We had such a great time compiling last year’s love letter to Memphis that we decided to do it again! Just in time for Valentine’s Day, here are just a few of the reasons that we love Memphis. 

Shannon

While Memphis is indeed a city, it is a very green city thanks to all of our beautiful trees! I love that all of my commutes take me past a variety of beautiful trees. When springtime arrives, we’re surrounded by budding dogwoods, magnolias, and rosebuds. The greenery stretches toward the sun in the summer, and by fall we’re graced with bright reds, oranges, and yellows everywhere we look. Memphis is a city that allows you to remain connected to nature, and that in itself is beautiful. 

Memphis didn’t invent hip-hop, but I like to think we did. Music is at the soul of the city, and a big piece of this is our hip-hop past, present, and future. Who doesn’t get buck to 8Ball & MJG’s 90s hits or Three Six Mafia’s Most Known Unknown album? I feel a sense of pride when I hear Yo Gotti, Al Kapone, or GloRilla getting the love they deserve outside of our community. I don’t know what the future of Memphis hip-hop will look like, but I feel hope and joy watching the talent that the youth in our city bring to the artform. 

Gaye

As someone who loves to travel, I am digging the new Concourse B at the Memphis International Airport! It is bright, clean, and airy, and it incorporates one of my all-time favorite airport features: people movers. I love that, in addition to good chain food, you’ll find locally owned and Memphis-centric restaurants and bars. And you’ll never find nicer people operating the kiosks, convenience stores, and eateries than in the Memphis airport. I’ve even known the TSA agents to crack a (small) smile. I love that the Memphis airport finally reflects what a first-class destination the city is!

Sarah

Something I love about Memphis is how many events and activities there are to discover. On a single night, I might be weighing my options between a drag show, an indie wrestling match, an original play, a roller derby bout, an art opening, a group nature walk, a local band, and more! Not to mention, we’re within a weekend getaway trip of so many different cultural, natural, educational, and just-plain-fun experiences. If someone ever says there’s nothing going on here, it means they haven’t looked.

Abby

As a dog mom of three pups, something I love about Memphis is how much Memphians love their pets! We have dog parks sprawling all over the city. Some of my favorites include Overton Bark, Shelby Farms, and Sea Isle Dog Park. The pet fun doesn’t stop there though, as Memphis has many dog- friendly restaurants and patios as well! When you go out in spring or summer, you’re sure to see some four-legged friends enjoying the community with their owners. The 901 is also blessed to have many wonderful rescues and shelters to make sure as many strays as possible are safe, fed, and find their forever homes. The way Memphians are so willing to open their hearts to those who can’t speak for themselves is absolutely one of my favorite parts of this city. Honorable mention dog feature? Don’t miss out on the weiner dog races at the Germantown Festival. They wear costumes.  

Mackenzie

The food scene in Memphis is phenomenal. And yes, we are widely known for our exceptional BBQ, but there’s no shortage of other cuisines that  Memphians can bring to the table – literally! We have our share of Chopped champions, features on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, and other award-winning chefs with influences from all around the world. Plus, we probably have a festival for all of your favorite foods, such as the Memphis Italian Festival or the Memphis Grilled Cheese Festival. If you’re feeling hungry, you can count on us to fill up your tummies! Catch you at the next food fest?

Sophie

The sports culture here isn't just about the games; it's a celebration of community, a testament to resilience, and a reflection of the city's enduring spirit. In Memphis, every touchdown, three-pointer, or home run is more than just a score – it's a symphony of cheers echoing through from Orange Mound to Tipton County. It is a reminder that in this city, sports are more than a pastime; they're a way of life. So Go Tigers. Go Grizz. Redbirds. 901FC. Showboats. And every pick-up game in-between.

Gwen

As a grandfathered in Memphis transplant (10 years), I love the hospitality and acceptance the average citizens and neighbors extend to newcomer communities and individuals like me who landed in this grit n’ grind city on the river. With no plans to stay more than a year, I survived and thrived during a pandemic… in Memphis, I found my NBA team…in Memphis, I found love (a Doug)...in Memphis.

“It’s the way we speak, mane!” There might be an ‘R’ Mermphis, Mursic, and Beaurtiful.

Kate

I love all the entertainment options Memphis has to offer. We’ve got an amazing NBA team, top-tier college basketball and football, Broadway theater, a diverse array of local musical talent, and that’s not even including the food! We have parks and museums and all the things you can ask of a major city, plus a smaller town vibe. There’s always something to do and I love that.

Martha

I love the sense of community we’ve found in Memphis. We know all of our neighbors, and our daily walks take ten times as long because we’re constantly stopping to chat, or being invited inside for donuts, or meeting a new baby. Our neighbors have made our neighborhood feel like home. 

What do you love most about Memphis? Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter to start up a conversation. And from all of us to all of you – Happy Valentine’s Day!