Each few years, my buddies from highschool and I choose a metropolis, pack our cutest weekend luggage, and meet up for 3 superb days of catching up, laughing till our mascara runs, and consuming like we’ve got the metabolism of an adolescent. This yr’s fortunate metropolis? Memphis, Tennessee.
Why Memphis? As a result of when your group chat is crammed with “I simply need good meals, good drinks, and perhaps one thing quirky,” Memphis virtually raises its hand and says, “Honey, I bought you.” Plus, it’s straightforward to get to for all of us — and let’s be actual, any metropolis identified for each fried hen and Elvis is certain to be a superb time. Additionally, considered one of us lives there, so she deliberate the entire thing! Thanks Paula!
We met up again in March, when the climate was doing that “I is likely to be spring, however I additionally is likely to be winter” factor. Fortunately, we had been too busy consuming, consuming, and reminiscing to care.
Friday Afternoon: International Café — A Passport With out Leaving Memphis
Just a few of us managed to catch earlier flights and determined to kick issues off at International Café (1350 Concourse Ave, Suite 137, Memphis, TN 38104), a nonprofit meals corridor that serves genuine dishes from world wide, all made by immigrant and refugee cooks. It’s like a culinary round-the-world journey in a single meal.
I had Ethiopian lentils, one good friend ordered Venezuelan arepas, and one other had a plate of Nepali momos. Each chew was a reminder that Memphis is a lot greater than BBQ (though it is best to most likely eat that too). International Café feels heat and welcoming, and the costs are refreshingly cheap — which implies you possibly can completely justify ordering dessert.
Night time One: Fried Rooster, Friendships, and the Sort of Laughing That Hurts Your Cheeks
When the remainder of the crew arrived, we headed straight to dinner at Hen Home (679 S Mendenhall Rd, Memphis, TN 38117). For those who’ve by no means been, Hen Home is Memphis’ love letter to fried hen — and I’m pleased to report it’s as crispy, juicy, and completely seasoned as you’re imagining.
There’s one thing magical about that first meal collectively after months (or years) aside. Inside minutes, we had been again to our highschool rhythm — ending one another’s sentences, reminding one another of historic inside jokes, and questioning why we ever let a lot time go between meetups.
Karaoke at Dru’s Place: As a result of the ’90s Referred to as and We Answered
After dinner, it was time for karaoke at Dru’s Place (1474 Madison Ave, Memphis, TN 38104). Dru’s is a dive-y, welcoming LGBTQ+ bar that’s massive on persona and even greater on neighborhood. The karaoke crowd is an eclectic mixture of locals and guests, and everybody cheers for everybody — whether or not you’re belting Whitney Houston like a professional or mumbling your manner via “Candy Caroline.”
We sang our hearts out to all the pieces from Child Obtained Again to I Will Survive.
Saturday Brunch: Champagne and Tapas (As a result of Why Not?)
The following morning, we rallied for brunch at Esco Memphis Restaurant & Tapas (1586 Madison Ave, Memphis, TN 38104). For those who’re imagining dainty little plates, suppose once more — Esco delivers each high quality and amount. I began with a mimosa (as one does), then moved onto shrimp and grits so creamy I thought of proposing to the chef.
The place has a full of life, celebratory environment that makes you’re feeling such as you’ve been invited to a really modern party — one the place the gown code is “look cute however be snug sufficient to eat loads.”
Bass Professional Store Pyramid: Views Well worth the Elevator Journey
Memphis’ Bass Professional Store is… an expertise (1 Bass Professional Dr, Memphis, TN 38105). First, it’s formed like an enormous pyramid. Why, as a result of it was a basketball stadium. Second, it’s half sporting items retailer, half aquarium, half lodge, and half statement deck with a number of the finest views of the Mississippi River.
We took the world’s tallest free-standing elevator to the highest and stepped out onto the glass statement decks. For those who’re afraid of heights, that is your second to show how courageous you might be — or at the very least how good you might be at pretending. The views are spectacular, particularly at sundown, and you may even seize a drink on the high if you wish to linger.
The Geese on the Peabody: Memphis’ Most Lovely Superstar Sighting
Earlier than dinner, we went to see the Peabody Geese. For those who don’t find out about this Memphis custom, let me enlighten you: twice a day, the resort’s resident geese strut their manner from their rooftop palace to the foyer fountain like they personal the place — as a result of they do.
