Memorable Tails: Exploring Memphis, Tennessee
- Luie Boone
- 5 days ago
- 9 min read
This travel spot is featured in our sixth blog series, Mutts Mingle.
Luie Boone has been picking up some interesting scents just from his humans talking about Memphis. They keep saying things like "dry rub" and "slow smoked" and "fall off the bone," and frankly, it sounds like a citywide invitation for a dog to lose his entire mind. Memphis is unique because it's one of the few places where modern American music was truly born—and it still feels alive today. At Beale Street, blues helped shape artists like B.B. King. Nearby, Sun Studio launched rock 'n' roll through early recordings by Elvis Presley. And at Stax Museum of American Soul Music, soul music defined artists like Otis Redding. What makes Memphis stand out is that this music history isn't just preserved; it's still part of everyday life. Luie Boone just hopes "everyday life" includes someone dropping a pulled pork sandwich on the sidewalk. A dog can dream.
If you think Memphis, Tennessee is only about barbecue and blues, think again. This soulful Southern city is also a fantastic destination for travelers bringing their four-legged best friend along for the ride. With scenic parks, walkable neighborhoods, pet-friendly patios, and welcoming hotels, Memphis makes it easy to plan a getaway where your dog can join nearly every part of the adventure. Whether you are visiting for a weekend escape or making Memphis one stop on a longer road trip, the city offers plenty of opportunities for both you and your pup to relax, explore, and make memories together. Luie Boone is already practicing his "I am calmly walking past a barbecue restaurant" face. Don't hurt his feelings, but it needs work.
Start your trip with a visit to Shelby Farms Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country and a dream destination for active dogs. Wide open fields, wooded trails, lakeside paths, and the popular off-leash dog area give pups room to run, sniff, and socialize. It is the perfect place to begin the day with fresh air and exercise. Overton Park is another excellent option, offering shaded walking paths beneath mature trees and a peaceful setting in the heart of the city. If you are staying downtown, Mud Island Dog Park is a fun stop where dogs can play while owners enjoy nearby views of the Mississippi River. Luie Boone plans to sniff every inch of Shelby Farms, then nap dramatically for the rest of the day.
For a unique Memphis experience, bring your leashed dog to Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid. This massive landmark is one of the city's most recognizable attractions and welcomes pets in many public areas, making it a fun indoor outing when you need a break from the weather. A pyramid full of taxidermy and outdoor gear? Luie Boone doesn't know what to think, but he's pretty sure his stuffed raccoon Ricky will feel right at home among the pretend wildlife. Afterward, you can head to Tom Lee Park along the riverfront for a scenic walk. The wide open green space, river breezes, and skyline views make it a favorite place to unwind, especially in the evening as the sun begins to set.
When it comes to dining, Memphis has no shortage of dog-friendly patios where you can enjoy the city's famous food scene without leaving your pup behind. BABALU serves inventive tacos, tapas, and margaritas on the covered patio to guests with dogs. Menu items to try include the Baba burger, delicious guacamole that's made tableside, and sangria. This is a popular midtown spot for happy hour. Guests with dogs need to enter from the outside gate. Luie Boone is less interested in the guacamole and more interested in whether anyone has considered making a taco shell out of something a dog is allowed to eat. He'll supervise from under the table.
One of the best parts of visiting Memphis with a dog is how easy it is to build a flexible itinerary. Spend mornings exploring parks and trails, afternoons shopping or relaxing on patios, and evenings strolling along the Mississippi River. The city's friendly atmosphere makes it simple to include your dog in the fun rather than leaving them behind at the hotel. A dog-friendly Memphis vacation can be as laid-back or as adventure-filled as you choose. With welcoming locals, plenty of outdoor spaces, and attractions that make traveling with pets easy, Memphis is a destination both you and your dog will love long after the trip is over.
Photo By BringFido.com
Paws Rest Here
Luie Boone paw-selected this perfect vacation rental for your stay in Memphis, Tennessee. Check it out below!
Rental Name: Modern Heart of Memphis
This rental has 4 bedrooms with 5 beds and 3 baths.
