Tennessee Archives - Black Couple Travels

The Lookout: Exotic Foods at the Highest Points of Memphis

BlackCoupleTravels — Thu, 05 Jul 2018 21:09:48 +0000

The Lookout At the Pyramid

Photo Credit: Big Cypress Lodge

If you ever visit Memphis, you ‘ll have to go inside this pyramid shaped adventure known as the Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid.

It’s more than what you may think. And it’s an excellent getaway for couples looking for an extraordinary hotel experience. J and I were mesmerized by the unexpected beauty and nature- filled feelings that the space cultivated.

You’ll find tree house suites, a swamp, an aquatic themed bowling alley, retail spaces, and the largest freestanding, glass elevator in the United States.

Photo Credit: Big Cypress Lodge

I’ll never forget when J grabbed my hand and guided me to the Lookout at the Pyramid for a heightened romantic feeling. We ascended 25 stories up to the Lookout’s deck where we experienced a 360 degree of Memphis. It was a perfect place to see the richness of a city where love and happiness exists in the music, history, and food.

Our eyes were in for a beautiful surprise. The scenery took our breath away as we overlooked an enchanting view of the Mississippi River and watched the sunset.

Photo Credit: Black Couple Travels

The Duck Blind Sunrise cocktail was the perfect drink to add to the serene feeling of being on a beach.

Photo Credit: Black Couple Travels

Appetizers included Pan Seared Duck and BBQ Jumbo Shrimp. It was better than I expected! We loved it.

Pan Seared Duck © BlackCoupleTravels.com 2017

BBQ Jumbo Shrimp © BlackCoupleTravels.com 2017

Then Filet Mignon and Salmon for dinner! You could tell the food was prepared with the richest ingredients.

Every tender bite that entered my mouth reminded me of what life could be like when you’re intentional about creating mesmerizing memories with the people who mean the world to you.

Photo Credit: Black Couple Travels

What are your favorite foods to eat in Memphis? Let us know below.

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Big Cypress Lodge: One of the Most Beautiful Secrets in Memphis

BlackCoupleTravels — Thu, 05 Jul 2018 20:54:12 +0000

Big Cypress Lodge

Photo Credit: Big Cypress Lodge

Words are not enough to describe the visual wonders of the Big Cypress hotel Lodge. Standing tall as one of the newest treasures of Memphis, you won’t be able to unwrap a hotel experience like this anywhere in the world (you might have to see it in order to fully believe it!).

Residing on space that was once a concert venue, this property has evolved into a worldwide sensation and has become the pyramid shaped dwelling that every couple that is seeking a mixture of adventure and relaxation want to experience.

You have been warned: as soon as you walk in the door, your smile will shine so bright that you’ll have to immediately photograph the moment (don’t be surprised if your social media followers ask if you’ve won the jackpot!)

The hotel Lodge is home to a town size Bass Pro Shop that is bordered by indoor cabin suites, scattered fished filled rivers and gigantic water tanks. There is a Cypress swamp in the middle sprinkled with retail shops in every direction. What’s so captivating about this place is that you feel like you’re outdoors but you’re actually inside.

Photo Credit: Black Couple Travels

The word “bored” will never leave your mouth when you’re surrounded by an aquatic themed bowling alley, archery range, and fishing activities.

Photo Credit: Black Couple Travels

Take the elevator to your room and stand in awe as you pass the the nature-themed residence floor. Fully furnished with a fireplace, seating area, and wood-carved fixtures, you’ll have to constantly remind yourself where you are at (or just embrace the moment).

Photo Credit: Big Cypress Lodge

It’s amazing how different places in the lodge cater to the different energy needs of people. You can enjoy the liveliness of the people when you go down to the hotel lodge or tap into the tranquility of your room if you’re looking for the ultimate relaxation experience.

Photo Credit: Big Cypress Lodge

The basic rooms are so well crafted you will feel like you are inside a suite! From the private tree house balcony attached to our fabulous room to the mountain deer head giving us a piece of nature above our bed, we admired the design of the whole layout.

Photo Credit: Black Couple Travels

Then we took our relationship to the next level (literally, 300 feet above the ground on a freestanding glass elevator) to eat at the hotel’s premier dining spot, The Lookout.

Photo Credit: Big Cypress Lodge

And our eyes were in for a beautiful surprise. The scenery took our breath away as we overlooked an enchanting view of the Mississippi River and watched the sunset.

