A Long Weekend Guide to Memphis, Tennessee - 4 day itinerary
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Let me be completely honest with you...Memphis BLEW ME AWAY.
You probably know Memphis as being the home of Blues, Soul & Rock N Roll, Elvis & some dang good BBQ. But I bet you didn’t know that it’s also home to a vibrant art scene, swanky rooftop bars and the wildest sno cone shop I’ve ever seen.
Don’t worry if this is all news to you...cause I was in the same boat.
I’ve visited Memphis a few times over the years and barely scratched the surface of what this town has to offer its visitors. Let me be straight with you, I mostly just hung out on Beale Street and the rest is just a blur. And while Beale Street is a blast, I’d encourage you to dig deeper on your next (or first) trip to this dynamic destination.
In this guide, you’ll find my perfect 4-day itinerary for your next long weekend trip to Memphis. In true Alle Abroad style, it will be a mix of classic attractions, local favs and of course a bit of boujee cause...it’s me.
If you’re looking for a quick overview of my top 16 favorite things to do in Memphis check out my video below! (And then scroll down for all the deets & links to each of the stops on my list)
A NOTE ON SAFETY:
At the time of me visiting Memphis, the CDC had just announced it was rolling back its mask guidance for vaccinated Americans. I have to be honest I was a bit unsure of what things would be like after that announcement. But I’m really pleased to say that all of the businesses, restaurants & the hotel we stayed at were taking precautions to ensure our safety. Most of the places we visited still were requiring masks and I never felt uncomfortable or too jam-packed anywhere we went. ** I am fully vaccinated.
Because of the rapidly changing nature of this pandemic, click here for the most current COVID guidelines & updates from the Memphis Travel website.
SOME MEMPHIS HISTORY & FUN FACTS
This soulful city is steeped in history and dripping in culture. When it comes to music there is absolutely no place like Memphis. It’s a city that gets to lay claim to the likes of Elvis Presley - B.B. King and Justin Timberlake and if you ask anyone they’ll tell you - American music history was made in Memphis.
This southern city was also at the heart of the Civil Rights Movement and that history is etched into the fabric of this town and honored to this day.
Fun facts (provided by Memphis Travel):
The name Memphis means Established and Beautiful.
Close to 20 percent of the earliest inductees (24 of the 97) in the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame have come from within a 100-mile radius of Memphis.
Volney, the lion who roared at the beginning of all the old MGM movies, lived at the Memphis Zoo until his death in 1944.
Memphis is mentioned in more songs than any other city in the world - more than 400 according to Billboard Magazine.
Memphis has one of the largest artesian well systems in the world. This aquifer contains more than 100 trillion gallons of water that fell to the earth as long as 2,000 years ago. It first became available to the city in 1887.
LOCATION:
You'll find Memphis in the southwest corner of Tennessee along the shores of the Mississippi River bordering Arkansas and Mississippi. From Chicago, the flight is just under 2 hours or if you’re road trippin it’s about an 8-hour drive.
WHERE TO STAY IN MEMPHIS
You HAVE to stay at The Memphian Hotel in the heart of Midtown’s Overton Square. This newly opened (2021) Marriott Tribute Portfolio property is one of the most vibrant and funky hotels I’ve ever stayed at. It perfectly blends the unconventional vibe of the theater district (where it’s located) with quintessential Southern hospitality.
From the moment you walk through the front doors you’re greeted by bright neon colors - funky artwork and the sense that surprises are around every corner. The rooms are painted in this calming pastel pink & the bathroom vanity set up is PERFECT for getting glam.
I couldn’t think of a better place to make your home base during your stay in Memphis.
Practical info:
Complicated Pilgrim serves breakfast daily, lunch and dinner. Make sure to check out the artwork in the dining area past the bar (my jaw hit the floor when I saw it)
Tiger & Peacock is their rooftop lounge which sadly wasn’t open when we visited so I can’t show you any photos but it will be opening early June 2021 and I’ve heard the vibes are out of this world.
There’s a parking lot out back (I’d highly recommend renting a car for your trip)
A gym for anyone looking to stay fit
Plus any place we visited on this trip was no more than a 15 min drive away
4 DAY MEMPHIS ITINERARY
This 4-day itinerary was created by my lovely partners at Memphis Travel and really gave me a well-rounded understanding of all that the city has to offer. Feel free to pick and choose what speaks to you, and for even MORE recommendations on what to do in Memphis - click here.
