A little love story, a lot of adventure! Discover how Sidequests901 began—and get our top picks for nature escapes, hidden eats, and easy Memphis day trips.
How It All Began: A Love for Adventure
It all started with a little love and a lot of curiosity. Our relationship didn’t just blossom through the usual dates or dinners but through sunrises and shared experiences exploring the places that make Memphis special. From the very beginning, we realized we had a mutual passion for discovering new spots, whether they were tucked away in the heart of the city or hidden along a winding road just outside of town.
For us, Memphis wasn’t just a place to live—it became our playground.
A treasure trove of adventures waiting to be uncovered. We found ourselves embarking on spontaneous trips to parks we’d never visited, trying out local eateries, and taking short day trips that revealed new corners of the city (and beyond). These little “side quests” brought us closer, and before we knew it, we were hooked on exploring and sharing these moments.
As our adventures continued, we (mostly Mahal) began thinking: Why not share these experiences with others? And just like that, Sidequests901 was born—a place where anyone could find their next adventure around Memphis, whether they are just looking for a short escape or got a day or two to take a road trip.
The Heart of Our Adventure: Nature Escapes Around Memphis
Memphis is surrounded by nature’s beauty, from tranquil parks to scenic river views. Some of our most memorable experiences together have been spent outdoors, enjoying the fresh air and quiet moments away from the hustle and bustle.
One of our first dates was a simple yet unforgettable adventure: walking the Big River Crossing at sunrise.
The path along the bridge offers incredible views of the Mississippi River and the city, and the quiet morning air added a peaceful sense of serenity. As we walked across the bridge, the sun slowly rose over the water, casting a golden glow on everything around us. We eventually made our way down to the Arkansas Big River trails and to the beaches overlooking the Memphis skyline with the sunrise behind it. The mix of nature and the urban landscape made it the perfect escape, and we still cherish that moment. If you’re looking for a tranquil start to your day or a romantic adventure, the Big River Crossing is a must-do side quest with a stunning view every step of the way.
Overton Park will always have a special place in our hearts—not just because it’s one of Memphis’ most iconic spots, but because it’s where we first met.
Whether we’re strolling through the lush green spaces or stopping by the Brooks Museum, there’s always something comforting here.
One of our favorite things to do is explore some of the less-traveled areas of the park, like climbing down into the drainage ditches to check out the occasional graffiti left by local artists. It’s not the main attraction, but there’s something fun about finding these little hidden gems tucked away in the park’s corners. For us, Overton Park is more than just a place—it’s where our story began and where we continue to create new memories, one small adventure at a time.
Food Gems: Where Adventure Meets Flavor
Of course, no adventure is complete without some delicious food to fuel it. Over the years, we’ve discovered several Memphis food gems that have become our go-to spots for a taste of the city’s unique culinary scene.
One of our favorite hidden gems in Memphis is Soi No. 9.
Known for their authentic Thai cuisine, this spot delivers bold, fresh flavors you won’t want to miss. We love that the food truck brings these amazing dishes to local events and markets throughout the city, offering a quick way to enjoy authentic Thai street food on the go. If you’re in the mood for something flavorful and different, make sure to track them down!
For stunning views and a great atmosphere, we love heading to the Hyatt Rooftop in downtown Memphis.
There’s a rooftop bar, an amazing restaurant and incredible scenery. Whether you’re watching the sunset over the Mississippi River or enjoying a chill evening with friends, it’s the ideal spot to unwind and soak in Memphis from above. If you’re looking for a relaxed yet vibrant place to hang out, this is a must-visit!
If you’re in the mood for authentic Moroccan flavors, Andalusia is a must-try.
This cozy spot offers delicious dishes like paella and grilled lamb, but their vegetarian moussaka is a standout for plant-based diners. The intimate setting and friendly vibe make it a great place for a relaxed meal, and the rich, flavorful dishes. Whether you’re carnivorous or vegetarian, Andalusia is a perfect side quest for anyone craving a flavorful escape in the heart of Memphis.
Easy Day Trips: Memphis and Beyond
Memphis is surrounded by so many places that make for easy, fun day trips. Though we love our city, sometimes getting away for the day can make you appreciate what you have even more.
The W.M. Browning Cretaceous Fossil Park is such a unique and wholesome day trip from Memphis.
It’s great for the whole family or for us childless folks to let out your inner child. Basically it’s a park with a creek below an overpass. Not much at first glance, BUT it turns out that the creek is filled with fossils awaiting the patient. This was one of our first dates that Mahal took Isiah on when she found out that his dream as a child was to be a paleontologist. We spent the day searching the stream and found some amazing fossils and shark teeth!
Amuse Museum is one of those gems in Memphis that never fails to surprise.
Every time we visit, we find something new that sparks our curiosity—whether it’s running through a small obstacle course or solving a quirky murder mystery, there’s something fun for everyone. We love how the museum invites you to dive into the creative world in such a hands-on way. Mahal is still eager to buy the full day pass so we can take on the challenge of playing every game they have to offer.
For a bit of adventure, Sugar Loaf Mountain is one of our favorite go-to spots.
A short drive from Memphis, it’s the perfect place to stretch our legs and catch an unforgettable sunset. We’ve climbed here many times, and each visit feels just as special as the last. The hike to the top is just challenging enough to feel rewarding, but the real treat comes when you reach the summit—breathtaking views of the rolling hills and the setting sun, casting a golden glow over the landscape. There’s a peacefulness to it that’s hard to beat, and it’s the ideal place to reflect, breathe, and take in the beauty of nature.
Why Sidequests901?
To understand why we focused on “sidequests,” you have to understand us.
Mahal is a joyfully mischievous, adrenaline-seeking, nature-loving Memphian with a big heart for social justice—and a brain that thrives in chaos, creativity, and curiosity. Isiah is a cautious, art and science-minded, wonderfully autistic and ADHD explorer who brings deep thought, playful wonder, and endless questions to every journey.
When we met, we got to know each other through what we started calling sidequests—those spontaneous little detours that led to unexpected beauty, laughter, and connection. It usually started with Mahal taking Isiah to one of her favorite spots. Then Isiah’s curiosity would pull us into something new—whether it was a forgotten trail, a strange fossil, or a late-night food truck with the best Thai food we’d ever had. Mahal would push the boundaries with wild ideas and big energy. Isiah would ask the questions, spot the details, and help turn the chaos into magic.
Eventually, we realized two things: first, we didn’t want to keep these discoveries to ourselves. And second, maybe the world could use a few side quests right now.
Life lately can feel like a heavy main quest—big challenges, big responsibilities, and not enough time to breathe. But in the words of Isiah (our resident video game nerd): when the main quest feels too overwhelming, sometimes a side quest is exactly what you need. A way to recharge. To reconnect. To level up for what’s ahead.
Sidequests901 is our way of saying: Memphis is full of magic if you’re willing to wander. Whether you’ve lived here forever or you’re just passing through, there’s always something unexpected waiting—around a corner, over a hill, or just past the city limits.
We hope you find your own version of joy, wonder, and connection in these small adventures. And we hope you keep side questing, wherever life takes you next.
This blog was written by Mahal Burr & Isiah Brown
Mahal Burr and Isiah Brown are the adventure-loving duo behind Sidequests901, a blog dedicated to uncovering Memphis’ hidden gems and spontaneous escapes. Blending Mahal’s bold energy with Isiah’s curious mind, they share stories that celebrate nature, local flavor, and the magic of unexpected detours.
