The Artists

When it comes to homegrown talent, Memphis has been one of the world’s greatest musical hotbeds for the better part of a century. From all-time greats such as Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley, and Isaac Hayes to cult heroes such as Big Star and Furry Lewis, there does indeed seem to be something in the water. 

But while our rich history is always a reason to be thankful, you don’t have to jump into a time machine to find world-class artists. At this particular point in time, Glorilla may be the biggest female star on earth not named Taylor or Beyonce, and artists such as IMAKEMADBEATS, Taliba Safiyah, Marcella Simmien, Southern Avenue, MonoNeon, Valerie June, and Pooh Sheisty have become nationally-recognized figures. That said, some of the city’s greatest art has always been created quietly in the shadows, which remains true to this day.

Radio Stations

In this era of streaming, bluetooth, and other technological advancements that have made listening to music easier than ever, tuning in to terrestrial radio can often feel like a relic of a bygone era. In fact, for many places–especially those who are lacking in community stations– the radio is basically obsolete (unless you just have an affinity for hearing the same 7 songs on repeat ad nauseum). 

Memphis radio, however, is just built different. This is particularly true of community stations such as WEVL and WYXR who allow amateur DJs to share their own favorite tunes, disrupting the monotony of corporate radio and putting unique, strange, and local music back on the airwaves. 

Museums 

The Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Sun Studios, the Memphis Rock N Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame, Graceland, the Memphis Music Hall of Fame…the sheer number of music-focused museums in Memphis alone is staggering, but even more so when considering their quality. 

Seriously folks, people travel from all across the world to visit our cultural heritage sites, especially those that sit on hallowed ground, like Sun and Stax. If you’ve never been–or if it’s been since that 6th grade field trip–do yourself a favor and take a visit. We can guarantee that you won’t regret it.

Record Stores

Although Memphis has lost several beloved record stores in the past couple of decades (RIP Cats, Spin Street, Pop Tunes, Audiomania, River Records, and all of our other fallen comrades), the city still boasts two of the nation’s best in Shangri-La and Goner Records, each of which has been recognized by national publications such as Rolling Stone, NPR, Paste, and others. Add the new kid on the block River City Records to the list and Memphis truly has a wealth of music-buying options in quality if not quantity. Keep all three in mind this year as you begin your holiday shopping, because shopping local is always in vogue. 

Venues

Speaking of quality over quantity, Memphis’ live music scene could undoubtedly use a few more live music venues, especially when considering our overabundance of great talent. This, however, is a piece about what we’re thankful for, and that certainly applies to the many great venues that we do have. Whether you prefer catching a headlining superstar at the FedEx Forum or an experimental show at the Lamplighter with 7 other lucky strangers, Memphis has a bit of something for everyone, you just have to be willing to put yourself out there.

Non-Profits

Aside from a very lucky few, most musicians are not able to sustain themselves on creating music alone, at least not without a little help. Thankfully, Memphis has seen a plethora of excellent organizations spring up over the past few years whose mission is to help give our musicians the support and resources that they need. Chief amongst them are Music Export Memphis, the Memphis Slim Collaboratory, and the Soulsville Foundation, all of whom work tirelessly to ensure that Memphis remains a world-class music city. Like all non-profits, all of these organizations depend on the support of the community to continue their missions, so consider supporting them this holiday season if you can.

Recording Studios

From iconic studios such as Royal, Ardent, and Sam Phillips to newer ventures such as High/Low, Electraphonic, and Southern Grooves, Memphis has once again become a world-class studio town that attracts talent from both near and far. Although they often go unnoticed by the general public, studios are the life-blood of any vigorous music scene. So whether you are looking for a state-of-the-art modern facility or a charmingly dusty analog set-up, Memphis has got the goods.

Festivals and Series

With all due respect to the Beale Street Music Festival, who we hope to see make a triumphant return in 2025, Memphis was sorely lacking in large-scale music festivals and similar events for decades. Thankfully, things are certainly trending in the right direction, thanks in large part to the emergence of Mempho, who have introduced both the Mempho Music Fest and Riverbeat in the past several years. They are certainly not alone in introducing or continuing great live music series, though. The Overton Park Shell’s Orion Free Concert Series, the Botanic Garden’s Live at the Garden series, Gonerfest, WYXR’s Raised by Sound Fest, Tone’s annual Juneteenth celebration, and Cooper-Young’s Porch Fest are all beloved institutions that help bring excellent live music to Memphians throughout the year.