Photo Credit: Black Couple Travels

The Duck Blind Sunrise cocktail was the perfect drink to add to the serene feeling of being on a beach.

Photo Credit: Black Couple Travels

Appetizers included Pan Seared Duck and BBQ Jumbo Shrimp. It was better than I expected! We loved it.

Pan Seared Duck © BlackCoupleTravels.com 2017

BBQ Jumbo Shrimp © BlackCoupleTravels.com 2017

Then Filet Mignon and Salmon for dinner! You could tell the food was prepared with the richest ingredients.

Every tender bite that entered my mouth reminded me of what life could be like when you’re intentional about creating mesmerizing memories with the people who mean the world to you.

Photo Credit: Black Couple Travels

As the dark shadows of the night rays approached us, we went to our room, sat on the balcony, and discussed our vision for the future.

The stillness of the scenery and the peacefulness of the moment provided an excellent time for reflection; we felt a sense of understanding and togetherness that we had never felt before. It was wrapped with love and care. It revealed an insatiable desire to experience more of this – to just let go of the worries of the world and create a harmonic synchronicity that allowed us to spread endless love throughout the world. We didn’t know where all of these thoughts and feelings were coming from. But it was evident that your environment can completely reshape the direction of your relationship.

With all of those feelings in the air, we decided to turn up the steam in our hotel room by relaxing in the jetsetter tub. The dim lighting and craftsmanship of the tub allowed us to submit to the beauty of the moment. All we could hear were the pleasant sounds of bubbles forming as we sat in silence for a few minutes. Our mind was completely relaxed, giving us permission to expose our deepest feelings and express our most profound desires. I felt his energy and he felt mine as we bathed in a tub of love.

Who would have known that a change in scenery at two of the best hotels in Memphis would have given us more reasons to appreciate the undisclosed pieces of each other, while unexpectedly painting a view of the future that exceeds anything we’ve ever witnessed in the past.

What are your favorite hotels in visit? What do you like most about the Big Cypress Lodge?

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Memphis: BBQ Nachos and 9 other Flavors We Enjoyed

Charlene Rhinehart — Thu, 05 Jul 2018 18:33:08 +0000

Tasty, mouthwatering, culturally rich foods have held special spots in relationships since the 1900s, and experienced lovers wouldn’t deny the impact that food has had on their ability to maintain a fun, vibrant, and healthy relationship.

With a list of restaurants that will allow you to wine, dine, and enjoy cultural cravings, Memphis is the perfect spot to start your weekend restaurant adventures. There’s so much to see and do, so arrive in Memphis on Thursday afternoon and depart on a Monday evening in order to take advantage of a good blend of restaurants that will show you a taste of love that you’ve been missing.

Ready, set, romance! Here are 10 bites of Memphis that will make your heart full.

Charlie Vergo’s Rendezvous Restaurant

Walking through an alley on a beautiful evening might not be a smart move (even if you’re coupled up with your sweetheart), unless you’re going to Rendezvous.

Rendezvous is a dry rib specialty restaurant located in a jazzy basement in downtown Memphis. Word around town is that you can’t go to Memphis without getting a taste of the famous hand-cooked ribs based with a light vinegar seasoning sauce that gives it just the right kick.

What captivated my taste buds even more were the Chicken Barbecue Nachos, your traditional nachos catered with a punch of flavor that keeps you going back for more. As you can imagine, it’s a popular restaurant among tourists, so going on a Thursday evening gave us a chance to avoid a long line.

The Arcade Restaurant

If you grab breakfast at the Arcade Restaurant in downtown Memphis, you and your mate can vaunt about sitting in the seats of a restaurant that has been recognized as “Memphis’s Oldest Café”. You’ll be enjoying food history in Memphis together!

A Memphis staple since 1919, The Arcade Restaurant delivers your breakfast cravings all day and gives you a menu of other appetizing food options to choose from. My curiosity led me to the Sweet Potato Pancakes, listed on the menu as a “Food Network favorite”. Let’s just say this: If you’re experiencing morning hunger, the pancakes and other food offerings that are included will fill you up.

The Kitchen American Bistro at Shelby Farms

The Kitchen made its Memphis debut in 2016, so couples will get a chance to receive a taste of a contemporary dining experience while being surrounded by nature’s beautiful trails in Shelby Farms Park. The eco-friendly setting combined with the alluring ambiance makes this a great brunch option, and a great environment to have high-spirited couple conversations that allow you to reveal your vision for your life.

