Building Your Post-Pandemic List (Part 1)

This post is part of our broader series titled Hidden Mems, where we introduce you to the places you may have never heard of, but definitely need to check out.

There are several rumors and opinions about how and when our favorite spots around Memphis may open back up. In this next series of posts, without getting into the swirling debates that circle the reopen dates, we want to give you the few things at the top of our “post-pandemic list.” This list will prepare you to safely take your life back from the grips of this virus and enjoy first-hand some of the top spots of our city once more. 

The very first place I will visit when life is back to normal, is my favorite coffee shop in Memphis, Cafe Eclectic. Situated in the charming north Midtown neighborhood of Vollintine-Evergreen, this cafe is certainly a great spot to spend part of your stimulus check on your first post-pandemic meal out. I’m a sucker for their bottomless Illy drip coffee paired with their Bird and Biscuit (open-faced biscuits and gravy with fried chicken on top. Lord, help me.) My wife loves their lattes and their Whole 9 Yards (two eggs with toast or biscuit, grits or tater hash and your choice of bacon or sausage). 

Make sure Cafe Eclectic is on the top of your post-pandemic breakfast spots list. Until then, they’re accepting Orders Online!

On a typical, pre-coronavirus Saturday or Sunday morning, the lines would never have met the 6-feet requirement, but in the week or two leading up to the “safer-at-home” order, Cafe Eclectic was already sensitive and attentive to social distancing requirements. Their removal of tables and limiting the number of guests even at this early period leads me to expect they will take all necessary precautions when the time comes to reopen. Join the people from all over Memphis who love coming here for brunch, business or bacon. Add them to your first-do list!

After the coffee at Cafe Eclectic helps me recover from my fried-chicken induced comatose state, my family and I will likely make our way to the V&E Greenline for a walk, or to the Hidden Mem, Williamson Park. Tucked away in a quiet neighborhood not far off the ever convenient Poplar Ave, this park is great for families. There are no major roads nearby, every part of the park is visible, and there is plenty of space to spread out. There are of course the park standards of a playground and swing, but the best part is the huge field that you can race your kids or pets in. If you’re looking for some simple, free and in-the-city outdoor time, add this park to your post-pandemic (or even today’s) list!

What about you? Where will you venture first? Make a list and let us know about other Hidden Mems around our great city!