Photos by AIRBNB.COM
It features the following amenities:
8 minutes away from downtown Memphis
Completely remodeled kitchen with modern, stainless steel appliances
Game room with a pool table, high top seating, and a nice warm fireplace
Outdoor dining
BBQ grill
Outdoor lounge seating
Hot tub
Fire pit
Fully fenced yard
What does Luie Boone think of this rental? He woofed:
We'll be staying in a vacation home called the Modern Heart of Memphis. I've overheard my hoomans reading reviews from other guests, and the dogs who stayed there loved the fully fenced backyard with lots of space for zoomies, sniffing, and play. I'm definitely bringing my stuffed raccoon, Ricky. Ricky is one of my longtime travel buddies and official emotional support raccoon. He goes lots of places with me, helps with naps, and he is Tennessee's official wild animal, which he takes with great pride and seriousness. From what my hoomans have read, the home is spacious and modern, with a screened-in porch, porch swing, huge kitchen, pool table, fire pit, grill, yard games, and a hot tub. Guests also say the neighborhood is quiet and great for walks. Best of all, many reviews say the hosts are dog lovers, and dogs always seem to feel right at home there. If the reviews are right, this Memphis trip will be great for me, my hoomans, and (most importantly) Ricky.
Paws Venture Here
Luie Boone sniffed out and dug up these local gems for you to check out while vacationing in Memphis, Tennessee!
Old Forest State Natural Area
An ancient ecosystem thriving in the heart of a modern city. Overton Park's Old Forest is the only urban old-growth forest in the southeastern United States. It offers a rare opportunity to walk with your dog through an ecosystem that predates modern development, while witnessing how today's human activity continues to shape the natural world.
Originally a 200-acre tract when Overton Park was founded in 1901, the Old Forest has since been reduced to 142 acres due to urban development. However, in June 2011, 126 acres were permanently protected as a Tennessee State Natural Area. Luie Boone thinks it's nice that even ancient forests have learned to share space with humans and their sniffing companions.
Big River Crossing
Big River Crossing is an iconic bridge spanning the Mississippi River, offering spectacular views of the river and the downtown Memphis skyline. At nearly a mile in length, Big River Crossing is the longest public, dog-friendly pedestrian and cyclist bridge across the Mississippi.
One of the top things to do in Memphis is walking, strolling with your dog, or biking across the bridge where you can soak in the beautiful scenery that changes throughout the day. At night, the bridge's vibrant illuminations create a dazzling display against the backdrop of the river and city. Luie Boone has never walked a full mile on a bridge before, but he's willing to try if there's a treat waiting at the other end.
T.O. Fuller State Park
T.O. Fuller State Park, located within the city of Memphis, offers a unique combination of natural beauty and historical significance. Covering 1,600 acres, the park provides a peaceful retreat with a wildlife habitat area, scenic landscapes, and notable historic landmarks. Visitors can explore the Chickasaw Bluffs, discover remnants of early homesteads, and enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities.
More than 8 miles of hiking trails wind through the park, offering excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing thanks to its location along a major bird migration route. The park also features a museum, swimming pool, and a variety of camping options for overnight stays. In addition, it is home to the Chucalissa Indian Village, an important archaeological site with its own museum. Rich in cultural history, the park was the first state park east of the Mississippi River to open for African Americans. Best of all, there is no daily fee required for entry. Luie Boone likes free. Free means more money for treats.
Lucius Burch State Natural Area
Lucius Burch State Natural Area is a beautiful 728-acre green oasis in Memphis that forms part of Shelby Farms Park.
The area encompasses stretches of the ancient Wolf River, along with swamps and hardwood forests. Its diverse habitats support a variety of local mammals, colorful birds, reptiles, and amphibians, making it an excellent place to observe wildlife in its natural environment.
Visitors exploring the area around dusk may be lucky enough to spot a raccoon foraging along the water's edge or searching for food in the forest. Even if a raccoon remains hidden, muddy patches near trails and wetlands often reveal their distinctive tracks.
A network of dog-friendly trails winds through the natural area, allowing visitors to enjoy its scenic landscapes and abundant wildlife.
During the visit, Luie Boone plans to keep Ricky, his stuffed raccoon, safely tucked inside a backpack. Real raccoons can be unpredictable; Ricky, on the other hand, is an angel.
