Girls Just Wanna Have Fun: BFF Date Night Ideas in Memphis

Motherhood has taught me lots of life lessons over the past 7 years. Topping the list are lessons in humility, flexibility, and preparation (extra clothes in the diaper bag for the WIN!).

Motherhood also taught me one lesson I never would have thought was necessary.

Women need women.

Sure, we love and need our spouses and babies… but there’s something about being with your best friend (or friends) that brings out the best in mom.

When we can turn “mom” off for a little while and relax with other adults and (maybe) become a sliver of the person we once were before children, I believe we become better mothers. (Can I get an AMEN for adult conversation?)

So in this Valentine’s month of date nights, chocolate, red, and pink, let’s not forget to toss a little love our to our BFF, as well!

Here are a few suggestions for some Memphis fun with a BFF (or two or four).

Wine Nights (or Days)

How about we start our evening at Knifebird in the Cooper-Young area? There’s nothing like a hip wine bar to loosen you and the BFF up for a fun girls’ night! With an extensive wine list and wine flights, make sure your babysitter (dad?) is ready to go at 3:30, so you can be there when it opens at 4! (Because MNO starts early.) If you’re wanting to eat, they also have a great menu OR you can walk to any of the amazing restaurants in the neighborhood. (Alchemy, The Beauty Shop and Celtic Crossing are some personal favs!)

And, as always, some of Memphis’s staple spots downtown will always welcome you and the BFF. Beck and Call and Catherine and Mary’s are my two favorites.

Or, if you’re feeling slightly crazy and brave enough for a long night, you can wander over to Beale Street.

Non-Wine Nights (or Days)

Not up for dinner or cocktails? Some of my best BFF conversations have happened over a cup of coffee. You already know how Ugly Mug is a Memphis Mom Collective fav, but if you’re even farther east, you can also stop by Java Cafe in Germantown for breakfast or lunch (their hot sandwiches are TO DIE FOR.), or Square Beans in Collierville’s quaint Town Square.

Grab a cup of coffee (or, in my case, a green tea latte … with soy, please!) and snuggle up in an arm chair corner or at a cozy table. Maybe get crazy with a muffin or a scone and catch up on the latest gossip. Relax and enjoy your time without kiddos tugging on your arm for their own chocolate milk or muffin.

A Little R&R

While great chats are always fun, maybe you and your BFF need silence and relaxation more than conversation. (If you have toddlers at home, this option is for you!) If this is the case, I would set up a date at Germantown Day Spa.

Confession: I am a spa snob. I don’t go to them very often, but when I do, I refuse to go just anywhere. My absolute favorite in the city is Germantown Day Spa. They have a plethora of options – from mani/pedis to skin treatments to massages to medical aesthetics! Plus they have a full salon. Blowouts anyone? You and your besties could spend a whole day here.

Get Active

I don’t know about you, but me and my BFFs love to do something fun together. Whether it’s axe throwing at the new Craft Axe Throwing in the Edge District, taking a line dancing class at Collage Dance, or even just hiking around the lake at Shelby Farms, we like to get moving!

Conversation flows when you’re moving and grooving, so find a fun activity and get going!

If Putting on Real Pants & Shoes Doesn’t Fit Your Mood

Grab some wine glasses, your comfiest yoga pants, and plop down with me and my BFF in my house for a Netflix marathon! I’ll supply the wine and popcorn. 😉