36 Off-the-Beaten-Path & Must-See Gems in Memphis

Memphis may be famous for Graceland, Beale Street, and barbecue—but beyond the tourist trail, there’s a whole other city waiting to be discovered. It’s in the soul food joints with no website, the murals tucked behind alleyways, the old bookstores and hidden grottos, the skating rinks that locals flock to every weekend. As someone who’s passed through this city more than a dozen times, I’ve found that Memphis reveals itself slowly—like a secret that only opens to those willing to look past the obvious. These 35 gems are the ones I keep coming back to. Some are weird. Some are peaceful. All of them are real. If you’re ready to go deeper, this list is your invitation.

Below, you’ll find 5 more in-depth posts in my Ultimate Guide to Memphis, each one covering a different layer of the Memphis experience—from practical tips to soulful stops:

10 Things to Know Before Visiting Memphis

6 Cool Hotels in Memphis (and Why You’ll Love Them)

7 Iconic Things to Do in Memphis (Even If They’re a Little Touristy)

Where to Eat the Best BBQ in Memphis (2025 Guide)

A Brief History of Memphis: 7 Defining Chapters That Shaped the Soul of a City

1. Jerry’s Sno Cone

A Memphis institution since the late 1960s, Jerry’s Sno Cone isn’t just a snack—it’s a local rite of summer. What truly sets it apart is the dizzying menu of over 100 flavors—70+ classic options and countless specialty combinations—served in their famous Snow Cone Supreme: fluffy shaved ice layered with creamy soft-serve, a Memphis classic you simply can’t skip.

2. Explore the Cooper-Young Murals

Cooper‑Young is one of Memphis’s most colorful and creative neighborhoods—quite literally. Nearly every corner features a splash of artistic expression, from bold statement walls to whimsical surprises hiding in alleyways. This is a place where public art isn’t just decoration—it’s part of the neighborhood’s identity.

Top Tip: Head to Cooper‑Young during the annual Cooper‑Young Festival in September for sidewalk jammed with live music, artists, food stalls, and mural walks—your mural exploration becomes a real community experience .

3. Peabody Ducks Marching on the Red Carpet

Every day at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., the Peabody Hotel lobby transforms into the most whimsical runway in Memphis. With pomp and ceremony, a duck master in full uniform leads a tiny parade of North American mallards down a red carpet, from their rooftop Royal Duck Palace to the marble fountain in the grand lobby—and back again in the evening. It’s quirky, nostalgic, and a beloved tradition that’s been delighting guests since the 1930s. Go early, it can get very crowded!

4. Breakfast and Coffee at Hustle & Dough

Nestled inside the ARRIVE Hotel on South Main, Hustle & Dough is more than just a hotel café—it’s Memphis’s morning destination. Open daily from 7 am to 2 pm for café fare (and until 4 pm for pastries), it’s a haven for fresh-baked goods, sourdough breads, breakfast toasts, savory sandwiches, and drip or cold‑brew coffee made from Mammoth Coffee Co. beans out of New Orleans.

5. The Beauty Shop

Stepping into The Beauty Shop in Cooper-Young is like dining inside a living art piece. Housed in a former 1960s beauty salon (where, fun fact, Priscilla Presley once got her hair done), the space still features vintage hairdryer chairs, mint-green wash basins, glass-brick booths, and terrazzo flooring—blending retro charm with modern flair.

6. Earnestine and Hazel

Step into Memphis lore at Earnestine & Hazel’s—a downtown dive bar that’s equal parts soul food stop, musical hangout, and ghostly haven. What began as a pharmacy in the late 1800s eventually became a jazz café, brothel, and hangout for legends like B.B. King, Aretha Franklin, and Ray Charles—many of whom stopped by after nearby Club Paradise gigs.

Today, it’s best known for the “Soul Burger”—a no-frills masterpiece of patty, cheese, onions, pickles, and “Soul Sauce,” served from a single-item menu that proves simple can be unforgettable.

7. Feelin’ Memphis Store

Located in South Main’s arts district, Feelin’ Memphis is a charming locally owned gift shop that doubles as a showcase of Memphis creativity. Beyond the usual tourist gifts, you’ll find over 20 local artists, ranging from potters to painters and photographers, whose work fills the shelves alongside Memphis-themed apparel, puzzles, coasters, and vintage-style souvenirs.

