Places to Visit in Memphis TN
Off the Beaten Path Venues and Parks to Check out on Vacation
When visiting Memphis, don't miss out on the world famous tourist attractions. You needn't stop there, though. The city has so much to offer for those willing to look.
If you're planning a trip to Memphis, Tennessee there are several places off the beaten path that you simply must visit. Sure there is Beale Street, Sun Studios and Graceland but there are many hidden treasures for the savvy tourist to conquer.
Parks and Farms
If you're considering a visit to the Memphis Zoo, you're going to pass through Overton Park. This large rolling sanctuary is a small piece of heaven. Large old hardwood trees, and small babbling brooks dapple the landscape and leave it just ripe for an afternoon picnic. Surrounded by the Mid-Town district, the drive to and from the park will give a great glimpse at some of the older classic neighborhoods in the city.
Shelby Farms is where the buffalo still roam. Located on Germantown Parkway in Cordova, Shelby Farms is a huge reserve full of ponds for fishing, trails for biking, and dog friendly parks. A herd of buffalo roam the property and sometimes will get close enough to touch, when they're in a good mood. This is an excellent park to fly a kite in, or attend one of the many outdoor events scheduled throughout the year.
Sanga Farm in Cordova is a real working farm full of delightful petting zoo animals and herds of beautiful horses. Though Sanga Farm is open by appointment only, they are available to giving drop in riding lessons. Call and make an appointment and treat your entire family to an educational and fun afternoon riding horses and experiencing life on the farm.
Restaurants and Nightlife
BBQ is all the rage in Memphis, but the most advertised stops aren't necessarily the best. To eat where the locals eat, check out Neely's BBQ or The Commissary. Neely's is a little more down home, and the Commissary is a little more formal, but both menus are sure to please. Aside from the normal fare of chain restaurants, Memphis offers unique concepts like Jim's Place East and Grisanti's Bolla Pasta. Check out the local haunts and experience cuisine that keep the regulars coming back.
For bars and entertainment, Beale Street is king. If fighting crowds and parking issues isn't your idea of a good time however, check out TJ Mulligan's in Cordova, or Fox and the Hound also in Cordova. Both of these venues offer live music, a variety of beer and mixed drink selections and all the atmosphere of Downtown. If Karaoke is your thing, Windjammers off Poplar is a hole in the wall with fantastic sing alongs and competitive darts. Just as much fun with a different atmosphere is Sekisui Pacific Rim on Poplar in Midtown. A sushi bar that stays open late, with indoor waterfalls and contemporary art, this restaurant has a full bar and a live DJ on Saturday night.
Movies and Theatre in Style
Memphis offers a plethora of movie theater choices. For the most style, check out the Paradiso on Poplar. The Paradiso is a contemporary theater with all stadium seating in a building designed to mimic an Italian mall. For independent or art house films look for The Studio on The Square in midtown. They run just enough major film titles to pay the bills and the rest are unusual movies limited to select markets. On Summer you can catch a double feature at the old fashioned outdoor drive-in. Enjoy eating popcorn on the tail gate of your truck while taking in the summer breeze.
The Orpheum in downtown Memphis is rumored to be haunted, but that won't draw your attention away from the amazing design and architecture. Take in an off Broadway production, or a famous stand up comedian while you sip on concessions in one of the most elegant theatres in the South.
There is plenty to keep a tourist occupied with all the major attractions, but don't miss out on the finer sights in Memphis. Scratch the surface of this historical southern town and discover a city after your own heart. If you happen to fall in love and consider relocation, don't miss Rental Property in Memphis and Where to Find a Job in Memphis.
