I just got back from a fun 3 day trip to Memphis. It's a short 3 hour drive from Nashville, pretty much a straight shot on Interstate 40. My friend Anna and I had both never been so we were excited at the opportunity to explore a new city. Here are some highlights and recommendations from our trip!
Where to eat + drink in Memphis
Hen House: This is new addition to the Memphis restaurant Scene. It has an impressive wine list, a nice cocktail selection and a menu full of comfort foods with a spin that made our visit an experience from start to finish. To top if off the vibes are incredible, you can opt to sit at the floral lined bar, the bright dining room, outside on the patio or the bubble room-- a smaller, intimate dining room decorated with funky art, feathered lamps and rich jewel tones.
If you visit be sure to try the gnocchi and the Flocking Flight, a wine flight featuring a white wine, rosé, and a red wine all from the owner's wine label-- Flocking Fabulous.
Tiger & Peacock: This bar is located at the top of the Memphis hotel, perfect for happy hour. The ambiance is stellar with the inside lounge full of bold colors, luxe decor and pops of animal print (tigers and peacocks of course!), there is a small outdoor patio as well that is absolutely perfect for sunset. The cocktail menu is extensive and they have a signature cocktail list based on zodiac signs-- mine (the scorpio) was bourbon, poblano liqueur, cointreau and fresh lemon and it was SPOT ON and so delicious!
Beauty Shop Restaurant: A historic beauty salon that is now a hip & trendy restaurant! The menu and cocktail list is eclectic; we ordered a variety of small bites and definitely recommend the tuna aguachile and the Japanese eggplant.
17 Berkshire: We stopped by this café for afternoon tea and it was such a unique and fun experience. Anna and I shared a pot of the rouge Provence tea-- floral and slightly sweet as well as an assortment of tea sandwiches, small pastries, and French macaroons. The café is bright and cozy and would be perfect for a bachelorette party, bridal shower or birthday. They also have coffee, custom cakes and sweet treats to go (definitely had to bring some back for J).
What to do in Memphis
Big River Crossing: Anna and I always make time for a walk (or as we fondly call it, a hot girl walk). The Big River Crossing bridge is the longest pedestrian bridge over the Mississippi Ri ver nd midway through is the state line-- you can cross over from Memphis in to Arkansas! The bridge is safe, secure and perfect for a walk, jog, or bike ride (you can rent bikes at a station near the parking lot!).
Graceland: So truth be told I am not a die hard Elvis Presley fan, and typically not one for guided tours but I felt like I couldn't visit Memphis without seeing Graceland. There are a variety of ticket options depending on how much you'd like to see. We opted for the Elvis Experience tour which allowed us to see the Graceland mansion, the planes and Elvis's car collection-- the famous pink Cadillac was so cool to see in person!
Beale Street: This lively street downtown is lined with bars, clubs and restaurants. All sorts of music pours out of the bars from blues to rock to gospel. Worth taking a stroll to see this iconic part of the city. If you're thirsty pop in to a bar for a daiquiri and some live music.
Where to stay in Memphis
Westin Beale Street: If you are visiting Memphis for an event at FedEx Forum-- this is the perfect location! It is right across from the Forum and steps from the Rock n Soul museum, Beale Street, and downtown Memphis.
Memphian: This is a funky and eclectic hotel in the Overton Square area, a charming suburban area just a short drive from downtown Memphis. The hotel is decorated beautifully and has Tiger & Peacock on the top floor. This area is lively and walkable with tons of cute shops and restaurants nearby. The Memphian would be great for a couples trip, girls weekend or even a staycation.
Thanks for reading my Memphis travel guide! If you have been to Memphis please comment with your recs!
xo
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