So, you want to get away? Sometimes we all need a break from the hustle of the city and the grind of our hectic day-to-day lives. Fortunately for us Memphians, we are surrounded by an array of activities within an easy drive. Whether you love to hike, shop, bike, listen to music, seek out great food, or learn about local history, the Mid-South region has it all. Next time you’re itching for a getaway, gas up the car and head to one of these fantastic nearby destinations for the day!
8 Quick & Easy Day Trips from Memphis
Oxford, MS
TRAVEL TIME: 1 hour, 25 mins. via I-55 S and US-278 E (86 mi.)
Whether you love the Rebels or love to hate them, there are so many reasons beyond Ole Miss to head down to Oxford.
For the history buff, tour Burns-Belfry Museum & Multicultural Center, dedicated to African-American history — from slavery to Civil Rights — or explore Rowan Oak, home of famed American author William Faulkner. For the music lover, treat your ears to a tour of The Blues Archive on the Ole Miss campus, or be a part of the recording audience of Thacker Mountain Radio, a “Prairie Home Companion”-style show recorded weekly at The Powerhouse Arts Center. For the art fanatic, visit the University of Mississippi Museum to peruse all manner of Southern folk art, Greek and Roman antiquities, and more before hitting the Southside Art Gallery to view the work of local artists.
The Oxford dining scene alone is worth the drive. Kick off the day with a hearty meal at James Beard Award-winning Chef John Currence’s Big Bad Breakfast, grab a lunch of Southern favorites like fried catfish and country fried steak at Ajax Diner, then polish off the day with an upscale dinner at City Grocery, Chef Currence’s flagship restaurant.
Historic Oxford Square is a fantastic spot to shop and explore. You can lose hours wading through local boutiques and shops, including a stop at Square Books, one of the most beloved bookstores in the Southeast.
Oxford has fabulous shopping, from clothes and accessories to home goods and antiques. Check out Visit Oxford’s Shopping Guide to find the best spots! Image: Visit Oxford MS
William Faulkner’s home, Rowan Oak, is located just south of the square in Oxford. Image: Visit Oxford MS
City Grocery is James Beard Award-winning Chef John Currence’s flagship restaurant in the square. Image: Visit Oxford MS
Helena, AR
TRAVEL TIME: 1 hour, 20 mins. via US-61 S (74 mi.)
For a little town in Arkansas, Helena has a whole lot to offer! From music and shopping to outdoor adventure and Civil War history, there is plenty to do in this darling spot. Pop in and out of the quaint shops on historic Cherry Street, like Handworks, Cotton & Kudzu, and Bella. Then, walk down to Delta Dirt Distillery to sample some locally produced spirits.
Explore the Helena Museum for their Edison collection and exhibits on local history. Next, visit a few of Helena’s key Civil War sites, including Freedom Park, the first location in Arkansas to be designated as a National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom site; Fort Curtis, a replica Union fort; and Battery C, one of four batteries erected by the Union army to defend the city from Confederate attack.
If you love the great outdoors, the city is home to the Quapaw Canoe Company, offering guided canoe trips down the Mississippi River. It is also located near the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest and Mississippi River State Park, both of which offer outdoor adventures like hiking, biking, and kayaking.
Get out on the Mississippi with a guided tour from Quapaw Canoe Company. Image: Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism
Helena has a long-standing reputation for great music. Image: Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism
Tupelo, MS
TRAVEL TIME: 1 hour, 40 min. via I-22 (108 mi.)
While Memphis may lay claim to “The King,” Elvis was actually born in a two-room shotgun shack in Tupelo, MS. Check out the Elvis Presley Birthplace to see the house where he lived, roam through a museum that chronicles his life, and visit the Assembly of God Church where he first fell in love with music. If you’re looking to dive even deeper into the life and times of Elvis, check out the 13-stop self-guided Elvis Driving Tour, which includes a visit to Tupelo Hardware Co., where his mother bought his first guitar.
Get to know Tupelo’s history at the Oren Dunn City Museum, then head downtown to grab lunch at one of the area’s many local restaurants. After fueling up, explore downtown Tupelo’s unique boutiques, art galleries, and more. If you love to shop, you’ll have plenty of choices in Tupelo — the downtown, Midtown, and Barnes Crossing neighborhoods all carry national favorites alongside local mom-and-pop establishments.
