Feeling a little wanderlust and want some inspiration on where to go next? Tomiko Harvey, Founder of Passports and Grub, a lifestyle blog with a focus on travel, cuisine, trying new things, and inspiring her tribe to do the same, has all the inspiration you need for your next trip. A Memphis Tennessee Native, she gave us her insight on how to experience her hometown with some of her favorite places to eat, shop and play. Check out her Memphis Travel Guide below.
Memphis Travel Guide: Passports and Grubs Gives Her Favorites in Memphis, Tennessee
1. Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum – you’ll get a very different perspective of Memphis history if you spend some time at the Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum, which takes visitors back to the pre-Civil War era. Also known as the Burkle Estate (after the former owner, Jacob Burkle), the main house features artifacts portraying life in the South during the days of slavery. Also a stop along the Underground Railroad, the house is filled with secret passages and trap doors used by runaway slaves attempting to flee north to freedom. Slaven Haven does not have all of the bells and whistles that the National Civil Rights has but it is well worth the visit.
2. Memphis Zoo – The Memphis Zoo is where I often take my daughter for our Mother/Daughter dates. We walk around the zoo holding hands, laughing and enjoying ourselves while learning at the same time. There is a primate habitat, bear and wolf enclosures in the Teton Trek, a nocturnal animal exhibit, a vast big cat area, and the Zambezi River Hippo Camp, among other exhibits. All in all, you can observe approximately 3,500 animals – including the ever-popular giant pandas, Ya Ya, and Le Le. The zoo spans 70 acres so make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes.
3. The Stax Museum of American Soul Music is about two-and-a-half miles south. It honors the legacy of artists like Isaac Hayes and the Staple Singers and features exhibits like an authentic century-old Mississippi Delta church inside to help visitors get a sense of the historical origins and traditions that gave birth to soul music. You can also see the Soul Train dance floor, Hayes’ 1972 gold-trimmed Cadillac El Dorado and more.
Favorite Restaurants in MemphisFlight – I live in Murfreesboro now but I travel back to Memphis very often because my mom and friends are still there. Every time I visit Memphis Flight is my very first stop. Flight is not just a restaurant, but a complete experience. The food, the wine selection, the staff, the atmosphere. Incredible! Since Frommers just named Memphis as one of the top destinations for 2019 I suggest stopping by Flight and I promise you will not be disappointed.
Cozy Corner BBQ – You can not talk about Memphis without mentioning BBQ. I have to admit I am a bit of a BBQ snob in that I do not follow or prefer BBQ from the chain or big box establishments. There are a few things that are a MUST for me when staking out a local BBQ spot and location is primary. Preferably a hole in the wall because they tend to have the best food no matter your destination. If you are in Memphis and decide to check out Cozy Corner below is a list of my favorite dishes.
- Ribs- I love ribs and this place knows how to make ribs better than anyone. Forget the lean baby backs.. These are thick, juicy, smoky bones perfectly seasoned. I could eat these ribs every day!
- BBQ Bologna- Seriously this is a special sandwich. The thick cut of beef bologna grilled and charred. Served on white bread with a heaping of creamy slaw on top…. Simply bbq perfection. Sandwich paradise with two sides for less than $5. Mike drop!!
- BBQ spaghetti- Yes, spaghetti. One of the greatest things to come out of Memphis outside of Three 6 Mafia. If you make it to this place, you have to get a side of BBQ spaghetti because it will knock your socks off!!
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