Category: Tennessee

  • Everywhere We Stayed on Our USA Southern States Road Trip (Nashville, Memphis, Clarksdale & New Orleans)

    Everywhere We Stayed on Our USA Southern States Road Trip (Nashville, Memphis, Clarksdale & New Orleans)

    Nashville, TN – Hyatt House Nashville Downtown/Convention Center

    For our stay in Nashville, we chose Hyatt House Nashville Downtown/Convention Center, and we’re really glad we did. It’s right in the heart of downtown, putting you within walking distance of Broadway’s live music scene, the Ryman Auditorium and the Country Music Hall of Fame – making it super easy to explore Music City on foot.

    Broadway, Nashville

    The hotel offers spacious, residential-style rooms and suites (some with full kitchens), complimentary daily breakfast, free Wi-Fi, an indoor pool, and a fitness centre – all of which were great after long days of exploring. Previous guests consistently praise the central location and comfortable beds, and there’s even a restaurant/bar/lounge on site if you want to stay in for the evening.

    👉 Great all-around choice for first-timers in Nashville who want to be close to the action without sacrificing comfort.

    Nashville

    Memphis, TN – ARRIVE Memphis

    In Memphis, we stayed at ARRIVE Memphis, a cool boutique hotel located in the South Main Arts District, one of the most vibrant neighbourhoods in the city. This area is full of art galleries, historic sites like the National Civil Rights Museum, and you’re just a short walk from Beale Street and the blues clubs for which Memphis is famous.

    ARRIVE, Memphis

    The location really can’t be beat for exploring downtown Memphis on foot.

    👉 Check out our full ARRIVE Memphis review here!

    ARRIVE Memphis is set inside a converted industrial building and has a stylish, modern design that stands out from standard chain hotels. Rooms are contemporary with unique touches, and there’s an on-site café and bar (perfect for morning coffee or evening drinks). They also have valet parking available for those with cars.

    👉 Perfect if you love boutique stays with character and want to be centrally located for music, history, and food.

    Clarksdale, MS – Shack Up Inn

    Clarksdale was one of the most memorable parts of our entire trip, and that’s thanks in part to where we stayed: the Shack Up Inn.

    This isn’t your typical hotel, it’s a collection of restored sharecroppers’ cabins, each converted into a quirky, cosy room.

    Chicken Coop, Shack Up Inn
    Chicken Coop, Shack Up Inn

    Staying here feels like stepping back in time while still enjoying modern comforts (most cabins have indoor bathrooms, air conditioning, and basic amenities). The property also has a chilled, blues-inspired atmosphere -fitting for the Mississippi Delta – and it’s a great base for exploring local music history (including the Crossroads and nearby juke joints).

    👉 A true one-of-a-kind experience. Not luxury, but unforgettable.

    Bar, Shack Up Inn

    New Orleans, LA – Virgin Hotels New Orleans

    Virgin Hotels New Orleans was one of our favourite places to stay on this trip.

    Virgin Hotels New Orleans, Bar
    Virgin Hotels New Orleans, Rooftop Bar

    Located in the lively Warehouse District, the hotel is stylish, modern, and just a short walk or streetcar ride from the French Quarter, Bourbon Street, and Garden District attractions. The rooftop pool and bar is an excellent place to unwind after a busy day exploring the city’s food, music, and culture.

    Rooms are comfortable and well-designed (with Virgin’s signature contemporary vibe), and there are multiple dining and lounge options on site. The staff were friendly and the atmosphere was lively without feeling overwhelming – exactly what we wanted: close enough to all the action, but peaceful enough for a good night’s sleep.

    Virgin Hotels New Orleans, Room
    Virgin Hotels New Orleans, Lobby

    👉 Fantastic choice for first-timers in New Orleans who want location, comfort, and style.

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  • Where We Stayed In Memphis: ARRIVE, Memphis

    Where We Stayed In Memphis: ARRIVE, Memphis

    We always spend a lot of time researching hotels for our trips. And to be totally honest with you…we usually nail it.

