One of our favorite end-of-year traditions at StyleBlueprint is to look back at some of our most-read articles. In 2024, Memphis readers loved finding out about new boutiques and restaurants — including the best happy hours. Other well-loved topics were home tours, creative pursuits, mental health, and weddings. Read on to review the best of Memphis in 2024. We can’t wait to see what next year holds!

New Memphis Restaurants to Try

In 2024, Memphis welcomed more than 30 new restaurants, including cocktail and wine bars, vegetarian-friendly spots, brunch fare, and sports bars. These new restaurants brought cuisines ranging from Chinese to Japanese, Vietnamese, Mexican, Lebanese, Indian, Korean, and, of course, Southern. In this list, you’ll also find details on restaurants with new locations or new menus and new coffee shops, juice bars, and bakeries. Updated monthly, consider this your go-to guide for what’s new in Memphis. You can see the complete list HERE.

A white plate with a tamale topped with red sauce and garnished with sliced red onions and greens, placed on a wooden table.Pin
Behold, the Ahogado taco, at Maciel’s Tortas and Tacos on Summer Avenue. Image: Maciel’s Tortas & Tacos

A Mississippi Interior Designer’s Dreamy Lakeside Home

We love peeking inside the South’s most beautiful homes, and Emily Forman’s inviting lakeside cottage was a favorite! Emily opened Moda Designs in 2009 to share her interior design expertise with New Albany and Southaven residents. Emily and her family live in a cottage-style house across from the lake where she grew up. Her father originally built the house in 2013, and Emily picked the interior design selections. While she didn’t need to change much by the time she returned, she put her creative spin on each room. Give the article a read HERE to find inspiration on light fixtures, balancing natural wood with vibrant color, custom bunk beds, incorporating textures, and charming porch decor.

a warmly lit master bathroom with his and hers sinks painted in a neutral color with brass hardware, mirrors, and sconces, showcasing the best of memphis articles in 2024.Pin
The sophisticated color palette in the main bathroom was chosen by Emily 10 years ago when she acted as a design consultant for her homebuilder father. She even kept the original Roman shade! Image: Peyton Neal Photography

This Four-Day Memphis Wedding Was an EXPLOSION of Color

Our most popular Memphis wedding was a breathtaking, color-drenched, four-day-long Indian wedding at The Columns Memphis. Whether this is your first look or you want to feast your eyes on these beautiful photos again, you’ll find gorgeous garments, intricate embellishments, floral garlands, and a parade with a groom on horseback! While immersing yourself in this remarkable wedding celebration, don’t forget to read the beautiful story of the couple behind it all: Ruth and Sahaj Singh — and their 450 guests. Take a look at this gorgeous wedding HERE.

A couple in traditional attire stands in front of an ornate, patterned metal door at Columns House. The man is kissing the woman's forehead while she smiles and laughs, both dressed in richly detailed garments, capturing a moment of love and joy at this beautiful wedding venue.Pin
Ruth Bryan grew up in Tupelo, MS, and Sahaj Singh in Memphis, TN. They currently live in New York City. Image: Elizabeth Hoard Photography

New Memphis Retail Spots to Check Out

With the monthly roundup of new restaurants being our most popular article of 2024, it comes as no surprise that Memphis locals also want to stay in the know about the newest boutiques across the city. Standouts include Monkee’s of Germantown, One Cozy Home, and Camryn and Craig. Each boutique listed has something one-of-a-kind to offer Memphis residents, and you can see the complete list HERE.

A woman in a colorful, patterned dress stands on a Memphis sidewalk in front of a gray wall, smiling at the camera.Pin
Stop by Monkee’s in Germantown to elevate your look! Image: Facebook

6 Not-So-Normal Mental Health Habits to Watch Out For

Mental healthcare expert Laurie Powell, CEO of Alliance Healthcare Services in Memphis, TN, identifies habits that might signal a deeper issue. Read up on habits like doomscrolling, insomnia, and excessive worry to become aware of the signals that it’s time to seek professional help. “There is never a bad time to talk to someone about your mental health,” Laurie says. A great read for everyone — and a positive reminder that there’s something for everyone when it comes to therapeutic options — you can view the article HERE.

