Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Germantown, TN

  • Published 2023/01/04

If you’re looking for a place that feels like home when you’re away from home, you can visit this small, charming town in the big city of Memphis.

Seated in the County of Shelby, Tennessee, the historic district of Germantown offers new ways to enjoy the suburbs of Memphis.

Whether you like outdoor activities, thrilling excursions, some retail therapy, or relaxing activities, you can find all of that in Germantown.

Enjoy an endless list of entertainment and try the 20 best things to do in Germantown, Tennessee.

Learn About Gardening in Oaklawn Garden

View of Oaklawn Garden

Thomas R Machnitzki, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The stunning gardens of Oaklawn lie in the six-acre field filled with lush greeneries.

Oaklawn Garden is a combination of a botanical garden, a museum, and a plaza where you can stroll around and feed your eyes with the sight of brilliant colored flowers blossoming and feel the fresh breeze of the wind.

View of Oaklawn Garden

Thomas R Machnitzki ([email protected]), CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

You can watch the gardeners take care of the plants and ask them questions about how to properly maintain a garden.

The perfect time to visit Oaklawn Garden is during the spring where flowers bloom and explode with impressive colors.

View of Oaklawn Garden

Thomas R Machnitzki, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Oaklawn garden guarantees a relaxing afternoon while gazing at the meadows full of beautiful plants and shrubs.

You can explore the different paths around the garden, and you can also take pictures with the wonderful views of Oakland Garden.

View of Oaklawn Garden

Thomas R Machnitzki, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Shop and Dine at Saddle Creek

Being the first retail complex built in 1987, Saddle Creek still stands to be one of the best shopping centers in Germantown, Tennessee.

Saddle Creek is a one-stop destination for clothing, beauty, fitness, electronics, home appliances, and many more.

You can choose from more than forty stores that feature unique and famous shops, like Apple, Banana Republic, Sephora, Pandora, Michael Kors, and other iconic brands.

You’ll definitely get hungry after visiting the stores in Saddle Creek; you can also dine in one of the restaurants around the place.

Enjoy the spacious parking lots and appreciate the unique architectural design of the shopping center.

Saddle Creek provides a spectacular shopping experience for each customer, so keep your eyes open for some good deals and events that occasionally happen in Saddle Creek.

Have a Picnic in Cameron Brown Park

Parks are one of the most popular recreational areas around the world, and Germantown has lots of enchanting parks that you can visit.

Cameron Brown Park is just one of the many places where people can go to do various activities like hanging out and relaxing with friends and family.

This 55-acre park features well-lit fields for sports (e.g., baseball, football, and soccer, tennis courts), a huge pavilion, picnic spots with tables and benches, BBQ grilling areas, food stands, restrooms, and water fountains.

Cameron Brown Park also boasts a one-and-a-half-mile of hiking trails and a three-acre lake where you can fish and enjoy the scenic view of the lake.

Learn the Stories Behind the Fort Germantown

View of Fort Germantown

Thomas R Machnitzki, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

You’ll be transported back in time when you visit Fort Germantown, which is one of the well-preserved civil war forts used by garrison troops in the early days.

This noteworthy site is a significant piece in the heritage of Germantown and it provides historians a viewpoint about the establishment of the fort and the everyday life of people around it.

View of Fort Germantown

Thomas R Machnitzki, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

You can stop by at Fort Germantown and have the opportunity to appreciate the legacy given by the people that lived long before us.

A trip around Fort Germantown can enrich your understanding of the place and reflect on the experiences and struggles of the soldiers back in the day.

View of Fort Germantown

Thomas R Machnitzki, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Stop By and Watch Movies in Malco Summer Drive-In

Get ready to experience the waves of nostalgia flood over you as you make your way to Malco Summer Drive-In.

Malco Summer Drive-In is a one-of-a-kind movie theater where you can bring your dogs and watch a film together.

The drive-in theater features multiple screens that present newly released movies and some typical amenities found in a cinema, such as concession stands.

You can have some fun in the comfort of your own car while you watch films from the big screens of Malco Summer Drive-In.

Catch a Live Performance in Germantown Community Theater

Nestled in Forest Hill-Irene Road of Germantown, this 110-seat facility offers entertainment and learning opportunities for both residents and visitors of this historic city.

Germantown Community Theater is a non-profit organization that aims to foster the creativity and talent of the community by providing an environment where people can freely express themselves.

If you are interested in live performances, you can buy a ticket and witness an outstanding show from the most talented entertainers of Germantown.

You can also enroll yourself in some of the acting classes offered by the community theater and meet other aspiring actors while learning.

Come and visit Germantown Community Center.

Maybe you’ll get a chance to meet the theater’s community ghost, Mrs. Murray, who can make the lights flicker.

