Memphis Zoo

2022 was the year of a lot of travel redemption for most of us, but it was also the year I had to turn down trips to Portugal, Spain, and Paris, as well as have a trip to New Orleans cancelled due to Covid. But thankfully that didn’t stop me from a spring road trip to Texas, a few summer days in DC, two trips to Disney World, and lots of Tennessee day trips in between. Enjoy this travel journal of 350 (!!!) places, including: 🖼️ 42 Museums, Gardens, and Attractions ☕️ 50 Coffee Shops 🍽️ 99 Restaurants, Bakeries, and Food Trucks 🛏️ 38 Hotels, Bed & Breakfasts, and Airbnbs ✨ and a whole bunch more! Scroll to the bottom for my favorites of the year!

I went into 2023 with a huge appetite for travel but very few plans to do so. Little did I know London was on the horizon, and while my annual anniversary trip was much tamer than usual in humble Huntsville AL, I was so glad to do a solo Disney World trip (again), take my girls on the road for the first time to Louisiana, and have lots of Tennessee day trips in between. Enjoy this travel journal of 379 (!!!) places, including: 🖼️ 64 Museums, Gardens, and Attractions ☕️ 53 Coffee Shops 🍽️ 82 Restaurants, Bakeries, Bars, and Food Trucks 🛏️ 29 Hotels, Bed & Breakfasts, and Airbnbs ✨ and a whole bunch more! Scroll to the bottom for my favorites of the year!

Memphis quickly became “home” when I moved to the Grind City for a year in 2016-2017, and then quasi-lived there as a commuter for two years. There was a tangible buzz to the city that I felt in my bones and still feel the moment I cross The Loop to visit. In many ways, I felt my personal growth and healing paralled the city’s resurgence over the last couple of years. Memphis is a city that doesn’t hide its scars. It truly embodies the slogan of its beloved Grizzlies: Grit and Grind. Memphis is full of creatives and risk-takers. A perfect blend of southern hospitality and big city anonymity. Here’s a few of my favorite places to frequent for a day or weekend trip, ranging from upscale meals to hole-in-the-wall soul food. Memphis is indeed on the rise.