It’s cute. It’s charming. (149 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103). They splash round like tiny celebrities whereas a crowd of adults and kids alike snap photographs and cheer. I used to be shocked how crowded it was, so I like to recommend getting there just a little early. We barely made it there in time, so I needed to go upstairs and look right down to see it.
Saturday Night time Dinner: The Magnificence Store
Dinner that evening was at The Magnificence Store (966 Cooper St, Memphis, TN 38104), an eclectic restaurant that was — anticipate it — a magnificence salon the place Priscilla Presley as soon as bought her hair finished. The classic hair dryer chairs are nonetheless there, and the décor is a mixture of retro glam and funky appeal.
The menu is globally impressed, with all the pieces from watermelon and wings to wood-fired pizzas and completely grilled steaks. We shared dishes and sipped artistic cocktails.
After Dinner: Beale Road
Submit-dinner, we headed to Beale Road. This iconic strip is alive with neon lights, reside music pouring out of each doorway, and sufficient people-watching alternatives to maintain you entertained for hours. We hopped between bars, danced to blues and rock, and reminded ourselves that although we’re older than we had been in highschool, we will nonetheless keep out previous midnight. Barely.
Sunday Brunch at TE’KILA UNION AVE: Margaritas Earlier than Midday
Sunday morning, we embraced our “trip guidelines” philosophy — particularly, that it’s socially acceptable to drink tequila earlier than midday — and went to TE’KILA UNION AVE (1350 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38104) for brunch. Sure, they’ve eggs, pancakes, and breakfast tacos, however the margarita menu is the actual star.
Sunday Afternoon: Crosstown Concourse
After brunch, we wandered over to Crosstown Concourse (1350 Concourse Ave, Memphis, TN 38104), a large renovated Sears constructing changed into a multi-level hub for artwork, eating, and tradition. We browsed the free artwork displays and popped into the Memphis Listening Lab, a music lover’s dream with 1000’s of information, CDs, and music books to discover.
Absorbing Historical past at Solar Studio
To wrap up our weekend, we headed to Solar Studio (706 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103) for a tour. That is the place Elvis Presley, Johnny Money, and Jerry Lee Lewis all recorded, and the tour is filled with fascinating tales and classic tools.
Issues We Didn’t Do However You Completely Ought to If You Have Time
Regardless that we packed our weekend with meals, music, and sightseeing, there are just a few Memphis must-dos we didn’t squeeze in:
- Shelby Farms Park – One of many largest city parks within the nation, excellent for a stroll or bike trip.
- Nationwide Civil Rights Museum – A robust, transferring museum situated on the Lorraine Motel.
- Stax Museum of American Soul Music – A vibrant celebration of soul’s historical past.
- Memphis Riverboats – Take a cruise on the Mississippi for metropolis views and historical past.
Suggestions for Planning Your Personal Memphis Ladies’ Getaway
- Keep Downtown – You’ll be near most sights, and you may stroll or seize brief rideshares in every single place.
- Make Reservations – Brunch spots and standard eating places guide up quick, particularly on weekends.
- Pack Comfortable Footwear – Memphis is walkable, however these cobblestone streets aren’t stiletto-friendly.
- Plan for Late Nights – Whether or not it’s karaoke or reside music, Memphis is aware of find out how to hold the celebration going.
- Come Hungry – Significantly, the meals is half the explanation to come back right here.
Closing Ideas
Memphis turned out to be the proper backdrop for a weekend of friendship, enjoyable, and extra fried hen than I care to confess. It’s a metropolis with soul — in its music, its meals, and its folks — and it delivers the sort of experiences you’ll discuss for years.
As we hugged goodbye on Sunday afternoon, I couldn’t assist however really feel grateful — not only for the meals and the views, however for the sort of buddies who will belt out ’90s karaoke with you after which cheer for geese the subsequent morning. That’s the actual magic of a women’ journey: it’s not nearly the place you go, however who you’re with.
So should you and your girlfriends are on the lookout for a spot that’s equal elements full of life, laid-back, and scrumptious, put Memphis in your listing. Simply save me a seat at karaoke — I’ve bought “No Scrubs” queued up and prepared.