A person sits on a grassy hillside, facing a sunset over a body of water, finding solace and clarity as they reflect on their mental health journey.Pin
We sat down with a mental health expert to learn about common habits that might indicate a deeper issue. Image: Unsplash

How to Spend a Day in Southaven, MS

Just a short drive south of Downtown Memphis, this unique suburban city has lots to offer — perfect for a day trip! Keep this guide in your back pocket as the ultimate resource on restaurants, boutiques, family-friendly events, must-see murals, activities, and parks. For the perfect day, grab a signature mason jar margarita from Maria’s Cantina, take a class at Pottery Haven, and enjoy a leisurely stroll at Jim Saucier Memorial Park. Find out everything you need to know about Southaven, MS HERE.

Savor the best of Memphis with a burger piled high with bacon and cheese on a vibrant red plate, served beside crispy fries and two tropical drinks adorned with playful umbrellas.Pin
A local favorite, Maria’s Cantina offers a unique twist to traditional Mexican cuisine in a vibrant, fun-filled environment. Image: Facebook

5 Spots for Afternoon Tea in Memphis

Memphis locals loved this roundup of afternoon tea services around the city. This leisurely custom has been around for nearly two centuries, and it is still a popular tradition here in the South. Dress up with your friends and family and treat yourself to afternoon tea with champagne, mini sandwiches, and freshly baked pastries. We’ve included spots that offer kid-friendly offerings, too, including hot chocolate in lieu of tea! Learn more about where you can enjoy afternoon tea in Memphis HERE.

Person pouring tea at an afternoon tea in Memphis.Pin
Afternoon tea at 17 Berkshire comes with a pot of tea per couple and a mouthwatering array of flavorful sandwiches and freshly baked pastries. Image: Kim Thomas

A Memphis Home with “His-and-Hers” Design Elements

West Coast influences meet Southern charm in this stunning home just outside Memphis. This popular article features modern masculine elements, vibrant florals, traditional style, detailed woodwork, bold wallpaper, and so much more. Give this one another look to see how intricate details can make a big difference in a home. Even if this was one of your favorite 2024 articles, you’ll want to read this one again — and pin these images to your Pinterest board! Revisit this beautiful Germantown home HERE.

A cozy living room corner with a yellow corner sofa adorned with patterned cushions, surrounded by various framed artworks, next to a small metal coffee table.Pin
The living room pops with color, offering an inviting atmosphere. The large blue floral piece in this room is by Memphis artist Carlyle Wolfe Lee, while the other pieces are vintage. Image: Ross Group Creative

3 Memphis Pottery Classes to Stoke Your Creativity

One thing we love about our Memphis locals is their passion for creativity! Memphis is home to a vibrant pottery scene, offering a few full-service studios with a variety of classes. In this guide, you’ll find a pottery studio with a coffee shop, one that sells Laguna clay, glazes, and materials for those who want to take their skills to the next level, and one studio that features a collection of vintage ceramic forms. Find your next pottery class HERE!

A person shapes a clay pot on a pottery wheel, wearing a denim apron with their hands covered in clay, inside a workspace filled with pottery tools and finished pieces. This scene is set within the vibrant Memphis Pottery community.Pin
Whether you want to try a beginner-friendly class or embark on an eight-week course, Belltower has options for everyone. Image: Micah Dempsey

The Best Memphis Happy Hours

Memphis is home to so many incredible spots to grab a drink and unwind after work. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing atmosphere, a great deal on drinks, or an upbeat place to catch up with friends, this guide has it all. We organized the happy hours by day (and update this list frequently) to make it easy for you to check it on the go when you need that post-work drink stat! Find the best Memphis happy hours HERE.

Four people clinking a variety of cocktails and drinks over a round table with a plate of orange and lime slices in the center, enjoying a vibrant Memphis happy hour.Pin
Cheers to happy hour and time with friends! Image: Anthros Creative Co.

Thank you for your continued readership, Memphis! We wish you a wonderful 2025. Happy exploring!

**********

Keep up with the best parts of life in the South. Subscribe to StyleBlueprint!

Kate Feinberg
About the Author
Kate Feinberg

Kate Feinberg is StyleBlueprint's Associate Editor & Sponsored Content Specialist, based in Nashville. Kate is a plant-based foodie, avid runner, and fantasy reader.