Your Guide to West Tennessee: Where to Go, Play, Eat, and Stay

The best places to visit in West Tennessee: Memphis

Memphis is the largest and best known city in West Tennessee. It’s a dynamic city with a little something for everyone — it’s the home of the blues and the birthplace of rock n’ roll, it played a pivotal role in the civil rights movement, and it has a dining landscape to rival other major American cities. If you’re visiting West Tennessee, Memphis is an essential stop, and although it’s located as far west as you can go before you hit the Arkansas border, it still makes for a good home base if you plan on day-tripping to other parts of the state.

Things to do in Memphis

The Peabody Duck March

If you’re visiting Memphis, you can’t miss the famous Peabody Duck March, hosted daily at the The Peabody Hotel. The history of the duck march goes like this: In 1933, the manager of The Peabody Hotel went hunting with some friends. They were using live decoys, which was legal at the time, and after a little too much Tennessee whiskey, they thought it would be funny to bring the live ducks back to the hotel and put them in the fountain lobby. What they thought would be a funny joke turned out to be a tradition with serious staying power.

Now, every day from 11 AM to 5 PM, a team of impeccably trained ducks, led by the Duckmaster, are marched from their rooftop home to the hotel’s lobby fountain and back. The ritual is accompanied by music and a large crowd of onlookers. Guests and non-guests alike are invited to watch the march — just be sure to get there early to get a good seat.

The Peabody Hotel: 149 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103

Beale Street

According to Memphis Tourism, Beale Street is currently Tennessee’s most visited attraction. Established in 1841, Beale Street was an area for Black culture and commerce. After yellow fever hit in the 1870s, the city had to forfeit its charter. At this time, a formerly enslaved man named Robert Reed Church acquired land in the area, and his investments helped restore the business community’s confidence in Memphis. Part of Church’s contribution was the Robert R. Church Park at the corner of Beale and Fourth, which quickly drew in blues musicians and featured a 2,000-seat auditorium. Beale Street was also home to many Black-owned businesses and clubs, and served as the headquarters of Ida B. Wells’s anti-segregationist newspaper, Free Speech. In 1977, it was officially declared the Home of the Blues by an act of Congress.

Today, Beale Street is best known for its nightlife, blues, and barbecue. Bar-hoppers can flit between venues such as Silky O’Sullivans, an Irish pub; Rum Boogie Cafe, a famous blues club; and my favorite, B.B. King’s Blues Club, a club-style restaurant with a live band, dancing, and a full menu including ribs, shrimp and grits, barbeque, and more. Note that most of the bars on Beale Street have a cover charge. There are also street performers and walk-up bars where you can order a cocktail to-go while you walk around Beale.

Beale Street: Downtown Memphis

National Civil Rights Museum

The National Civil Rights Museum is located in the former Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. The museum is a profound and educational destination that maps out the history of the civil rights movement in the US. It provides a moving and comprehensive journey through the struggles and triumphs of the movement in chronological order, from slavery, to the Montgomery Bus Boycott, to sit-ins and the assassination of Martin Luther King. The National Civil Rights Museum is an emotionally charged and essential experience for those seeking to understand the legacy of the civil rights movement.

National Civil Rights Museum: 450 Mulberry St, Memphis, TN 38103

Old Dominick Distillery

Old Dominick is located in a 100-year-old restored building that now offers a tour and tasting, a retail spirits shop, and a restaurant. You can eat at the restaurant as well as sit at the bar, or you can take a guided tour through Old Dominick Distillery to learn about the art of crafting spirits, complete with a tasting. This hour-long tour takes you through the whole process of whiskey making, and you can even get your hands a little dirty during the fermentation process by feeling and tasting the mixture. There are a few things that make Old Dominick’s whiskey and spirits stand out; the biggest thing is the water. The water in Memphis comes from the Memphis Sand Aquifer, which sits hundreds of feet underground. This helps to make the spirits sweeter.

Old Dominick produces Tennessee whiskey, vodka, gin, bourbon, and more. In November 2022, Old Dominick released the first whiskey distilled, aged, and bottled in Memphis (legally) since Prohibition. What’s even more interesting is that the person who crafted that whiskey is Alex Castle, the first female master distiller in Tennessee history and Old Dominick’s master distiller.
Reservations are encouraged when booking your tour.

