Experience · Memphis

Downtown Civil Rights & Dinner Date

Start your date afternoon with a profound visit to the National Civil Rights Museum, located at the historic Lorraine Motel, offering a deep dive into the movement's history. Conclude with a romantic and sophisticated dinner at Catherine & Mary's, known for its chef-driven Tuscan and Sicilian cuisine in the nearby South Main district.

A 4-hour Memphis afternoon plan for solo — National Civil Rights Museum, Catherine & Mary's, Martyrs Park.

Duration
4 hrs
Cost
$80–$150
Stops
3 stops
Area
South Forum + 1 more
Walking
Light walking · Total 1.4-mile driving route
Best time
12:00 – 5:00 PM
Ideal for
Solo · Couples · Adults
Start Plan
Customize
Downtown Civil Rights & Dinner Date

The plan

The plan

  1. 1National Civil Rights Museum(2 hr 30 min)→
  2. 2Catherine & Mary's(1 hr 30 min)→
  3. 3Martyrs Park(30 min)

Why this plan works

The 3 stops cover about 1.4 miles total, which keeps you in one pocket of Memphis instead of crossing town between them. National Civil Rights Museum is the main event and takes the biggest block of time; the other stops are built around it. It finishes at Martyrs Park — a short, low-effort stop you can skip if you're ready to call it. Best suited to solo, couples, and adults who want a planned Memphis outing without improvising between stops.

The story

Overview

Start your date afternoon with a profound visit to the National Civil Rights Museum, located at the historic Lorraine Motel, offering a deep dive into the movement's history. Conclude with a romantic and sophisticated dinner at Catherine & Mary's, known for its chef-driven Tuscan and Sicilian cuisine in the nearby South Main district.

The itinerary

3 stops, one great day

  1. 0.3 mi · 6 min walk or 4 min drive

    Then Walk a few blocks north to the South Main Arts District for dinner.

  2. Catherine & Mary's2
    1h 30m
    Catherine & Mary's

    Food & Drink · South Main

    Tony, industrial-chic destination for chef-driven Tuscan & Sicilian cuisine, wine & cocktails.

    What to do — Savor small plates and entrees from the seasonal menu, paired with a selection from their wine list. Reservations are recommended.

    Scout Side Quest

    Before opening the menu, guess which ingredient will appear the most times across the dishes.

    Book it · Catherine & Mary's

    1.1 mi · 5 min drive

    Then Short hop over to Martyrs Park.

  3. Martyrs Park3
    Optional 30 min
    Martyrs Park

    Outdoors

    Waterfront, landscaped area named for those who helped others during the 1878 yellow fever epidemic.

    What to do — Finish at Martyrs Park for the view — one photo, then home.

Scout Stories

People who did this

Be the first to leave a Moment.

Did this outing? Hit "We Did This" up top and share a photo.

The route

On the map

Open route in Google Maps

Common questions

Planning this outing

Is this a good Memphis itinerary for solo?
Yes. It's built for solo, couples, and adults and runs about 4 hrs across 3 stops, starting at National Civil Rights Museum.
How long does this outing take?
Plan on 4 hrs door to door, including time between stops.
How much does this Memphis itinerary cost?
Roughly $80–$150 per person, before parking and tips. Free and low-cost stops are marked on each card.
Is this itinerary walkable?
Not entirely. The stops cover about 1.4 miles, so you'll drive or rideshare between at least one pair.
Do I need reservations?
No. Every stop on this plan takes walk-ins, though weekends move faster if you arrive early.

Keep exploring

More ways to spend time in Memphis

Different moods, same city.

  • Downtown Dinner & Blues Date Night
    Food & Drink
    Memphis
    Downtown Dinner & Blues Date Night

    Start your evening with an elegant dinner at Flight, sampling multiple dishes and wines in a unique 'flight' style. Then, step into the iconic B.B. King's Blues Club for a memorable night of live music and classic Memphis blues, soaking in the city's legendary atmosphere.

    Duration
    4h 30m
    Cost
    $120–$200
    Ideal for
    Couples · Friends
    View the plan
  • Downtown Music & Dinner Date
    Date Night
    Memphis
    Downtown Music & Dinner Date

    Begin your date night with sophisticated sips and bites at Catherine & Mary's, then dive into the vibrant history of Memphis music legends at the Memphis Music Hall of Fame. Conclude your evening with an upscale dinner at McEwen's, enjoying refined Southern dishes.

    Duration
    4 hrs
    Cost
    $100–$200
    Ideal for
    Couples · Solo
    View the plan
  • Memphis Science & Park Family Day
    Family
    Memphis
    Memphis Science & Park Family Day

    Kick off your day with a casual coffee and pastry before heading to the Memphis Museum of Science & History, where interactive exhibits and a planetarium will engage the whole family. Refuel with delicious wood-fired pizza and locally brewed sodas, then unwind at nearby Audubon Park with some outdoor play.

    Duration
    6 hrs
    Cost
    $50–$80
    Ideal for
    Families · Kids
    View the plan
  • Morning Walk & Coffee in Downtown Memphis
    Outdoors
    Memphis
    Morning Walk & Coffee in Downtown Memphis

    Begin your day with a peaceful stroll through Greenbelt Park, taking in the serene river views. Follow it up with an affordable and energizing breakfast, then enjoy a final relaxing walk along the Mississippi River Park.

    Duration
    3 hrs
    Cost
    $10–$25
    Ideal for
    Solo · Friends
    View the plan
  • Memphis Soul & River Views Afternoon
    Arts & Culture
    Memphis
    Memphis Soul & River Views Afternoon

    Immerse yourself in the rich history of American soul music at the Stax Museum, then savor classic Memphis fried chicken for lunch. Conclude your afternoon with serene views of the Mississippi River from Tom Lee Park, reflecting on the city's unique cultural tapestry.

    Duration
    4 hrs
    Cost
    $25–$50
    Ideal for
    Friends · Solo
    View the plan
  • Downtown Blues & Bites Date
    Food & Drink
    Memphis
    Downtown Blues & Bites Date

    Start your romantic evening with an appetizer and a cocktail at a trendy downtown eatery, setting a sophisticated tone. Then, immerse yourselves in the soulful sounds of live blues music, followed by an elegant dinner of refined Southern-influenced Italian cuisine.

    Duration
    4 hrs
    Cost
    $100–$200
    Ideal for
    Couples · Solo
    View the plan