The great outdoors beckons in Tupelo! It’s the headquarters of the Natchez Trace Parkway, a 444-mile scenic byway that extends all the way to Nashville. The Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center showcases interactive exhibits about the original inhabitants of the Trace, the flora and fauna along this iconic Southern road, and the Trace’s rich history. If you’re traveling with animal lovers, consider a visit to the Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo, which houses a variety of exotic animals like zebras, giraffes, and, yes, plenty of buffalo!
A visit to the Elvis Presley Birthplace is a must while in his hometown. Image: Tupelo CVB
Downtown Tupelo has great shopping, like Reed’s, a 125-year-old department store. Image: Tupelo CVB
You’ll find tributes to “The King” all over Tupelo, including this statue downtown. Image: Tupelo CVB
Pickwick Lake & Dam
TRAVEL TIME: 2 hours via US-72 (116 mi.)
For a day of outdoor adventure, consider the drive to Pickwick Landing State Park in Hardin County, TN. Located just south of the Pickwick Dam, Pickwick Landing State Park is known for its full-service marina and ample opportunities for outdoor recreation — boating, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, fishing, and waterfront picnics, along with plenty of on-land activities like golf, tennis, and forest hiking trails. The park even boasts a recently renovated lodge with a full-service restaurant, if picnicking isn’t your style.
While you’re in the area, a visit to The Outpost is a must — be sure to budget enough time to browse the general store and have a seat to relax with a scoop or two of house-made ice cream from the Frosty Mug Creamery. The Outpost offers a restaurant as well, but there is no shortage of great local eateries to choose from while you’re in town. Freddy T’s offers a beachy vibe with seafood options; Rib Cage is a local favorite barbecue spot; JP’s offers great steaks and comfort food classics, and Expresso Yourself is the go-to for a caffeine fix.
Before you head home, stop by Ole Charlie’s Antique Mall to snag a treasure or two to remember your trip — and another scoop of ice cream for the road!
A good time awaits once you drive through the Pickwick Landing arch. Image: Tour Hardin County
Pickwick Landing offers a full-service marina and plenty of water activities. Image: Visit Hardin County
A visit to The Outpost is a must! Browse the general store, grab a frozen treat, or sit down for a meal at the restaurant. Image: Visit Hardin County
Cleveland, MS
TRAVEL TIME: 2 hours via US-61 S (117 mi.)
Cleveland has a beautiful Main Street area with tons of specialty shopping, art galleries, great dining options, and the Railroad Heritage Museum. Cleveland and the surrounding areas are known as destinations for great pottery, so be sure to stop in Peter’s Pottery and McCartys Pottery on your way in on Highway 61.
To experience some local flavor, stop for a farm-to-table lunch at the Delta Meat Market. James Beard Award-nominated Chef and owner Cole Ellis changes the menu daily depending on what is fresh, and dishes are plated on iconic McCartys pottery.
The Mississippi Delta is known as the birthplace of American music, and Cleveland, MS, tells that story! Explore the Grammy Museum Mississippi, a sister museum to the original Grammy Museum in Los Angeles — the experience is definitely worth a visit. Before leaving town, stop by Dockery Farms, a historic spot known as the birthplace of the blues. Walk the farm’s hallowed grounds and soak up the sounds of the interactive Mississippi Blues Trail marker.
Cleveland, MS, and the surrounding areas are known for gorgeous pottery. Image: Visit Cleveland MS
Delta Meat Market is a gem of a spot in the heart of Cleveland. Image: Visit Cleveland MS
Downtown Cleveland has a great stretch for local shopping. Image: Visit Cleveland MS
Corinth, MS
TRAVEL TIME: 1 hour, 40 min. via US-72 E (97 mi.)