    Located on South Main Street, ARRIVE Memphis was no exception. It checked all the boxes: a prime location, beautifully unique decor, fantastic rooms, and genuinely lovely staff.

    We would highly recommend you take a look at this hotel when booking your Memphis trip, and here’s why…

    Location, Location, Location

    Right on Main Street in the heart of the South Main Arts District, ARRIVE puts you in the perfect spot for exploring Memphis. It’s conveniently on the trolley line and within walking distance of Beale Street, Union Avenue, and loads of amazing restaurants.

    If you’ve checked out our blog of 10 Things to do in Memphis, you might have seen The Arcade Restaurant on that list. Well, it’s right around the corner from this hotel. As is The National Civil Rights Museum.

    The Arcade Restaurant

    A Feast for the Senses

    Speaking of food and drink — ARRIVE’s got you covered. There’s an in-house bakery and coffee shop serving up fresh pastries and brews, plus a lush cocktail bar that’s perfect for winding down after a day of exploring.

    Beale Street Sign

    The Rooms

    The rooms are honestly one of the best parts of this hotel! We loved ours and couldn’t get over it when we walked in! (We have like a million pictures and videos because it was just so unique!). Stylishly designed with thoughtful details and plenty of creature comforts. Bluetooth speakers, smart TVs, and a handy mini-fridge for late-night snacks or leftovers from that epic Memphis BBQ spot.

    Our room was really spacious, had a lush bed and a gorgeous bathroom. It was one of the loveliest and most individual rooms I think we’ve ever stayed in.

    Room at ARRIVE, Memphis

    Final Thoughts

    We absolutely loved our stay at ARRIVE Memphis. It has that rare balance of style and comfort with a vibe that makes you feel right at home. Would we stay again? 100%. Would we recommend it? Without hesitation.

    Book ARRIVE MEMPHIS Here!

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  • The Best of Memphis – 10 Things To Do In Memphis

    The Best of Memphis – 10 Things To Do In Memphis

    Memphis is one of our all-time favourite places to visit. It has a unique charm, rich history, and plenty to explore. While it’s always good to stay aware of your surroundings (we learned this when a helpful local on the Trolley told us we stick out like sore thumbs and there must be an angel watching over us), we found Memphis to be welcoming, vibrant, and packed with personality.

    So, let’s get to the good stuff – because Memphis has plenty of it! Without further ado, here are our top 10 must-dos in this iconic city:

    1. Sing The Blues on Beale Street

      Okay, maybe listen  to the Blues on Beale Street is more accurate! It’s where the soul of Memphis comes alive. Live music spills out from every bar, neon lights glow, and the energy is contagious. Grab a drink, enjoy some blues, and soak up the iconic vibes of this legendary street.

      Beale Street Sign

      Tip: Most bars charge a cover fee at the door which will last for the whole day, so make sure you account for that!

      1. Experience the Peabody Duck March

        Yes, you read that right – ducks. Every day, morning and evening, The Peabody Hotel hosts the famous Duck March, where their resident ducks waddle through the lobby to the fountain…in style – red carpet and all! It’s quirky, it’s cute, and it’s pure Memphis magic.

        If you don’t make it for the march, don’t fret – the ducks chill and play in the lobby fountain all day, before returning to their Royal Duck Palace on the rooftop of the hotel.

        Aside from the ducks, it’s a really lovely hotel and definitely worth a visit. You can grab a cocktail from the bar (we loved the Memphis Mule) or dine at one of their fancy af restaurants.

        The Peabody Ducks!
        1. Follow in Rock ‘n’ Roll Footsteps at Sun Studios

          Step into the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll, where legends like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash recorded their first hits. You’ll hear the stories, see the memorabilia, and maybe even feel the ghosts of rockstars past. This tour was absolutely one of our highlights of the trip. There’s loads to learn and you can even take a picture with the very microphone the greats used to record their hits!

