Find the Best Things to Do in Harbor Town
By Sally Walker Davies
Memphis Local Expert
About Harbor Town
Photo courtesy of Matt Terhune
A little oasis in Memphis located just outside the main business district downtown, Harbor Town sits on the northern end of thin strip of land known as Mud Island, and is a small and charming spot to grab a glass of wine with a view, or meander around an old-timey grocery store.
See & Do
A gorgeous greenbelt lies along the western edge of Harbor Town, with the Mississippi River flowing by at its usually rapid pace. Joggers, dog walkers, and river watchers (there's loads of barge traffic) can be found throughout the area. The Mud Island River Park, at the southern tip of the island, offers a walkable scale model of the Mississippi, an excellent museum detailing Memphis' river history, and an outdoor amphitheater.
Eat
As small as Harbor Town is, with just 500 homes and a variety of apartment complexes, there's a surprisingly robust dining scene. Try Movie and Pizza Company for a slice of pizza and beer, the iconic Paulette's for a killer Sunday brunch or romantic, late-night dinner, Cafe Eclectic for a sandwich or hand-crafted coffee drink, and Tug's for a relaxing lunch. Miss Cordelia's, the Harbor Town's gourmet grocer, also offers a small selection of sandwiches and such - plus amazing desserts - with a few tables in its cafe area. All the restaurants, with the exception of Paulette's, offer al fresco dining, which Memphians take advantage of for nine months a year.
Party
The best spot to grab a drink in Harbor Town is up on the roof of the River Inn. From 4 to 9 p.m. nightly, weather permitting (and they've been known to open in November on warm days), the rooftop is a lovely escape from everyday life. With an almost panoramic view of the river and downtown Memphis, the rooftop is a popular spot on weekends and a perfect out-of-the-way place to catch up with friends any time of the week. If the weather's iffy, simply head to the bar inside the hotel.
Stay
The lush River Inn is a small boutique hotel that's housed in two buildings - and a treat for a romantic weekend. Many of the luxuriously-appointed rooms offer river views; Harbor Town's charming business district just a few steps away, and a jog or walk along the greenbelt offers a chance to explore the river. Paulette's - the longtime favorite of romantic Memphians - many an engagement happens here - is just downstairs, and a nightcap at the rooftop bar is the perfect end to the day.