DAY 1
Located in the heart of the Cooper-Young Entertainment District, this former 1940s style beauty salon traded in hair dye for hot plates full of American classics with a bit of a twist. And while you won’t find any hairdressers inside today, well unless they’re eating, you’ll still see elements of its former days like the salon-style chairs you sit in while you enjoy your meal.
My order: Corn fritters to start, the Farmers Market Warm Salad (SO yum) & a glass of Rose because it’s vacay
Fun fact: before this was a restaurant, this was the place where Priscilla Presley used to come to have her hair done!
Even if you’re not a die-hard Elvis fan (me) a visit to Graceland is in my opinion an essential part of the quintessential Memphis experience.
The list of ways you can soak up all things Elvis at the Graceland compound can honestly be a bit overwhelming, but I recommend starting off your journey with a visit to the Graceland Mansion where Elvis lived from 1957 to his death in 1977.
I love anything that’s colorful and kitschy and this beautiful home is bursting at the seams with both. You’re given an audio guide that takes you on a tour of the 1st floor, basement, carport & backyard before moving along to this museum where you’ll find all sorts of Elvis memorabilia.
And if you want to take your visit over the top, you gotta check out Graceland’s ten all-new interactive experiences. These new virtual reality experiences will give you the chance to dress like Elvis, see yourself on an Elvis album cover or drive the Graceland grounds in a golf cart just like Elvis. To check out all the different experiences & where to find them - click here!
GRAB DINNER AT A LOCAL’S FAV: CENTRAL BBQ (**The Midtown location)
Central BBQ is consistently named one of the best places for BBQ in Memphis and it’s also where the locals come, which says a lot because Memphians know a thing or two about what makes good BBQ
Central BBQ says their secret to success is that “smoke is their sauce” and what that means is there is no sauce in their pit. Instead, they use a combo of hickory and pecan wood, combined with their secret combo of dry rub spices mixed with a lot of patience to create the most tender piece of meat you’ve ever tasted…
My order: Pulled pork sandwich (with coleslaw on it) & mac and cheese (apparently its a vegetable down here haha)
ROUND OUT THE EVENING WITH COCKTAILS AT HEN HOUSE WINE BAR
If you love novelty cocktails (that actually taste good), fantastic food & an atmosphere worthy of your Instagram feed, there’s no better place to end your first night in Memphis than Hen House.
Plus, if you’re looking for a spot with the hottest bartenders in Memphis...trust me...this is it.
My order: The Bamm-Bamm & Pebbles cocktail which is literally made with fruity pebbles soaked gin (TRUST ME IT’S SO GOOD) and/or Pardon my French.
DAY 2
GRAB BREAKFAST AT COMPLICATED PILGRIM
By far one of the most colorful & cool spots we had breakfast on this trip - I immediately asked who the artist was who did the paintings and gallery wall in the restaurant because I need to recreate this entire wall at home.
Aside from the eye-catching art, this all-day eatery inside The Memphian Hotel doubles as a quick-serve coffee shop for those on the go or a bar restaurant for those looking to kick back and relax.
My order: cold brew & avocado toast (I think there’s manchego & ricotta cheese on there too which was a unique spin!)
Often referred to as the birthplace of Rock’n roll, Sun Studio is the discovery location of musical legends like B.B. King, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis.
Once inside, you’ll find all sorts of cool memorabilia, learn about the story of Memphis’s music history and culture and even catch some outtakes from recording sessions.
The studio is open every day and offers 45 minute guided tours every hour. Or if your vocal cords are up to snuff, you can book a recording session once the studio closes down.
HEADS UP: Tickets are available on a first-come-first-serve basis and Sun Studio is open 7 days a week. Click here to check tour times and ticket prices.
TAKE A QUICK WALK DOWN TO EDGE MOTOR MUSEUM
Even the most casual classic car fan will marvel at the cars inside Edge Motor Museum. Visiting their American Speed exhibit takes you back in time as you learn more about the evolution of the American sports car from post-war to ‘74.