          Sun Studio Tour
          Sun Studios

          Tip: It’s worth remembering that it can get busy and you do need a ticket for a specific tour time, so make sure to plan ahead!

          1. Spend the day at Graceland

          Following Elvis’ footsteps just once at Sun Studios isn’t enough, and no trip to Memphis is complete without visiting the King’s castle. From Elvis’s jumpsuits to his pink Cadillac, Graceland is a must-see for fans and the Elvis-curious alike. Tbh, even if you’re not a fan, it’s still worth a visit. We are fans but almost didn’t go, just because we didn’t know what to expect. And we’re super glad we changed our minds. It was really worth it!

          Not only do you get visit the Graceland Mansion itself, you also get access to multiple museums, his private jet collection and so much more. It’s basically Disneyland for Elvis fans.

          There is so much to see here, that you really need to set aside a whole day. We were shocked at just how much there was and how much time we needed (and wanted!) to spend here. The gift shops alone are enough to kill at least an hour!

          The Graceland Mansion
          1. Walk Through History at the National Civil Rights Museum

          The Lorraine Motel, located on Main Street, is the location of the assassination of Dr Martin Luther King. Keeping the original building of the Motel, it’s now home the National Civil Rights Museum. This is an absolute must do if you’re visiting Memphis.

          The museum tells ‘the history behind the movement’ and why this history is more important than ever.

          Lorraine Motel – National Civil Rights Museum
          1. ‘Eat Like The King’ at Memphis’ Oldest Cafe

          The Arcade Restaurant has been serving up comfort food since the 1920’s. Their sweet potato pancakes are famous – just ask anyone who’s been!

          Located in the historic South Main Arts District, you just to have to visit! Whether it’s for their all day breakfast, Southern style lunch specials or their creative bar and extensive coffee menu. We went to breakfast (it was right next to our hotel – ARRIVE Memphis) and it did not disappoint!

          Arcade Restaurant
          1. Take a Pit Stop at the Edge Motor Museum

          Car lovers, this one’s for you! Explore the evolution of American automobiles and see some seriously cool vintage rides. To be completely honest, we are not car lovers. By any stretch of the imagination. BUT, this museum was amazing! The staff are friendly and so knowledgeable and the exhibits are just great. Even as people who are just not in to cars, we had a really good time and learned loads. So if you do like cars, well…you gotta go!

          Edge Motor Museum

          Tip: The museum is just up the street from Sun Studios. We got our Sun Studios tour ticket and spent the waiting time in The Edge Motor Museum!

          1. Visit a Not-So-Ancient Pyramid

          Bass Pro Shops (the biggest in the world, might we add) at the Pyramid isn’t your average store – it’s a full on experience! Go bowling, visit an indoor swamp, and ride the tallest freestanding elevator to get epic views. It even has a hotel – Big Cypress Lodge.

          Depending on what you like, I would plan for spending at least an hour here even if you’re just looking around. It’s big!

          The lovely trolley driver dropped us off there, advised us to spend at least an hour there, and then came to collect us an hour later!

          Inside the Pyramid
          Inside the Pyramid
          1. Ride The Historic Trolley

          Travel back in time on this charming vintage trolley. At just $1, it’s an affordable and fun way to explore downtown Memphis, with plenty of stops for sightseeing.

          The trolley routes take you to lots of the points of interest, including Beale Street, Union Avenue, The Peabody and the South Main Arts District.

          Main Street Trolley
          1. Dine In Style at Flight Restaurant

          Can’t decide what to eat? At Flight, you don’t have to! Their menu is designed for sampling, so you can try a little bit of everything, from small plates to wine pairings. They have options for everyone, and the food it really good. As is is the wine. And yes, we did try more than one wine flight!

          Not only is it Memphis’ #1 restaurant in Memphis (according to Open Table) it also makes their list of the top 100 restaurants in the whole of the US. Deffo worth a visit in our opinion!

          The most amazing food at Flight!

          Let us know if you found any more great things to do in Memphis!

          This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you book or purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. Read more here. – Privacy/Disclosure