8. Try Memphis BBQ

Coming from Central Texas, I know barbecue pride when I see it. Brisket is practically a religion where I’m from—smoked low and slow, no sauce required. So I’ll admit, I was curious (and maybe a little skeptical) about Memphis-style BBQ.

But the moment I dug into a plate of slow-cooked pulled pork, kissed with smoke and topped with tangy slaw, I got it. Memphis doesn’t mimic—it has its own bold, soulful way of doing things.

Here, it’s all about pork: dry-rubbed ribs, chopped shoulder sandwiches, and a vinegar-based sauce that’s all flavor, no fuss.

Whether you’re loyal to Texas brisket or just BBQ curious, I put together Where to Eat the Best BBQ in Memphis—a blog post featuring 7 legendary spots to get your hands (and face) messy.

9. Eat at the Arcade Restaurant (Then Exit Out Back)

The Arcade is Memphis’s oldest café, family-run since 1919—and it looks the part in the best way. With its neon sign, retro booths, and tiled floors, stepping inside feels like traveling back in time. It’s a favorite for sweet potato pancakes, classic diner breakfasts, and southern-style lunches.

Elvis himself used to sit in the back booth (ask for it!), and the place has been featured in countless movies like Walk the Line and The Firm.

But here’s the fun part: after your meal, walk through the back door. You’ll find yourself in a cinematic alley that feels like you’ve slipped into a noir film. It’s gritty, moody, and oddly photogenic—perfect for snapping a shot or just soaking in a different side of Memphis charm.

10. Nightly Events at The Arrive Hotel

The Arrive Hotel isn’t just a chic boutique space—it’s a nightly destination. Whether you’re a guest or a local, the lobby comes alive throughout the week with a playful lineup of events and specials:

Monday – $5 Martinis
Tuesday – Night Board Games with $8 margaritas,
Wednesday – Ask for a secret menu only revealed on Wednesdays
Thursday – A date night that gets you a meat & cheese board and two cocktails for only $30.
Sunday Jazz – all about the atmosphere, with a rotation of jazz music playing all night, a Prohibition-era cocktail menu, and a live jazz performance on the last Sunday of each month.

11. East End Skating

Lace up your skates and roll back to nostalgia at East End Skating Rink, a beloved Memphis institution since the 1940s. With a gleaming hardwood floor, retro lights, and a soundtrack that blends classic rock, disco, and soul, this isn’t just a rink—it’s a portal to a simpler time.

Admission is $11 (plus $4 skate rental), and while the vibe is family-friendly by day, adult-only nights (18+ on Wednesdays and Fridays, 21+ on Sundays) are where the magic really happens. Expect a full-on show—locals don’t just skate, they glide, groove, and sometimes break into full choreography

12. Edge Motor Museum

Just a block from Sun Studio in Memphis’s revitalized Edge District, the Edge Motor Museum is a sleek, gallery-style space that dives deep into the history of the American sports car.

It’s less about flashy displays and more about thoughtful storytelling, making it a surprising favorite even for those who aren’t hardcore car enthusiasts. Admission is affordable, and on the second Saturday of every month, the museum hosts Cars & Coffee, a casual gathering where locals and visitors come together over vintage vehicles and good conversation.

13. W.C. Handy Home & Museum

Step inside the W.C. Handy Home & Museum, and you’re stepping into the birthplace of the “Father of the Blues.” Though Handy made his name in Memphis, he was born in Florence, Alabama—a city with its own deep-rooted musical legacy.

And if you’re heading east toward Muscle Shoals or Florence after your time in Memphis, you’re in for even more musical history—keep an eye out for my upcoming post: “Florence, Alabama: Where the River Sings the Blues”.

14. Slider Inn

A Memphis local favorite, Slider Inn is a laid-back burger joint in Midtown and Downtown, serving up mini‑burgers and creative comfort fare in a dog‑friendly, open‑air setting. Their sliders—whether classic beef, buttermilk chicken, or vegan Triple B—come with house fries. Be sure to stick around after your meal: behind the main building is Slider Out, a lively outdoor courtyard perfect for late-night drinks and games.