Spend a Day in the Outdoors at the Wolf River Nature Area

The Wolf River Nature Area has become a popular destination for all nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

This 150-acre natural reserve offers educational areas for tours, picnic areas, picturesque spots, and areas for relaxation, and restrooms.

It also features a 5.3-kilometer trail where you can hike, walk, jog, or simply admire the natural surroundings.

Along the trails, you can find some signs, benches, gardens, and wetlands.

Wolf River Nature Area provides a lot of outdoor activities where you can burn calories while having fun.

Visit the Historic Germantown Train Depot Museum

View of Historic Germantown Train Depot Museum

Thomas R Machnitzki, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Germantown boasts a lot of historic locations in its vicinity, and Germantown Train Depot Museum is one of them.

The Germantown Train Depot Museum is a destination where all of the town’s history is collected in one place.

View of Historic Germantown Train Depot Museum

Thomas R Machnitzki, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

You can visit the train depot to learn more about the past and see the memories of Germantown with the railroads.

The Germantown Train Depot Museum has been restored for tourists, and it is now turned into a museum that houses a collection of artifacts from the early years of Germantown.

View of Germantown Train Depot Museum

Thomas R Machnitzki, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Buy Fresh Fruits and Vegetables in Farm Park Farmer’s Market

Fresh, sustainable, and locally grown – these are the qualities that Farm Park Farmer’s Market is proud of.

The Farm Park Farmer’s Market is a family-friendly place where you can buy the freshest fruits and vegetables sourced from local farms.

You can also enjoy live musical performances and view the art collections made by the talented resident artists of Germantown.

There are also available food trucks that serve tasty and nutritious foods for customers, provide fun activities for children, and educational cooking presentations with a lovely rural environment.

In the Farm Park Farmer’s Market, you can have the pleasure of shopping without feeling bored.

Be Entertained at Germantown Performing Center

For thirty years, Germantown Performing Center has been presenting world-class entertainment.

This 868-seat center is home to different artists specializing in dance, comedy, music, and acting.

This Germantown treasure is a place where you can find outstanding artists performing.

You will be impressed by the performing center’s performances, staff, facilities, and the overall experience that Germantown Performing Center can provide.

Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just someone who enjoys watching performances from excellent performers, then Germantown Performance Center is a must-visit place that you should include in your bucket list.

Sip Wine and Paint in Painting With A Twist

If you think that Painting With A Twist is just another boring painting class, then you’re definitely wrong.

Painting With A Twist is a new way to spend your precious time in Germantown.

Whether you like to bond with your friends, have some fun during a date night, or express yourself through painting, you can book an event in Painting With A Twist.

With Painting With A Twist, you are not only creating art, but you are also making memories that you will forever cherish.

Break away from the stressful world and join the zen event in one of the studios of Painting With A Twist in Germantown.

Experience a truly refreshing and calming painting session with relaxing music to set up your mood while sipping a glass of wine.

You can choose to reserve a seat or book a private appointment.

Get ready to enjoy this new experience, meet other people, and share some stories and laughter with Painting With A Twist.

Taste the Germantown Commissary BBQ’s Famous Menu

Germantown Commissary BBQ’s Famous Menu

Biskuit, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Situated in the downtown area of Germantown, you can find the restaurant that serves the best cured and smoked meats in town.

The main attraction in this restaurant is its barbeques, but you can also try other items on the menu, such as the smoked sausages or the tamales, which is a staple of the city.

After savoring the most delicious barbecues in Germantown, make sure to save some space for some sweet treats that Germantown Commissary BBQ also offers, such as their coconut cream pies and puddings.

The restaurant is located right next to railway tracks, so you might have to say your orders out loud.

Have a taste of the Memphis-style Barbeques and satisfy your taste buds in Germantown Commissary BBQ.

Grab a Bottle of Wine in Germantown Village Wine and Liquor

Looking for some liquors that don’t break your banks?

Head on to Germantown’s Village Wine and Liquor.

This store boasts its wide collection of brandy, scotch, tequilas, rums, and many more.

The Germantown Village Wine and Liquor also provides an assortment of wine brands and styles that you can discover and suit your taste.

From local brands to well-known labels, you can find it here in Germantown Village Wine and Liquor.

You don’t need to be knowledgeable about wines and liquors before you visit the store; the staff will guide and assist you based on what you need.

The Germantown Village Wine and Liquor can offer you great prices, high-quality products, and knowledgeable staff that can help you select the best wines and liquor.

Grab Organic Products at September Nail Salon

A small-scale nail salon called September Nail Salon is located in Germantown, Tennessee, just outside Memphis.

Jennifer Purnell, the business’ founder, has committed to only utilizing organic products for all of the salon’s services.