Whether you’re with your significant other, your family, or a group of friends, Corinth has something for everyone. Downtown Corinth is full of locally owned boutiques with retail options ranging from clothing to gifts to jewelry. For a small town, Corinth is teeming with dining options and offers live music most weekends. Pizza Grocery and Vicari anchor the downtown food scene, augmented by Thai cuisine at Blazing Noodlez, a rooftop bar at V Taco, and tons of history at Borroum’s Drug Store. Borroum’s was previously the oldest drugstore in the state of Mississippi before it was converted into an old-fashioned soda fountain joint.
Corinth was built around the foundation of the railroads, with several trains that cut through the center of downtown. That railroad history made Corinth a central location in the Civil War, so there is plenty of history to explore. The Civil War Interpretive Center, a part of the Shiloh National Military Park, tells the story of the various clashes between the North and the South and how many African-Americans gained freedom in Corinth.
Once you’ve had your fill of Civil War history, you can enjoy a mile-long walking trail through downtown Corinth, which showcases historical buildings and unique local sites, like the Coca-Cola Museum and the Verandah-Curlee House.
Pizza Grocery’s menu is jam-packed with comfort food, including Italian classics like pizza, pasta, and calzones. Image: Facebook
Rowan House is a beloved Corinth shop known for antiques, paintings, and other unique treasures. Image: Visit Corinth
Shirley Dawg’s carries clothes and accessories for both men and women. Image: Visit Corinth
Wilson, AR
TRAVEL TIME: 45 min. via I-55 N (44.6 mi.)
Formerly a cotton-producing mecca in the late 19th century, Wilson, AR, took a dramatic downturn in the early 1930s when updates in machinery began driving out jobs and forcing workers to migrate west. Fast-forward to the present day, Wilson is experiencing a cultural rebirth — with new life and vibrant energy pouring into a once sleepy small town. (Read our more detailed history on Wilson, AR, here.)
The Grange at Wilson Gardens is a community farm dedicated to fostering healthy lifestyles in Wilson and beyond. The gardens cultivate sustainably grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs and make them available to locals through their CSA and on the menu at Wilson Café just across the street. The café is the sweetheart of the square, offering diners delicious, fresh, and locally sourced foods for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.
For a bit of shopping, stop into White’s Mercantile, a modern-day general store in the old Wilson service station. White’s is owned and curated by the granddaughter of Hank Williams, Holly Williams, who fills the space with local and regional treasures. White’s is just one example of an old space reimagined and repurposed — Wilson has revitalized just about every building in town with no signs of stopping soon.
The Grange at Wilson Gardens wants to revolutionize how Wilson locals eat by providing fresh produce grown in their backyard. Image: The Grange at Wilson Gardens
Wilson Café is a beloved local spot located right in the town square. Image: Wilson Café
This old service station houses Holly Williams’ Arkansas outpost of White’s Mercantile, a modern-day general store. Image: White’s Mercantile
Little Rock, AR
TRAVEL TIME: 2 hours, 9 min. via I-40 W (137 mi.)
Immerse yourself in the history and culture of the Arkansas state capital, and you’ll soon be a fan of this Southern town. Little Rock has fun and distinct neighborhoods, each with its own personality, just waiting to be explored. Start at the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum in the River Market District, which has become Little Rock’s premier tourist destination since opening in 2004. Peruse the presidential center, then grab a bite at 42 bar and table overlooking the Arkansas River.
Next, head out to the SouthMain (SoMa) District, where you can explore the Esse Purse Museum, the only dedicated purse museum in the United States, before satisfying your sweet tooth at Loblolly Creamery. If you’re an art lover, stop by the Arkansas Arts Center, which houses one of the largest collections of works on paper.
For foodies, One Eleven at the Capital is sure to wow! With Michelin star and James Beard Award-winning Chef Joël Antunes at the helm, this is a meal you will not soon forget. Cap off your day trip while watching the beautiful River Lights in the Rock, as the downtown bridges light up in beautiful color.
The William J. Clinton Presidential Center has been credited with much of downtown Little Rock’s successful revitalization. Image: Little Rock CVB
Wade through 100 years of history, as told by women and their handbags, at Esse Purse Museum. Image: Little Rock CVB
River Lights in the Rock brought thousands of LED lights to illuminate the three bridges in downtown Little Rock. Image: Little Rock CVB
Ready to hit the open road?
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For more great getaway ideas, be sure to visit our Travel archives.
