They say if you can’t find it at Schwab's, you’re better off without it. Where else can you source a ukulele, a dapper felt hat, potions, toys and more - all housed with an old-time soda fountain. Dating back to 1876, A. Schwab is the general store of Memphis and a crown jewel on Beale Street. On a recent visit, we discovered these collectible tin toys. They must be made of nostalgia. So was our visit. a-schwab.com
Bernard Lansky was dressing Duke Ellington before he met Elvis. At his shop on Beale, his vision for Elvis created fashion that shaped history. Father and daughter team, Hal and Julie Lansky, are continuing his legacy as second and third generation owners. Currently nestled in The Peabody Hotel, Lansky Bros. is a destination shop. We love their custom line, Clothier to the King. From rockabilly shirts, leather jackets and of course style nods to Elvis. The Harper shirt is a retro look but feels fresh for a night out. They also carry contemporary lines like Vuori, On Running, Karlie and Edwin Denim for men and women. Visit their shop to work on a custom piece and pick up wardrobe staples while you are there. lanskybros.com
The best part about a museum gift shop is that it’s truly curated. We love our MoSH Shop. It’s one of the top places in town to get birthday presents for kids (big and little). Unique gifts range from historical artifacts, educational games, wildlife stuffed animals, books, toys and more. Memphis’ MoSH (Museum of Science and History) may always be the “Pink Palace” in our hearts, but we recommend a visit this month. Don’t miss the new Native American culture exhibition. See the stars at the Planetarium and check out the Mastadon remains in the natural history gallery. The rocks and minerals collection is mesmerizing. And before you leave, stop by the gift shop for gems, fossils and geodes to start your own collection at home. moshmemphis.com
Carmen Bond loves a tablescape. If you want to master the art of table-setting, visit her shop Social, a shop for gracious living. She and her team will show you how to put it all together. We love using her Zafferano cordless indoor/outdoor lamps. The petite lamps are small enough to sit on a dinner table, come in loads of colors and emit just enough warm light. Try mixing her estate silver pieces with two lamps as your centerpiece – old meets new. Start with placemats from La Gallina Matta (you can wipe them down, but they look like fine linen). We are eyeing her exclusive china lines Ginori and Alberto Pinto. When the weather warms (possibly midweek during our Memphis winter), use the lamps for porch dinners. social-memphis.com
If “Shaggy Dog” means anything to you, you need to know that Jimmy Sinh is still in town. After pivoting from his food truck and various restaurant projects, Sushi Jimmi is focusing on his to-go and catering business. He can create massive sushi platters to taste. You can request his old favorites like the Los Angeles and Shaggy Dog rolls. We recommend a platter of his hand rolls along with a family box meal. Book him for a private chef experience at home and your place turns into dinner and a show. 901.604.0058. @sushi_jimmi