September Nail Salon established its bath and shower brand, September BODY, to provide customers with the best products possible during treatments.

September’s BODY collection features Body Butter Oils, Bath Bombs, Hydrating Body Mists, Sugar Scrubs, and more.

Customers adored receiving the September BODY items as a gift during services and enquired about buying them for everyday use.

September Nail Salon started making products by hand for retail sales so that anybody may use them at home or buy them as presents.

Engage in Outdoor Activities at Ridgeway Country Club

You may socialize with a varied, broad-based membership, participate in creative events, and experience nearly every feature of country club life with a new perspective at Ridgeway Country Club.

For golfers of various ages and abilities, the golf course provides 18 competitive holes of golf.

This amazing course offers golfers an enjoyable excursion since beautiful lakes, and gorgeous native plants surround it.

A 300+ yard driving range, putting and chipping greens, and an indoor practice area are offered as part of the practice fields.

Other club amenities include an Olympic-sized pool, tennis courts, private dining rooms, and a cozy theater for special events and film screenings.

Enjoy the benefits of Ridgeway Country Club, which offers chances for interaction for the family members in golf, tennis, swimming, dining, celebrating events, and marking the significant occasion of your life.

Buy Home Decors at Southern Avenue Company

Southern Avenue Company is a charming and welcoming home furnishings and gifts business situated in the Shops of Saddle Creek in Germantown.

It is entirely composed of appealing compositions infused with enduring creativity.

Southern Avenue Company offers a personal shopping experience that surprises and inspires you every time you visit, with a new and expanding selection.

Get the ideal jewelry to go with your outfit.

They provide a wide variety of clothing, including outerwear, dresses, robes, tops, and bottoms.

Check out the different tableware, frames, furniture, mirrors, and other products best suited as your home décor if you’re trying to shop for new items for your house.

Savor a Burger and Enjoy Live Music at Huey’s Germantown

Since 1970, Huey’s has been serving entertaining music, refreshing craft beers, & delectable hamburgers in Memphis.

Memphis residents have chosen their World Renowned Huey burgers as the city’s best burger.

Explore their sizable menu featuring burgers, sandwiches, desserts, sides, gluten-free options, family-friendly snacks, and much more.

The sites’ graffiti walls, small-town atmosphere, and live local entertainment are perhaps their most distinctive features.

Local and regional bands frequently perform live music, featuring jazz, blues, and occasionally even a little rock on Sundays at Huey’s.

Purchase Gift Items at More Than Words

In the center of Germantown, Tennessee, just beyond the Memphis Metropolitan Area, sits the premium gift shop More Than Words.

For more than 20 years, they have provided unique presents for the house, weddings, newborns, and friends.

More Than Words, established in 1998 by the owner and artisan Lee Ann McGhee, offers a unique range of framed calligraphy.

Motivational quotes and scriptures are incorporated into her innovative designs to create thoughtful presents that recipients will cherish for a lifetime.

The items in their showroom showcase the newest fashions in clothing, jewelry, accessories, and home decor.

You may discover chic designer jewelry, modern clothing, presents for animal lovers, one-of-a-kind service ware, and amazing works of art by regional artists.

Other Things to Do Nearby

If you’ve already tried and experienced all the fun and exciting activities in Germantown, you can also visit the nearby cities that could also provide you with unforgettable memories away from home.

Slide and Glide in the Ice of MidSouth Ice House

MidSouth Ice House is a renowned ice skating rink that offers an indoor facility where you can practice ice skating, hockey, and many more.

Aside from activities, this indoor facility can also serve as a venue for celebrations like birthday parties in their themed rooms.

If this is your first time skating on ice, you can join and register on the different programs that MidSouth Ice House provides.

Adults and children are welcome in MidSouth Ice House to understand the basics of ice skating and hockey and also, to have fun in the cold.

Splash Around in Suggs Water Spray Park

The Suggs Water Spray Park is just a seventeen-minute drive on the Southeast of Germantown, Tennessee.

This park consists of arches, poles, and other things that are built to sprinkle waters where kids can splash around and soak in this water area.

Sprinkler parks like Suggs Water Spray Park are the perfect place to cool down in a hot time.

Parents don’t have to worry about their kids slipping in wet areas; the park is designed and covered with a rubber-like surface to lessen the chances of slipping and getting an injury.

You can bring your kids, or you can unleash your inner child and play with children here in Suggs Water Spray Park.

Final Thoughts

What makes Germantown the best vacation spot is its plethora of destinations and activities that you can experience.

You’ll never get disappointed by its impressive parks, world-class theaters, historic sites, top-rated local restaurants, high-end shops and boutiques, and comfortable accommodations.

The fun never stops in this idyllic city, and that is why you should come and visit to have a taste of the wonders of Germantown, Tennessee.

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