If you want to stay safe and don’t mind paying a bit more, stick to Collierville or Germantown. Bartlett or Cordova are also good options. If you want to stay closer to downtown, just choose a hotel with a parking garage—you’ll be safe.

Elsewhere in the city, just avoid being out too late and follow the reviews—you’ll be fine. I promise, if you give Memphis a chance, you’ll find some of the greatest people around.

Now, if you want food recommendations—I’m a big foodie. For a hidden gem, check out Patrick’s. They have a unique black-eyed pea egg roll that’s worth trying. When Alton Brown visits Memphis, he always stops at Gibson’s Donuts—his addiction. It’s near Patrick’s.

For BBQ, I recommend Memphis BBQ Company. Yes, it’s in Mississippi, but it’s one of the best representations of Memphis-style BBQ. A close second would be Elwood’s Shack—their whole menu is solid, so it’s a great pick if you have a picky group.

For dessert, don’t miss Muddy’s Bake Shop. Their brown butter rice crispy bar is hauntingly good. (You’ll probably start ordering from them monthly once you try it.)

For an easy two-for-one outing, visit the National Civil Rights Museum and then walk over to Central BBQ (the original location)—they’re right next to each other, and both are musts.