Bartlett in Shelby County, Tennessee, offers a blissful alternative to the commotion of city life without compromising any conveniences.
The city is originally called “Union Depot” and originally served as the last top Tennessean.
Depot on the westward stagecoach course from Nashville.
Years later, it transitioned to a rail station after the Memphis & Ohio Railroad replaced the stagecoach route.
Bartlett’s population is 57,318 as of the 2021 consensus.
This beautiful city allows you to appreciate several parks that dot Bartlett and other destinations that are worth your time and money.
Plan your trip and enjoy the 15 best things to do in Bartlett, TN!
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Initially established in 1977, the Davies Manor Association Inc. governs and adapts historic Davies Manor Plantation.
Situated on Davies Plantation Rd. in Bartlett, it comprises the apparently oldest log home in Shelby County, including 32 acres of plantation land and several woodsheds.
The wonderful plantation also features countless gardens, including a medicinal herb garden and a kitchen garden.
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You can choose from tours usually guided by professionals or a self-guided walking tour of the sheds and grounds.
The organization’s objective is to preserve and develop Davies Manor Plantation as a presentation of pristine Shelby County farm life for the visitors’ education and enjoyment.
Tired of the usual classic bowling?
Located on Stage Road, Bartlett, Andy B’s Bartlett is the place if you want to have a different kind of bowling experience.
You can choose from a fusion of games and attractions guaranteed to inspire some friendly competition of traditional bowling, VIB bowling, and interactive arcade regardless of age.
The VIB pad is a 12-lane private space, offering cutting-edge audio and lighting in addition to the 50 feet of video display for entertainment and sports viewing.
Andy B’s Bartlett features 44 lanes, interactive game play options, extended lounge seating, a private bar, and group and party packages.
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Incorporated in 1985, W. J. Freeman Park got its name from W. J. Freeman, a long-time public servant, resident, and councilman.
The 100-acre park highlights a running/walking path that goes around the whole park, soccer fields, baseball fields, a playground, lighted tennis courts, and open areas for relaxation.
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Located on Bartlett Blvd., W.J. Freeman park also provides picnic tables, restrooms, a pavilion, and a gazebo perfect for picnics and special events.
Try the 1.4-kilometer loop trail with your dog, which is an easy route, taking you only 16 minutes to finish.
This famous trail is perfect for biking, walking, and jogging and is open to the public the whole year.
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Thomas R Machnitzki (thomasmachnitzki.com), CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Located on Greenleaf Cove, Ellendale Park covers 16 acres of land with paved trails ideal for cyclists, hikers, and those with mobility concerns.
Try the 1-kilometer loop park trail, which takes approximately 11 minutes to finish.
The place is so quiet you can hear the rustling leaves whenever the wind passes by and if there is wildlife in a hurry to keep out of sight from human eyes.
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There are picnic shelters, so don’t forget to bring food and have a happy family get-together.
The attractive blue playground draws children and adults alike, including pets.
Sports enthusiasts will also appreciate the idyllic Ellendale Park because of its baseball fields and tennis courts, where they can also play at night.
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If you’re a golf aficionado, then head straight to the Quail Ridge Golf Course.
Located on Altruria Road #5101, this 18-hole, semi-private golf course rents clubs and carts for patrons who want to tee off at the exquisite golf club.
Quail Ridge Golf Club flaunts magnificent rolling hills and elevation changes, tree-lined golf courses, seven lakes, and a zigzagging creek.
Expect to see different wildlife that comes and goes at Quail Ridge Golf Course, including foxes, quails, hawks, ducks, and deer.
Challenge your skills as you battle sand traps, woodlands, and ponds to outsmart your golf buddies.
After a good game (whether you lose or win), grab some cold drinks and appetizers at the clubhouse and relax.
Keep your eyes peeled for the big red food truck, or you’ll miss the tastiest burger that Bartlett has to offer.
Located in US-64 #101 in Bartlett is where you’ll find Memphis Mojo Café, which serves delectable homemade burgers.
The café also serves appetizing local specialties that will surely delight your senses and beat your hunger pangs.
You can choose from Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, pulled-pork sandwiches, spicy fish tacos, shrimp po’boys, and much more.
Depending on your tastebuds, you might also want to try cheesy fries, crisp salads, and deep-fried jalapeños.
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Yale Road Neighborhood Park is a 0.4-mile track situated on Yale Road in Bartlett, rated as easy with zero feet elevation.
It provides an absolute venue for relaxed walking, a sumptuous picnic, and watching Canadian geese sashay across the lakeside.
You and your kids can swing and slide on the park’s kaleidoscopic playground equipment.
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Pets can come to accompany your walk, play Frisbee, or go fetch with you.
When Autumn comes, you can marvel at the dramatic colors of the trees in the park while feeding the geese at the lake.
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Every weekend many soccer players, along with their supportive families, go to witness exciting games at the Bartlett Boulevard Soccer Park.
Located on Bartlett Blvd. in Bartlett, attendees must arrive early at the field, especially during game days, because the parking lot usually fills up fast.
You can feel the excitement and pressure from watching every kick and pass, while players don’t mind tumbling just to score a goal.
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Take note that the soccer park prohibits using motorized watercraft, golfing, swimming, and alcoholic beverages.
