Abbie & Michael
Things To Do
National Civil Rights Museum
This is a truly incredible experience about the history of civil rights in America. Be sure to reserve a few hours to explore this museum.
Memphis Zoo
Did you know Memphis is one of three cities in the US to have giant pandas at its zoo? The zoo is across the street from Rhodes College (where we met!) and located in the gorgeous Overton Park, which features miles of forested walks and beautiful picnic sites. Also home to the outdoor Levitt Shell, where Elvis played his first show.
Stax Museum of American Soul Music
Memphis is known for its vibrant music history - learn more at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, in the former Stax Records. It's one of the only museums in the world dedicated to soul music. Artists who recorded here include Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, Sam and Dave, and Rufus and Carla Thomas.
Crosstown Concourse
A 100-year-old Sears building converted into a retail and apartment center. Check out French Truck Coffee Shop for brews that Michael hand-roasted, Crosstown Brewing, and lots of cute, artsy stores to explore.
Shelby Farms Park
Did you know you can see buffalo in Memphis? A huge park out east with beautiful walks.
The Ducks at the Peabody
Twice a day, the Peabody ducks march to or from their home on the hotel's roof to the fountain in the atrium. The "ceremony" is fun for kids and adults alike, and a must-see Memphis tradition.
Mud Island River Park
The entire Memphis River Parks system gives views of downtown and the Mississippi River that can't be beat. Mud Island River Park has a to-scale map of the Mississippi River and a giant Memphis sign. Also check out the Big River Crossing - the site of our first date and close to where we got engaged!
Cooper Young Historic District
A fun, artsy neighborhood to explore. Highlights include Knifebird Wine Bar, Fox+Cat Vintage, Memphis Made Brewing, Goner Records, and the Beauty Shop restaurant (where Priscilla Presley used to get her hair done!).
Sun Studio
The place where rock 'n' roll was born. Howlin' Wolf, Jerry Lee Lewis, Junior Parker, B.B. King, Johnny Cash, and Elvis Presley all recorded here.
Memphis Barbecue: The Highlights
There are too many great barbecue joints to list individually, so we've compiled our favorites here. - The Bar-B-Q Shop (home of the dancing pigs and barbecue spaghetti) - 1782 Madison Ave - Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous (upscale barbecue in the heart of downtown) - 52 S 2nd St - Central BBQ (try the BBQ nachos!) - multiple locations, the original is at 2249 Central Ave - Cozy Corner (great barbecue at a great price!) - 735 N Parkway
Memphis Breweries
Memphis has some great spots for beer! Some of our favorites include: Wiseacre Brewing, Crosstown Brewing, Beale Street Brewing, High Cotton Brewery, Memphis Made, and Hampline Brewery.
Brother Juniper's
Abbie's favorite breakfast in the entire world. Get there early and order the San Diegan!
Casablanca Restaurant
Our favorite Middle Eastern spot in town.
Slider Inn - Midtown
Late night eats and a great patio.
Loflin Yard
An outdoor bar with a great atmosphere. One of our favorite downtown hangouts!
The Beauty Shop
A great, mid-century modern place for brunch and dinner. Priscilla Presley used to get her hair done here!
Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken
A Memphis staple!
La Michoacana
Best paletas and elote in town!
Pho Binh
Amazing, family-owned Vietnamese food. Our favorites are the vermicelli and the lemongrass tofu.
Global Café
This restaurant was founded by a diverse group of immigrant/refugee food entrepreneurs and serves an eclectic mix of dishes from their home countries of Syria, Sudan, and Venezuela.
Old Dominick Distillery
Memphis' only distillery that uses a 100-year-old family recipe to make their whiskey.