Tennessee Travel Tips ~ From Memphis to Nashville and back!
Traveling during the Memorial Day holiday my hubby & I planned a week in Central-Western Tennessee. We flew from Miami to Nashville rented a car and headed to Memphis...here is our travel story!
If anything catches your fancy in my travel video, all the details and links are in my blog below :-)
The Coal Miner’s Daughter - Loretta Lynn
First stop-The Coal Miner’s Daughter Loretta Lynn's Ranch our first taste of experiencing Tennessee Traditions. Although we did not go to Loretta Lynn’s Historical Home we did enjoy walking around the beautiful grounds to stretch our legs after the 2.5 hour flight from Florida.
Memphis, Tennessee
Headed to Memphis for a 3-hour drive on I-40. HEYYYY…why are there hundreds of trucks clogging the road??? Apparently, the I-40 bridge in Memphis was shut down for repair.
*Travel Tip - check the local roads for delays when planning your road trip!
We stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Memphis (thanks to my hard-working hubby’s points) which was the perfect location to walk to the iconic Beale Street Entertainment District and many historic sites. The staff is so helpful and friendly we immediately knew we’re not in South Florida anymore! With advice from a friend and our hotel bartender, we walked a few blocks to Blues City Cafe for live music and some good downhome BBQ, the perfect end to our first night in Memphis!
BEALE STREET - BLUES CITY CAFE - MEMPHIS, TN
EVERYTHING ELVIS - GRACELAND - MEMPHIS, TN
This was the perfect rainy day to immerse ourselves with ELVIS!
Graceland was like a Disney Tourist Trap... but I enjoyed every last minute of it!!! His mansion was not as large as the over-the-top celebrity’s legend but seeing his planes, cars, costumes, artifacts, and personal mementos from Elvis and his family was fascinating. Out of respect the upstairs was not open to the public. After 2 hours of ALL things ELVIS we were ready to move on and now the sun is out, guess we won’t need that Elvis umbrella.
*CTA-Travel Tip - learn almost everything ELVIS in two hours!
The Peabody Historic Hotel / Duck March is a classic MUST-SEE!
Now for a cocktail at The Peabody Memphis known as the “South’s Grand Hotel”. We were lucky to get a seat at the bar because people started flowing in to observe the Peabody Duck March. This famous tradition began 1930’s Daily at 11am the Duck Master marches the ducks (one male & 4 females) from the rooftop Royal Duck Palace down the elevator to the lobby’s grand fountain. Then at 5pm, the Duck Master taps the step and the ducks climb out of the fountain down the red carpet to the elevator to return to their rooftop home.
*CTA-Travel Tip - get a seat close to the elevators if you want good pics! Try a Memphis local beer Ghost River Gold, Golden Ale…DELISH!
Favorite Fine Dining Restaurant in Downtown Memphis, TN!
Dinner at the Flight Restaurant was by far MY favorite 5 star Memphis dining experience! We were able to get into the basement wine cellar without a reservation because it was early in the evening. Everything they served was in flights of 3, almost like small plates. You could order 3 different wines which was equivalent to one glass. So many mouth-watering culinary delights like…the Deviled Eggs and Crispy Gulf Oysters!
*CTA-Travel Tip - No Reservations, try walking in before 6pm.
The Pyramid - Memphis, TN
Walking distance from our hotel we explored The Bass Pro Shop at the Pyramid...I know Bass Pro Shop sounds lame... but it was actually pretty cool. We walked along the river under the I-40 bridge that was under repair, hence all the truck traffic at the beginning of our trip. It’s a sweltering 90 degrees today so the air-conditioning was a blessing. The top Observation Deck and Restaurant had magnificent Memphis views. You could see the cable car to Mud Island (Tom Cruise in the movie The Firm) was not in service due to Covid. We enjoyed a bite and a local beer (my new fav) Ghost River Gold brewed in Memphis.
The National Civil Rights Museum - Memphis, TN
After leaving the Pyramid, we search for a trolley to take us to the National Civil Rights Museum. The trolley was always heading in the wrong direction so we got our steps in. As we got closer to the Lorraine Hotel the streets eerily remained the same as if time was suspended in the ’60s.
