Bartlett Travel Guide
Plan your trip to Bartlett, Tennessee with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and other useful tips to make the most out of your trip.
- Introduction to Bartlett
- List of Places to Visit in Bartlett
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Bartlett
- Best Things to Do in Bartlett: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Bartlett
- Food and Drink Scene of Bartlett
- Where to Stay in Bartlett: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Bartlett: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Bartlett
- Best Time to Visit Bartlett
- Do’s and Don’ts of Bartlett
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Bartlett: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Bartlett
- Where to Go Next from Bartlett: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Bartlett
Bartlett is a charming city in Western Tennessee, located within the Memphis metropolitan area. Founded in 1866, Bartlett is rich in history, culture, and outdoor activities that will appeal to travelers of all ages. Whether you’re interested in exploring museums and historic sites, hiking and biking in scenic parks, or indulging in southern cuisine, Bartlett has something for everyone.
List of Places to Visit in Bartlett
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Bartlett Museum - A must-visit for history buffs, the Bartlett Museum is a small museum with exhibits and artifacts of the city’s history.
- Nicholas Gotten House - Built in 1871, the Nicholas Gotten House is a historic mansion that showcases the architecture and lifestyles of the late 1800s.
- Davies Manor Plantation - This historic plantation offers tours, exhibits, and educational programs that are both entertaining and informative.
- Memphis Area Transit Authority Trolley Tour - This tour takes you back in time on an old-school trolley, taking in the history and landmarks of Memphis and Bartlett.
Natural Attractions of Bartlett: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Stanky Creek Trails - These trails are perfect for hiking and biking, with beautiful scenery and wildlife.
- Shelby Farms Park - The largest urban park in Tennessee, Shelby Farms offers bike, boat, and horseback rides, a playground, and a water park.
- Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park - Located about 20 miles outside of the city, Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park is a haven for outdoor lovers, with camping, hiking, fishing, and kayaking opportunities.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Bartlett
Bartlett offers a variety of scenic routes for hiking and biking:
- The Stanky Creek Trails - Bikers and hikers can follow the flowing trails through scenic woods, stunning creeks, and deep ravines.
- The Wolf River Greenway - This 26-mile paved path offers serene vistas of the Wolf River and wildlife.
- Shelby Farms Park - There are over 40 miles of trails at Shelby Farms Park, both paved and unpaved. The park also offers bike, boat, and horseback rides.
Best Things to Do in Bartlett: Activities and Tours
- Food tours - Taste the best Southern cuisine on a food tour, such as the Memphis Barbecue Tour, which takes you through the best barbecue spots in Memphis.
- Shopping - Bartlett has several unique shopping experiences, such as the outdoor Bartlett Station Farmers Market or the indoor thrift store Thriftsmart.
- Attend a sports game - Cheer on the Memphis Grizzlies or Memphis Redbirds at one of their games.
Week-Long Itinerary for Bartlett
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit the Bartlett Museum, Nicholas Gotten House, and Davies Manor Plantation |
| 2 | Hike the Stanky Creek Trails and explore Bartlett’s natural attractions |
| 3 | Take a Memphis Area Transit Authority Trolley Tour |
| 4 | Explore Memphis, including visiting Beale Street and the National Civil Rights Museum |
| 5 | Bike the Wolf River Greenway |
| 6 | Visit Shelby Farms Park and take a boat ride |
| 7 | Enjoy a food tour and do some shopping in Bartlett |
Food and Drink Scene of Bartlett
Must-Try Dishes
- Barbecue - Arguably the most famous dish to try in Tennessee, barbecue can be found at restaurants and food trucks throughout Memphis and Bartlett.
- Hot Chicken - Another Tennessee staple, hot chicken is a fried chicken dish with varying levels of spiciness from mild to extremely hot.
- Pimento Cheese - A Southern-inspired cheese spread made with cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos.
Local Beverages
- Sweet Tea - A popular Southern beverage, sweet tea is iced tea sweetened with sugar.
- Craft Beer - Bartlett is home to several craft breweries, such as High Cotton Brewing Company.
Where to Stay in Bartlett: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Hampton Inn & Suites - A comfortable and convenient choice located in the heart of Bartlett.
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Memphis - This Hilton hotel offers spacious suites with kitchenettes and an outdoor pool.
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Memphis North - A clean and affordable option with a free breakfast buffet.
What to Buy in Bartlett: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Barbecue Sauce - Take home a bottle of Memphis-style barbecue sauce.
- Graceland Souvenirs - While in Memphis, it’s worth checking out Graceland and picking up a souvenir.
- Craft Beer - Bring home some local beer from High Cotton Brewing Company.
Local Culture and Customs of Bartlett
- Southern Hospitality - Bartlett and Memphis are known for their kind and welcoming people.
- Church Culture - There are many churches in the area and it’s not uncommon to be invited to one.
- Gospel Music - Memphis is known as the birthplace of rock and roll and gospel music.
Best Time to Visit Bartlett
The best time to visit Bartlett is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), with mild temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer (June to August) can be hot and humid, while winter (December to February) can be chilly, but still offers indoor activities.
Do’s and Don’ts of Bartlett
Do:
- Do take advantage of transportation options like buses and trolleys.
- Do try local food, especially barbecue and hot chicken.
- Do visit the Bartlett Museum and historic sites to learn about the city’s history.
Don’t:
- Don’t underestimate the heat and humidity in the summer months.
- Don’t wander off the beaten path at night.
- Don’t forget to tip your servers and bartenders.
Safety and Health
Safety in Bartlett
Bartlett is a safe city for the most part, but visitors should still take basic safety precautions such as locking car doors and being aware of surroundings at night.
Health in Bartlett
Bartlett has hospitals and clinics, but visitors should also make sure they have adequate travel insurance.
Getting to Bartlett: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Bartlett
- Memphis International Airport - Located approximately 20 miles from Bartlett, Memphis International Airport is the closest airport to the city.
Bus Stations Near Bartlett
- Greyhound Bus Lines - There are several Greyhound stations throughout Memphis, which are about 15-20 minutes from Bartlett.
Other Options
- Amtrak - The closest Amtrak station is located in Jackson, Tennessee, which is about an hour and a half from Bartlett.
How to Get Around in Bartlett
The best way to get around Bartlett is by car, but there are also bus and trolley options available.
Where to Go Next from Bartlett: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Memphis - Memphis is just a short drive from Bartlett and offers an array of entertainment options, including Beale Street and Graceland.
- Hollywood Casino Tunica - Located in Robinsonville, Mississippi, the Hollywood Casino Tunica is a popular casino with gaming and entertainment options.
- Tunica River Park - Located in Tunica, Mississippi, Tunica River Park offers stunning views of the Mississippi River and outdoor activities.
Conclusion
Bartlett, Tennessee is a hidden gem within the Memphis metropolitan area, offering a wide range of cultural and natural attractions, delicious Southern cuisine, and warm hospitality. With its rich history, outdoor adventures, and friendly people, Bartlett is a must-visit destination.
