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5 min read

A Diamond in the Rough: Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis is an underrated city.  One with a bad rap but full of incredible history.  Beauty that rivals any other city in the state of Tennessee. A city that has birthed incredible music and even better musicians.  A city where soul runs deep, a fantastic culinary experience can be found on every corner and a place full of unique encounters for couples and families alike.  I may be a little biased, I love this city deeply.  It connected me to my husband, provided my first adult experience with a house and a job and holds some of the people I love! I promise you will not be disappointed.  As a native to the Nashville area, I love Nashville too. However, I have always felt Memphis deserved more. I love this destination probably more than I love Nashville. While you should be aware of your surroundings and prepare your itinerary with directions ahead of time, you can be safe and enjoy time in one of my favorite places in the South.  Remember, you must mind your Ps and Qs in every major city, especially these days.  This itinerary is chocked full of family fun for a weekend getaway.  One that you must add to your travel bucket list!


Grab your blue suede shoes ya’ll and let’s go to Memphis, TN!


You really need a full day on Friday to enjoy all of the wonders Memphis has to offer! If you visit Memphis in the summer and are blessed with summer Fridays, then maybe you only have to use a half day of vacation!


Friday

Arrive

Let’s stay downtown on this visit! I HIGHLY recommend the Hyatt Centric Beale Street. This hotel is new and has an incredible rooftop with the best river views!


Brunch

GO LIKE LO: Automatic Slims

It is a quick walk from your hotel. Get the cinnamon roll pancakes or the red velvet!


Memphis Zoo

If you have little ones, maybe bake in time for a nap between brunch and the zoo.


The best zoo I have ever been to!  I love a good zoo, so I have been to many throughout the United States. The Memphis Zoo continues to grow and make the best additions. You can see over 3,500 animals from county fair and farm animals to safari animals, including an camel ride and a giraffe feeding. There are seasonal attractions as well, so be sure to check the website here to see the latest of what they have going on!


I recommend buying tickets online.  They are $24.95 for adults (12+) and $19.95 for children (2-11).



Eat a late lunch or snack at the zoo

You can see the monkeys interact with you while you are eating through a large window, my kiddos LOVE it.

I would plan to spend most of the afternoon at the Memphis Zoo. If you go in the summer, they do have a splash pad area.


Head back downtown and Mud Island


Explore Beale Street

Walk over to Riverfront at Tom Lee Park and experience the Memphis Sign


Mud Island

Check out Mud Island while you ride or walk along the road along the river


PICTURE PIT STOP



Dinner Downtown

GO LIKE LO: Dine at Majestic Grille

The grilled cheese and parmesan fries are unmatched


I suggest heading back to your room post dinner, especially with littles 😊 


Saturday

Breakfast

GO LIKE LO: The Arcade Restaurant

It is iconic!


Children’s Museum of Memphis

An amazing place. I truly believe it is something to see.  The Children's Museum of Memphis has so many cool experiences for you and your kiddos! I would plan to be here from about 10am to 1pm. If you visit in the summer, the museum has a splash pad area.


$16 for all ages, except those under 1, they are free.  There are also attractions you can add on, you will get them all for $21. Check out more info here!


Lunch

GO LIKE LO: Central BBQ


Afternoon Siesta

If you visit Memphis during the summer, hit the pool if your kiddos do not nap or ride the trolley downtown Memphis and explore the city!


PICTURE PIT STOP on Main Street


Explore Bass Pro Shop

Also known as the Pyramid! I highly recommend going to the top. You'll get the best views in the city.


PICTURE PIT STOP


Head to Overton Square

Walk around the stores and area if you have older kiddos.  You can also catch some live music.


Dinner

GO LIKE LO: Babalu 

Ice Cream

You can get ice cream right across from Babalu at Sweet Noshings.  They have candy too!


Return to the Room

PICTURE PIT STOP

On the roof with the lit up Memphis M Bridge in the background



Sunday 

Breakfast 


Go see the Lorraine Hotel

Martin Luther King area


Explore the Peabody

Plan to be out in the lobby at 11am to see the iconic ducks. The Peabody Ducks march to the fountain daily at 11am and 5pm. Be sure to visit the rooftop! The hotel keeps the ducks up on the roof top.  It’s quite luxurious for the duckies. The Peabody Hotel has a great gift shop full of the best Memphis souvenirs.


PICTURE PITSTOP 



Lunch downtown before you head home


AutoZone Park

Maybe walk over to AutoZone Park if you have time


Please note, I didn’t even scratch the surface of all the things there is to do, eat, and see in Memphis.  I am not including a more adventures section because there will be a follow up Memphis Itinerary coming soon.  This itinerary was kid and family specific, including restaurant recommendations.


Dining Options

Downtown:

  • Aldo’s Pizza Pies: Pizza and salads. Great for lunch or dinner.

  • Huey’s: The biggest burger and sweet potato fries ever! Great for lunch or dinner.


Overton Square:


Other Breakfast Options:


Hotel Recommendations:

Pettigrew Adventures

If you want to stay in an Airbnb, I highly recommend using Pettigrew Adventures.  She has turned homes in the area into BEAUTIFUL and unique rentals. They are not downtown, more spread out across the city, but if you love Airbnbs, you can’t go wrong here. Check her out on Instagram at @Pettigrew_Adventures.


Stay connected

Be sure to follow Hey Lo, Let’s Go on Instagram at @heyloletsgo and TikTok at @heyloletsgolauren.


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