Old Dominick Distillery: 305 S Front St, Memphis, TN 38103

Where to eat in Memphis

Cocozza

What started as a pop-up ghost restaurant now serves authentic Italian-American food. Visiting Cocozza felt like walking into an old-school Italian restaurant, with red checkered tablecloths, music, and huge portions. The vodka rigatoni was creamy, flavorful, and on the spicier side. The baked garlic bread was crispy and filled with melted parmesan and mozzarella cheese and garlic. The antipasti is big enough to share with a few people and has prosciutto, salami, roasted eggplant, olives, and more. As cocktails go, The Hugo was perfectly refreshing, made with St. Germain, Prosecco, mint, and lime. It’s like an Italian version of a mojito.

Cocozza: 106 Harbor Town Square, Memphis, TN 38103

Bishop

Bishop is a modern French brasserie that offers beer and wine with simple hearty food. Expect French dishes prepared the traditional way, as well as modern twists on classics. You’ll find everything from escargot and oysters to avocado toast and eggs.

Bishop: 545 S Main St #111, Memphis, TN 38103

SOB

Standing for South of Beale, this gastropub was featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. The free house-seasoned popcorn that’s on the table when you arrive is addicting. The menu has a wide variety of options such as duck fried rice; a soul bowl, which is a twist on fried chicken; and a Colorado-inspired breakfast burrito with green chilis and braised pork. Make sure to order the general tso’s cauliflower, which has a sweet and sour glaze, and the Philly cheesesteak egg rolls, which come with a spicy aioli for dipping. SOB has two locations in Memphis and another in Collierville, a suburb of Memphis.

SOB Downtown: 345 S Main, Memphis, TN 38103

The Lobbyist

Mixing global styles with ingredients sourced from local farmers, the menu at The Lobbyist is focused on seasonal produce and local meats. I ordered carrots, which retained a nice crunch after being cooked and came with a kimchi cilantro honey dip, and beets, which were served with a creamy yogurt sauce. I also had a simple arugula salad that was elevated with Grana Padano cheese and a crunchy breadcrumb topping. On the drinks menu, you’ll find an extensive list of wines ranging from sparkling to white, red, and rose. You can also find bottled and draft beer and a selection of cocktails. I had the Kirby’s Dreamland, a sparkling vodka-based cocktail with notes of strawberry, rose, and lemon.

The Lobbyist: 272 S Main St ste 101, Memphis, TN 38103

Hog and Hominy

Hog and Hominy is a culinary haven where Southern and Italian flavors collide. This James Beard-nominated restaurant is known for its inventive classics, such as wood-fired pizzas, gourmet pasta dishes, and entrees like burgers, seafood, and salads. The Thunderbird is a particularly standout spicy-sweet pizza with fontina cheese, pepperoni, calabrese, and Calabrian honey. Another must-try is the crab claws. Pro tip: dip your pizza crust into the lemon butter sauce from the crab claws.

Hog and Hominy: 707 W Brookhaven Cir, Memphis, TN 38117

Where to stay in Memphis

The Peabody Hotel

The iconic and historic gem that is The Peabody Hotel embodies Southern elegance and charm. Known for its timeless luxury and legendary hospitality, this historic hotel has been a landmark in Memphis for generations. Guests are treated to a supremely comfortable experience, from the stunning lobby with its famous resident ducks to the beautiful rooms and suites that offer modern comforts while preserving the hotel’s rich history. Its central location just steps away from Beale Street makes it a top choice for visitors.

The Peabody Hotel: 149 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103

The best places to visit in West Tennessee: Jackson

Jackson is located about an hour and a half east of Memphis. Although Jackson is the eighth largest city in Tennessee with a population of about 69,000, you still get that small-town feel. Being the birthplace of rockabilly, a mixture of rock and country music, Jackson’s rich music culture is evident as soon as you walk through downtown and see the murals as well as in the Legends of Tennessee Music Museum.

