Girls Great Memphis Escape
A girl's get-away weekend in Memphis truly has to start on Thursday to take advantage of citywide ladies' night specials. From King Biscuit in Cordova to just about every downtown restaurant and club, ladies can take full advantage of drink and dinner specials. (It's a good thing you are on vacation because working on Friday after all these options would be tough!)
Thursday (evening): Ladies' Party Night
Dinner Out (several options)
Downtown Memphis:
Peabody Hotel
Rooftop party on Thursdays (run through the end of July): live music, dancing, cocktails, fantastic view of downtown Memphis and the Mississippi River. Ladies get in free until 10pm.
Madison Hotel
Sunset atop the Madison: Every Thursday from 5:30-9:30pm, the historic Madison Hotel hosts a rooftop party. Catering more to the baby boomer crowd, the views of downtown and the Mississippi are not to be missed.
Club Atlas
Dancing to live music and DJ until late. Ladies get in free all night and there are drink specials each week.
- 150 Peabody Place, Memphis TN 38103
- 901-543-8800
Hollywood Disco
80's for the Ladies. An establishment that used to serve only beer caters to the ladies on Thursday with mixed drinks. The Hollywood Disco opens at 9pm for Ladies' Night and gets better as the night goes on.
Tug's Restaurant
Located in Harbor Town. Casual dining just across the river from downtown on Mud Island with half priced drinks for ladies.
The Red Rooster
With drinks and dancing to live music every night and no cover for ladies, how can you go wrong? You can also have a chance at winning a trip or several other exciting prizes.
Midtown Memphis:
Memphis Brooks Museum of Art
For a more laid-back approach to the evening, check out one of Memphis' premiere art galleries. The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art is open until 9pm on Thursday and offers wine, Tapas and other seasonal entrées. There is indoor and outdoor seating available.
East Memphis - Cordova:
King Biscuit Diner
Music with live DJ Flip and drink specials for ladies.
Overton Square / Cooper-Young Entertainment District:
Cooper-Young holds events and has special deals on the first thursday of every month. (
www.cooperyoungnightout.com)
Bosco's
The combination of outdoor seating with a great homemade beer list and delicious dinner entrées makes Bosco's absolutely irresistible.
LeChardonnay
Memphis locals voted Le Chardonnay to have the best wine selection in the city in 2007.
- 2105 Madison Avenue, Memphis TN 38104
- 901-725-1375
Tsunami
Tsunami offers light Asian-fusion fare with a great wine list and sidewalk dining.
Café Ole
On Thursdays, late nights and live music are offered.
Friday
Make it an afternoon of browsing through Memphis' cool art galleries and then top it off with light shopping.
If you plan your trip accordingly, you can catch the South Main Trolley Tour that occurs the last Friday of the month. All of the galleries and shops have special events and are open late for shoppers and revelers. The district turns into a bit of a carnival like atmosphere with people spilling onto the streets to enjoy the camaraderie and the warm, inviting Memphis nights.
Peabody Hotel
Peabody Duck March - every morning at 11am and every evening at 5pm, the world famous Peabody Duck March takes place. You can watch as four females and one male duck make the journey from the roof of the Peabody to the lobby fountain to the tune of John Philip Sousa's "King Cotton March". The lobby fills up quickly so make sure to arrive early.
Memphis Brooks Museum of Art
Memphis Brooks Museum of Art: Located in stunning Overton Park, right off of Poplar Avenue, the Brooks Museum is home to some of the most historic artwork in Memphis. The museum has both a celebrated permanent collection and impressive temporary exhibits. All of the fantastic works on display coupled with the serene location of the park create the perfect late morning excursion.
Huey's Midtown
Lunch at Huey's Midtown: A Memphis favorite, Huey's burgers are loved by locals. The casual atmosphere is inviting and makes for the perfect lunch stop. Make sure to shoot a toothpick at the ceiling!
Dixon Gallery and Gardens
The expansive collection of art and the perfectly cultivated gardens and sculptures surrounding the museum makes the Dixon Gallery a must on the list of Memphis museums.
National Ornamental Metal Museum
The National Ornamental Metal Museum is like no other museum in Memphis. Located just outside of downtown, you will be able to take in a view of the city and the Mighty Mississippi as you peruse the unique metal artwork. Be sure to check out their gift shop on the way out. Very unique.
Memphis Botanic Garden
After a whirlwind day of touring, the Memphis Botanic Garden provides the perfect place to relax and re-energize. The garden is located on 96 acres of land and is home to 23 unique garden exhibits. The expansive landscape and shady trails allow you to take your time exploring roses, daylilies, magnolias and even a butterfly garden.
