Jessica & Jayvee
Things To Do
Backbeat Tours
This tour has SEVERAL options for you to learn quite a bit about the history of Memphis AND get some great singing and entertainment along the way. Why we love it: This is the FIRST place I took Jayvee to convince him how great Memphis was! Unfortunately, we had just taken a Red Eye flight from Los Angeles and... Jayvee slept most of the way. Still a memorable experience though!
Beale Street
Nothing says "Welcome to Memphis" like a visit to Beale Street! See the wikipedia link for a brief history of Beale Street and it's significance to Memphis and Blues. Why we love it: You get a sense of walking through history during the day, and the street comes alive with music at night. If you can, we recommend visiting during the day AND at night!
National Civil Rights Museum
Learn about the history of the CIvil Rights Movement and it's intersection with the city of Memphis. The museum has also preserved the Lorraine Motel, where MLK Jr. was shot, and detailed the capture of his assassin, James Earl Ray. Plan to spend 2-3 hours perusing the museum. Why we love it: The museum is both interactive and informative and is a great place to learn more about the history of civil rights. Hungry after your visit? Go right next door to Central BBQ!
Central BBQ (Downtown)
You'll definintely work up an appetite after touring the Civil Rights Museum - good thing Central BBQ is right next door! One of our personal favorites as far as Memphis BBQ goes. Central BBQ is pretty much an institution here in Memphis and the first taste of Memphis BBQ we got when we arrived. Why we love it: Their ribs and their bbq nachos are a must try and, if you have room for it - get the sausage and cheese plate! As with anything down here, be sure to wash it down with some sweet tea!
Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken
This one's the original Gus' !
Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken
Recommended on Food Network and now a national chain but you've got to have it where it originated! This one is a branch that's closest to the recommended hotel but if you want the original ... with the 100 year old oil ... go to the downtown location! Why we love it: Perfectly seasoned, perfectly crispy fried chicken. What more could you ask for?? Get some sweet team lemonade (aka Arnold Palmer) to wash it down. Jessica's favorite sides: Greens & Mac n' Cheese, Jayvee's favorite sides: Cole Slaw & Potato Salad
Wolfchase Galleria Mall
Forget something at home? This mall has your standard mall store offerings and you should be able to pick up whatever you need!
Shelby Farms Park
4,500 acres of green space and 10.65 miles of urban trail. Designed by the same planners that designed Central Park except we have MUCH more land out here in Memphis. Visit the website for more info! Why we love it: This is our happy place! From the dog park, to the trails to the SUP or Kayaking on Hyde Lake, there's tons of stuff to do on a weekend out here in Memphis. There's a great discovery playground for kiddos to play at and the Porch at Hyde Lake is something to experience. If you get a little hungry while you're there or just want a great place to watch the sunset over the lake with some great cocktails - visit The Kitchen!
The Kitchen
Great place to experience some farm to table goodness while relaxing and watching the sunset over the lake. Why we love it: We've celebrated a couple birthdays here and their food is consistently tasty. Definitely try the fried chicken skins for an app and taste the Persian Lemon cocktail. Since the weather is gorgeous, get a table on the patio!