Ahhh … fall is in the air, and I’m fully embracing it. The chilly mornings, the leaves shifting from green to gold, the shorter days — it all feels like the season is giving me permission to slow down and breathe. As a mom of four — a 17-year-old, twin 13-year-old boys, and a 12-year-old — life rarely moves at a relaxed pace. But this time of year, I find myself craving small moments of calm wherever I can find them. Here are a few of my favorite little Memphis oases — the places where I reset, refuel, and remember the joy of slowing down.
It’s Juiced What You Needed
546 South Main
This little oasis is big on two things: flavor and decor. I’m a sucker for all things green and growing, and It’s Juiced What You Need doesn’t disappoint. The space feels like stepping into a living art piece — lush plants hanging from every corner, sunlight dancing through colorful lanterns, and local artwork that tells its own Memphis story. The vibe is pure bohemian comfort: cozy chairs, warm lighting, and the quiet hum of people sipping something good for their soul. The drinks are vibrant and full of life — cold-pressed juices that taste like sunshine in a cup. No, seriously, you must try the Sun-Kissed Lemonade. Every sip feels intentional, like your body knows it’s being taken care of. And I’m already planning my return trip for their soups.
Overton Park
1914 Poplar
Whenever I need a little fresh air, I head to Overton Park. There’s something grounding about this stretch of green tucked right inside the city — the kind of quiet that hums instead of shouts. No bugs to swat at, no rush to keep up with, just me and my thoughts moving at a grocery-store pace of a 25-min a mile. It’s my low-stakes version of self-care: a simple walk under a canopy of trees, sunlight flickering through the leaves like the park’s own disco ball. Sometimes I’ll spot a jogger, but mostly it’s me catching my breath and remembering that rest doesn’t always mean stillness. When life feels noisy — which, with four kids, a husband, and a career it often does — this path is my reset button. No fancy meditation apps or spa days required. Just a pair of sneakers, some shade, and a Memphis fall breeze that never disappoints.
Hustle & Dough
477 South Main
Nothing is more comforting than a bowl full of grits! I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again — Hustle & Dough has the best grits in the city. They’re creamy, buttery, and somehow taste like Saturday morning peace in a bowl. There’s something special about this spot — the way the light hits the tables, the smell of coffee in the air, and the off chance that I get to pet someone’s dog makes me want to stay a little longer. It’s not just breakfast; it’s a moment to slow down. For me, this is what comfort looks like: soft jeans, cozy sweater, warm grits, and nowhere else to be for a couple of hours.
Novel and Scholastic Book Fair
387 Perkins
One of the benefits of being a school librarian is that I still get to attend the Scholastic Book Fair. Yes — the very same one where you used to spend all your dollars on trinkets, posters, and those cool pencil sharpeners you never actually used. Some things never change, and honestly, I’m not mad about it.
This time, the Book Fair lined up with my own little Novel restock — talk about perfect timing! By Friday, I had a fresh stack of stories just waiting to be devoured. There’s something about slowing down with a good book.
In a world that moves too fast, reading feels a little rebellious. It’s my way of pressing pause — no notifications, no noise, just me and the page. And maybe a snack and wine, because reading is always better with snacks and wine.
Fall always reminds me that slowing down doesn’t mean standing still. It means making space for small joys — a quiet walk, a warm bowl of grits, a new book, or a bright sip of juice. As a mom of four, life rarely offers full silence, but these little oases scattered across Memphis remind me that peace can be found in pockets.
Patricia Lockhart is a native Memphian who loves to read, write, cook, and eat. By day, she’s a librarian and writer, but by night … she’s asleep.