15. Cotton Museum

Tucked inside the historic Memphis Cotton Exchange building downtown, the Cotton Museum tells the powerful story of how cotton shaped the city’s economy, culture, and racial history. Once the largest inland cotton market in the world, this restored trading floor now houses fascinating artifacts like cotton bales, field tools, slavery-era chains, and even a B.B. King guitar—showing how deeply cotton is woven into Memphis’s music and soul.

Interactive exhibits let you lift a raw cotton sack or try carding fibers by hand, while audio tours and oral histories dive into both the labor and the legacy. It’s quieter than the bigger museums, but just as moving—and well worth the stop.

Tucked into the artsy Crosstown neighborhood, Five in One Social Club is more than just a shop—it’s a playful, hands-on celebration of Memphis creativity. Part retail space, part DIY workshop hub, this “kindergarten for grown folks” features a curated selection of locally made goods, including screen prints, quirky home décor, handmade accessories, and even zines.

Beyond shopping, the space often hosts classes in everything from printmaking to tie-dye, giving visitors a chance to dive into the city’s creative energy.

17. Chickasaw Mound (De Soto Park)

Long before Memphis was founded, this land was sacred to the Chickasaw people, one of the region’s original inhabitants. Today, you can visit De Soto Park, where a Chickasaw burial mound still rises quietly above the Mississippi River.

At first glance, it may just look like a grassy hill—but in Indigenous cultures, mounds were monumental. They held deep spiritual, ceremonial, and political importance—often serving as burial sites, platforms for temples, or markers of entire communities. It’s not overly marked or touristy, but standing there offers a rare moment of reflection—on how much was here long before colonization, and how much still deserves remembering.

18. Metal Museum

Overlooking the Mississippi River, the Metal Museum is one of the most unique spots in Memphis. Dedicated entirely to the art and craft of metalworking, it features rotating exhibitions, a working forge, and live demonstrations from blacksmiths. It’s creative, hands-on, and a bit offbeat—in the best way. Plus, the river views from the sculpture garden are some of the best in town.

19. Peanuts Shoppe

Since 1949, The Peanut Shoppe has been a Memphis staple—originally opened as a Planters store and later reinvented by Rida AbuZaineh (its current owner since 1993) with the same vintage roaster and family spirit. Located on Main Street, this charming shop smells like nostalgia and sells everything from freshly roasted peanuts to exotic nuts, candies, baklava, and popcorn. Using the same roaster from the 1940s, they roast local peanuts and source specialty nuts from around the world.

20. Hard Time Deli

Tucked into a humble spot on Cleveland Street, Hard Times Deli serves up some of the best and boldest sandwiches in Memphis. It’s not cheap (most sandwiches hover around the $15–$20 mark), but the quality, flavor, and hefty portions more than justify the price. Every bite feels carefully crafted, messy in the best way, and unapologetically indulgent. If you’re a sandwich lover, this spot should absolutely be on your list. Don’t be surprised if there’s a line out the door.

21. South Main Mosaic Art Walk

Wandering down South Main, you can’t miss the Mosaic Art Walk, a vibrant stretch of colorful steel and mosaic sculptures that line the avenue like a public art gallery. This outdoor exhibit was created by local artists using reclaimed tiles, glass, mirrors, and found materials to celebrate Memphis culture—think music legends, city landmarks, and everyday scenes all gleaming in the sun.

22. Burke’s Book Store

Burke’s Book Store is one of the oldest independent bookstores in the country. It’s cozy, locally owned, and filled with new reads, rare finds, and old soul. Easy to get lost in.

23. Catch a Show at Levitt Shell

Nestled in Midtown’s Overton Park, the Levitt Shell is where Elvis Presley gave his first paid performance in 1954, and it’s still making music history today. This beautifully restored, open-air amphitheater hosts over 50 free concerts a year, featuring soul, blues, Americana, indie rock, Latin, and more. Bring a picnic, a blanket—maybe even a camping chair—and soak in the sounds under the stars.

