Below you'll see each member of the search committee living their perfect Memphis day!
My pup Asa hanging out in the Central Atrium at the Crosstown Concourse.
Who I am: Jess
What I do: Research Data & Schol Comm Lead
Where I live: Midtown, Evergreen Historic District
What I like: Outdoors, breweries, food
Breakfast: Bob’s Barksdale in Cooper Young
I’d have a pretty long day ahead of me if I was to try to tackle Memphis in 24 hours, so I’d fuel up both physically and emotionally at Barksdale. This diner has been a staple in Cooper Young for over 20 years, with many of the same super friendly staff (at least since I started going there in college)!
Activity: Cooper Young
Walk the blocks down Cooper Street and pop into a few staples:
Cooper Young Gallery + Gift Shop – very neat books and art
Otherlands – grab a coffee for the road
Lunch: Grab a sandwich for later at Quik Chek
Not quite time for lunch yet, but these sandwiches and wraps travel well. They have great vegetarian options at this unassuming little convenience store. I like the Hey Zeus and the Kimchi Burrito best.
Activity: Biking!
Did you know Memphis has over 270 miles of bike paths and trails? Starting from my home in the Evergreen Historic District, I’d gear up with my sandwiches in tow and head towards Overton Park.
Activity: Overton Park
If you need to rent a bike for the trip you can do so in Overton Park through our Explore Bike Share program. Take a quick trip on bike or foot around the Old Forest Loop. This historic park was part of a landmark case – learn more here: Citizens to Preserve Overton Park v. Volpe. (Depending on how you came in town, you may notice that our major interstate I-40 dead-ends right into Overton).
There’s also an amazing zoo, public golf course, and Brooks Museum of Art on the premises.
Activity: Connect to the Shelby Farms Greenline
You can access the beginning of the Shelby Farms Greenline after passing through Overton. It’s nearly 11 miles of paved trail to this 4,500 acre urban park. You could easily spend all day here exploring the trails on foot or mountain bike, going horseback riding, taking your pup to the huge off-leash area, kayaking one of the lakes, or having an amazing sunset patio meal overlooking the lake at Coastal Fish Company.
Take a break and eat your lunch – maybe find a spot to cozy up near the bison!
Activity: Wiseacre OG
After your return trip you’ll most definitely deserve a cold drink. Right before you hit Overton you’ll pass through the Broad Avenue Arts District, home to my favorite brewery. They’ve always got something new on tap, but Regular and Memphis Sands are my favorites.
Activity: Broad Avenue Arts District
Check out a few more spots while you’re in the area:
City and State
Falling Into Place
T Clifton Art
Victory Bicycle Studio (in case you need a tune up after 20+ miles)
Dinner: Tonica
This brand-new and charmingly plant filled spot for craft cocktails and Spanish tapas just opened in March. Located in the Evergreen Historic District, it takes our trip full circle.
Activity: Catch a show or gallery at the Crosstown Concourse
Formerly a Sear’s shopping and distribution center, this nearly 2 million sqft “verticle village” is home to a high school, apartments, many businesses and offices, restaurants, and more. Exploring everything deserves at least a few hours but since we’re probably worn out, let’s catch a show at the Green Room in Crosstown Arts. You can also stop by the very eclectic Art Bar (I like the cat room best) for a cocktail or mocktail to end the night.
This is Corvo, my retired racing greyhound!
Who I am: Hilary
What I do: Research and Learning Services Librarian
Where I live: Midtown, Evergreen Historic District
What I like: Trying new foods, birdwatching, finding a good patio
Breakfast: I’d start my perfect day at Sunrise, home of my favorite breakfast sammies. I’d grab a Dirty South with an over-medium egg, a spicy Bloody to-go, and get my day started beautifully. (sans alcohol, this is also a great choice if you need a quick stroll just off UTHSC campus for a pick-me-up!)
Activity: Heading to the park would be my obvious next choice. Overton Park has a ton of different spaces for sports, lounging in your hammock, walking your pets, running in the woods, and an AWESOME jungle-gym area for kids (or for you, live your truth). If it isn’t packed with other pups, I’d take my greyhound Corvo into Overton Bark and let him roam off-leash.
