Low Fi Coffee: This hip “no sugar” coffee shop is one of the best in town… And you read that right, they don’t sweeten their coffee! The baristas are friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about coffee - and it’s so good that you truly don’t need any sugar! (@lowficoffee)

Java Cabana Coffeehouse: One of Memphis’ oldest and most celebrated coffeehouses, this quaint little shop is as picture-perfect on the outside as it is on the inside! Unlike Low Fi Coffee, they use sugar in a lot of their specialty drinks, so if you like your coffee sweet, this is your spot! Try the “Funky Monkey”! (@javacabanacafe)

French Truck Coffee: Located inside the Crosstown Concourse is one of our favorite NOLA coffee shops - French Truck Coffee! Try the NOLA iced coffee - and order some toast if you’re hungry! (@frenchtruck)

Breakfast

The Arcade Restaurant: This iconic breakfast spot is the oldest cafe in Memphis, and has been featured on The Travel Channel and Food Network… so it’s a must. (Even Justin Timberlake has been spotted here!) It’s hearty, it’s delicious, and the portions will keep you full until dinner! (@arcaderestaurant)

• Bobby’s pick: The Redneck Special

• Alli’s pick: Sweet Potato Pancakes

Sunrise Memphis: An eclectic, cozy diner with soul, this is one of the most popular breakfast spots in Memphis - and for good reason! Don’t let the lines deter you, they move quick! (@sunrisememphis)

• Bobby’s pick: The Usual

• Alli’s pick: The Kitchen Sink

Gibson’s Donuts: This old school donut shop could be easily overlooked if it’s not on your radar - but they make some of the best donuts we’ve had in awhile! They’re light and fluffy and perfectly simple, and pair perfectly with a glass of milk! If you have a sweet tooth in the morning, GO HERE. (@gibsonsdonuts)

Lunch/Dinner

Loflin Yard: If the weather is nice and you’re looking for somewhere to kick back, listen to live music, drink some cold ones and maybe play a game or two - head here! This indoor/outdoor venue is fun for all ages, and their food is great too! (@loflinyard)

• Bobby’s pick: Old Bridge Burger

• Alli’s pick: Brisket Tacos

Central BBQ: Ask any Memphis local where to eat, and chances are they’ll send you here. This award-winning BBQ restaurant specializes in “fall-off-the-bone meat”, southern hospitality, and good times! And make sure you try their famous banana pudding for dessert! (@centralbbq)

• Bobby’s pick: Pulled pork sandwich

• Alli’s pick: Pulled chicken plate with BBQ beans and Mac n Cheese

Gus’s Fried Chicken: We simply can’t stress how absolutely phenomenal this hole-in-the-wall fried chicken restaurant is. Go in the mid-afternoon when the lines are short, order fried chicken (you can choose whether you want white or dark meat), their famous mac n’ cheese, and with one bite you’ll know exactly why we’re so obsessed. (@gusfriedchickenmem)

The Beauty Shop: What once was a vintage beauty shop is now one of the most acclaimed restaurants in Memphis - and it’s just as Instagrammable as it is delicious! Make a reservation in advance, as this quirky and enjoyable restaurant fills up quick! (@beautyshoprestaurant)

• Bobby’s pick: Chicken a la Plancha

• Alli’s pick: Pan Roasted Barramundi

Railgarten: It’s hard for us to describe this spot in a few sentences, but we’ll try. It’s 1.5 acres of cold drinks, ping pong, volleyball, ice cream, live music, delicious food, and more. It’s dog friendly, kid friendly, and easily a place you could spend all afternoon! (@railgarten)

B.B. King’s Blues Club: Our favorite live music venue on Beale Street! It’s a restaurant and bar, dance floor, and music venue all in one - and their soulful performers are unparalleled. Wear comfortable shoes, as you’re bound to be dancing all night long! (@bbkingsmemphis)

Alchemy Memphis: If you’re looking for a good happy hour, go here! Monday-Friday, 4-6pm everything on the menu is half off (excluding entrees) - it’s the best deal in town by far! (@alchemymemphis)

