The Perfect Day Trip from Memphis: Bolivar, TN
Just a short drive down Highway 64, you'll find the charming town of Bolivar, TN. We're sharing ways to spend an afternoon exploring this hidden gem — from the historic town square's must-visit shops to our favorite place to eat! Image: Jay Adkins
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Located only an hour outside Memphis, Bolivar, TN, is a charming small town packed with history. We’re sharing an itinerary for the perfect Saturday in Bolivar — can’t-miss shops, historical sites, and our favorite place to eat!
EXPLORE THE HISTORIC DOWNTOWN SQUARE
One of the best ways to experience the magic of Bolivar is to stroll through the historic downtown square. The area is home to charming shops, specialty boutiques, and historic monuments and landmarks. Start your day here to familiarize yourself with Bolivar and its rich history.
Bolivar is home to many local shops offering souvenirs and mementos to remember your trip. Standout businesses offer everything from bath and body products to flowers, jewelry, home decor, and more. Favorite spots among both locals and visitors include Amazing Grace Flowers & Gifts, Hatchie River Soapworks, Stockdale’s, and On The Square Gallery and Gifts.
One of Bolivar’s most well-known historical landmarks is located just off the square: the Luez Theater. Opening in 1936 and named after the original owner, Miss Louise Mask, the theater underwent over $40,000 worth of renovations in 2018. Today, the theater frequently hosts movies, live music, and other special events.
Downtown Bolivar is also known for hosting its annual Music on the Square event. From April through October, you can head downtown every Friday night to listen to live music and enjoy local fare from on-site food trucks and vendors. Grab a picnic blanket or chair, and claim your spot early, as space fills quickly!
SB Tip: If you visit Bolivar in May through October, you can also peruse the local farmers’ market every Tuesday and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
REFUEL AT SIMON’S FOR DINNER
After an afternoon of taking in the square, you will have worked up a hearty appetite. Luckily, local favorite Simon’s offers something for every taste — from its famous meatballs to hand-cut steaks and more.
Aptly described as both “charmingly small-town” and “unexpectedly cosmopolitan,” Simon’s is a go-to restaurant for any day of the week. As soon as you step inside, you’ll notice a refined interior that offers ambient overhead lighting and large windows to showcase views of the downtown area.
Though the atmosphere and menu are refined, it’s important to note that Simon’s is not a fine-dining restaurant. The restaurant is an approachable everyday dining destination, perfect for an intimate date night or a family dinner. Plus, it’s great for hungry travelers looking to enjoy a unique entrée. Many of the restaurant’s ingredients are locally sourced and American-raised, including the Simmons Catfish from Yazoo City, MS, and hand-cut steaks from D-R Cattle Company in Dyersburg, TN.
With Chef Richard Clark at the helm, you can’t go wrong ordering anything off the menu at Simon’s. However, if you need help narrowing down your options, popular appetizers include the deep-fried dill pickles made in-house and the Italian-style meatballs made with D-R Cattle Company beef and topped with marinara sauce and Parmesan cheese.
When it comes time to choose an entrée, we recommend any of Simon’s hand-cut steaks. Using locally sourced beef from D-R Cattle Company, each steak is dry-aged for 14 days and hand-cut daily. Options include a six- or eight-ounce filet mignon, a 16-ounce dry-aged ribeye, or a two- to three-pound age-dried tomahawk ribeye for two.
Other popular entreés include the chargrilled Gulf Coast grouper, served over sautéed spinach and topped with pico de gallo and housemade creole sauce. A small or large order of the Mississippi Delta-raised catfish is also a must. Served blackened, grilled, or cornmeal-fried, the entrée also includes slaw and hushpuppies as sides.
In addition to delicious food, Simon’s also offers a full bar with specialty cocktails, beer, and spirits. However, the restaurant’s 16-bottle Cruvinet wine bar system makes its libations stand out. The tap system keeps uncorked wines as fresh as possible for up to six weeks, eliminating spoilage and waste.
Before heading home, end your meal on a sweet note. Simon’s offers four delicious desserts made in-house by Chef Katie Clark. Options include hot apple dumpling à la mode, pecan pie à la mode, key lime pie, and chocolate cake.
Enjoy your adventures in Bolivar!
Simon’s is located at 201 North Main Street, Bolivar, TN 38008. To learn more, visit simonsbolivar.com or call (731) 403-3474.
This article is sponsored by Simon’s.
Brianna Goebel
Brianna is StyleBlueprint’s Associate Editor and Sponsored Content Manager. She is an avid fan of iced coffee and spends her free time reading romance novels.