Home of the Blues and my most of my childhood memories, Memphis holds a special place in my heart. On my latest quick trip through Memphis, my southern twang resurrected itself as well as a peculiar craving for homemade biscuits and gravy. From the Civil Rights Movement, legendary music icons, traditional foods and a rising culinary scene, Memphis is a city in the midst of a revival.

According to the locals, Memphis has its problems. Big problems. And even yet, the local people are invested in seeing Memphis thrive.

Where to Stay in Memphis:

1. Arrive Hotel

Downtown off the cable car route, The Arrive hotel is an industrial space with minimal-chic rooms, a lobby bar and restaurant below. I enjoyed my stay and found the location to be safe, walkable and lively with out of towner’s and locals alike.

2. The Peabody Hotel

Famously known for the march of the ducks, the Peabody Hotel is a Memphis classic. The main hotel lounge is rather grand with open seating, lounge chairs and a piano man. Ride the elevator all the way to the top and don’t miss this stellar view of the Mississippi river and the Memphis bridge at night.

Visit the Museums:

1. National Civil Rights Museum

Dedicated to bridging the gap to equality, justice and freedom, The National Civil Rights Museum stands as both a historic landmark and a future emblem of humanitarian rights.

Standing in front of the Lorraine Hotel is like stepping back into history, while reconciling the similar grounds on which we stand today. Dr. King maintained a vision for a diverse America where all people could enjoy the benefits of freedom and equality. His honorary legacy and influence reaches far beyond the Civil Rights Movement and into the consciousness of America. The National Civil Rights Museum is just across from the Arrive Hotel and well worth an afternoon spent.

2. Woodruff-Fontaine House Museum

I love an old home, especially a well preserved tasteful French-American Victorian. This home stands as a beautiful city heritage marker and a reminder of an era long gone. Inside you’ll find a brilliant array of 19th and 20th Century artifacts, relics from Millionaires Row and other prominent Memphis families in the 1900’s.

Where to Eat in Downtown Memphis:

1. Beauty Shop

Gorgeous interiors and quirky staff, Beauty Shop offers unique craft cocktails with a lively brunch, lunch and dinner options. And it’s super cute!

2. Catherine & Mary’s

This upscale Tuscan style restaurant has the perfecto combo of friendly bartenders, good lighting, and an attractive Memphis foodie crowd. Memphis has a reputation but the growing entrepreneurial spirit shows promising momentum for the future of both business and community.

Vintage Shopping in Memphis:

Memphis surprised me with its vintage stores near the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art. Check out Fox Cat Vintage and Flashback Inc. for some very unique garments and retro home furnishings decor.

Walking Beale Street

Let’s hope Beale Street isn’t all you came for? For sure the neon signs have major curb appeal not to mention the live music but lets be honest…Beale Street isn’t safe. Well, that’s what the locals tell me and I know they are right. But, I went anyways. Stick to the crowds, don’t wander off side streets. Just follow your ear to find the live rhythm and blues.

Fresh Pressed Juice, Morning after Beale Street

Juice keeps me in check, facts. From a headache to a hangover to an afternoon pick me up, I’m telling you juice is the answer. In my opinion, always the Green. Raw girls has the goods and I was very happy to find clean and organic options in Memphis in the land of fried everything with a whole lotta sauce.

Memphis has such a rich history and I love to see young entrepreneurs making their stamp. From a business start up perspective, Memphis has very affordable office space inside historic warehouse spaces for arts, music, wellness and creative housing. Walking in Memphis isn’t as safe as it used to be, so definitely listen to the locals when they say take a taxi, even if it is walking distance.

Memphis is one of those cities with a dozen suburbs, all with their own unique perspective. But for someone traveling through, stick to the downtown, Mid-town area for the best up and coming that Memphis has to offer.