Living in St. Louis, there are a few cities within easy driving distance. While we’ve been to Chicago, Louisville and Kansas City, there’s one city that’s only 5 hours away that’s on our Bucket List to spend time in.

That’s right, Memphis, Tennessee! We actually have passed through Memphis a few times. Once, we drove to Memphis to see Weezer in concert and then drove right back. I’m not quite sure why we didn’t spend a few more days there but hey, we were young and broke. The second time, we were driving through Memphis on our way to Gulf Shores, Alabama and heard that we had to stop and try some of that famous BBQ at Rendezvous – and it didn’t disappoint. It was one of the best lunches I’ve ever had. Now, I’m ready to get back to Memphis for a few days and while there’s a ton of stuff drawing me there like the music, food, shopping, attractions and more….there’s one thing that I’m ready to put my blue suede shoes on for….

Justin Timberlake!

Memphis is the hometown of Justin Timberlake and he still keeps close to the city. He owns a golf course called Mirimichi and is a minority owner of the NBA team, the Memphis Grizzlies. He also has his own tequila – 901 (area code of Memphis). Justin Timberlake is performing in Memphis on Monday, Nov. 18 at FedEx Forum and I would love to be there! I bet you would too, so sit back and read some other reasons you should visit Memphis and then see how you can have a chance to see him perform live in Memphis!

Read on for my JT songs themed tour of Memphis!

“Strawberry Bubblegum”

My husband and I love to eat, so Memphis is the place to be! Memphis may be known for their BBQ, but that’s not all they have. Memphis was named by Travel + Leisure as one of the best cities for barbecue (of course) as well as burgers, pizza and dive bars. I’d love to try Lunchbox Eats, a school cafeteria-themed restaurant with dishes like a chicken-and-waffle sandwich or the broken rib bones sandwich. Sounds like an experience in itself!

If it’s desserts you’re looking for, you came to the right place. At La Michoacana you’ll find only the most authentic paletas (Mexican popsicles). At Jerry’s Sno Cones, try the red wedding cake supreme and a stop at Muddy’s Bake Shop is also a must – try the Prozac chocolate cupcake!

We’re also fans of craft beer and Memphis is the home of craft brews like Ghost River, High Cotton and Wiseacre.

Red Wedding Cake Supreme Sno Cone at Jerry’s Sno Cones

“Dress On”

Shopping! If you’re looking to pick up some eclectic items or art, Memphis is the place to go. There are so many interesting neighborhoods to spend time in where you’ll find everything from clothing to art. The South Main Arts District sounds like a great place to spend a day – there’s a strip of local clothing boutiques marking this area as the newest fashion district.

Shopping in Memphis

“Winner”

My husband and I are huge fans of the St. Louis Cardinals and I still can’t believe we haven’t gotten down to Memphis for a Memphis Redbirds game! Right now, the Cardinals are rocking thanks to some of the players who came from the Redbirds and it would be so exciting to see a game there.

If baseball isn’t your thing, there’s a ton of other sports to see. There’s golf at JT’s golf coure Mirimichi and of course the Memphis Grizzlies. With no NBA team in St. Louis, I say Go Grizzlies!

Memphis Redbirds Game

“Let the Groove Get In”

In addition to the food, the shopping and sports, there is of course – the music! Memphis is home to Sun Studio (birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll) and the funky Stax Museum of American Soul Music. Both have hosted music legends who recorded the music that changed the world – Johnny Cash, Otis Redding, Booker T & the MGs, Isaac Hayes and Elvis Presley.

If live theater is your thing, you can catch a live theater show at Playhouse on the Square. There’s also the National Civil Rights Museum and of course, Graceland! So many things to see, so little time!

There’s so much to do in Memphis and here’s a great list of reasons:

1. Funky, historic and world-famous cultural attractions like the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Sun Studio and the National Civil Rights Museum
2. Vibrant music scene. Live music at the Levitt Shell, which hosts 50 free concerts a year at this famous outdoor amphitheatre. The Hi-Tone another Memphis landmark just opened its new location in the Crosstown Arts neighborhood.
3. Eclectic neighborhoods like Cooper-Young, Overton Square, Broad Avenue Arts District and South Main.
4. The local beer palate is expanding with craft brews like Ghost River, High Cotton and Wiseacre (just opened a taproom and patio in August 2013).
5. Nightlife at Raiford’s Disco, Rumba Room
6. Fine attractions like the Dixon Gallery and Gardens or Memphis Brooks Museum of Art
7. Food – Soul Food, Barbecue, nationally renowned chefs
8. Memphis in May International Festival – Beale Street Music Festival, World Championship BBQ Cooking Contest and Sunset Symphony
9. Hotels – keep it classy with The Madison or The Peabody. Get closer to the Mighty Mississippi at the River Inn.
10. Experience the Grit & Grind of the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum or watch the future stars of the St. Louis Cardinals play at Autozone Park – home of the Memphis Redbirds.
11. Golf at Mirimichi (owned by Justin Timberlake) located in his childhood neighborhood.
12. Memphis Fashion Week (March 27-29, 2014)
13. Indie Memphis Film Festival (October 31 – November 3, 2013)

Okay, I’m ready to GO to Memphis! Are you ready, too? If you’re in St. Louis, you will want to enter this AMAZING giveaway courtesy of ALIVE Magazine and I Love Memphis.

One lucky winner will receive the following prize package:

-A two day stay at the famous Peabody Hotel (Nov 17-18)

-Two tickets to the Justin Timberlake show on Monday, Nov. 18 at FedEx Forum

-A round of golf at Justin Timberlake’s Mirimichi Golf Course (If your golf game is a little rusty, no biggie, enjoy a complimentary lunch and tour the club instead! We heard JT often makes an appearance while he’s in town.)

-Tickets to your choice of local music attractions like the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, Graceland, Sun Studio or the Stax Museum.

 Head over to ALIVE Magazine to enter, St. Louisans!

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this post, but have the chance to win a trip to Memphis!