Written by: Campfire Collective

Love is in the air and the team at Campfire Collective has one true sweetheart we can all agree on: Memphis. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, we gathered our thoughts together about what makes our city and community so worthy of our affection. Some of our reasons are the same – we do love our food! – and we hope some will spark new ideas. From all of us to all of you, here are just a few of the things we love about Memphis:

Shannon:

• My biggest love for Memphis is its sense of community. Nowhere else I’ve traveled do I feel the same sense of connectedness, the feeling that we’re all in this together. We’re a city that believes the sum is greater than any individual part, and because of that, I see progress happening. Memphis is a city where you can find your people and feel welcome. It’s a city where you’ll get a hug and a friendly smile from a stranger on the street. Memphis wants you to succeed, because that means the city succeeds too. 

• The Mighty Mississippi is our city’s most underrated feature. The river doesn’t get enough credit for all it represents. It’s an epicenter of supply chain and logistics, commerce, and industry. It’s a beautiful backdrop to Memphis in May, aka our Mardi Gras. It’s history. From Tom Lee to Jeff Buckley, it’s a wealth of stories. The river plays a key role in some of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen, and personally, it gives me energy. Whenever I am feeling down, unmotivated, or generally just in a funk, all I need is a few hours by the river. Whether I am taking a walk alongside it or simply staring into the water, there’s something magical about the river that transforms my mood and increases my wellbeing.

Gaye:

• I love the restaurant scene in Memphis. Every month brings a new tasty delight to try. My family and I have a few tried-and-true favorites, however. For sushi, we can’t get enough of Sekisui Pacific Rim. For Italian, we scarf down the specials at Tamboli’s. For Asian fusion and out-of-this-world small plates, Salt | Soy just can’t be beat. For fine dining in a fun atmosphere, the bar at Char hits the spot. For a buffet filled with the authentic taste of India, we hit India Palace with great regularity. To try new wines accompanied by tasty noshes, we enjoy Knifebird. I could go on and on!

• Oh give me a home, where the buffalo roam…Shelby Farms Park must be the place the writer of Home on the Range had in mind! No antelope, but this 4,500-acre gem is famed for its buffalo herd, and you may just see deer during an early morning bike ride or hike on one of the beautiful trails. A walk around Patriot Lake just after sunrise or before sunset is one of the coolest things to do in Memphis.

Sarah:

• I love how green Memphis is! We are famed for our abundance of trees and beautiful green spaces. 

• Memphis is home to outstanding Vietnamese food (Pho Binh, Le Delights, Tuyen’s, Lotus…) My mom always took me to Lotus while I was growing up. I was around the same age as the kids in the owner’s family. As we all got older together, they went from refilling water glasses as little kids, to waiting tables as teens. The kids are all grown now, and so am I, because that’s the way time works. I admit I haven’t dined there for quite some time. I think it’s time for me to stop by.

Cecilia: 

• I love a lot of things about Memphis, but its food is definitely one of my favorites. We have so many different cultures, cuisines, and tastes in the city that you will never not have something good to eat. 

Mackenzie:

• As a Memphian, I love any opportunity to explore new craft cocktails at local restaurants and bars, such as The Cove or Cameo. I also embrace any chance I get to tear up the dance floor at Paula & Raiford’s Disco, or sing a duet with a stranger at Rockhouse Live. 

• To feed one's love of history and the arts, Memphis is full of museums to discover and explore. From the National Civil Rights Museum to the Dixon Gallery & Gardens, there is so much to soak up and see. The Metal Museum has one of the best views of the Mighty Mississippi River, and STAX gives the perfect dosage of Memphis soul. 

Ariana:

• One of my absolute favorite things about this city is how much the people who love Memphis, really lean in and love Memphis. The self awareness of our grit doesn’t dull our shine. We love Memphis, even the right lane of Poplar. 

• Something else I love about Memphis are Gibson’s Donuts. I tell everyone about Gibson’s. I love cake donuts and they nail them. The seasonal donuts and specials are always adorable and fun. And the New Orleans buttermilk drop – *chefs kiss*! Even a good old fashioned sprinkle donut can brighten my day as long as it’s a sprinkle donut from Gibson’s.

Elizabeth:

• With two pups of my own, I love how many dog parks are in Memphis. There are two within walking distance of my house. Not only does it give my girls a chance to run, but it also fosters community. I can’t tell you how many people I’ve met and how many friends I’ve made from the bench at a dog park. My favorite is Overton Bark; you’ll find me there at least three times a week (and shoutout to the incredible place Overton Park is too!)

• I live and breathe books, and Memphis has so many local bookstores. I am partial to Burke’s Books (my second home) and Novel. There is something so special about walking into a place where the staff really is passionate about what they do. If you are looking for an incredible local book while checking out these stores, Memphis by Tara Stringfellow will blow. you. away. 

Memphis has no shortage of people, things or places to love. It truly is one big small town, where everyone seems to be connected in one way or another. We love how this city embraces history, sports, and arts…not to mention its pride of having the best BBQ in the world! It is no wonder that people travel from far and wide just to visit and get a little taste of the grit and grind. 

There truly is no place like home…We love you, Memphis.