Memphis Record Pressing

Did you know that Memphis is the home to the fastest-growing vinyl manufacturer in the United States and one of the largest producers of vinyl on earth? If not, then consider this something new to be thankful for. MRP, which is located on a sprawling complex in Bartlett, has taken advantage of the vinyl resurgence to become the go-to pressing plant for many of the world’s biggest artists. In addition to the many new jobs that they’ve added to the community, there is something undeniably special about pulling out your favorite records and seeing the words “Memphis Record Pressing” etched into the dead wax.

The Memphis Listening Lab

So far, we’ve tried to keep this list pretty general, focusing on larger communities rather than individual entities. When it comes to the Memphis Listening Lab, however, that’s just not possible, because there is nothing quite like it anywhere else on earth. A massive free music library boasting 12,000 LPs, 30,000 45s, 20,000 CDs, and upwards of a thousand music books, the MLL is one of the city’s most distinctive spaces and an invaluable resource for music lovers. In addition to their vast library, the Lab also has a gorgeous, ultramodern sound room that regularly hosts album listening events, release parties, artist Q&As, and much more. 

The post 10 Reasons for Memphis Music Fans to Be Thankful This Year appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Take-Home Thanksgiving Dinners

Leave all the stress and prep work of cooking behind when you buy one of these take-home dinners from classic Memphis restaurants. Not only will your Thanksgiving be more relaxed, but these dishes offer quintessential Southern flavors that the whole family can appreciate.

Buster’s Butcher

Buster’s Butcher is offering roasted turkeys, smoked turkeys, and brined turkeys, as well as a variety of classic sides like cranberry salad and mac and cheese. Visit their website or call to place your order before their Nov. 17 order deadline.

Capital Grille

Enjoy roasted turkey, brioche stuffing, mashed potatoes, and more from the comfort of your home with this take-home meal from Capital Grille. Pre-order by Nov. 21.

Chef Tam’s Underground Café

Chef Tam’s Underground Café is offering cajun-fried turkeys, pineapple-upside down ham, brown sugar ham, and oxtails this November for pick-up. You can also grab your favorite sides and desserts to complete your Thanksgiving meal. Their order deadline is Nov. 17.

Corky’s

Grab hickory-smoked whole turkeys and honey-glazed spiral-sliced hams, along with classic casseroles and sides for your dinner. Place your order ASAP before they sell out!

Cordelia’s Market

This shop in Harbor Town offers a Thanksgiving Box for Two and a wide selection of sides and desserts from popular local vendors like Muddy’s Bake Shop. The order deadline is Nov. 16.

Curb Side Casseroles

Curb Side has a wide selection of sides and dishes to complete your Thanksgiving meal, from cornbread dressing to sweet corn pudding. And since these meals are frozen, you can buy them ahead of time and save them for the big day.

The Grecian Gourmet

If you’re looking for a nontraditional Thanksgiving meal, then try Grecian Gourmet. You get classic Greek dishes or vegetarian options. You can even buy “The Full Feast” which lets you customize your menu with entrees, sides, and a dessert.

The Four Way

Choose from two turkey packages with sides like macaroni and cheese and gravy. You can also snag your favorite desserts and pies here for a post-dinner treat. Just order by Nov. 18.

Hog Wild

Get smoked spiral-sliced hams, smoked whole turkeys, and more from Hog Wild this season. You can also order traditional side items and desserts, such as cobblers and pies. Place your order by Nov. 17.

Katie’s Kitchen

Grab your Thanksgiving dinner essentials AND a Black Friday brunch from Katie’s Kitchen. The deadline for these take-home dinners is on Nov. 17.

One & Only BBQ

Stock up on your turkey, ham, dressing, and desserts from this classic barbecue joint. You can also grab Thanksgiving box lunches and buffets for those larger parties. Order yours with at least 24 hours’ notice.

Seasons 52

Bring home a taste of Seasons 52 with their Thanksgiving box that can feed between four to six people. It has a roasted turkey, gravy, green beans, mini pumpkin pies, and more. Reserve yours by Nov. 20.

The Peabody Memphis

The Peabody is offering a fully-cooked Thanksgiving dinner, ready to heat and serve. It includes a whole 12-pound turkey, several sides, and dessert for four people. Place your order online by Nov. 16.

Riko’s Kickin Chicken

Riko’s Kickin Chicken is offering a 14- to 16-pound turkey in your favorite hot wings flavor. The deadline to order is Nov. 18.

The Cupboard Restaurant

Get spiral-sliced hams, whole roast turkeys, and a gallon of your favorite classic sides at this restaurant. Their order deadline is Nov. 19.