The Lorraine Motel became a safe haven for black travelers visiting Memphis. Black songwriters and musicians would often stay at the Lorraine given the motel proximity to Beale Street and Stax Records. Martin Luther King was the motel’s most famous guest. On April 4, 1968, he stepped out of room 306 to talk with friends and was shot in the back of the head taking his life instantly. The room remains exactly how it was when King stayed there. The motel became The National Civil Rights Museum which opened in 1991. A must-see while in Memphis!
For more History on the Lorraine Hotel click this link The New Yorker - Allyson Hobbs
Memphis to Nashville 211 mile journey
Packed up and on the road to Nashville for ...this time we are NOT taking I-40 ~ we’re taking the road less traveled on Natchez Trace Parkway. We came across the Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center which the exhibits include interactive displays and multimedia presentations on the Battle of Shiloh and the Siege and Battle of Corinth.
As we continue on we see a billboard Hagy’s Catfish Hotel so we stop for lunch. Not going to lie, this is absolutely a southern hidden gem! Located on the Tennessee River, the Catfish Hotel is one of the oldest family-owned restaurants in the country and served the best Catfish that we ever had!
*CTA-Travel Tip - Never disappointed taking the road less traveled…had no idea we would find these historic nuggets!
Franklin, TN
The quaint little town of Franklin is our last stop before Downtown Nashville. We stop for dinner at this hip restaurant called Gray’s on Main. We sat upstairs at the bar where I order my first Tennessee whiskey drink and much to my surprise...I LOVED it! We also tried a few other first-time delicacies such as the Smoked Trout Deviled Eggs and Fried Pimento
Cheeseballs which were out of this world!!! Highly recommend this restaurant if you ever find yourself in Franklin, TN.
*CTA-Travel Tip- Loved this little town, I could see living here!
Andrew Jackson Hermitage ~ Nashville, TN
HOLY COW!!! Downtown NASHVILLE is HOPPIN!!! ESPECIALLY on a Memorial Day long weekend. We’re staying at another Hilton Gardens Downtown so we have walking options. Today we’re going to jump in the car and explore some local sites.
Starting the morning out early to avoid the holiday crowds we head to Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage. It’s a gorgeous summer day to explore the Historical Mansion and Gardens. I LOVE learning history by being emersed physically in the actual place! So much history that I never learned in school ~ always a student of life!
Leiper’s Fork Distillery
You can’t visit Tennessee without visiting a Whiskey Distillery! Leiper’s Fork Distillery was perfect for us - local-small - rich-in-tradition! Totally booked due to Memorial Day weekend, I was able to get tickets by calling and talking to a very nice helpful human, and got us tickets!
*CTA-Travel Tip - Sour Mash is the process used in the distilling industry that uses material from an older batch of mash to start the fermentation of a new batch…YUCK!
Okay, time to check out Down Town Nashville!
Top on the list The Ryman If you are anything like me, I had NO idea what was behind these doors of the historic auditorium!
Followed by the Country Music Hall of Fame seeks to collect, preserve, and interpret the evolving history and traditions of country music. Through exhibits, publications, and educational programs, the museum teaches its diverse audiences about the enduring beauty and cultural importance of country music.
If you are looking for an oasis away from the noise check out the Palm Restaurant $$$$
If you’re looking to go DEEP into the Country VIBES... I suggest these spots:
Johnny Cash Kitchen & Saloon $$$
Jason Aldeans’ Kitchen & Rooftop Bar $$
BTW, Just incased you didn’t know… Nashville is Go-To-PLACE to hosts your Baletterett’s Party!
An easy way to see Nashville Scenic Beauty is from a distance is to walk across The John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge.
Last on our list was to visit Cheekwood Estates and Gardens. This beautiful 55-acre estate built by the Maxwell House Coffee fortune was the perfect way to end our Tennessee trip. It was a gorgeous day, the gardens were in full bloom and a nice escape from all commotion going in downtown Nashville. We visited the mansion with its extensive art gallery and finished the afternoon with a fabulous food and wine tasting pairing Belle Meade Winery!
*CTA-Travel Tip ~ LOVED EVERY MINUTE of TENNESSEE! Can’t wait to see you again… I know there is more to EXPLORE!