Things to do in Jackson

Legends of Tennessee Music Museum

In downtown Jackson, you’ll find the Legends of Tennessee Music Museum. The museum will take you on a journey through the state’s musical history with over 500 relics from legends such as Carl Perkins’ first guitar, Tina Turner mementos, costumes and guitars used by Elvis Presley, and more. The museum is open Wednesday-Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM. During my visit to the museum, I was lucky to be shown around by Becky Fly, one of the museum’s storytellers, who walked us through the exhibits with infectious enthusiasm.

Legends of Tennessee Music Museum: 305 E College St #6215, Jackson, TN 38301

Century Farm Winery

Tucked away in the Jackson’s idyllic countryside is Century Farm Winery. The Center for Historic Preservation has designated the site a Tennessee Century Farm, meaning that the farm has belonged to the same family for at least 100 years. Century Farm Winery is now owned by Bart Horton, a sixth-generation owner over the last 200 years. In the tasting room, you can try five award-winning wines for $5, as well as enjoy slushies, wine by the glass, and even non-wine products such as beer or Coca-Cola products.
White wine drinkers will enjoy the Traminette, a citrusy semi-sweet white that finishes with spicy notes. The Norton may be more your speed if you are a red drinker. Made with Norton grapes, you can expect blackberry and black cherry notes, as well as an earthy finish. Visitors are welcome in the tasting room starting at 10 AM Monday-Saturday and 12 PM on Sunday. Note that large groups may want to book a private tasting in advance.

Century Farm Winery: 1548 Lower Brownsville Rd, Jackson, TN 38301

Samuel T. Bryant Distillery

Located a few minutes down the road from Century Farm Winery is the Samuel T. Bryant Distillery. Here, you can enjoy tastings of whiskey, vodka, moonshine, and more. While true Tennessee whiskey is aged in oak barrels or filtered through charcoal, this distillery has tweaked its process to use copper stills, which results in a smoother taste. Everything is made and bottled on site, and no artificial flavors or sweeteners are added.

For $10, visitors can take a 20-minute tour of the distillery before enjoying four complimentary samples. Additional tastings can be purchased. I tried two of the cream liquors, Sunday Morning Cartoons, which tasted just like the milk from a bowl of Fruity Pebble cereal, and Butter Pecan Cream, which tasted like melted ice cream. As a bonus, the distillery is not only dog-friendly (look out for the owner’s poodle, Sandy, when you visit) but animal-friendly at large. We were told that someone brought in their pet raccoon one day.

Samuel T. Bryant Distillery: 1331 Lower Brownsville Rd, Jackson, TN 38301

Downtown Jackson

Downtown Jackson is a historic district lined with cultural attractions, local eateries, and shops selling candles, flowers, clothing, and more. Walking around downtown Jackson will also allow you to see some of the many murals painted around the city. Events such as concerts and art exhibits are hosted downtown throughout the year, providing a dynamic and engaging experience that showcases the city’s culture and creativity. Keep an eye on downtown Jackson’s events calendar to see what’s on when you’re in town.

Where to eat in Jackson

Turntable Coffee Counter

Serving up delicious Ethnos coffee, tea, and pastries, Turntable Coffee Counter is the best place to stop for your caffeine fix. The name is an ode to Jackson’s rockabilly music heritage, as well as its train history since the device that rotates train cars is called a turntable. I ordered the Trailmix Tape Latte, which had pecan syrup, salt, and a berry drizzle. It was delicious.

Turntable Coffee Counter: 300 E Main St, Jackson, TN 38301

The Blacksmith Restaurant

The Blacksmith Restaurant in downtown Jackson is located in a building that once operated as a blacksmith shop in the mid-19th century. The ambiance is warm and inviting with exposed brick walls, but the food steals the show with high-end spins on classics such as burgers, steaks, and seafood dishes. Vegetarian options are also available. The basil pesto burger and ahi tuna salad were standouts of the menu when I visited.

The Blacksmith Restaurant: 216 N Shannon St, Jackson, TN 38301

Skillet Junction

Located in the historic Neely House, Skillet Junction offers Southern comforts like chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, eggs benedict, and lemon mascarpone pancakes. Another must-order is the biscuits and boozy jam flight. Inside Skillet Junction, you’ll also find Peppermint Addies, a sweet shop run by Addie, the daughter of Skillet Junction owners Regina and Jacob Richmond, as well as Pure Scent Essence Candle Bar, run by Shaketha Mebane.

