Got a weekend for a visit to Memphis? Y’all come on.
Start with your Saturday morning at the Arcade Restaurant at 7:30 a.m. The Arcade is popular, so you might have to wait for just a bit to get a table. But when you do, order the sweet potato pancakes, then indulge in the biscuits and gravy. You’re going to need fuel for your day. arcaderestaurant.com
Just a three-minute walk from breakfast is the National Civil Rights Museum. It’s the crown jewel of Memphis. It opens at 9 a.m. on Saturdays. Review the museum’s website before you go. There is so much to see in such a deeply moving space, you’ll need to prepare beforehand. You’ll need to wrap up your visit by 1 p.m. civilrightsmuseum.org
Walk west up the hill from the museum to Front Street and hang a right. Walk just a few blocks up to Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken where, as their sign says, the daily special is—wait for it—fried chicken. And oh, what chicken it is! Hot and crispy with a full palate of spices. gusfriedchicken.com
When you’re finished at Gus’s, head back east one block to Main Street where you can pick up a trolley bus north about two miles to Bass Pro at the Pyramid. The store itself is impressive with live animal, aquatic displays (think swamp) and a top-notch retail space. Right in the middle of it, hop on the world’s tallest freestanding elevator (28 stories to the top!) to the observation terrace for views of downtown Memphis and the river that cannot be matched. They also have a bowling alley, and archery and shooting ranges for fun diversions. stores.basspro.com/us/ tn/memphis/1-bass-pro-dr.html
About an hour before sunset, Uber back south to Big River Crossing (BRX) for stunning vistas of the Mississippi River. BRX is the longest public pedestrian/bike bridge across the Mississippi River and was created from the former wagonways of the historic Harahan Bridge. It’s free, and about a mile across, with a plaza on the Arkansas side where you can rest before heading back. You’ll see barges, riverboats, and a gorgeous north-facing view of the river, downtown and the ‘M’ bridge. Save time to sit and watch from the shore for the bridge light displays. BRX is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. bigrivercrossing.com
By this time, you’re probably gonna be hungry again. Fetch another Uber and head over to Central BBQ on Butler. They have pork barbecue with the thick, sweet sauce that Memphis barbecue is famous for. Order a pulled pork sandwich, ribs, or turkey – there’s no going wrong. Anything you get would make a rabbit slap a hound dog! If you’re not yet in a ‘Q coma, take an Uber to Beale Street. You’ll hear music from nearly every bar and restaurant, and often from W.C. Handy Park. cbqmemphis.com
This all should bring you to early evening. If you’re in town during one of the two seasons of Levitt Shell music, weather permitting, go to the shell in Overton Park! These outdoor concerts are free and the music excellent. Elvis performed the first-ever rock ‘n’ roll show at the Shell. Take chairs or a blanket, a picnic supper and wine/beer, or you can purchase food and drink from the food truck vendors. Concerts start at 7:30 p.m. and usually end by 10 p.m. levittshell.org
Sleep in on Sunday then start the day with the brunch buffet at the Peabody Hotel. Get there around 10 a.m. so that you can see the ducks march into the lobby fountain at 11. This is a VERY popular ritual, but if you get there early enough, you should be able to stake out a good view. There’s a bar in the lobby to indulge in your favorite adult beverage while you wait. Brunch will be superb, and huge. Take your time to enjoy. peabodymemphis.com
Sunday is your day to see more of the city. Hop on a tour (we recommend Backbeat Tours), or take your car or an Uber to see Sun Studio, the true birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Elvis recorded That’s All Right Mama at Sun. Enough said. High Cotton brewery is down the street if you want a coldie after the tour. Next, be sure to see STAX Museum of American Soul Music (my personal favorite; see page 48 for a STAX coupon ad). You’ll be amazed at how much awesome music was born—and is still being made—right here in Memphis. Sunstudio.com, staxmuseum.com
If you prefer to pass on outdoor music, go to Overton Square for the evening. There are several restaurants including Bari Ristorante (Italian), Second Line (New Orleans), and Iris (advance reservations needed for Iris). There will also be music at Lafayette’s Music Room, and if your timing is right, you can see a live show at Ballet Memphis, Hattiloo Theater, Circuit Playhouse or Playhouse on the Square. All are within a two- block walk from the Square.
Enjoy your weekend!