It was so cool to see how American culture has really evolved alongside the vehicles we rely on to get us from one point to another. Plus I love that there are these interactive screens that showcase the old school ads that were used to market these cars.
Tours are self-guided but there are knowledgeable docents there to answer any questions you might have!
This spot really covers all the bases: breakfast, lunch, brunch, happy hour and dinner and you really can’t go wrong with any option. You’ll find this bistro in the heart of the Edge District just steps away from Edge Motor Museum which makes it the perfect spot to grab lunch after you're done with your tours.
The menu is manageable and features tons of unique and yummy options but what really sets this spot apart from the rest is the attention to detail on every plate.
My order: The Thai Chicken Salad & Jasmine tea
BONUS TIP: Make sure to pop over to the “With Love From Memphis” Mural
Location: 627 Monroe Avenue
ADMIRE THE HISTORIC HOMES IN THE VICTORIAN VILLAGE
You’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time as you stroll through what was once referred to as Memphis's Millionaires Row. Head over to Adams Avenue and that’s where you’ll find this row of these mega historic mansions, one more beautiful than the next.
You can take a tour or wander aimlessly, but just a heads up a common side effect of visiting this neighborhood is major home envy.
Click here to learn more about how you can tour the homes & the ones you won’t want to miss.
SHOP MY MEMPHIS LOOKS
MANY OF MY OUTFITS ARE RENTED FROM RENT THE RUNWAY. USE CODE RTRALLEP FOR 40% OFF TWO MONTHS OF THEIR 8 OR 16 ITEM PLANS.
SIP AFTERNOON TEA AT 17 BERKSHIRE
If you’re staying at The Memphian this spot is just steps away from the hotel in Overton Square.
Inside you’ll find colorful cakes, macaroons as light as air and tea served in some of the most dainty delicate china I have ever seen. This will feel like a full-on Parisian moment in the heart of Memphis.
I wanted to include this on my list to show you that Memphis isn’t just about Blues and BBQ, it’s got bits of boujee too.
START YOUR NIGHT OFF WITH A STROLL ALONG THE INFAMOUS BEALE STREET
Honestly, a visit to Memphis isn’t complete without a visit to Beale Street (in my opinion). Beale Street has been named “America’s Most Iconic Street” and the “Official Home of the Blues” - so you can understand why a visit is kind of essential.
Pop into some of the bars or grab a bite to eat depending on if you’re hungry after afternoon tea.
And if you’re visiting on a Wednesday night between April - September you can check out some crazy cool motorcycles for Bike Night on Beale.
CATCH A LIVE SHOW AT HERNANDO’S HIDE-A-WAY
We finished our second night in Memphis with a Country Drag Revue at Hernando’s Hideaway and I’m not kidding when I say this was probably one of my favorite things we did on this trip.
And you know that’s saying a lot because as someone who isn’t the biggest country music fan, I loved every second of this show.
The live performances are constantly on rotation so to see what’s on deck during your visit to Memphis, be sure to check their website.
PS - if you skipped dinner on Beale Street, Hernando’s serves up your classic bar food, cocktails, beer and wine.
DAY 3
WALK ACROSS THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER
You can literally walk to Arkansas via the Big River Crossing which just so happens to be the longest pedestrian bridge across the Mississippi River.
Another option is to do this walk after the sun goes down so that you can see the nightly Mighty Lights show that takes place at the top and middle of every hour from sundown to 10:30 pm.
GRAB BREAKFAST AT HUSTLE & DOUGH
You’ll find this cool joint inside the Arrive Memphis and it’s really the perfect place for a quick and delicious meal before you set out on the rest of your adventures.
Their rotating list of fresh pastries is just the right amount of indulgent and their avocado toast is hands down one of the best avocado toasts I’ve ever had (I think the secret is jalapenos on it).
Plus their partnership with Vice and Virtue, a local Memphis artisan coffee roaster will hook you up with an incredible cup of coffee, something I literally cannot start my day without.
Memphis is home to some really cool neighborhoods and South Main is the perfect place to wander around, pop into shops, & check out the murals in the area.
Click here to check out some of the best things to do in this neighborhood.
VISIT THE NATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM
Located at the historic Lorraine Motel, the site where Civil Rights Leader Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968, a visit to this museum is a profoundly powerful experience.