Bartlett Boulevard Soccer Park is a great site for those who want to play at night because this athletic facility provides light to make night games possible.
Thomas R Machnitzki (thomasmachnitzki.com, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Common
Everybody is a natural artist in their own way, and to express yourself, visit Canvas Therapy located on N Germantown Pkwy #106 in Bartlett.
Painting what’s on your mind is a delightful experience, especially for kids with lots of imagination.
As an entertainment studio, Canvas Therapy integrates artistic creativity and art appreciation supervised by local artists through directed and step-by-step painting classes.
You’ll be comfortable doing your art because of the friendly and accommodating staff that will assist you throughout the painting session.
Bring the entire family or invite your friends and start painting a colorful world.
Kids are naturally playful, and one of their favorites is to jump up and down, giving you more reasons to take them to Pump it Up.
Located in US-64 Suite 101, this recreational site is perfect for spending your kid’s birthday party, which would make a wonderful experience both for the celebrant and visitors.
They would enjoy this indoor playground stuffed with high inflatables, slippery slides, and bouncy obstacle courses.
There’s also a basketball court and a tee-ball cage, engaging kids in sports and playing with other kids.
Book your reservations now and make your kids the happiest celebrants on their special day.
If you want more things to do, there are cities and towns near Bartlett that you can visit, which also provide tourist attractions.
It would only take a couple of minutes to reach your destination.
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Shelby Farms Park comprises over 40 miles of paved and unpaved scenic trails, allowing you to walk, run, jog, or bike, and paddle, boat, or fish from its 20 lakes.
Located on Great View Dr. N, Memphis, the park has thrilling activities for everyone.
Kids can spend their whole day playing at the Water Play Sprayground and Woodland Discovery Playground, where they can discover, climb, jump, splash, and play.
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This 4,500-acre park also offers different kinds of horse rides, water activities, and tree-top adventures.
If you still can’t get enough of the activities, challenge your family or friends to a paintball or laser tag game.
When you go hungry, you can grab something to eat at food trucks or buy souvenirs at the Shop at Lake’s Edge.
Shelby Farms Park is a 12-minute drive from Bartlett (6.2 mi) via Sycamore View Rd.
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Sometimes called Lakeland Lake, Garner Lake is the largest lake in Shelby County, spanning 241 acres.
It stretches 1.1 miles long, with 8.44 miles of shoreline, and 266 lakefront residences.
The clean and clear water allows for swimming, fishing, paddle boarding, floating on a raft, or the so-called “riding a noodle” with friends and some refreshments.
Bring your binoculars so you won’t miss the birds and other wildlife, such as herons, geese, ducks, otters, eagles, and other local animals and migratory birds.
The lake is abundant in different kinds of fish species so expect that your catch will include bass, catfish, bluegill, and crappie, among others.
Garner Lake is a 16-minute drive (10.3 mi) via I-40 E from Bartlett, TN.
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Memphis Zoo is an action-oriented and pleasurable experience for the entire family.
Located on Prentiss Pl, Memphis, it’s just a 17-minute drive (9.8 mi) via TN-15 W and Jackson Avenue from Bartlett.
You’ll get to see over 4,500 animals of different species, including polar bears, Nile crocodiles, hippos, flamingos, sea lions, and giant pandas.
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Seeing all the exhibits would take a two-mile walk; however, you can take a tram tour for a minimal fee.
This amazing zoo also hosts yearly exciting events such as Zoo Boo, Zoo Lights, and Zoo Brew and is just a 17-minute drive (9.8 mi) via TN-15 W and Jackson Avenue from Bartlett.
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You don’t have to be a botanist to be aware of and appreciate Memphis Botanic Garden located on Cherry Rd, Memphis.
This mesmerizing garden aims to connect people with nature through its 30 specialty gardens contained in its 96-acre property.
It provides an in-depth sight into a variety of families of flowers, trees, and plants.
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You will always want to take a stroll to this picture-perfect botanical garden because of the peace and quiet that you’ll experience.
If you’re lucky enough, you can catch yearly events such as The Family Egg Hunt, Mother’s Day Jazz Brunch, and Daffodil Dash Race.
Going to Memphis Botanic Garden will only take 16 minutes (9.4 mi) from Bartlett via Sam Cooper Blvd.
If you’re craving some fresh fruits, go straight to Jones Orchard in Millington, which has provided the best and freshest fruits for more than seven decades.
This family farm offers three pick-your-own locations, three farmers’ market booths, two roadside markets, and a lucrative jelly business.
Jones Orchard has dedicated its 50 acres of land to growing nectarines, blackberries, pears, strawberries, pumpkins, plums, and apples.
The orchard is well-known for its 25 extraordinary varieties of peaches, including Georgia Belle, Elberta, Indian Peaches, and Redskin.
The best part of visiting Jones Orchard is picking your own fruits for eating and buying.
Located on TN-3 N, Millington, the orchard is just 18 minutes away (12.1 mi) from Bartlett via TN-204 N/Singleton Pkwy.
Going out sometimes with friends or family is good for your overall health.
It’s also a way to reward yourself for all the hardship you experienced over the past years.
Go ahead and pack your things and check out interesting things to do in Bartlett, TN, and its neighboring towns and cities.
Discover the world.
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