Fourth Bluff Park
At the edge of downtown Memphis, Fourth Bluff Park is an urban greenspace with a paved, dog-friendly walking trail, benches, and scenic views of the Mississippi River atop the bluff. The park overlooks River Garden and offers picnic tables, movable furniture, and expansive views of the Hernando de Soto bridge and Wolf River Harbor.
The park, formerly known as Confederate Park and Memphis Park, used to house authentic Civil War cannons, but they were melted down in World War II. After that, artillery from the Second World War stood there. Subsequently, copies of Civil War cannons were placed there by the Shelby County Historical Commission. These guns were removed along with the statue of President Jefferson in 2017. Luie Boone doesn't know much about history, but he knows a good view when he sees one.
Wolf River Greenway
The Wolf River Greenway in Memphis is a 26-mile paved pathway which connects over 22 neighborhoods. The trail was opened in December 2010 and is accessible for persons with disabilities. This dog-friendly trail is located between the Wolf River and Humphrey's Boulevard from Walnut Grove Road to Shady Grove Road. There are two trailheads: one located at Walnut Grove and the second along Humphrey's Boulevard. The path is popular with locals and tourists alike who wish to walk, stroll with their pup, run, cycle, or bird watch alongside the Wolf River. Luie Boone is already calculating how many naps he would need to recover from walking 26 miles. The answer is approximately twenty-six, one for each mile.
Uptown Carriage Co.
Uptown Carriage Co. offers dog-friendly horse-drawn carriage tours of Memphis. Embark on a horse-and-carriage journey with a guide to unveil Memphis; soak in its history as you traverse Beale Street and Cotton Row, guided by a friendly driver. Uncover the best of Memphis on this 45-minute tour that gets you around town in classic style with a horse and carriage. Trot down Cotton Row and check out Beale Street, scenic areas with plenty of local history to learn about. Listen to the city sounds and marvel at the decades of history as you snuggle up with your pup.
Visitors who want to bring Fido must call in advance to ensure they can be accommodated. Luie Boone has questions. Does the horse know we're coming? Is the horse friendly? Will Ricky the raccoon be okay with the horse? These are important considerations.
Celtic Crossing
Celtic Crossing is a dog-friendly Irish pub located in Memphis that serves the best Sunday patio brunch with live music in Memphis. Dogs are always welcome on the covered outdoor patio, and while they don't have a dog menu, they do provide doggy burgers. Stop in for a quick lunch in their newly renovated patio, settle into a long happy hour on the comfy patio, or gather with friends and your dog for relaxed pub classics—hand pies, Scottish eggs, shepherd's pie, fish and chips, and more.
Whether you're there for sports camaraderie around the projector screen, live local music, hanging out with your pup, or staying late when the night turns into a dance party, you'll find something that fits. For pet parents, brunch is so popular that reservations are recommended. Luie Boone feels strongly that he deserves a doggy burger immediately.
Luie Boone's Pet Peeve about
Memphis, Tennessee
There's just so much to love about this vacation destination, but there's one thing that's got Luie Boone's leash in a twist. He woofed:
I already know one thing is going to matter a lot on this vacation: barbecue. From what I've overheard, the whole city smells like smoked meat and slow-cooked food. My nose is basically preparing for a nonstop investigation. Every walk sounds like it will turn into me stopping, sniffing the air very seriously, and trying to figure out where the barbecue is coming from—even when my hoomans keep walking like it's normal. They also mentioned a place called Beale Street. I'm not sure what a "street" is, but if it has loud music, crowds, and even more barbecue smells, I already know I'm going to be extremely focused and slightly overwhelmed. I'm also bringing my stuffed raccoon, Ricky. Real raccoons might get into trouble chasing food smells, but Ricky doesn't. He just quietly watches everything while I do all the serious sniffing. I don't know exactly what Memphis will be like, but I do know my nose is going to be working overtime the entire time. The problem? My hoomans will keep walking past all those delicious scents, dragging me along while I try to memorize exactly which direction the pulled pork is coming from. By the end of the trip, I'll be exhausted, overstimulated, and emotionally drained from not being allowed to investigate a single barbecue joint up close. Ricky says I'm being dramatic. Ricky doesn't have a nose.
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