Shopping:
South Main Arts District:
Muse
Mode du Jour
Gestures
Delphinium
American Apparel
Tyiese Scarpa Shoe Boutique
D'Edge Art and Unique Treasures
Runway Boutique
Divine Rags
Rivertown Gallery
OE Too
Restaurants on Main for dinner:
Majestic Grille
The Majestic Grille is in the ideal location to watch the bustle of downtown, while enjoying an excellent meal. The outdoor seating is a great option in nice weather.
Bluefin
Although there is outdoor seating, the atmosphere inside Bluefin is what sets it apart from other Asian fusion restaurants in the area. With a distinct lounge feel and a late night bar, your sushi is just the beginning of the evening.
Circa
Circa's unique decorations and artwork coupled with the outstanding food and wine make it a top choice for enjoying dinner on Main Street.
Onix on South Main
The exceptional southern cooking matched with jazz makes this flavorful restaurant one of a kind.
Out
The Peabody Hotel
The Peabody Lobby: The lavishly decorated lobby of the Peabody Hotel creates the perfect atmosphere for people watching and enjoying a decadent cocktail.
Saturday
Graceland
No visit to Memphis is complete without a trip to the world famous Graceland. A tribute to the late Elvis Presley, Graceland is an exclusive tour of the King's house, cars, airplanes, military uniforms, sequined jumpsuits and much more. Elvis' good looks alone are reason enough to schedule a visit to Graceland. The best time to visit is early in the morning before the crowds get too heavy.
- 3717 Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis TN 38116
- 800-238-2000; 901-332-3322 / www.elvis.com
Little Tea Shop
Lunch at Little Tea Shop: Right in the heart of downtown, the Little Tea Shop embodies the down home feel of Memphis perfectly. Make sure to save time for this gem during the day, because the shop is only open for lunch.
- 69 Monroe Avenue, Memphis TN 38103
- 901-525-6000
Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum
A tribute to the world famous soul music that originated in Memphis, the Rock 'n' Soul Museum takes you through the decades chronicling the rise of blues, soul, and rock 'n' roll.
Gibson Guitar Factory
Directly across the street from the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum, and just as dedicated to rock 'n' roll, the Gibson Guitar Factory is home to the world famous Gibson Guitar. Most days you will actually be able to watch as the guitars are made.
Belz Museum of Asian and Judaic Art
Stroll over to Main Street to take in this historical collection. The wide span of cultures, time periods, specimens, and arts & crafts make this museum truly unique.
Blues City Cafe
Wrap your day up with a coffee and a treat at this attractive bakery and coffee shop.
- Corner of Main Street and Peabody Place, Memphis TN 38103
Dinner
Rendezvous
Well known as the home to the most famous Memphis barbeque. The atmosphere is fun and casual and the food is absolutely delicious.
Hunt Phelan
A great dinner and bar atmosphere housed in a gorgeous Civil War era plantation home.
Out
Flying Saucer
The Flying Saucer is a favorite of locals for so many reasons. With over 200 beer options, darts, ample seating and live music, it is easy to understand why.
Spindini
Spindini is one of the hottest restaurants and bars in Memphis. Grab a seat at the bar and enjoy the delicious cockails and eclectic mix of patrons.
River Inn Rooftop Terrace
Although the Terrace is only open until 9pm, the jaw dropping views of downtown Memphis and the Mississippi River make a visit well worth the time.
Silky O'Sullivan's
Silky O'Sullivan's is a Beale Street favorite. The higlight of Silky's is the New Orleans style courtyard with dueling pianos.
Sunday
There is no better way to wind down after a weekend away than to indulge in a delicious brunch and an afternoon at the spa.
Brunch
The Beauty Shop
What says Girls Get-away Weekend better than this? Enjoy gourmet French toast, the best biscuits and gravy in town, light fruit crepes and even chicken and waffles.
- 966 South Cooper Street, Memphis TN 38104
- 901-272-7111
Other brunch options:
Owen Brennan's
Owen Brennan's has a distinct New Orleans style and has been voted one of the best restaurants by Memphis locals.
The Peabody Hotel
Skyway Sunday Brunch: This is the classic Peabody Brunch. Cocktails and fine food add to the timeless feel of the Peabody Hotel.
Brother Juniper's
One of Memphis' best brunch spots; incredible comfort food.
Majestic Grille
Spas
ABC – A Bodywise Company Therapeutic Massage
With different massage options available, ABC makes it easy to relax.
• 3540 Summer Avenue, Suite 406, Memphis, TN 38122
• (901) 454-9499
• www.abodywisecompany.com / don4touch@aol.com
Gould's Spa
Off the Beaten Path
A weekend is not enough time to see all that Memphis has to offer. Try these additional suggestions.
Main Street Collierville Historic District
Great shopping with cozy boutiques and quaint restaurants.
The Shops of Saddle Creek
Open air shopping with national specialty shops and fantastic restaurants.
National Civil Rights Museum
Incorporates audio and visual exhibits to tell the stories of some of the most significant moments in the civil rights movement.