Where to Eat, Shop & Explore When Visiting Nashville and Memphis

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Advisor - Jill Albino
Curated By

Jill Albino

  • USA

  • Tennessee

  • Nashville

  • Memphis

  • Arts & Culture

  • City Travel

  • Domestic Travel

  • Food & Wine

  • Foodie

  • Museums

  • Music

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Curator’s statement

Nashville and Memphis are two outstanding Tennessee cities known for their electric energies and vibrant food and music scenes. Located just a 3-hour drive apart, combining these two cities creates a family trip filled with music, food and a good time.

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Where to stay in Nashville and Memphis

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Things to do in Nashville and Memphis

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Things to do in Nashville

Nashville Zoo: The soaring eagle zipline is not to be missed, and neither is the flamingo lagoon.

Sudekum Planetarium: Interactive exhibitions, adventure tower and musical light shows.

Nashville murals appear around the city as do the famous angel wings that appear all over instagram.

Shop music stores and try out some instruments. A lot of the stores will offer free shipping home if you buy something.

Country Music Hall of Fame: Over 2.5 million artifacts and limited engagement exhibits.

The Johnny Cash Museum: If you want more Johnny.

Patsy Cline Museum: Great if you love Patsy.

Musicians Hall of Fame: Honors musicians of all genres.

Nashville Parthenon: See the giant sculpture of Athena.

Imogene and Willie for USA produced clothing, amazing jeans and tees

White’s Mercantile: Awesome collection of gifts. I recommend picking up one of their very special perfume brands.

Hit up some live music venues  — you are in Nashville after all. Tootsies, Painters Alley and of course Grand Ole Opry.

Rent a golf cart to get around!

Nashville Pedal Tavern: Pedal around town with friends on your very own pub on wheels.

Things to do in Memphis

Gibson Factory: Go behind the scenes to see how a guitar is made.

Graceland: Explore the grounds of Elvis Presley’s home and see memorabilia and videos from throughout Elvis’s life. 

Take in a basketball game and watch the Grizzlies play at Fed Ex Forum.

Shop on Beale Street: Visit stores like Strange Cargo, A.Schwab and the Blues City General Store.

Places to eat & drink in Nashville and Memphis

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Where to Eat & Drink in Nashville

Barista Parlor: Great coffee and breakfast in a cool setting.

Lockeland Table: Empanadas, pastas, wood-oven pizza and a kids menu!

Biscuit Love: Get up early or you will be waiting in a line wrapped around the block for these special biscuits.

Husk: Southern Food Quality ingredients and service.

The Optimist: New American great service and chill atmosphere and good food.

The Butcher and The Bee: Mediterranean eats.

Hawthorne: New American great atmosphere and food was very good. 

L.A. Jackson: For drinks and a great view of the city.

Pinewood Social: Bowling, bar and food.

Where to Eat & Drink in Memphis

Stacks!: Make your own pancakes on the griddle built into your table. (I know, I know, you have to work so why pay, but the kids love it!

The Arcade Restaurant: Great for breakfast. Elvis is said to have visited frequently.

BBQ: Any and all but Corky’s and Central BBQ.

Acre Restaurant: For fine dining and modern American cuisine. Love this restaurant and there were many options for a vegetarian even if it’s not listed on the menu.

Advisor - Jill Albino

Travel Advisor

Jill Albino

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Looking to explore more of the South? Check out my other guide: Visiting Charleston, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia for Family Fun!