Skillet Junction: 575 S Royal St, Jackson, TN 38301

Where to stay in Jackson

Fairfield Inn & Suites Jackson

The Fairfield Inn and Suites in Jackson offers a welcoming and comfortable retreat for travelers exploring this charming city. With its contemporary design, the hotel provides a restful haven for guests. The complimentary breakfast, friendly staff, and convenient location make it an excellent choice for an enjoyable stay in Jackson.

Fairfield Inn & Suites Jackson: 1335 Vann Dr, Jackson, TN 38305

The best places to visit in West Tennessee: Selmer

Selmer is a small rural town in West Tennessee with a population of about 5,000 people. Located under an hour south of Jackson by car, and under two hours east of Memphis, it makes for a pleasant day trip from bigger cities in West Tennessee.

Things to do in Selmer

Downtown Selmer

Downtown Selmer is a perfect place to stroll, shop, and grab a bite during a day trip. Between pursuing stores such as Mammy’s Soap Co, The Loft, and The Shoppe on Main and eating at one of the many cafes in town, keep an eye out for the murals that decorate downtown Selmer, including the particularly well known Rockabilly Mural.

Hockaday Handmade Brooms

Hockaday Brooms is one of only 200 traditional broom-makers left across the US. This family-owned business has been crafting traditional handmade brooms for generations.

Traditional broom-making entails growing the broomcorn, a type of sorghum plant; creating the handles from logs or branches; and securing the broomcorn around the handle with wire. After the broomcorn is secured, the head of the broom is stitched. All of this can be seen through the demonstration by broom-maker Jack Martin. “It takes five months and 45 minutes to make each broom,” says Martin. “Five months to grow the broom corn and 45 minutes to make the broom.”

Witnessing a broom being created is an experience I will never forget. The passion he has for his business is evident as he explains how he got started in the business and how he teaches apprentices the art of broom-making to keep the tradition alive. Jack is an amazing storyteller, and this was one of my favorite parts of the trip.

Hockaday Handmade Brooms: 2076 TN-142, Selmer, TN 38375

Where to eat in Selmer

Pat’s Cafe

Pat’s Cafe famously serves slugburgers. Originally from Corinth, Mississippi, slugburgers were found in many small restaurants close to railroads throughout Mississippi, Alabama, and lower Tennessee. The old-fashioned hamburger comes with a patty made from a mixture of beef and pork and an inexpensive meat extender such as soybeans that’s then deep-fried and served on a bun with mustard, pickles, onions, and sometimes cheese.

The history of the slugburger dates back to around the 1920s when the price of meat skyrocketed, hence the use of meat extenders such as potato flake, soy, or flour. At that time, slugburgers cost a nickel, which was called a “slug.” The price of a slugburger at Pat’s Cafe is now $1.25. If that doesn’t sound like your thing, you can also find country ham, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, and more on the menu at Pat’s.

Pat’s Cafe: 110 E Court Ave, Selmer, TN, United States, 38375-2302

The best places to visit in West Tennessee: Hardin County

Hardin County lies along the Tennessee River on the Mississippi border. One of the biggest draws to the county is Pickwick Landing State Park, which provides visitors with scenic views and outdoor adventures that showcase the natural beauty of West Tennessee. Throughout the county, you can also visit museums, peruse shops, and learn more about Civil War history at the Shiloh National Military Park.

Things to do in Hardin County

Downtown Savannah

Savannah is a small, historic city in Hardin County. To learn what makes it historic, visitors can take a two-mile, self-guided tour that will take you past 42 homes, the historic Savannah Theatre, and the Savannah Cemetery — you can grab the map from the Tennessee River Museum (see below). One highlight of the tour is Cherry Mansion. Before the Battle of Shiloh during the Civil War, the mansion served as Ulysses S. Grant’s headquarters. Though the mansion is not open to visitors, it’s worth admiring from the sidewalk, where you’ll find placards explaining its significance. You can also walk down through the gate to the river viewpoint to read more about the mansion’s history.

