7 Ways to Do Collierville, TN, Like a Local

When visiting Tennessee, it’s easy to make plans to go to Memphis, Nashville, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and other large cities or tourist locations. The Volunteer State has no shortage of fun cities and bright lights.

But when planning your next road trip, as you get to Memphis, consider staying outside the city in Collierville, TN.

It’s much smaller but not too small. You won’t feel like you’re staying in the backwoods, but you’ll appreciate the escape from the traffic and the hustle and bustle of the larger city.

Let’s take a closer look at why you should visit Collierville, TN, and how you can even blend in with the locals. 

About Collierville, TN

Located just southeast of Memphis is the city of Collierville, TN. It sits along Highway 72 and Highway 385 in the most southeastern part of Shelby County.

According to the 2020 US Census, about 51,000 people call Collierville home. Many of the residents work in Memphis, with FedEx being one of the largest employers in the area.

It’s a fairly affluent area, with over half of the population earning over $100,000 per year. It’s also an area of rich history, with the downtown area listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Traveler’s Tip: Make your next stop Camden, TN — we have the perfect day already planned out for you here.

7 Ways to Do Collierville, TN, Like a Local

Although you might have never heard of Collierville, TN, until now, there are several reasons to visit this city. In fact, you can blend right in with the locals as you venture around, exploring all that Collierville has to offer. From hiking to shopping to dining, there’s something for everyone.

#1. Enjoy a Nature Walk at W.C. Johnson Park

This 27-acre park features wetlands, a sports complex, and a water spray park. There are enough activities here to entertain everyone in the family.

Enjoy a hike along the three miles of trails or take the kids to Ryan’s Place Playground, a universally accessible playground. The park is open seven days a week, so whenever you choose to visit, you’ll have a great time.

#2. Hunt for Treasure at Sheffield Antiques Mall

The Sheffield Antiques Mall has been operating since 1995. Its hours of operation are Mondays to Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Thursdays to Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Over 300 dealers set up their wares, including floral arrangements, collectibles, and outdoor furnishings. The 78,000 square-foot facility is full of unique, decorative items for your home. 

#3. Cast a Line at Herb Parsons Lake

Another great outdoor area just outside Collierville, TN, is Herb Parsons Lake. This 177-acre lake has a boat launching ramp, fishing pier, and boat rentals.

You can also purchase a license and bait on site. Fish for various species: largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, redear sunfish, blue, channel, bullhead catfish, and yellow bass.

#4. Tour the Morton Museum of Collierville History

In 1873, construction began on the Collierville Christian Church, located near the corner of Main and Poplar. It was renovated throughout the decades and was given to Collierville in 2008.

In 2012, the museum opened. Admission is always free, and you can visit the exhibits from Tuesdays to Saturdays, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Inside, you’ll find a reading room, permanent exhibition space, temporary exhibitions, and a community art gallery.

#5. Find Your Perfect Pair at Hewlett & Dunn Boot & Jean Co.

You can’t visit Collierville, TN, without stepping into Hewlett & Dunn Boot & Jean Co. The store’s walls are lined with every kind of cowboy boot imaginable.

Try on a pair of vintage boots or a western hat. They also have bags, belts, and other clothing items.

Located on the Historic Town Square, Hewlett & Dunn has been in business since 1961. It’s a proud fixture in Collierville.

#6. Grab Lunch at The Silver Caboose

After grabbing a pair of boots at Hewlett & Dunn, take a one-minute walk to The Silver Caboose for some delicious home cooking. Enjoy a plate of pot roast or country-fried steak. Savor southern comfort foods like fried okra, mashed potatoes, and turnip greens.

If you need a quick pick-up, try the Side Car Market, where you can grab frozen meat or vegetable casseroles, homemade pies, pints of vegetables, and more.

#7. Visit Collierville’s Historic Town Square Park

Also located near Hewlett & Dunn and The Silver Caboose is the Historic Town Square Park. It’s a small 1.33-acre park, but it’s right in the center of Collierville, TN.

There, you can enjoy cast-iron fences, an antique clock, and a bandstand. The old Collierville Depot, an antebellum log cabin, and an old caboose are also located in Town Square Park. It’s a beautiful area to enjoy the small-town southern charm of Collierville, TN.

Enjoy Your Visit to Collierville, TN!

You won’t find the bright lights of Nashville, the theme park rides of Dollywood, or the late-night serenades of Memphis in Collierville, TN. But you will be greeted with southern hospitality.

This suburb outside of Memphis is a great place to stop for a few days and slow down. The outdoor recreation, the local dining and shopping opportunities, and the area’s history invite visitors to become locals just for a day.

So the next time you plan a trip to Memphis or road trip through Tennessee, make plans to stop in Collierville. You’ll be glad you did!

Will you put Collierville on your list?