Small Businesses with Black Friday Deals

Support local small businesses this Black Friday when you shop at these Memphis stores. And be sure to follow their social media accounts to see what deals they’ll be offering this season!

Misc. Gifts

• Art of Lindsey Jenks
• Deanna Hamsley Artwork
• Bone Spell Arts
• Artwork by Dana Shoops
• ARCHd
• Bella Script Designs

Home Goods 

• New Harbert Candles 
• Pretty Useful 
• Re+New+All Candle
• Falling Into Place
• Cotton Row Uniques
• Downtown Candle Co.
• La Maison Antiques
• Wax Aroma Candles
  Cooper-Young Gallery

Clothing

• Prima’s Bakery and Boutique – Shop Mucho 
• Just Polly Boutique
• Feelin Memphis 
• J.McLaughlin
• Stock and Belle
• Mbabazi House of Style
• The Ivory Closet
• Silk N Honey Boutique
• Turn Her Style
• SACHI

Kids’ Clothing
London and York
Spoiled Sweet Boutique
Southern Lace Boutique
Cotton Tails Inc.
Porcelain Bunny

Books/Media

• Novel
• Burke’s Book Store
• DeMoir Books and Things
• Second Editions Book Store
• South Main Book Juggler

Arts, Decor, and Crafts

• Custom Art by Nat Cooper 
• Ellywise Studios
  Knowledge Tree
• The Art Project
• Me & Mrs. Jones

Jewelry 

• B. Sartain 
• LimeTree 
• WildCraft Shoppe
• The Faint of Heart
• Cake Baby 901
• 901 Charm Boutique

The post Your Guide to a Memphis Thanksgiving and Black Friday Shopping appeared first on We Are Memphis.

While Thanksgiving in Memphis has many things in its favor (reuniting with friends and family,  throwing dietary concerns to the wind, drinking wine at noon), it also comes with plenty of headaches, such as a grueling cooking schedule and even more burdensome after-meal cleaning. With that in mind, there are plenty of Memphis food options and fantastic restaurants who are willing to do the dirty work for you.

So whether you’re looking for comfort food or something a little fancier, here are seven of our favorite local restaurants that you can rely on this holiday season, leaving you more time to focus on the things that really matter (like arguing with your drunk uncle about canned versus homemade cranberry sauce). 

*Be warned – you’ll need to plan ahead, so be sure to check out each restaurant’s deadline for reservations or placing pick-up orders.

Bishop
545 S. Main St. (Inside Central Station)

If you’re a foodie residing in Memphis, it’s almost inevitable that you’ve eaten at one of Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman’s many excellent restaurants. Their newest venture, a trendy French Brasserie called Bishop residing inside Central Station, proves once again that this culinary duo might just be the Bluff City’s most talented restaurateurs. 

This year, Bishop will be open on Thanksgiving day!

Capriccio Grill
149 Union Ave. (Inside The Peabody)

Known as one of the finest steakhouses in Memphis, the Capriccio Grill at the Peabody will be serving a special three-course meal between noon and 10pm on Thanksgiving day. 

Prefer a nice, medium rare steak over turkey? They’ve got a filet mignon with lobster mornay sauce on the menu that’s to die for. From its warm and elegant dining room outfitted to host everything from intimate gatherings to a large Thanksgiving feast, let the Capriccio Grill be your home away from home this holiday season.

 The Complicated Pilgrim
21 S. Cooper Street (Inside The Memphian)

If we were basing our Thanksgiving meal location on name alone, then it would be hard to find a more fitting restaurant than The Complicated Pilgrim, the beautiful and inviting restaurant located in Midtown’s The Memphian hotel. 

The restaurant will be offering a specialty four course meal from noon to 8pm on Thanksgiving Day. With scrumptious fare ranging from lemon braised chicken thighs to red velvet cheesecake, there’s nothing complicated about a holiday feast at the Complicated Pilgrim.

Felicia Suzanne’s
Main Street, between Monroe & Madison Ave.

Few restaurants are able to blend Southern comfort food with fine dining better than long-time Memphis restaurant staple Felicia Suzanne’s, which makes this local eatery an ideal source for an elegant yet familiar Thanksgiving dinner. 

Their annual “Operation Turkey Day” menu is back yet again, featuring delectable twists on traditional favorites such as gulf oyster dressing and deviled eggs topped with salmon, caviar and bacon. 

NOTE: Felicia Suzanne’s has temporarily closed their restaurant and will be re-opening their brand new location at 383 South Main Street in 2023!

Paulette’s
50 Harbor Town Square

For nearly 50 years, Paulette’s has been one of the most celebrated fine dining restaurants in Memphis, garnering a stellar reputation for their service, food, and atmosphere. 

