What drew you to Memphis as a place to visit or explore?
I first had the chance to experience the magic of Memphis in 2011 when I visited a friend who went to college there and absolutely loved it. The strong sense of community, amazing food and vibrant music scene were among the many qualities that made me excited to return. I’ve recently had the opportunity to spend even more consistent time in Memphis as my partner started a one-year job in the city last August while I was still working remotely.
What are the best times of year to visit?
Fall is beautiful in Memphis, but I’m partial to spring, especially during “Memphis in May” ― a historic monthlong international festival that features tons of cultural events.
What’s your best tip for getting there? How can you make the travel as stress-free as possible?
The newly renovated Memphis airport is still fairly small, but you can fly directly from most major hubs. (And you’ll get a good look at the massive fleet of FedEx planes as you drive away from the airport.)
Where do you recommend staying when you go?
The Peabody of course has the famous “duck march,” but I recommend staying in one of the boutique hotels in the downtown and midtown area for more relaxing vibes.
Arrive Memphis, The Memphian and Hu. Hotel all have cozy eateries and bars (the latter boasts beautiful views of the Mississippi River and Hernando de Soto Bridge light show.). I also like the atmosphere at The Central Station, which brings a vibrant, modern energy to a historic transportation hub. The lobby bar, Eight & Sand, has great cocktails.
If you’re looking for a unique experience, however, consider Big Cypress Lodge ― the wilderness-themed hotel inside the famous Bass Pro Shops pyramid. Think treehouse rooms, balconies overlooking an outdoor sporting goods store, and a lot of taxidermy.