Memphis, Tennessee

The first stop on my winter travels was Memphis, Tennessee! Always on the lookout for ways to embrace being a traveler and not just a tourist, I began my adventure the moment I arrived in town. My first resource? Rhonda, the keeper of my BnB. Born and raised in Memphis, she’s a treasure trove of insider tips, from “local” must-dos to hidden gems and sights that often go unnoticed.

Even though I’ve visited Memphis several times, I was amazed at how much I’d missed that perfectly matched my interests. The weather was delightful, so I made a point to walk daily and loosely planned my routes around places I wanted to explore. Fun fact: I’m one of those people who’s obsessed with getting my daily steps in, so every walk became a dual mission—hit my goals while discovering something new.

As someone who’s into arts, culture, and music (and bars and clubs to a much lesser extent), I dipped my toes into touristy spots but also kept my focus on uncovering the local flavor. For instance, I walked Beale Street multiple times, soaking up the vibrant atmosphere, but I didn’t go into the clubs. Why? Because I was on a mission to find locals to chat with and uncover their hidden gems.

Lucky for me, my BnB was within half a block of two fantastic bars: Max’s, a cozy sports bar, and Ernestine & Hazel’s, a dive bar in every sense of the word. At Max’s, I got the lowdown on the city from Mike the bartender and Scott in the kitchen—both lifelong locals and absolute fonts of knowledge. Over at Ernestine & Hazel’s, Jo and Lexi held court, and while I’ll admit I did more drinking than “research” there (the live music was that good), the vibe was unbeatable.

Here’s a quick list of top picks I discovered through my chats and explorations. This isn’t exhaustive, but it’s a great starting point if you’re looking for something beyond the usual:

1. Walk to Arkansas via the Big River Crossing.
Yes, you can walk (or bike) across the Mississippi River to Arkansas! The views are incredible, and it’s a fun, unique experience.

2. Watch the Mighty Lights bridge show from Tom Lee Park.
The light display on the bridges is mesmerizing, and the park’s riverfront setting makes it even better.

3. Explore Mud Island.
Sure, it’s seen better days, but there’s something cool about wandering through its ruins.

4. Visit the Brooks Art Museum and Overton Park.
Art lovers and nature enthusiasts will both find something to love here.

I also make it a point to visit the National Civil Rights Museum every time I’m in Memphis. Located at the site of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination, the museum is extensive, well-organized, and deeply moving. Even after six visits, I spend over four hours there each time. (Pro tip: I wish they’d offer a two-day pass because there’s so much to take in!)

And finally, no trip to Memphis is complete without seeing the iconic marching of the ducks at The Peabody Hotel. It’s as quirky as it sounds, and this year, I got to meet Kenon Walker, the current Duck Master. His story is fascinating, and if you’re curious, click HERE to learn more.

Next stop: New Orleans! Chat soon, and in the meantime, stay warm!

Memphis at Night 2025!