From Elvis Presley to Isaac Hayes, much of the music that’s a soundtrack to romance was made right here in Memphis. From afternoon strolls and feeding the ducks to stargazing at the planetarium and watching the sunset over the Mississippi, this is a city to fall in love in. Here are Culture Trip’s date recommendations.
Get the full 1950s adventure at the Malco Summer Drive-In. This brilliant and typically American experience shows classics as well as new films. But if you’re cuddling up on the back seat, you might miss the movie, so maybe opt for an oldie you’ve seen before so that you can focus on your date.
Why not take your date to the Sharpe Planetarium for a romantic evening looking up at the stars? Its screen measures 3,925sqft (365sqm), the largest projection screen in the city, so prepare to be immersed in the sights and sounds of the universe with a Memphis twist. It’s on Central Avenue; take the No5 bus towards the university to get there.
For a cheesy night out that’s pure fun, make your way to Overton Square, where the games are heady, and the doughnuts are plentiful. The square has colorful murals and art installations, and of course, the night would not be complete without a romantic duet at the Zebra Lounge.
Built in 1916 as a railroad bridge, the Big River Crossing on the Mississippi is among the city’s most famous landmarks, and a pedestrian and bike path was added to commemorate its centenary. As the sun sets behind it, the best place to see it is from the grassy riverbank. Pack a picnic blanket and a bottle of bubbly – and if you stay after the sun sets, enjoy the nightly light show when the mile-long ironwork is lit up with 100,000 LED lights.