The Cove: You have to “sea” it to believe it, when it comes to this nautical themed dive bar in Midtown! The strong drinks, salty bartenders, and live music will have you rocking in your seat! Or maybe that’s the strong tide? It’s nothing fancy, and that’s exactly why we love it! (The Cove on Instagram)

Hotel Indigo: Located in Downtown Memphis, this chic new boutique hotel is an easy walk to just about everything in the city - and it’s very affordable! (AND dog friendly!) (@hotelindigomemphis)

Hotel Napoleon: For a more upscale boutique hotel experience, this historic and beautifully redone hotel is just the ticket! We love the architecture, downtown views, and the friendly staff! (@hotelnapoleonmemphis)

The Peabody Memphis: Beyond the famous resident ducks, The Peabody is a AAA Four-Diamond luxury hotel in the heart of Downtown Memphis… and its as luxurious as it is iconic! The rooms are elegant, the service is top-notch, and you truly can’t beat the location. (@peabodymemphis)

Beale Street: If you love live music, you’ll love Beale Street! Named the “Home of the Blues” by an act of Congress, it’s a street packed with restaurants, bars, and live music venues that will have you laughing, dancing, and singing all day (and night) long! (@bealestreetmemphis)

Big River Crossing: At almost a mile long, this is the longest public pedestrian bridge across the Mississippi River - and it connects downtown Memphis to Arkansas! We walked the stunning bridge every morning while we were in Memphis!

See the Ducks at the Peabody Memphis: Everyday at 11am and 5pm, onlookers can watch the “Peabody Duck March” where the resident ducks march to and from the lobby fountain. It’s basically the cutest thing ever. (And if you visit Memphis and don’t visit the Peabody ducks, we’ll be very disappointed in you.)

Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid: Sure, you’ve probably been inside a Bass Pro Shop or two in your life, but this one is NEXT LEVEL. What used to be “The Pyramid Arena” (a sports complex inside a giant pyramid) has now turned into a Bass Pro Shops superstore complete with a bowling alley, hotel, and more. And it’s dog friendly! (@basspropyramid)

Graceland: It goes without saying that you can’t go to Memphis without visiting Graceland. Not only can you tour the place that Elvis once called home, but you can walk through his gardens, board his aircraft, and admire thousands of legendary artifacts and personal mementos of the king of rock n’ roll. AND the audio tour is voiced by John Stamos - absolutely genius! (@visitgraceland)

The National Civil Rights Museum: Built around the site of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. (the former Lorraine Motel), this extensive and beautifully done museum traces the history of the Civil Rights Movement from the 17th century to today. It’s powerful, raw, and incredibly moving. You can even see Room 306, the hotel room in which Dr. King spent his final hours. (@ncrmuseum)

Sun Studio: Known as the “Birth Place of Rock n’ Roll”, Sun Studio is not only the recording studio where 18 year-old Elvis Presley recorded his first song, but it’s also where iconic artists like Johnny Cash, B.B. King, Jerry Lee Lewis, and others started their musical career. Make sure to book your tour in advance! (You can do so here) (@thelegendarysunstudio)

Crosstown Concourse: What once was a Sears mail-order processing warehouse is now a 1.5 million square foot urban village. (Say what?!) There’s a grocery store, fitness center, health clinics, charter school, restaurants, offices, apartments, and MORE! It’s the perfect place to spend the day if you’re wanting to stay indoors! (@crosstownconcourse)

Many of the outdoor bars and venues in Memphis are incredibly dog friendly (Railgarten and Loflin Yard are two examples), but as is the case with most big cities, Memphis has its share of pet-friendly challenges. If you’re staying downtown, anticipate having to walk at least a few blocks to find a park or some grass for your pup to do their “business”, and be prepared that most downtown restaurants are not welcoming to dogs. We loved having Sally with us, but we both agreed that it would have been easier to sight see without her! However, if you do head to Memphis with your pup in tow, make sure you take them to Shelby Farms Park! It’s a 100-acre dog park DREAM!