If you’re feeling a bit bougie this year, then head to Harbor Town and treat yourself to a three-course meal that includes uniquely delicious options such as lobster bisque, filet mignon, fresh baked pumpkin pie, or the tried-and-true turkey and dressing that’s hearty enough to round out any holiday dinner with family and friends. 

Once gathered together in their classically Southern dining room and indulging in the beautifully presented entrees coupled with an impressive selection of fine wines, Paulette’s will quickly become your new home for the holidays.

Muddy’s Bake Shop
2497 Broad Ave.

It’s easy to think about Thanksgiving and immediately taste the turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce, before you’ve even unfolded your napkin. But no Thanksgiving is truly complete until the dessert hits the table, and that’s where Muddy’s Bake Shop officially takes the cake. 

Just get in close proximity to this old school, neighborhood bakery, and you’ll begin to sense the sweet and sugary aromas in the air. One step through the door and you’ll be elated by the sight of their always fresh, always made from scratch, homestyle southern classics. 

Whether your gathering is in need of cookies, cakes, pies, or cupcakes, all of their soulful Memphis treats are made from high quality, locally sourced ingredients. Every delicious morsel is an explosion of flavor, guaranteed to liven up your Thanksgiving feast.

Memphis Toddy – Old Dominick Distillery
305 S. Front St.

Take a journey deep into the history of Memphis food and drink heritage, with a quick stop or a curated tour of the Old Dominick Distillery. 

Just steps away from their original building, the now state-of-the-art facility and classic Memphis bar is steeped in the brand’s 150-year-old story. You’ll experience firsthand the dedication and passion this iconic Memphis distillery pours into every bottle. 

Whether you’re looking to pick up a few local spirits for your Thanksgiving dinner or gather with friends and family to enjoy the sensory-infused tour and curated tasting experience, your time at the elevated, yet relaxed atmosphere will make for an unforgettable holiday excursion.  

Riko’s Kickin’ Chickin
1329 Madison Avenue

What started back in 2014 as a flourishing Memphis food truck, Riko’s Kickin Chickin now a popular local eatery built on a love story so delicious you can taste it in every bite. 

Known for its fiery sauces and uniquely Southern menu, this downtown Memphis hotspot has been kickin’ it big-time for years, thanks to a husband and wife duo so dedicated to perfection that they still hand-check every dish before it ever leaves the kitchen. 

Stop in daily for some of the city’s best seasoned wings, available in flavors like Honey Garlic, BBQ, Lemon Pepper, and Jamaican Jerk. For a real Thanksgiving treat, you can’t go wrong with their one-of-a-kind Honey Gold Deep Fried Turkey. 

Get your order in now, because you don’t want to miss this flavorful new take on a holiday classic!

You may also like: Healthy Holiday Restaurants in the 901! 

The post Thanksgiving in Memphis: Dining Guide 2022 appeared first on We Are Memphis.

1. Keep Gatherings Within the Household – Holiday dinners should look a little different this year. Dr. Jain recommends that you keep your gatherings limited to those within your household. Look at it this way, you can avoid the awkward dinner table questions from your extended family! 
2. Save the Massive Meals for Later – If you can’t skip the big gatherings, think about skipping the meal. Dr. Jain says that the best way to stay safe is to stay masked and distant. You can’t wear a mask while you’re chowing down, but you can while chatting it up (six feet away!). Quality time is the reason for the season – not just the turkey!  
3. Get Tested! – Can’t stay away for the holidays? Dr. Jain reminds us to get tested and quarantine before heading to events. Testing – and quarantining – is the only way to be sure that you’re negative and won’t spread COVID to family members, especially ones that are high risk.
4. Talk About Staying Safe –  It’s up to us to be proactive about staying safe. Whether you’re thinking about your loved ones’ health or considering your own, Dr. Jain suggests having frank conversations about the risks of socializing. Not only do these conversations keep everyone informed, but they also provide everyone with a sense of responsibility. Keep each other accountable!
5. Get your flu shot! – COVID is dangerous, but COVID plus the Flu is a recipe for crisis. Dr. Jain shares that the effects of having both illnesses can be devasting, so taking the extra step to protect yourself is more important than ever. It probably won’t cost you much, either – most health plans cover flu shots, so be sure to check your coverage before you go.

As a last reminder, Dr. Jain stresses that “the control or the ability to reduce risk of infection is in our hands. Our behavior determines the way this epidemic will turn in our community.” If we all take these tips into consideration, we can significantly clear up the spread of the COVID-19 in our communities. 