24. Gus’s Fried Chicken

Gus’s Fried Chicken is a Memphis institution that’s been serving up perfectly seasoned, spicy-sweet fried chicken since 1953. Think crispy, crackling skin and juicy meat that bites back—the kind of food that tastes like home, but better. The original downtown location is always busy, and for good reason: this is comfort food that punches above its weight. Come hungry and savor every spicy-crisp bite.

25. Walk the Big River Crossing

The Big River Crossing transforms the historic Harahan Railroad Bridge into a nearly one-mile long pedestrian and bicycle path—the longest across the mighty Mississippi River. It links Main Street in Memphis directly to West Memphis, Arkansas, creating a scenic 10-mile corridor that blends urban exploration with riverside adventure.

Open daily from sunrise to 10 p.m., it’s completely free, pet- and bike-friendly, and offers breathtaking views of the downtown skyline, passing trains, and river barges beneath. Be sure to catch the dazzling “Mighty Lights” LED show at night, when the bridge comes alive in vibrant, ever-changing colors. Stop at nearby Martyrs Park for parking, grab a coffee or cold beer afterward, and you’ve got one of Memphis’s most memorable—and free—outdoor experiences.

26. Shelby Farms

One of the largest urban parks in the U.S., Shelby Farms Park spans a staggering 4,500 acres—five times the size of Central Park—and offers more than 40 miles of mixed trails for walking, biking, running, horseback riding, and even dirt biking.

Dog owners rejoice—there’s a massive 100‑acre off‑leash Outback dog park, complete with wash stations. On the second Saturday of the month, join goat yoga sessions featuring adorable baby goats roaming as you stretch. With picnic pavilions, event spaces, a golf course, tennis center, and even a herd of buffalo.

27. Audobon Park

Audubon Park spans a spacious 373-acre urban oasis in East Memphis, featuring a 1‑mile paved loop perfect for walking, jogging, biking, or stroller strolls. You’ll also find pavilions for picnics, playgrounds for kids, an open field for frisbee or lounging, scenic lakeside views, and even the 18‑hole Links at Audubon golf course plus the adjacent Leftwich Tennis Center.

It’s a beautifully maintained, peaceful retreat—lush with mature trees and community activity—making it ideal for family visits, quiet mornings, or hitting a few tennis balls before heading across Cherry Road to the stunning Memphis Botanic Garden. Perfect for getting outdoors without leaving the city, Audubon Park offers a serene side of Memphis that sometimes flies under the radar.

28. Memphis River Parks

Stretching five miles along the mighty Mississippi, Memphis River Parks transforms the riverfront into a vibrant playground of green spaces, trails, and river views. From the natural meadows and children’s play structures at River Garden to the sweeping lawns and courts of the newly revamped Tom Lee Park—named after the heroic riverboat rescuer—you’ll find everything from hammocks and public art to basketball, yoga, concerts, and food vendors.

Don’t miss Mud Island River Park, where you can walk a half-mile model of the Mississippi, relax by the water, or snap photos with the iconic Memphis sign. With kayak and bike rentals, seasonal events, and sweeping skyline views, the River Parks are the perfect blend of nature, activity, and urban energy—all free and open to everyone.

29. Loflin Yard

Tucked behind a nondescript warehouse in South Memphis, Loflin Yard is the kind of secret hangout that feels like it’s been there forever—because it kind of has. This community-driven spot is a brew garden, indoor-outdoor event space, and pop-up market all rolled into one.

Local breweries pour experimental beers alongside staples, food trucks rotate through, and the yard often hosts vinyl nights, trivia, dance parties, and even flea markets. With twinkle lights overhead and long picnic tables, it captures the warm, inclusive vibe of Memphis itself.

30. Visit the Crystal Shrine Grotto

Hidden within East Memphis’s Memorial Park Cemetery, the Crystal Shrine Grotto is a one-of-a-kind, surreal sanctuary—an underground cave carved in the 1930s by Mexican artist Dionicio Rodríguez, completely lined with quartz crystals and artificial stalactites, with soft music echoing through the dimly lit space. This man‑made grotto stretches about 60 feet into the hill and features ten shimmering biblical dioramas, making it a head‑spinning mix of folk‑art and spiritual reflection.

31. Tour Elmwood Cemetery

Established in 1852 as one of the nation’s first rural garden cemeteries, Elmwood Cemetery spans 80 lush acres and is the final resting place for over 75,000 notable souls—politicians, artists, enslaved people, Yellow Fever victims, and outlaws alike.

