I’m fortunate enough to get to travel for my job. I always enjoy getting to go places that I may not have gone on my own, plus it’s always fun getting to bond with some coworkers. Recently, I had the opportunity to go back to Memphis, TN for a client meeting. Last time I went (also for work) was in mid-December, which was also my first time to Memphis. And honestly, it was not a good first impression at all. It was cold, dark and not very lively. However, I do recognize that traveling there in the middle of December, so close to the holidays, was probably not a great time to get the full action of the city.
Luckily, this trip was at the end of June and was the total opposite of my last visit. I was so excited to see Beale Street actually filled with people, live music playing on the streets and so much more. I had some time to kill and took advantage of it with some local sightseeing and scouting of small shops…I just couldn’t help myself! And today I’m here to share my experience and awesome local shop finds.
I was staying downtown at a hotel on Monroe Avenue, in between Second Street and Main. It was hot out, but beautiful. I stopped to soak in the street art and the wide-open shaded cobblestone pathways – which later turned into a hoppin’ street music set up.
I was a quick eight minute walk to Beale Street, which is known for its lively bars, live music and neon signs. It’s not my typical flair, but I always love live music and catching the local scene. I walked up and down the street casually to take in the blocked streets full of street performers, live music on patios at several bars, and enjoyed the scenery. Plus, I got to meet my dad’s all-time favorite artist – Elvis! 😉
My first shop stop was at A. Schwab – which is in the middle of the action on Beale St. This eclectic “variety” store and diner dates back to 1876 and is the only original business on Beale St. today!
The two-floor building is filled with chotskies and “all things Memphis.” From regional arts and crafts, to dry goods, candy, books, magazines, and famous Memphis brands such as Sun Studio, Hi Records, Elvis, and Stax. There’s just so much to look at and touch – you can easily get lost in it all!
One portion of the store is dedicated to its “diner,” which is full of old-fashioned flavored sodas, milkshakes, coffee and more with cute bar seating and wooden tables and chairs. I got the “Beale Street Blueberry” soda to cool down from the summer heat. It was delicious and so cute with striped straw and all!
I highly recommend this stop for just about anyone. You can find a great (and cheesy) souvenir for anyone in your life, take home a unique trinket or two and even fuel up with some classic favorites.
My next stop was about four blocks south on Main Street at Stock & Belle – a local boutique boasting unique clothing, local art, furniture and coffee. I found this place on Yelp and instantly knew I was going to be in love, which is exactly what happened.
The vibe of this place is totally worth the trip, even if their items aren’t what you’re into. Styled perfectly with mid-century modern furniture and local art, you can’t not fall in love with the place!
Amongst the walls you’ll find Memphis and Tennessee area art on display and for sale. If I didn’t bring the world’s smallest carry-on bag, I would have bought one of everything.
The clothes were gorgeous and they had styles for both men and women – which I find something that’s not usually the case in these types of shops, so that’s a plus! And they had stunning jewelry and accessories. It’s basically a dreamland.
But my favorite part was discovering the locally made natural bath/body care items – it’s like it’s my sixth sense to find these things, guys! Featuring two different brands, made by the same folks, one targeted for the ladies and the other for the guys, I had found exactly what I (wasn’t) looking for. 😛
Both brands are handcrafted in Eads, TN (about 30 min. outside of Memphis). The men’s line, Enevoldsen Ltd., table was filled with amazing scents and packaging, from soaps, salves and shampoos to balms, beard oils and incense. If Mitch were there I know he would have tried to walk away with one of everything.
On the other side of the shop is the table more for the ladies with the brand Apothecary Fairy. Again, amazing (natural) smells and tons of options. From body mousse, soap bars and salts to face masks, toner and scrubs, I was in heaven. I really could not decide on what I was taking home – because at this point, there was no stopping me.
I finally controlled myself and ended up just taking home the face mask you see below. Once I found it on the table I knew this bad boy was the one. I have been looking for the “perfect” natural face mask to add to my skin care routine. Specifically, I was looking for one that had clay in it and maybe some activated charcoal (because I’m obsessed with it). Bonus points if it was locally made. Oh, also, I was really trying to avoid the kind that comes in powder form that you have to add water to to make your own paste. I know, I have really high standards and am very particular.
Anyways, this little guy fit the bill. With bentonite volcanic(!!!) clay, raw local honey and essential oils (and locally made in the Memphis area) I about cried with excitement right there in the store, no joke.
I tried this mask out tonight for the first time after showering and cleaning my face. So far, it’s amazing. It’s the perfect consistency, dries quickly and makes my face feel fantastic! There’s some tingling and heating up and then after 10 minutes on the face you are good to go. I highly recommend checking them out. I’m excited to try more from the brand and I’m sure the men’s line (Enevoldsen Ltd.) is just as great, too.
Last but not least, Stock & Belle has a sub-brand coffee shop/pantry attached to it called 387 Pantry. It too, is adorable and would be a great stop for the classic coffee and espresso lover. And you can grab some easy pantry items while you’re at it! This whole place just gets better and better, doesn’t it?
The funny thing about this whole experience was that I was actually looking for 387 Pantry! I thought Stock & Belle was closed for some reason and didn’t notice at first they were at the same location – ha! When my maps on my phone lead me to the same address and I walked in, I was utterly surprised in the best way possible.
All-in-all Memphis was a great time, even with only a half day of exploration time. I was truly surprised by the local shop scene available (because there was SO much more than these two stops) and my admiration for the city definitely surpassed my first visit last winter.
Have any of you been to (or live in) Memphis? What did you do and like?