Activity: If I’ve got Corvo with me, I’ll explore into the Old Forest Trail in Overton Park and let him do a little on-leash wandering. If I am pup-less, I’d head into the zoo! Our zoo is in the park and nationally ranked as one of the best. I love visiting the Tropical Bird House and watching Tanagers and Starlings fly around me!
Lunch: I’m definitely hungry again at this point, and the Crosstown Concourse would be my next stop. An awesome multi-purpose space, whether you’re visiting a friend who lives there, stopping in for a coffee, an ice cream, or just to people watch. My favorite spots are Global Café, Wolf River Brisket, Farm Burger, and the Brewery.
Activity: Birdwatch and inevitably doze off in my backyard. Let’s be honest, I couldn’t survive this day without a nap. The Evergreen Historic District is next to Overton Park, so it’s a very green, bird-filled borough! You’ll be surprised just how green the city is for such a dense urban area.
My perfect day can't fit in 24 hours, because I have analysis paralysis. SO, I would either take the next chunk of day east or west!
Activity: If I go east, I’d spend some time at the Agricenter. They have a huge farmer’s market, loads of green space, and are a stone’s throw from Shelby Farms Park. I might stop at the lake in the park to watch the sun just start to tip towards evening, and maybe spend an hour biking or kayaking.
Activity: If headed west, I’d mosey downtown! Big River Crossing is amazing for views, dog walking, and biking. I might pop to Beale Street to enjoy some tourism fanfare, catch live music, or just people watch in one of the green pockets of the downtown area. I would definitely need a caffeine jolt, and the Memphis Chess Club is likely where I’d go for it.
Activity: Pre-dinner happy hour in my favorite borough, Cooper-Young! This hippie little pocket of midtown has a ton of spots to grab a drink or bite. I’d have to choose between Alchemy, Beauty Shop, Hammer & Ale, or Young Avenue Deli, and that’s just a handful of the options.
Dinner: If I’m in midtown and it’s time for dinner, after the day I’ve had I know there’s only one place I’d want—Slider Inn. They have a great new location downtown, but nothing beats the patio at their original spot on Peabody Avenue. I’d grab a Jameson Slushie, a mix-and-match of slider burgers, and some fries with extra bourbon mayonnaise.
Activity: For my final jaunt before I am fully at E on my social battery, it’d be a tough choice. A free concert at the Overton Park Shell might be great, or if I’m ready to be indoors, maybe a movie at Studio on the Square. If I’m really trying to maximize my 24-hours, I’d rally and make it to a midnight Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Evergreen Theater!
Sunset at Shelby Farms Park!
Who I am: Kaitlyn
What I do: Sr. Reference Services Specialist
Where I live: On the edge of East Memphis and Germantown
What I like: Food, Books, Outdoors
Breakfast: Brother Junipers
Technically closer to Midtown than E. Memphis but always, always worth the drive!
Everything I have tried there is delicious—but I especially love the Juniper Latte, loaded cheese grits, and Pacific Northwest omelet.
Activity: Visit Novel bookstore
This is by far my favorite bookstore in Memphis!
Books as far as the eye can see, a variety of book apparel/merch, and even a wine bar and restaurant right in the store.
Pro tip: if you are in the mood for even more great coffee, check out Ugly Mug right across the street.
Lunch: City Silo Table + Pantry
Perfect for vegetarians, vegans, and omnivores alike! The atmosphere of both locations is lovely, but I especially love the Germantown spot--full of plants, big windows, and very lovely people.
The Germantown location is also right in the middle of Saddle Creek Mall if you feel up for some shopping after lunch.
Activity: Indoor rock climbing at High Point
Memphis rain caught you off guard? High Point is the perfect place to get moving any time of year, no matter your level of climbing experience!
The Memphis location features over 30,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor climbing. With bouldering, top roping, lead climbing, yoga and other fitness classes, there is something for everyone.
They have day passes, all the equipment available for rent, and a very lovely staff who will make you feel comfortable and confident with climbing.
Dinner: One & Only Barbecue
This is the first place I had barbecue when I moved to Memphis and is by far the best. We keep going back there again and again!
The ribs, of course, are delicious but don’t miss out on their barbecue chicken nachos or banana pudding (I could eat that stuff by the trayful).
Evening: Watch the sunset at Shelby Farms
Rent a kayak, go for a stroll through miles of open and wooded trails, or simply relax at the terrace overlooking the park.
