Memphis is known for its soul, grit, and rock-and-roll, but it’s also a great place to visit during the holidays. Hopefully you will be welcoming in friends and family, but if it’s just you and your crew, the city has innumerable offerings for a staycation. Never too crowded and always chock-full of fun and festive happenings, the Bluff City is primed to put any Grinch in the holiday spirit. And when you work up a thirst for something sudsy and delicious, Memphis has your back on that front, too!
For a wintry and cheerful trip in December focused on shopping and dining, I would suggest swinging by the iconic Peabody Hotel. Their happy hour is a great way to taste some local beers and get the lay of the land before hitting the town for some shopping and unique cuisine.
During the holiday season, the lobby is decked-out with Christmas trees adorned with ornaments of all shapes and sizes, as well as one of the biggest gingerbread houses you will ever see. The Peabody also features several one-of-a-kind shops, including the famous clothier to the King (Elvis!), Lansky Bros, and an enticing spa. The duck march is a must-see, too. But whatever you do, don’t forget to take a selfie atop the Skyway roof. Did you really visit if you don’t get a picture up there?
Depending on your taste and budget, there are many wonderful restaurants Downtown, including Huey’s, Central BBQ, and the Majestic Grille. A flurry of decorations up and down Main Street and South Main, and of course Beale Street, will put you in a great mood. All restaurants offer local beers and spirits and a wide selection of other libations.
While Downtown, visitors should also pop in to the Old Dominick Distillery. They make some of the most delicious vodkas and bourbons this side of the Mississippi River and also offer fun tours and tastings.
After dinner, there’s always something to do, as live music is a mainstay on Beale. But you can also head to Midtown for some live music at funky haunts like Lafayette’s Music Room or Bar DKDC. Or you can just stay put Downtown and grab a cold beer and Soul Burger at Earnestine & Hazel’s.
There’s no right way to do Memphis
— it’s a choose-your-own-adventure kind of town.
If you wake up feeling a little sluggish, Saturday morning is all about breakfast at the Arcade. Try and sit at Elvis Presley’s booth, if it’s available. The sweet potato pancakes are to-die-for, and you might as well grab a Bloody Mary or mimosa to wash it all down. Then you can head over to Broad Avenue or Cooper-Young for some shopping. Broad has many boutique shops, including Falling into Place, Five in One Social Club (just off Broad), and Merchants on Broad. Gifts for everyone on your list can be found at these unique yet fun shops.
In the historic Cooper-Young district, you can stop by Burke’s Books and Goner Records for the book enthusiasts and music-lovers on your list. Lunch at Soul Fish or the Young Avenue Deli will get your energy back up, too — both have extensive beer selections that feature local and regional favorites.
Once you feel good about collecting gifts for the loved ones on your list, it might be time for a little sightseeing. The Big River Crossing pedestrian bridge Downtown is a great spot for catching photos of the Memphis skyline. Then head up to the sky deck at the Bass Pro Pyramid. And don’t sleep on taking in a Memphis Grizzlies or Tigers game.
By this point, it’ll be time to grab dinner. If you like Italian food with a Southern twist, you can’t go wrong with Catherine & Mary’s, or if you haven’t had your fill of ’cue, it may be the right time to try the Rendezvous or Cozy Corner.
Saturday nights offer endless possibilities, as Memphis rarely stops the party. Spots to check out include Paul Raiford’s Disco, Blind Bear, and Loflin Yard.
While this isn’t an exhaustive list on Memphis’ wintry game, it’ll get you off and running. Remember it’s a marathon, not a sprint.
Jeff Hulett is a freelance writer, musician, and PR consultant in Memphis. He lives in the Vollintine Evergreen neighborhood with his wife Annie, two girls Ella and Beatrice, and dog Chalupa.