Germantown, Tennessee, offers an exceptional quality of life rooted in Southern hospitality, scenic beauty, and a strong sense of community. This charming suburb of Memphis is more than just a place to live — it’s a destination in its own right. From lush parks and cultural venues to unique shopping and dining, the city provides a wide range of activities for individuals, families, and visitors alike. Whether you’re exploring for the first time or looking to deepen your connection to the area, there are countless things to do in Germantown, TN.
Explore the Outdoors in Parks and Green Spaces
In 1996, the City of Germantown Parks and Recreation Department achieved accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation of Parks & Recreation Agencies. This made the department the twelfth department in the nation and the only department in Tennessee to earn this accreditation. The department has since maintained this prestigious accreditation.
Germantown is known for its extensive network of parks and recreational areas, making it a haven for nature lovers and active families. The city boasts over 700 acres of parkland and miles of walking trails, perfect for morning jogs, weekend bike rides, or leisurely strolls with a pet.
Cameron Brown Park is one of the largest and most popular parks in the area. It features multi-use athletic fields, tennis courts, picnic areas, a large playground, newly added pickleball courts, and scenic walking trails that wind through mature trees and peaceful landscapes.
The Germantown Greenway is another standout, offering over 13 miles of paved trails that connect several parks and neighborhoods. It’s ideal for walkers, runners, and cyclists looking to stay active in a natural setting.
Municipal Park, often referred to as "The Duck Pond," offers family-friendly features like a fishing lake, waterfowl viewing, and shaded pavilions. It’s a favorite for birthday parties, playdates, and casual outdoor gatherings.
Germantown is known for its extensive network of parks and recreational areas, making it a haven for nature lovers and active families. The city boasts over 700 acres of parkland and miles of walking trails, perfect for morning jogs, weekend bike rides, or leisurely strolls with a pet.
Cameron Brown Park is one of the largest and most popular parks in the area. It features multi-use athletic fields, tennis courts, picnic areas, a large playground, newly added pickleball courts, and scenic walking trails that wind through mature trees and peaceful landscapes.
The Germantown Greenway is another standout, offering over 13 miles of paved trails that connect several parks and neighborhoods. It’s ideal for walkers, runners, and cyclists looking to stay active in a natural setting.
Municipal Park, often referred to as "The Duck Pond," offers family-friendly features like a fishing lake, waterfowl viewing, and shaded pavilions. It’s a favorite for birthday parties, playdates, and casual outdoor gatherings.
Enjoy the Arts and Local Culture
Cultural experiences are deeply rooted in the Germantown lifestyle. The city invests in arts programming and regularly hosts performances and exhibitions that bring the community together.
The Germantown Performing Arts Center (GPAC) is the cultural heart of the city. It hosts a full calendar of concerts, dance performances, theater productions, and educational programs. From classical music to contemporary jazz and children’s performances, GPAC offers something for every artistic taste.
Art enthusiasts also appreciate Germantown Community Library’s rotating exhibitions and creative workshops. The city supports local artists through public art installations and seasonal festivals that showcase regional talent.
The Germantown Performing Arts Center (GPAC) is the cultural heart of the city. It hosts a full calendar of concerts, dance performances, theater productions, and educational programs. From classical music to contemporary jazz and children’s performances, GPAC offers something for every artistic taste.
Art enthusiasts also appreciate Germantown Community Library’s rotating exhibitions and creative workshops. The city supports local artists through public art installations and seasonal festivals that showcase regional talent.
Dine at Award-Winning Restaurants
Germantown’s dining scene is both diverse and sophisticated, offering options that range from upscale Southern cuisine to casual family eateries.
Blue Honey is a standout for fine dining, known for being a cozy, intimate neighborhood spot that delivers elevated American bistro fare through a rotating seasonal menu. Blue Honey is owned by Chef Drew Bryan and his wife, Courtney. The bistro’s innovative cuisine has earned Chef Bryan a James Beard Award semifinalist nod.
For those who prefer a more casual vibe, the Commissary offers award-winning classic Memphis-style barbecue in a welcoming setting, while Huey’s serves up legendary burgers with a side of live music and local charm.
International flavors are also well-represented. Kyuramen is a sleek, vibrant space in Village Square Mall that stands out as much for its design as it does its food and vibe. Kyuramen is known for its flavorful, regionally inspired ramen, creative comfort dishes, immersive and stylish dining atmosphere, warm hospitality & attention to detail.
The city’s commitment to hospitality and quality makes dining out one of the most enjoyable things to do in Germantown, TN.
Blue Honey is a standout for fine dining, known for being a cozy, intimate neighborhood spot that delivers elevated American bistro fare through a rotating seasonal menu. Blue Honey is owned by Chef Drew Bryan and his wife, Courtney. The bistro’s innovative cuisine has earned Chef Bryan a James Beard Award semifinalist nod.
For those who prefer a more casual vibe, the Commissary offers award-winning classic Memphis-style barbecue in a welcoming setting, while Huey’s serves up legendary burgers with a side of live music and local charm.
International flavors are also well-represented. Kyuramen is a sleek, vibrant space in Village Square Mall that stands out as much for its design as it does its food and vibe. Kyuramen is known for its flavorful, regionally inspired ramen, creative comfort dishes, immersive and stylish dining atmosphere, warm hospitality & attention to detail.
