Tennessee is known for many of its famous offerings — from country music and whiskey to its natural beauty and barbecue. But if you veer slightly off the well-trodden path, you’ll find that the Volunteer State is also home to dozens of cozy towns and suburbs, too: each with its own flavor and unique attractions. One such example is Memphis’ rapidly growing suburb, Arlington, where a bevy of independent shops combine with a vibrant, tight-knit community and a healthy dose of small-town charm to create a dynamic suburb well worth a visit.
With a population of around 15,000 and an overall 244% increase in population over 20 years (and continuing to grow), one thing is clear about Arlington: it’s becoming quite popular. And this growth is happening for good reason: Arlington offers easy proximity to Memphis while also boasting plenty of appeal in its own right. So whether you’re a city-dweller looking for a fun excursion outside of the city limits, or a visitor eager to add a day-trip (and perhaps some shopping) onto a trip to Memphis, you’re in the right place.
Arlington is just 35 minutes by car from the heart of Memphis. If you’re arriving from the skies, you’ll want to fly into Memphis International Airport, which is under 40 minutes from Arlington. And if you’re flying, don’t forget about TSA’s helpful packing tip to make going through airport security faster and easier.
Peruse the shops in Arlington
Much like South Pittsburg, Tennessee’s quirky riverfront town, Arlington is full of cute shops. No matter if you’re a shopaholic, an avid window-shopper, a souvenir-hunter, or simply a curious traveler, a great way to experience Arlington is by checking out the array of eclectic independent stores dotting the suburb. For womenswear, head to The Paisley Rooster Boutique, where you’ll find a thoughtful selection of trendy threads, shoes, and accessories. This women-owned boutique is also family-owned, by sisters Savannah and Brianna and sister-in-law Jessica: further proof of Arlington’s deep sense of community. Shoppers love The Paisley Rooster’s fashion-forward wares, with one reviewer saying they, “Really like this place. Some really cute, trendy, and specialty items. Nice size collection.” Know before you go: Several shoppers note that you should check out the store’s return policies before making a purchase to avoid missing the return window…