And the conversation gets even better after diving into the Gulf Shrimp Salad, an appetizing menu item served with two pieces of bread and green lettuce.

Felicia Suzanne’s

If I could snap my fingers and return to Memphis right now, I would run to Felicia Suzanne’s and order the Deviled Eggs appetizer. The Deviled Eggs were filled with house-smoked salmon that just made me fall in love with life all over again.

J added the Chicken Crepes to his top 10 appetizers listing, so try both and you decide which is better! The food chemistry was definitely present, but the romantic vibe from the dim lights and couple seating options just makes you want to stare in your partners’ eyes, hold hands, and appreciate everything life has brought your way. Last but not the least, we enjoyed the Quail Entree.

B.B. King Blues Club & Grill

Millennial couples can conclude their Friday night festivities in Memphis with lovely blues ballads & fresh baked peach cobbler (with caramel and cinnamon!) at B.B. Kings. This will definitely spice up your relationship!

Located on the corner of the historic Beale street, you’ll have a chance to listen to live blues, classic soul, and rock and roll that will make you forget every worry that was previously on your mind. Choose the elevated seating by the window for an additional level of romantic charm (wink, wink) and let the experience take you and your partner away to passionate paradise.

DeJaVu Restaurant

You’ll find a taste of New Orleans in the heart of Memphis when you dine at DeJaVu.

Warning: The food options, artifacts on the wall, and sophisticated blend of upbeat jazz with soulful sounds may spark you and your mate to plan a trip to New Orleans next!

Featured as a restaurant of choice during Memphis Black Restaurant Week, DeJaVu appeals to crowds with its creole soul food and vegetarian options. I couldn’t resist ordering the shrimp and grits, Cajun Jambalaya and Creole Gumbo; I was pleasantly surprised that I didn’t need tons of water to beat the spice.

Side Street Grill

It’s like you’re in the comfort of your home with your mate, but you’re surrounded by an array of music, a spacious family-sized patio, endless mimosas, and Memphis millennials when you head to Side Street Grill.

So, while I was enjoying a healthy Side Street Grilled Salmon Salad and mimosa, I also had a chance to enjoy inspiring words from Tammy Sawyer, TedX speaker and influential Millennial leader in Memphis. Her words of advice were these: “Believe in yourself and have as little fear as possible. Don’t be afraid. It’s not always about achieving the final goal, but being able to make an impact on your journey.”

Uncle Buck’s Fishbowl & Grill

As soon as you walk into Uncle Buck’s Fishbowl & Grill, you’ll be greeted with hanging sharks, exotic fish swimming in the water, and wooden furniture, providing you with the ultimate nature driven-experience while staying indoors! Having the chance to experience this beautiful aquatic setting on a Monday morning just brought J and I closer.

We ordered Buttermilk Pancakes, an omelet served with skillet potatoes and toast, and the Breakfast Panini served with skillet potatoes. Needless to say, our stomachs were stuffed and we were grateful that this restaurant was surrounded by tons of retail shops, attractions, and an ocean-themed bowling alley perfect for burning calories.

The Office@Uptown

Couples can do great things when they come together; they can even create a welcoming environment that caters to the business-minded professional who is seeking a comfortable workspace and great food options.

That’s what unfolded when Valerie Peavy and her husband transformed a building renovation project into an office service center and café, The Office@Uptown was born.

And it’s listed as a featured restaurant during Memphis Black Restaurant Week! This is a great place for Millennial couples to engage in lunch meetings with other professionals, try meatless meals such as the Veggie Pizza, and witness what can happen when you find a mate who shares a vision of success.

The Lookout at The Pyramid

If you really want to take your relationship to the next level (literally, 300 feet above the ground on the tallest free-standing elevator in the United States), surprise your mate with dinner at The Lookout.

You’ll share rich flavors of their food while overlooking the Mississippi River. The BBQ Jumbo Shrimp and Pan Seared Duck Breast appetizers won a spot in my heart–it was just so tasty that it was almost hard to split–along with the perfectly blended Duck Blind Sunrise cocktail (Did somebody say beach party? Ayyyy!).

And then the entrées, Pan Seared Salmon & Filet Mignon, made their grand appearance on our table, making it hard to not embrace the present moment with dreamy eyes.

What are your favorite restaurants in Memphis? Let us know below!

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The post Memphis: BBQ Nachos and 9 other Flavors We Enjoyed appeared first on Black Couple Travels.