Pro tip: visit the gift shop (to look at fun bison merch, of course) but also for a Mempop!
Late Night: Head to Meddlesome Brewing Company
Very good beer in a very unassuming spot!
Their “Stupid Good” seltzers are my go-to (because really, they are stupidly good).
Food trucks, game and trivia nights, and very friendly owners/staff who care deeply about their customers and the surrounding community.
My pup, Olive, enjoying the rooftop view!
Who I am: Jenessa
What I do: Systematic Review Service Coordinator, Senior RLS Librarian
Where I live: Downtown, South Main
What I like: Food, shopping, and culture
Breakfast: Hustle & Dough at Arrive Hotel
Get whatever the specialty coffee drink is, and I highly recommend the parmesan sage pumpkin scone!
One of my favorite places to get work done and absorb the atmosphere
Visit: The National Civil Rights Museum
Walking distance on South Main, it is an essential part of Memphis and the historic memory of the country and region. Don’t expect to do it all in one go - I recommend devoting an hour to two to discovery and contemplation and to come back again.
Shopping: While on South Main, I recommend doing some boutique shopping
Stock & Belle, Primas Bakery & Boutique, and the Book Juggler are a few faves. Walk around the corner from Central Station hotel to visit the new South Point Grocery and pick up some delicious local foods as a souvenir for yourself and others!
Lunch: Memphis Chess Club
Back up the street is the Memphis Chess Club, a very cool place to grab a sandwich and take a break.
You do not need to know how to play chess to enjoy, but feel free to sit down for a game if you are so inclined.
Visit: The Metal Museum
If the weather is good, I recommend checking out the Metal Museum. It’s the only museum in the country devoted to fine metalwork and the grounds are full of spectacular sculptures.
Take a break: High Cotton Brewing
In the Edge district up the street from Sun Studios on Monroe Ave is the High Cotton Brewing taproom. Take a break, try some brews, and chat with the friendly locals and brewery crew. As a bonus, it's dog friendly if you like puppy snuggles.
Visit: Sun Studio
You can’t spend 24 hours in Memphis without engaging in some music history. Sun Studio is a wealth of history and insider tales about the huge names in Rock’n’Roll that recorded there - think Elvis, Johnny Cash, B.B. King, etc. Tour guides are super knowledgeable and fun.
It’s a popular tourist location (especially for the big Elvis fans) and doesn’t take reservations, so grab a ticket for an upcoming tour and walk over to High Cotton to wait. :)
Dinner: Maciel’s Tacos and Tortas
Delicious Mexican food on main street with truly addictive tacos and tamales. The hot sauce will clear your sinuses if our beautiful Spring weather is getting to you. Either grab take out and people watch outside or head upstairs for indoor seating.
Bonus: Margie’s 901 Homemade Ice Cream is 2 blocks up the street and DELICIOUS.
Evening: Attend a Memphis 901 FC soccer game
I’m not a big sports person but these games are a riot and so much fun to attend
Yell, cheer, and have a great time at AutoZone Park - fireworks after games are common!
Late Night: Beale Street
Yes it’s a tourist trap and yes it’s a bit wild, but you can’t spend 24 hours in Downtown Memphis without walking through Beale Street.
Grab a drink, take a stroll, and enjoy the architecture and blues music pouring out of the bars late into the night.
A sunset on the Mississippi River!
Who I am: Tamara
What I do: User Services Coordinator/Senior RLS Librarian
Where I live: Downtown, Mud Island
What I like: Shopping, Food and Memphis Grizzlies
Brunch/Lunch: Tug’s Casual Grill
Great atmosphere
Across from the river
Can’t ruin breakfast 😊
Lived here during the pandemic for lunch
Visit:
Cordelia’s Market for quick groceries but also has a great deli and features local chef’s and restaurants for quick grabs/heat-and-go.
Stroll along the riverfront at Greenbelt Park and watch the most beautiful sunset over the Mississippi River.
Enjoy the Mighty Lights show every night on the Hernando de Soto Bridge
Shop:
Tanger Outlet- Just a hop and a skip across the Stateline in MS.
Entertainment:
Memphis Grizzlies-Head on to the FedEx Forum for some NBA fun with our very own Memphis Grizzlies! It is my top favorite thing to do here!
Or
Catch a show at the Orpheum-there’s always something good showing.