My hometown of Memphis is my pride and joy. Any excuse to play tour guide and I’m all in, especially as our city grows to simultaneously treasure its historic mainstays while embracing new forms of food, retail and entertainment. Scroll for a few of my favorite experiences around town!
1. WALK OR BIKE TO THE MEMPHIS FARMERS MARKET
We’re a handful of blocks (if even that) from the Memphis Farmers Market and take full advantage during its April-December season. On some Saturdays, we stroll with our dog Sawyer and drop him off with volunteer pet sitters while plucking fresh produce. Otherwise, I take an Explore Bike Share bike with my annual membership and the dock right at the Farmers Markets’ entrance. The bike basket is super handy when I’m grabbing flowers, eggs and herbs all at once. Don’t miss the Fuel Food Truck while you’re there for bison breakfast tacos!
2. EMBARK ON A BROAD AVENUE PROGRESSIVE MEAL
The Broad Avenue Arts District is known for more than visual arts — its dining experiences, which have doubled over the past two years, are so dynamic and different that they require a “progressive” experience. What do I mean by that? Start with a cocktail on The Liquor Store’s back patio or a taproom-exclusive beer at Wiseacre; then mozy over to Lucky Cat for some Memphis BBQ bao (steam buns) and rice bowls; grab a spot at the kitchen bar at Bounty for a banana bread split (or scoop of gelato); finish at The Cove for live music and late-night drinks. Do it all. Trust me.
3. FORAGE LOCAL FLOWERS
Local flowers are my favorite home accessory and make any room more inviting. Whether a rustic bunch of blooms from Whitton Farms (pictured above), a bohemian arrangement by Everbloom Design, or an elegant series of stems from The Garden District, Memphis’ variety of local floral designers and gardeners is breathtaking.
4. PLAN A STAYCATION
Memphis boutique-style hospitality is impressive — and just because we live in the city limits doesn’t mean we can’t get a taste of it, too! I love to pick a date on the calendar once a year to try a local hotel or bed and breakfast, like the James Lee House in Victorian Village, and unplug from typical residential routine.
5. OYSTERS + OLD DOMINICK ROOFTOP VIEWS OF MIGHTY LIGHTS
The oyster bar at The Gray Canary is a home away from home. After sharing a dozen with an order of parker house rolls, we transcend to the next-door Old Dominick rooftop for a sunset cocktail and view of the Mighty Lights on the Hernando De Soto bridge, whose dynamic lights dance on the Mississippi every half-hour after sundown.
This post is brought to you by Memphis Tourism in honor of National Travel & Tourism Week. Thank you for being supportive of my sponsors!