Tennessee River Museum

The Tennessee River Museum is located in Hardin County’s historic Savannah district. The museum takes visitors on a journey from prehistoric life to post-war reconciliation, detailing the unique history of the Tennessee River Valley. There are plenty of exhibits, some interactive, including Paleontology with over 200 fossil specimens, and Archaeology, which explores the lives of the native societies that originally populated the Tennessee River Valley. The Golden Age of Steamboats is another fun exhibit that chronicles the rise of the steamboats, which led to the booming trade in the Tennessee River Valley.

Tennessee River Museum: 495 Main St, Savannah, TN 38372

Pickwick Landing State Park

If you’re an outdoor lover, you won’t want to miss Pickwick Landing State Park for activities such as hiking, fishing, and kayaking. The water was perfectly calm when I kayaked there, making for a relaxing paddle down the lake. While on the water, I saw wildlife such as ducks, fish, and different kinds of birds.

Pickwick Landing State Park: 116 State Park Rd, Counce, TN 38326

Shiloh National Military Park

Established in 1894 to preserve the scene of the first major battle in the Western part of the Civil War, Shiloh National Military Park contains what’s considered one of the best-preserved battlefields in the nation — one that measures an impressive 5,000 acres. Inside the park’s visitor center, some exhibits display tools of war along with their effects, and you can watch an award-winning film, Shiloh: Fiery Trail. Also on the premises is the United States National Cemetery, which contains the graves of 4,000 soldiers and their family members. Note that there are no walking trails to explore the park; you must drive to each of the stops. Before you go, make sure to download the NPS App to access the Shiloh Audio Driving Tour since the service is spotty inside the park.

Shiloh National Military Park: 1055 Pittsburg Landing Rd, Shiloh, TN 38376

Where to eat in Hardin County

Hagy’s Catfish Hotel

Hagy’s Catfish Hotel is a longtime family-owned restaurant. Opened in 1938, it’s now run by the third generation of the Hagy family. The restaurant’s specialty is its “world famous catfish,” but there are plenty of other menu items to choose from, as well, including salads, burgers, chicken, and steaks. Be sure to try the delicious hushpuppies when you go.

Hagy’s Catfish Hotel: 1140 Hagy Ln, Shiloh, TN 38376

Selah Coffee

This locally owned coffee shop is located in the historic district of Savannah. It serves various coffee drinks including espressos, pour-overs, tea, and other non-coffee drinks. The iced oatmeal cookie latte, made with oat milk and brown sugar syrup, was creamy and delicious.

Selah Coffee: 370 Main St, Savannah, TN 38372

The Outpost

Part restaurant, part general store, part old-fashioned ice cream shop, and part lodge, the complex that houses The Outpost restaurant captures the essence of Southern hospitality. I went to The Outpost for breakfast and had the two-egg breakfast with bacon and toast. I also tried the biscuits with chocolate gravy, which is exactly what it sounds like — it tasted like melted chocolate ice cream over warm buttery biscuits. Delicious as they are, they’re also quite decadent, so you may want to consider sharing.

The Outpost: 2175 TN-128, Savannah, TN 38372

Earl’s Grille

This whimsical, car-themed restaurant offers delicious American dishes like smash burgers and fries, nachos, wings, and more. You’ll find car-themed decor throughout the entire restaurant. The menu items, a license plate wall, and even the bathroom sinks are completely made up of repurposed car parts.

Earl’s Grille: 3425 US-64, Crump, TN 38327

Where to stay in Hardin County

Pickwick Cabin Rentals

Pickwick Cabin Rentals in Tennessee offers a tranquil escape into the beauty of the great outdoors. Nestled in the scenic Pickwick Landing State Park, these cabins provide a perfect getaway for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Surrounded by lush forests, near the shimmering waters of Pickwick Lake, these rentals offer a serene retreat from the hustle of city life. I had the pleasure of staying in the Island View Cabin — the views were unbeatable.

Pickwick Cabin Rentals: Pickwick Landing State Park

How to get to West Tennessee

The best way to explore West Tennessee is to fly into Memphis International Airport and rent a car. With so much to see in this region, and so many places to visit, renting a car will save you time and allow you to get the most out of your trip between overnights and day trips.