• Great Smoky National Park
• B.B. King’s Blues Club - Memphis

When we walked into B.B. King’s, we were met with friendly faces and music that made the floors shake — literally. Every night you can guarantee a show that you’ll want to write home about.

• Hattiloo Theatre - Memphis

If you’re someone that enjoys live shows and supporting the arts, the Hattilioo is a must. Located in Overton Square, the theatre is one of four freestanding Black repertory theatres in the country. Their 2019 season kicks off in August with the Tony Award-winning musical, Jelly’s Last Jam. With tickets priced $35 and under, you can make space in your budget to support this magical establishment.

• National Civil Rights Museum – Lorraine Motel - Memphis

The Civil Rights Movement is an essential part of Memphis history, especially with the city being where Dr. Martin Luther King was fatally shot April 4, 1968, at the Lorraine Motel. The museum holds 260 artifacts from the beginning of the resistance during slavery to the events of the late 20th century that have shaped our society.

• Broad Avenue Arts District - Memphis

The Broad Avenue Arts District is lined with locally-owned shops, restaurants, and bars. My favorites were City & State, Mbabazi House of Style, and Falling Into Place. While you’re strolling, don’t forget to stop by The Liquor Store where breakfast is served all day or spend a late night at the Rec Room where you can play vintage arcade games and sip on some “Magic Potion.”

• Cheryl Pesce - Memphis

When I walked into Cheryl Pesce, I almost left my debit card at the counter because I wanted to buy everything. Many of the items in the store are made by local artisans like Mo of Mo’s Bows (who you might have seen on Shark Tank), along with collections like “Angel” that are filled with adorable onesies and small stuffed animals for baby.

• Crosstown Concourse - Memphis

Formally a Sears Roebuck & Co Distribution Center (and one of the first integrated workplaces in Memphis), the 87-year-old building has taken on a new life. The renovated space is not only serving up good eats and cocktail with shops like Global Cafe and the Art Bar, but the building is becoming a communal space for artists thanks to the Crosstown Arts Shared Art Making space. There, anyone can use their art-making facilities and equipment to make everything from a piece of furniture to large digital prints. The Concourse is also home to the A Step Ahead Foundation (which provides women with free long-acting reversible contraception to prevent unplanned pregnancies), Church Health, and Crosstown High, which are all helping provide services and education to the community.

• Trolley Stop Market - Memphis

This eatery prides itself on sourcing its ingredients from local farmers. We hear their pancakes and pizzas (dough is made from scratch daily) are worth a trip to Madison Ave.

• The Liquor Store - Memphis

When I arrived at the Broad Ave diner, I was struck by their full-service bar and the healthy option the menu provided alongside their specialties like the biscuit beignets. I opted for the sweet potato hash, and it didn’t disappoint. If you find yourself with a little post-flight sniffle, ask for a hot toddy. Not only did it help my cold, but it was delicious.

• The Beauty Shop - Memphis

This establishment came up over and over again as a place we must stop by to have a meal. Decorated with vintage hooded hair dryers, their Sunday brunch serves up unique items like grapefruit brulee, Beneduck (Eggs Benedict served with crispy spiced duck), and lemon ricotta pancakes.

• The Second Line - Memphis

You don’t have to venture to NOLA to get a taste of Creole classics, as chef Chef Kelly English has brought the flavor to Overton. The “irrationally good bbq shrimp” is just that. You’ll want to lick the mini black skillet the dish is served in, but to keep it classy use the bread to soak up the leftover gravy. The Mississippi catfish sauce piquant and roast beef + gravy + swiss po’ boy are staff favorites and crowd pleasers.

• Global Café - Memphis

The Global Café is now one of my favorites of all time. Supporting women in the business of food that are sharing their beloved dishes from their countries with us feels special. My eyes were certainly bigger than my stomach when it came to ordering. The wrapped grape leaves from Chef Fayha, the soup du jour with stuffed cheese potato bread from Sudanese Chef Ibti, and the Mo Mo dumplings from Nepalese Chef Indra were worth every calorie.

• The Four Way - Memphis

This historical establishment needs no introduction, as the restaurant served civil rights icon Martin Luther King, Jr. when he spent time in Memphis. The fried green tomatoes, catfish, mac & cheese, and fried chicken are a must.

• The Gray Canary - Memphis

Located downtown right next to Old Dominick Distillery, the Gray Canary is a swanky restaurant with a full wine list, craft cocktails, and seafood dishes that spark rave reviews.

• Art Bar - Memphis

Tucked away at Crosstown Arts, the Art Bar is a full-service bar opened Tuesday-Sunday from 5 pm-1 am. What makes this bar special is its nostalgic decor that includes a cat and dog room, and each month the bar features work from a different artist.

• Lafayette’s Music Room - Memphis

Live music lovers will enjoy this reasonably new addition to Overton Square. With a seven-day music line up, you’ll never have a shortage of good music and cocktails.

• Slider Inn - Memphis

Located downtown, this “hippie” bar is a local go-to because of its inviting atmosphere, vegan slider, “chicken” options, and their cocktail menu.

• Cades Cove, Tennessee

Cades Cove is an incredibly broad, verdant valley situated within the Tennessee portion of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It has some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the entire park (think black bears, white-tailed deer, and coyotes)—drive the 11-mile loop around the cove for some of the best views.

• Blackberry Mountain - Great Smokey Mountains