Suburbs

Bartlett

Blooming cherry blossom tree in foreground, exterior brown and tan brick building in background

Situated northeast of Downtown, Bartlett is a small suburb and an easy 15-minute drive from St. Jude, which includes its own performing arts and conference center, a farmers market, and historic district. Bartlett encompasses over 32 square miles, with a current population of over 57,000.

Blooming cherry blossom tree in foreground, exterior brown and tan brick building in background

Located in the geographic center of Shelby County, Bartlett started as a lone stagecoach stop on the Memphis to Nashville route in the 1830s and is now the 11th most populated city in the state of Tennessee. 

Though the area has changed immensely since those early days of rural development, the small-town spirit thrives with a mix of locally-owned businesses and family-friendly parks. 

The kind of city where one might live, work, and retire, Bartlett comprises affordable, large single-family homes full of charm and situated near Shelby Farms, one of Tennessee’s major parks. 

The family fun is year-round, offering events like a fireworks extravaganza, children’s fishing rodeo, Bartlett BBQ Contest, as well as the Bartlett Festival, BBQ Contest and Car Show

Parks/Gardens

photo of playground equipment

At 10 acres, this park is equipped with two lighted tennis courts, a 1/3-mile walking trail, picnic areas, a playground, and the Burloe Bike Trail, an 8/10-mile trail suitable for both bicycle and pedestrian traffic. © 2023 St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, all rights reserved.

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Image of playground equipment

With 16 acres, this park is equipped to accommodate family gatherings and birthday parties. It has a fitness trail, a lighted baseball and softball field, two lighted tennis courts, a playground, a pavilion, a picnic area, restrooms, and a concession building. © 2023 St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, all rights reserved.

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photo of playground equipment

At 10 acres, this park is equipped with two lighted tennis courts, a 1/3-mile walking trail, picnic areas, a playground, and the Burloe Bike Trail, an 8/10-mile trail suitable for both bicycle and pedestrian traffic. © 2023 St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, all rights reserved.

Find out more
Image of playground equipment

With 16 acres, this park is equipped to accommodate family gatherings and birthday parties. It has a fitness trail, a lighted baseball and softball field, two lighted tennis courts, a playground, a pavilion, a picnic area, restrooms, and a concession building. © 2023 St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, all rights reserved.

Learn more

Restaurants

Image of exterior of restaurant

Famous for their pulled pork, brisket and bologna sandwich, this barbecue establishment was opened in 2008 by Larry, a BBQ Grand Champion whose legacy has been lovingly carried on by his wife and daughter. Everything is cooked to order. For lunch, expect nothing less than delicious homemade rolls and entertaining service. And for dinner, there’s fried catfish, steakburgers, and their mouthwatering, certified Angus Beef Steaks. © 2023 St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, all rights reserved.

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Image of the exterior of Gus's Fried Chicken

The first Gus’s Fried Chicken, opened in 1973, was originally called Maggie’s Short Orders and featured a piece of fried chicken between two slices of white bread. An original combination so delicious, Gus has had to open restaurants across 14 states to accommodate demand. © 2023 St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, all rights reserved.

Visit Website
Image of exterior of restaurant

Famous for their pulled pork, brisket and bologna sandwich, this barbecue establishment was opened in 2008 by Larry, a BBQ Grand Champion whose legacy has been lovingly carried on by his wife and daughter. Everything is cooked to order. For lunch, expect nothing less than delicious homemade rolls and entertaining service. And for dinner, there’s fried catfish, steakburgers, and their mouthwatering, certified Angus Beef Steaks. © 2023 St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, all rights reserved.

Visit Website
Image of the exterior of Gus's Fried Chicken

The first Gus’s Fried Chicken, opened in 1973, was originally called Maggie’s Short Orders and featured a piece of fried chicken between two slices of white bread. An original combination so delicious, Gus has had to open restaurants across 14 states to accommodate demand. © 2023 St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, all rights reserved.

Visit Website

Arts/Culture

Image of exterior of Bartlett Performing Arts Center

This multipurpose facility hosts a diversity of performances, from Macbeth on the lawn to a Billy Joel Tribute, as well as seasonal performances like the Nutcracker ballet. There are also family-friendly programs to choose from, like Professor Wow’s Funbelievable Science Show. © 2023 St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, all rights reserved.

Visit Website
Image of exterior of Bartlett Performing Arts Center

This multipurpose facility hosts a diversity of performances, from Macbeth on the lawn to a Billy Joel Tribute, as well as seasonal performances like the Nutcracker ballet. There are also family-friendly programs to choose from, like Professor Wow’s Funbelievable Science Show. © 2023 St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, all rights reserved.

Visit Website