Find the Best Things to Do in East Memphis
By Sally Walker Davies
Memphis Local Expert
About East Memphis
Photo courtesy of MemphisTravel.com
Just east of Midtown Memphis stretching to Germantown, East Memphis encompasses beautiful, tree-lined neighborhoods, boutique shopping, some of the city's best dining experiences, top financial firms and some Fortune 500 company headquarters. East Memphis also offers the chance to explore a variety of green spaces and cultural venues.
See & Do
The Dixon Gallery & Gardens and the Memphis Botanic Garden are within walking distance of each other, the former combining art with formal gardens, the latter offering gardens for everyone, including the amazing children's garden dubbed My Big Backyard - it snows there in the winter! Shelby Farms is a huge public space filled with recreational opportununiities, from horseback riding to fishing to riding the Greenline back into town. Theatre Memphis offers excellent productions.
Eat
The local dining scene is scrumptious in East Memphis; Interim offers a sophisticated and casual white tablecloth experience; Folk's Folly is where the city's powerbrokers finalize deals, Asian favorite Mosa Asian Bistro is inviting with its variety of Thai, Chinese, and Japanese fare, while Circa by John Bragg brings a sleek, chic atmosphere and regional dishes to diners.
Stay
The best thing about hotels in East Memphis is their prime location; whether visiting for pleasure of business. The Hilton Memphis is the most lush of the choices, a skyscraping beacon of luxurious accommodation. The Holiday Inn at the University of Memphis is perfectly situated for those doing business but who want a location closer to Midtown Memphis, And the Embassy Suites Shady Grove promises plenty of home-like comforts for travelers.
Shop
A shopper's paradise, East Memphis is chock full of boutiques - and quite surprisingly, a few outlets as well. Laurelwood Shopping Center offers a combination of national retailers including Talbot's and Chicos as well as way upscale boutiques Joseph and James Davis. Spruce is a darling space that local designer Selena McAdams crams full of the coolest stuff - both home decor and personal decor - while the Williams Sonoma and Pottery Barn outlets lure bargain shoppers.