Have a safe holiday!

The post How to Stay Healthy this Holiday Season! appeared first on We Are Memphis.

1. Manage your Expectations. 

Managing the stress of the holiday season is pretty hectic, however, you should do everything you can to manage your own expectations, while taking care of yourself. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you are unable to maintain the exact workout schedule and diet that you strictly follow. After all, the nature of the holidays means that you are probably going to eat a little bit too much of “the wrong things” and not find as much time to exercise as intensely as you typically do. There are many ways to continue living a healthy lifestyle during this time, and putting more stress and pressure upon yourself to maintain your temple isn’t always the best way to approach your mental health positively. 

2. Indulge on specific days – not the entire Season!

Overindulging is not only encouraged, but expected during the Holidays. It’s so easy to let yourself dive into that mound of food on the table, eat ALL the candy, and drink ALL the punch in front of you. Everyone else is doing it! While this is fun and delicious, the post-binge consequences, both physically, and mentally can take you off track and bring you down to a place of self-punishment and anxiety. An easy rule to follow is to indulge for a night, but toss or donate the leftovers out as soon as you can. Your family will love a little doggie bag of the delicious meal and treats that they just enjoyed, and you don’t need the lingering temptation of heavy Holiday food sitting around.

3. Remember, It’s only a few Single Days.

Holidays are a wonderful time to come together to enjoy food, fun, and shared beliefs with those we care about. We all want to let go, be thankful, celebrate, and yes, even indulge a bit, or even alot! In reality, these single instances of indulgence will have little impact on a healthy lifestyle. Let yourself have those moments and enjoy the seasonal food and drink you look forward to all year. Don’t be too hard on yourself, and when the party is over, so should be the indulgence. Keep it tightly reigned in so that you can keep yourself guilt-free, and also truly enjoy the Holiday. 

4. Find the time to Stay Active.

With a bit of planning, taking the time for a short workout isn’t that difficult. Even if you can’t make it to the gym, it’s easy enough to schedule a quick workout, run, or even a 15 Minute HITT session before bed. The key is to not let the stress of NOT working out how you normally would cause you to suffer mentally. Do what you can, when you can, and everything will be alright!

5. Remember there is always time for self-care

The post Staying Mentally and Physically Healthy through the Holidays appeared first on We Are Memphis.

There are countless Memphis events and businesses worth investing your precious time off—so many, in fact, that you may feel overwhelmed by all the choices. If you’re floundering for things to do during Thanksgiving break, try one of these Memphis options.

Go to the Memphis Zoo

Established in 1906, the Memphis Zoo is a long-standing Memphis attraction sure to provide an enjoyable day trip for any Memphian. It was first built to house Natch, the black bear mascot of the Memphis Turtles baseball team, but other animals were later added to the facility to create the Memphis Zoo as we know it today.

The Memphis Zoo has a host of animals from all over the world for visitors to enjoy, including elephants, pandas, tigers, polar bears, penguins, tropical birds and hippopotami. Don’t miss the three baby animals currently in the zoo’s care: a baby orangutan named Rowan, a baby sloth named Lua and a baby hippo named Winnie.

Visit an art gallery

For Memphians who want a taste of art and culture over the long weekend, a visit to one of Memphis’ many art galleries is sure to sate that urge. Consider the following Memphis art museums to find one that’s right for you:

• The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art: As both the largest and the oldest art museum in Tennessee, this local landmark holds everything from modern art to rare antiquities
• The Dixon Gallery and Gardens: Specializing in porcelain and impressionist art, the Dixon Gallery and Gardens boasts permanent collection of more than 2,000 art pieces intended to show the public the beauty of not only art but also gardening.
• The Metal Museum: This museum’s exhibits exclusively feature art made out of metal. It’s the only museum of its kind in the country, and it features all sorts of metallic creations.

Volunteer your time

Thanksgiving is a time of year where families get together, express their thanks and participate in luxurious meals. Needless to say, the holidays can make us aware of what we have to be thankful for and how much we can give to others. For Memphians who would like to give back this holiday season, there are a number of Memphis volunteer opportunities at MIFA’s Meals on Wheels, the Memphis Crisis Center, LeBonheur Children’s Hospital and more.

Looking for more stories on what makes Memphis great?

Follow our Instagram page below!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by We Are Memphis (@wearememphistn) on Nov 11, 2018 at 6:47pm PST

You might also be interested in: Giving Back is the New Black: Volunteer Opportunities in Memphis

The post 3 things to do during Thanksgiving break (besides shopping)! appeared first on We Are Memphis.