I frequently road-trip to play in the mountains and adventurous Cumberland plateau. I had never gone west far enough to hit Memphis, the fabled Home of the Blues, Soul, and Rock ’N’ Roll. But over our recent three day stay, that storied city won our hearts, and unlocked a whole new dimension of essential history and vibrant culture in my home state. We stayed in the most unique lodging of my life - a 231 foot tall pyramid which encapsulates the world’s largest Bass Pro Shops store, a luxury hotel, a bowling alley and a restaurant with rooftop views of the entire downtown area. Here’s everything else you don’t want to miss:
DO.
1. OLD DOMINICK - A true taste of Memphis history come alive, this distillery tour begins with the pre-prohibition history of founder Domenico Canale. Next, they share the process of their revived craft and on-site production, concluding with a delicious tasting of all their latest spirits and flavors.
2. GRACELAND, HOME OF ELVIS - Get swept up in the craze of the King through this multidimensional experience. After a greatest-hits style welcome video, walk through the home of the larger-than-life star accompanied by a top-notch audio tour, and visit his final resting place.
3. SUN STUDIO - Stand in the very spot Elvis made his first record, listen to candid recordings of Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash and friends, and learn how Rock ’N’ Roll was born. (Hint: it was an accident!) This was my personal favorite highlight of the trip and a “must” for any music lover.
4. STAX MUSEUM OF AMERICAN SOUL MUSIC - Visit “Soulsville, U.S.A,” to walk in the shoes of the groundbreaking artists who combined southern gospel, blues, country, and early rock ‘n’ roll to create a massively successful and influential sound which informs popular music to this day.
SEE.
1. BEALE STREET - Legendary since the 1920s, this landmark strip of the city is the Home of the Delta Blues, where W.C. Handy, Muddy Waters, and B.B. King made their name. Full of shops, restaurants, and nightclubs, you’ll be sure to hear live music and street performers in this authentic slice of Memphis.
2. MIGHTY LIGHTS SHOW - Two iconic downtown bridges, Hernando de Soto and Big River Crossing, put on a nightly display of colorful LED lights over the Mississippi. Free shows begin on the hour from sundown to 10pm with special themes for major holidays.
3. COOPER-YOUNG - This historic yet energetic neighborhood in Midtown is bursting with local hangouts, boutique shopping, and even boasts the city’s first rainbow crosswalk.
STAY.
1. BIG CYPRESS LODGE AT THE BASS PRO PYRAMID - Built in 1991, this impressive structure has become an indoor cypress swamp meets outdoor megastore. 100 unique luxury hotel rooms circle above the wild landscape below, each styled as a treehouse, private cabin, or elegant lodge getaway. Even if you choose other lodgings, make sure to catch a ride up the country’s tallest free standing elevator to the glass observation deck near the summit and maybe get dinner or a cocktail at The Lookout restaurant while you watch the sun set over the Mississippi River.
2. ARRIVE HOTEL - This trendy boutique accommodation is conveniently located on Main Street and houses Hustle and Dough, an all-day bakery and cafe, the perfect spot for a fancy coffee.
3. CENTRAL STATION HOTEL - This recently and masterfully restored historic landmark is still a functioning mixed-use transit center (Amtrak, light rail) now offering luxury lodgings. Multiple social spaces include a Music Room with an impressive Memphis-centric vinyl collection.
GO.
1. BIKE TO ARKANSAS - Download the handy BCycle App to take advantage of the Explore Bike Share throughout Memphis. Ride over the pedestrian side of the Big River Crossing Bridge to cross state lines into Arkansas (West Memphis) and see another wildflower-framed view of the downtown skyline.
2. KAYAK ON POPLAR TREE LAKE - For a bigger dose of nature, drive twenty-five minutes north to discover Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park, more than twelve thousand acres of verdant hardwood teaming with flora and fauna. Rent a Kayak or paddleboat at Poplar Tree Lake, or check out their cabins and hiking trails. Say hi to Ranger Keith if you cross paths with that birdwatching, song-singing sage.
3. WOLF RIVER GREENWAY - For a gem hidden further off the beaten path, seek out Turtle Bayou and the Nashoba Trailhead which leads down to a secluded beach, along the Wolf River Greenway.
4. OLD FOREST AT OVERTON PARK - 342 acres in Midtown contains the zoo, an art museum, and a golf course, but I think the real star of the show is the old-grown forest arboretum, one of the few remaining in Tennessee. Beautiful well-kept trails and labeled trees make this a perfect place to exercise, explore, or commune with deep-rooted nature.
EAT.
1. S.O.B. - (South of Beale) is brunch like no other in a brand new location at the heart of the South Main Street Arts District. Go for the cinnamon roll and fried chicken. Trust me.
2. CHEFFIE’S CAFE - Grab a healthy bite or fill your basket to-go with fresh build-your-own wraps, sandwiches and salads and head to nearby Shelby Farms Park for a pastoral picnic.
3. UNCLE LOU’S - Right around the corner from Graceland, get your chicken fried three ways and don’t miss the honey biscuits and out-of-this-world creamed corn bites.
4. WISEACRE - Try one of a dozen craft beers at this vibe-y local brewery. The taproom and patio at their downtown headquarters is a perfect place to socialize, bring the pup, and take a few insta-worthy pics.
5. RENDEZVOUS - This institution is a fitting finale for any visit, just make sure to build up an appetite before you go! Owned by the Vergos family since 1948, they serve delectable dry-rub ribs smoked in their iconic basement. Colorful murals and outdoor seating make their new outdoor alley seating a perfect date night location.
Fair warning: You might not be able to fit all this adventure into a single stay! Memphis is definitely going to stay on our roster of return destinations. Let us know what we missed and we’ll add it to our future itineraries. See you out there, explorers!
- Jessica Fisher
Further Resources and Links:
Official Memphis Travel: https://bit.ly/3tKqG9G
@memphistravel