The city’s commitment to hospitality and quality makes dining out one of the most enjoyable things to do in Germantown, TN.
Shop Local at Boutiques and Markets
Retail in Germantown blends national brands with local charm. The city’s shopping centers and boutiques provide opportunities to find unique gifts, fashionable clothing, and home décor.
Saddle Creek is the premier shopping destination in Germantown. This upscale, open-air mall includes national favorites like Vineyard Vines, Madewell, Kendra Scott, Apple, Lululemon, and Sephora, alongside specialty retailers and dining options. It’s a one-stop destination for shopping, relaxing, and enjoying a day out.
For a more local experience, Germantown’s small businesses and boutiques offer one-of-a-kind finds and exceptional service. Shops like Southern Avenue Company bring luxury and southern style to the forefront and its fine jewelry offerings curated by owner, Melissa Kimbrough, are unsurpassed.
Seasonal events such as the Germantown Farmers' Market, open from spring through early fall, are community favorites. Shoppers can purchase fresh produce, locally made goods, flowers, and crafts while supporting small businesses and artisans.
Saddle Creek is the premier shopping destination in Germantown. This upscale, open-air mall includes national favorites like Vineyard Vines, Madewell, Kendra Scott, Apple, Lululemon, and Sephora, alongside specialty retailers and dining options. It’s a one-stop destination for shopping, relaxing, and enjoying a day out.
For a more local experience, Germantown’s small businesses and boutiques offer one-of-a-kind finds and exceptional service. Shops like Southern Avenue Company bring luxury and southern style to the forefront and its fine jewelry offerings curated by owner, Melissa Kimbrough, are unsurpassed.
Seasonal events such as the Germantown Farmers' Market, open from spring through early fall, are community favorites. Shoppers can purchase fresh produce, locally made goods, flowers, and crafts while supporting small businesses and artisans.
Attend Community Events and Festivals
Germantown’s event calendar is filled with family-friendly festivals, parades, and community gatherings that celebrate the city’s heritage and bring neighbors together.
Germantown Festival, held every September in the Germantown Civic Club Complexis one of the area’s longest-running and most anticipated annual events. It features arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, games, and a wildly popular “Running of the Weenies” dachshund race.
The city also regularly hosts outdoor movie nights, concerts in the park, and fitness events that appeal to all age groups.
Germantown Festival, held every September in the Germantown Civic Club Complexis one of the area’s longest-running and most anticipated annual events. It features arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, games, and a wildly popular “Running of the Weenies” dachshund race.
The city also regularly hosts outdoor movie nights, concerts in the park, and fitness events that appeal to all age groups.
Experience Equestrian Life and Local History
For those interested in equestrian culture, Germantown holds a special place. The city has a rich tradition of horseback riding and continues to host equestrian events that attract riders from across the region.
The Germantown Charity Horse Show, an annual tradition since 1948, takes place every June and features a wide range of competitive events. It supports local charities and offers a unique glimpse into the area’s heritage.
History lovers can explore Germantown’s past at sites like Fort Germantown, a preserved Civil War-era fortification complete with educational markers and walking paths. It’s a peaceful spot for reflection and learning just minutes from downtown.
The Germantown Charity Horse Show, an annual tradition since 1948, takes place every June and features a wide range of competitive events. It supports local charities and offers a unique glimpse into the area’s heritage.
History lovers can explore Germantown’s past at sites like Fort Germantown, a preserved Civil War-era fortification complete with educational markers and walking paths. It’s a peaceful spot for reflection and learning just minutes from downtown.
Enjoy an Active Lifestyle with Fitness and Sports
Health and wellness are a top priority for Germantown residents. The city offers a variety of fitness and sports facilities for residents of all ages.
Bobby Lanier Farm Park offers community gardens, walking paths, and educational programs focused on sustainability and agriculture. It’s a great place to stay active while connecting with the community.
The Germantown Athletic Club, GAC, provides fitness classes, swimming, tennis, and recreational activities in a state-of-the-art facility. Youth and adult sports leagues, from soccer and baseball to pickleball and tennis, ensure there’s something for everyone.
Along with the various activities offered at Germantown parks, these resources make it easy to stay healthy while enjoying all the things to do in Germantown, TN.
Bobby Lanier Farm Park offers community gardens, walking paths, and educational programs focused on sustainability and agriculture. It’s a great place to stay active while connecting with the community.
The Germantown Athletic Club, GAC, provides fitness classes, swimming, tennis, and recreational activities in a state-of-the-art facility. Youth and adult sports leagues, from soccer and baseball to pickleball and tennis, ensure there’s something for everyone.
Along with the various activities offered at Germantown parks, these resources make it easy to stay healthy while enjoying all the things to do in Germantown, TN.
A City That Offers Something for Everyone
With its perfect blend of culture, outdoor recreation, shopping, dining, and strong community values, Germantown continues to attract families, professionals, and retirees seeking a vibrant and connected lifestyle. The city’s thoughtful planning and investment in quality-of-life amenities make it a standout location in the Memphis metropolitan area.
For those interested in buying or selling a home in Germantown — or simply learning more about the community — reach out to Judy McLellan (JudyMac) & The JudyMac Team for expert real estate insight and personalized service tailored to your goals.
For those interested in buying or selling a home in Germantown — or simply learning more about the community — reach out to Judy McLellan (JudyMac) & The JudyMac Team for expert real estate insight and personalized service tailored to your goals.