Audio and docent-led tours guide you through remarkable stories: Chinese-American family plots, Kit Dalton’s outlaw grave, and haunting tributes to the city’s Yellow Fever epidemic. It’s free to wander, profound to explore, and a moving window into Memphis’s forgotten chapters. For a deeper dive into the history that shaped this city, check out my post: A Brief History of Memphis: 7 Defining Chapters That Shaped the Soul of a City.

32. Discover Lichterman Nature Center

Tucked away on 65 lush acres in East Memphis, Lichterman Nature Center is a true urban oasis and certified arboretum that feels worlds away from the city bustle. Wander nearly three miles of trails winding through woodland, meadow, and lake habitats, with hidden boardwalks and a two-story forest pavilion to peek at wildlife and plants up closel.

Inside the Visitor Center, interactive exhibits and the Backyard Wildlife Center bring you face-to-face with over 50 native species—think snakes, turtles, birds, and even an alligator snapping turtle visible in the underwater viewing tank.

33. Kayak the Ghost River Section of the Wolf River

Just an hour southeast of Memphis lies the enchanting Ghost River section of the Wolf River—a serene, cypress-lined swamp often called the hidden heart of the city’s waterways. This stretch winds through hardwood forests, bald cypress, and tupelo trees, offering a peaceful escape that feels far removed from the urban buzz.

Guided trips with local outfitters like Blues City Kayaks navigate roughly 6–9 miles of gentle, Class I water, taking about 4–6 hours and including a shuttle at the end.

34. Dig Through Vinyl at Shangri-La Records

If music is the pulse of Memphis, then Shangri‑La Records is its heartbeat for vinyl lovers. This iconic Midtown shop, housed in a century-old house, opened in 1988 and quickly became a treasure trove of tens of thousands of LPs, 45s, CDs, and deep music memorabilia.

More than a store, it’s a creative hub—it even spun off an indie label, Shangri‑La Projects, fostering local acts like The Grifters and The Hot Monkey. The friendly, knowledgeable staff—often musicians themselves—make hunting for records feel like an insider’s quest.

35. Grab a Local Beer at Wiseacre

Wiseacre Brewing Co. has become the go‑to local brewery for both visitors and Memphis insiders. With its flagship HQ Taproom just steps from Beale Street, Wiseacre offers an art-forward space where you can taste approximately 30 unique beers on tap, paired with their in-house Little Bettie pizza kitchen—the kind of casual, creative combo that screams Memphis hospitality.

Their flagship offerings include Tiny Bomb, an American-style pilsner enlivened with Tennessee wildflower honey that quickly became a national favorite, and Sky Dog, a light lager recently crowned “America’s Best Light Lager” with a Gold Medal at the Great American Beer Festival.

Beyond the beer, the taproom hosts regular events such as trivia nights, brewery tours, and the quirky local favorite Medal Mondays—where dedicated craft beer fans unite.

36. Bar DKDC

Housed in a cozy Cooper‑Young storefront, Bar DKDC is the spirited sidekick of Memphis chef Karen Carrier’s culinary empire (the same team behind The Beauty Shop). It’s a global street‑food bar with a twist—tiny plates inspired by international flavors (think Oaxacan tacos, Caribbean‑spiced snacks, or Mediterranean fritters) paired with specialty cocktails and craft beers.

The décor is eclectic and intimate: textiles from India, masks from Mexico, a vintage photo booth, and nods to Memphis’s soul‑music roots. It pulses with live music, soulful drinks, and a rotating menu that changes every five weeks, making every visit feel fresh. Open late into the night, it’s the perfect spot for adventurous eaters and night-owls looking for something bold and local.

Memphis isn’t a city you just check off a list—it’s one you feel. The places tucked between the cracks tell a story just as rich as its most iconic landmarks. Whether you’re walking through a cemetery layered with history, kayaking through cypress-lined waters, or watching locals dance on skates like they were born to it—every moment off the beaten path holds something surprising, soulful, and deeply Memphis. These hidden corners are what make the Bluff City unforgettable. Take your time. Be curious. Let the magic find you.