Your Complete Travel Guide to Germantown, Tennessee
A whisper of history, a canopy of oaks, and a decidedly polished Southern charm—Germantown, Tennessee blends small‑town warmth with cosmopolitan ease. Just east of Memphis, this leafy suburb is known for its equestrian heritage, excellent schools, and community pride, but travelers find plenty to love: a top‑tier performing arts center, serene greenways along the Wolf River, and a food scene that ranges from white‑tablecloth indulgence to smoky barbecue legend.
If you’re plotting a long weekend or a family vacation, you’ll find Germantown’s pace refreshing. Mornings might start with a bike ride under sycamores, afternoons at a shaded garden museum, and evenings with live jazz beneath a starlit sky. Families appreciate the safe, park‑filled landscape; foodies follow their noses to pit-smoked pork and butter‑basted steaks; culture‑seekers gravitate to concert halls and community theater. This is a place where music drifts from amphitheaters, crepe myrtles bloom in late summer, and the best things to do in Germantown feel effortlessly close.
Why Visit Germantown
Germantown is a destination for travelers who like their days balanced: a dash of arts and culture, a stroll in nature, then dinner somewhere memorable. Anchoring that experience is the Germantown Performing Arts Center (GPAC), a jewel-box venue that attracts world-class musicians, dance companies, and family programming. On warm nights, The Grove at GPAC unfurls like a green carpet, with lawn chairs and blankets spread out beneath a canopy of oaks while the faint scent of kettle corn lingers in the air. For many visitors, evenings at GPAC rank high among the best things to do in Germantown.
Nature fans arrive to find meandering trails and quiet river overlooks. The Germantown Greenway winds along the Wolf River, connecting neighborhoods and parks with paved paths and boardwalks. In the morning, dew beads on tall grasses and you might catch the splash of a turtle dropping into backwater sloughs. In spring, dogwoods and azaleas paint the edges of the trail; in autumn, the hardwoods go gold. It’s a peaceful counterpoint to the nearby bustle of Poplar Avenue.
Germantown also shines with its community traditions. The early-summer Germantown Charity Horse Show prances with pageantry, a nod to the city’s equestrian roots, while the September Germantown Festival fills the air with live music, craft booths, and the comforting aroma of funnel cakes. These events bring the town together and offer travelers a window into local life: kids racing from rides to lemonade stands, couples browsing pottery, neighbors greeting neighbors as the afternoon cools. If your dates are flexible, time your trip to overlap with a festival weekend.
A local tip: “Book GPAC tickets early if a big-name act is in town, then plan dinner nearby. On concert nights, parking is easy, but tables go fast—especially on the patio at restaurants in Old Germantown.”
Things to Do in Germantown
Start with the arts. The Germantown Performing Arts Center is intimate enough that you can read the expressions of a string quartet or feel the footwork of a flamenco troupe. The acoustics are crisp, seats plush, and the pre-show buzz is palpable as patrons gather over a glass of wine in the lobby. In temperate weather, The Grove at GPAC hosts outdoor concerts where cicadas hum, kids dance at the stage’s edge, and food trucks dish up handheld bites. Whether your tastes lean classical or contemporary, an evening here is one of the best things to do in Germantown.
Slip into local history and horticulture at Oaklawn Garden, a quietly magical pocket of town with seasonal blooms, winding brick paths, and a quaint museum of Germantown artifacts. Old street signs and rail memorabilia hint at the city’s past while hydrangeas and azaleas frame shady benches. It’s a photographer’s dream in late spring, but even in the cooler months the serenity draws you in. The scent of earth and pine, the rustle of leaves overhead—this is where you come to slow down.
For a taste of Tennessee agrarian life with a modern twist, visit the Bobby Lanier Farm Park. Part working farm, part educational center, it offers workshops, seasonal events, and the Farm Park Farmers’ Market where local growers sell crisp cucumbers, sweet strawberries, and jars of amber honey. On market days, you’ll hear the chatter of neighbors trading recipes while musicians strum under a pavilion. Children peer into raised garden beds, and the air smells like tomatoes on the vine. Travelers who like hands-on experiences can also check the calendar for farm-to-table dinners and garden classes—an under-the-radar highlight when you’re mapping out what to do in Germantown, Tennessee.
Round out your day with a stroll or ride along the Wolf River Greenway. You’ll share the path with runners, families pushing strollers, and cyclists clocking easy miles beneath the trees. If shopping is more your speed, detour to the Shops of Saddle Creek, an open-air retail district where soft music mingles with the smell of espresso drifting from storefront cafes. Savvy visitors often bookmark both in a single afternoon: a few miles on the trail, then a treat and some browsing before dinner.
A local tip: “Bring bug spray for dusk on the greenway and pack a picnic for The Grove shows. A lightweight blanket and a pair of low-back chairs make you look like a seasoned Germantown regular.”
Where to Eat and Drink in Germantown
In a city that prizes hospitality, dining is an art form. Start classy at Southern Social, where white tablecloths glow under warm pendant lights and plates arrive beautifully composed. Imagine butter‑kissed scallops, bourbon‑glazed pork chops, and a cocktail list that leans both classic and inventive. It’s the kind of place where servers describe sauces like they’re telling a story. For many, a table here anchors their list of top restaurants in Germantown, Tennessee.
Then chase the smoke. The legendary Germantown Commissary perfumes the Old Germantown district with a sweet, hickory haze. Order a pulled pork sandwich piled high, sticky ribs with just enough bark, or a smoked chicken plate with sides that taste like someone’s Sunday best—creamy slaw, tangy beans, and a slice of fudge pie to finish. The dining room hums with conversation, and the picnic tables out front buzz with locals in ball caps and travelers marking a pilgrimage well made. If you’re collecting the best restaurants in Germantown, this one’s non-negotiable.