Inside you’ll be taken on a journey as you learn about the history of slavery in America, the foundations of the Civil Rights Movement, all the way to the current efforts in the fight for equality today.
Millions of people from around the world have come to learn about Civil Rights History and in my opinion, it’s an essential stop on any trip to Memphis.
Heads up, the museum, rightfully so, is a very sobering and emotional experience. I would give yourself at least 2 hours to take it all in.
GRAB LUNCH AT THE LIQUOR STORE
The Liquor Store used to be, you guessed it, an abandoned liquor store that’s been turned into this funky fun diner/bar that serves up all-day breakfast, craft cocktails, and Latin-inspired dishes.
Not only is the food fantastic - but the tropical Miami vibes and colorful cocktails make for quite the killer Instagram shot.
My order: Biscuit Beignets, Paloma, and the Who’s Your Patty.
WALK OFF LUNCH IN THE BROAD AVENUE ARTS DISTRICT
This area used to be full of vacant storefronts, but has been reinvigorated and is now home to more than 70 local businesses, boutiques, art galleries and restaurants!
You have to check out:
For even more ideas on how to explore the area - click here
TRY A FAMOUS SNO CONE SUPREME AT JERRY’S SNO CONES
This colorful joint is a Memphis institution and while Jerry’s doesn’t claim to have invented the sno cone, they have however created the snowcone supreme which is essentially a sno cone with ice cream on top.
There are more than 70 flavors that really cover all your bases. Some of the other flavors that I wasn’t brave enough to try were fire, toxic waste, and one that’s literally called “legit”.
Jerry’s is open year-round and only accepts cash so don’t forget your dolla dolla bills y'all!
My order: A combo of Mango & Pink Lemonade
HAVE DINNER & ENJOY SOME LIVE MUSIC AT RAILGARTEN
This old Midtown railyard has been transformed into this multipurpose hangout situated on one and a half acres and is home to a top-notch diner, bar, live music venue, shipping containers & plenty of places for you to kick back, relax and enjoy the best live music Memphis has to offer.
GRAB A COCKTAIL AT BECK & CALL
Come here for killer views of the Memphis skyline just steps off of Beale Street.
You’ll find Beck & Call at the top of the Hyatt Centric Beale Street. This unique rooftop bar has yummy bites and a great cocktail list and it’s kinda the hottest place to be in Memphis right now.
Hot tip: get there around sunset and check out the epic views of Mighty Lights once the sun sets.
DAY 4
BREAKFAST AT BROTHER JUNIPER’S
The first Brother Juniper’s coffeehouse was opened in the 60s in San Francisco as an outreach effort to feed the needy. Soon more locations popped up across the country including this one in Memphis - which is actually the only location still open today.
The spirit of service continues today with a monthly charity spotlight that works with local organizations to help people in need.
Brother Juniper’s is known for its cinnamon roll pancakes so if you’re looking for something indulgent and honestly too fluffy for words to end your Memphis adventure, I’d order that.
REST OF THE DAY TO ROAM FREE BEFORE YOU HEAD HOME
Without a doubt, Memphis blew me away.
It’s a dynamic, diverse, unique destination worthy of a weekend trip or heck even a week-long adventure.
I felt like we did SO MUCH in these 4 days but I still left feeling like there was so much more to explore & I’m really excited to return to dive deeper into this destination.
If you’re looking for even more ways to explore Memphis that I might not have covered in this itinerary, be sure to head to the Memphis Travel website. They’ve got everything organized so nicely into different styles of travel & broken down into 3 and 4-day guides.
I really hope that this guide was helpful and if you have any questions on Memphis please feel free to shoot me a DM on IG!
HUGE THANK YOU TO MEMPHIS TRAVEL FOR PUTTING TOGETHER THE MOST ICONIC MEMPHIS TRIP & SPONSORING THIS ADVENTURE.
*** This trip was sponsored by Memphis Travel but please know that all opinions are my own. AKA I had a blast and I know you’re going to love this destination too!
SHOP MY MEMPHIS LOOKS
MANY OF MY OUTFITS ARE RENTED FROM RENT THE RUNWAY. USE CODE RTRALLEP FOR 40% OFF TWO MONTHS OF THEIR 8 OR 16 ITEM PLANS.
