Wandering Wednesday: Memphis, TN

Hello my wanderers! Hope your Wednesday is going swimmingly! Today we are going to take a trip to the south and visit good ‘ole Memphis, TN. I actually grew up in a suburb of Memphis, so it’s always a pleasure to talk about a place I once called home. Today we are going to focus on classic and historical locations in downtown Memphis. Let’s get wandering!

The first place you have to see is the Peabody Hotel. Not only is this place famous for being incredibly beautiful, but it also has some fun quirks that make it totally unforgettable!

For example, have you ever seen ducks treated like royalty? If you go to the Peabody, you will! Every day at 11am and 5pm the Peabody ducks march their way from the elevator onto a red carpet and into the lobby fountain to swim around for a bit. Yes, you read that correctly. The Peabody duck march has been a tradition for over 90 years! If you’re lucky enough you can even take part in the duck march ceremony! It’s a Memphis tradition and a must-see event!

Another classic Memphis hot-spot is The Arcade Restaurant. It is Memphis’ oldest cafe and has been around since 1919! I highly suggest getting there for breakfast because it is phenomenal!

Next, hop on one of the many trolleys and take a riding tour around the city! The trolleys are something that really makes Memphis it’s own and they travel all around downtown!

You might pass by the Orpheum Theater on the trolley. If you do, try to stop and take a peek inside. The Orpheum was built in 1890 and was called the classiest theater of it’s time (outside of New York, of course). If you ever get the opportunity to see a show or a concert in the Orpheum don’t miss out! The beauty of the theater alone is enough to make it worth it!

The last place I’ll talk about today is Dyer’s Burgers. This diner is absolutely adorable and did I mention delicious! Their burgers are incredible and, like any good diner, their milkshakes and root beer floats are where it’s at. It’s located on the world famous Beale St. so you can’t miss it!

Memphis is a really fun city and it’s growing rapidly. The art and foodie communities are really starting to make an impact in the midtown area, but that is a topic for another Wandering Wednesday!! So keep posted and go enjoy some classic Memphis locations!

❤ Abbie

Wandering Wednesday: Oxford Exchange, Tampa, FL

Happy Wandering Wednesday y’all!! Sorry that it has been forever and a day since I’ve posted anything, but I have been working a lot. The Holiday season is always crazy for us retail workers!! So today’s post is going to be super chill and we are going to visit the coolest restaurant/ bookstore/ coffee shop that I have been to! Enter Oxford Exchange! This beautiful place is in downtown Tampa, FL across from the stunning University of Tampa (which we will wander at a later date). So let’s get started!

Oxford Exchange is in the building that used to be the stables for the old Tampa Bay Hotel (which is now University of Tampa). The building itself was built in 1891, but it didn’t become Oxford Exchange until 2012. The owner of O.E. got inspiration for the restaurant/ bookstore/ coffee shop when touring around England! After falling in love with the architecture and design of many of England’s famous buildings, he traveled back to dear old Tampa, and created a place that looks like it should be in England!

When you walk in you are immediately immersed in beautiful black and white checkered floors and dark bookshelves lined with books! There’s a long hallway that leads to the coffee shop and seating areas. O.E. proudly serves Buddy Brew coffee and amazing teas!

After you enter the coffee shop area, you can pass through a doorway into a little shop with gifts like adorable handmade necklaces and beautiful serving plates!

You enter the restaurant through the gift shop. They have two dining areas, one is surrounded by painted brick walls and the other is in a courtyard with a beautiful glass ceiling! I definitely suggest you eat at O.E! Some of our favorite dishes include the Black and Bleu Burger (or any burger for that matter), the O.E. Grilled Cheese (pear and bacon jam, need I say more?), and the Chicken Burger! I also suggest getting tea to go along with your meal! The menu does change up often and their brunch is phenomenal if you ever go at that time!

If you ever get the chance to visit Tampa, I highly suggest you add Oxford Exchange to the top of your “places to eat” list! You will never be disappointed!! Happy Wandering Wednesday everyone!!

Ps. It also helps if you take someone handsome with you. 🙂