For bright, fresh flavors, make for Las Tortugas Deli Mexicana, a family-run spot where ripe avocados, warm corn tortillas, and citrus-marinated meats take center stage. The counter chatter is lively, the limes smell freshly cut, and every bite tastes like sunshine. On the lighter side, City Silo Table + Pantry – Germantown serves vibrant grain bowls, smoothies, and veggie-forward plates that don’t skimp on flavor; it’s a smart stop between trail time and theater seats. For breakfast, the griddle sizzles at Staks Pancake Kitchen where the smell of butter and caramelizing batter might be the most persuasive argument for a second cup of coffee.
When you want a casual pint and a burger after a show, Huey’s Germantown is a local staple with neon glow, friendly bartenders, and juicy patties that hit the spot; some nights you’ll catch live music, others you’ll find toothpicks stuck in the ceiling—a beloved Memphis-area quirk. Pizza lovers settle into booths at Mellow Mushroom Germantown where stone-baked pies and a rotating beer list make for easygoing evenings. Between these and the white-tablecloth options, it’s easy to assemble your own roster of top restaurants in Germantown, Tennessee that suits any mood.
A local tip: “Southern Social takes reservations, but the bar seats are first come—arrive early for happy hour and you’ll often score a prime spot without the wait. At the Commissary, go at off-peak times—late lunch or early dinner—to skip the line.”
Best Places to Stay in Germantown
Comfortable, convenient, and close to everything—Germantown’s hotels make it simple to explore. Southeast of town, the Hyatt Place Memphis/Germantown blends spacious rooms with a reliable café-bar that pours morning espresso and evening cocktails. The lobby hums quietly at dawn as joggers head for the trails and business travelers review notes over yogurt parfaits. For many visitors, it ranks among the best hotels in Germantown thanks to its easy parking, modern rooms, and quick access to key arteries.
Closer to the medical corridor and retail hubs, the Hampton Inn & Suites Memphis–Germantown and Homewood Suites by Hilton Memphis–Germantown are favorites for families and extended stays. Expect the scent of fresh waffles at breakfast, a steady flow of hot coffee, and staff who know which nearby park playgrounds are best for toddlers. Homewood’s in-room kitchens and weeknight socials make longer trips feel homey, while Hampton’s crisp bedding and strong Wi‑Fi keep quick stopovers comfortable.
Marriott loyalists have options, too. The Courtyard by Marriott Memphis Germantown offers sleek common spaces, a café that turns out lattes and flatbreads, and a patio where you can unwind under string lights. If you prefer value with a modern touch, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Memphis Germantown and the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Memphis/Germantown deliver the essentials with friendly service: crisp linens, hot breakfasts, and quick drives to the Shops of Saddle Creek and Old Germantown’s restaurants.
Where to stay in Germantown, Tennessee ultimately comes down to your plans. If you’re pairing concerts at GPAC with trail time, pick a property along Wolf River Boulevard for short hops to venues and greenways. If you’re road-tripping, hotels with immediate access to Poplar Avenue and the interstate make arrivals and departures easy. No matter your base, evenings in Germantown often end the same way: the soft murmur of crickets outside and the comforting hush of a well-run hotel lobby inside.
A local tip: “Ask for a room facing away from the main roads for the quietest sleep, and if you plan to Uber to a late GPAC show, check with the front desk about the best pickup spot—it saves a few minutes after the crowd lets out.”
Tips for Visiting Germantown
Germantown is a year-round destination, but timing can elevate your experience. Spring brings dogwoods and azaleas in full bloom, with mild afternoons perfect for the greenway. Summer is lush and lively, ideal for outdoor concerts and the Germantown Charity Horse Show, though afternoons can be hot and humid. Fall’s cool evenings pair beautifully with festivals and patio dining, while winter is quiet and cozy. If you’re chasing the best things to do in Germantown tied to events, check local calendars and book lodging early for peak weekends.
Getting here and around is a breeze. Fly into Memphis International Airport (MEM), rent a car, and you’ll be in Germantown in about 20–25 minutes depending on traffic. Rideshares are easy to hail, but a car makes it simpler to hop between greenways, Oaklawn Garden, and restaurants spread across town. Parking is free and plentiful at most venues and shopping centers, which makes spontaneous stops—say, an extra coffee or a last-minute stroll—feel effortless. For travel tips for Germantown in summer, consider a midday siesta and plan outdoor time in the morning or after 5 p.m.
Pack for comfort and polish. Casual Southern style rules the day—breathable fabrics for walks, smart-casual attire for dinner at places like Southern Social, and a light sweater for chilly theater A/C. If you intend to explore parks or the Germantown Greenway, bring sturdy sneakers, a refillable water bottle, and a small daypack. Sunscreen and insect repellent are handy in warm months, especially around dusk along the water. And if you plan to picnic at The Grove at GPAC, a low-profile chair is your best friend.
Finally, mind the details. Dinner reservations go quickly on weekends, so book ahead for the top restaurants in Germantown, Tennessee. For seasonal happenings—from the Farm Park Farmers’ Market to theater productions at Germantown Community Theatre—verify times the week of your visit as schedules can shift with weather. If you’re mixing shopping and dining, remember that the Shops of Saddle Creek are split into East and North sections across Poplar; a short walk or drive connects them. And while Germantown is notably safe and welcoming, standard travel common sense applies—lock your car, keep valuables out of sight, and savor the strolls.
A local tip: “Aim for an early lunch and late dinner. You’ll beat the biggest crowds, catch prettier light on the trails, and slide right into a patio table without a wait—especially on those golden fall evenings when everyone’s outside.”
