Join us as we cruise 45 miles east along U.S. Highway 64, connecting the bustling Memphis metro with the quieter, historic town of Bolivar in southwest Tennessee. This drive is a favorite for travelers wanting an easy jaunt out of the city while soaking up a bit of local charm along the way.
We begin our trip right at the edge of Memphis, merging onto Highway 64 from Interstate 40 in the suburb of Bartlett. This stretch feels suburban at first, with neighborhoods and local shops dotting both sides of the road as we glide through Bartlett and the growing community of Lakeland. These areas have seen a steady rise in families and commuters, and it shows in the well-kept roads and modern conveniences. If you’ve got time, a quick stop at some of the local parks in Lakeland is worth it to stretch your legs before the more rural segments ahead.
As we leave the Memphis suburbs behind, the route transforms into a broad, four-lane divided highway, rolling through the edge of exurban Shelby County and into Fayette County. Hickory Withe and Oakland greet us next — classic examples of Tennessee towns balancing small-town character with new development. Oakland, in particular, has become a popular bedroom community for Memphis commuters, and its cluster of local diners and convenience stops make it a handy place to grab a bite or refuel. Keep an eye out for the intersection with Interstate 269 — a key bypass loop that helps funnel traffic around the metro area, keeping Highway 64 moving steadily eastward.
Continuing our drive, we reach Somerville, Fayette County’s historic county seat. Somerville’s town square is a great detour if you enjoy antique shops and classic courthouse architecture. Back on Highway 64, we roll northeast past open fields and farmsteads toward Laconia and Whiteville. The landscape here shifts to a mix of gentle farmland and occasional stands of hardwoods, giving the drive a relaxing rural Tennessee vibe. In Whiteville, we catch a glimpse of small-town life before intersecting with Tennessee Highway 100. From here, we angle southeast for the final stretch into Bolivar, wrapping up our journey at a convenient fuel stop on the northwest side of town.
For anyone interested in Tennessee backroads, this portion of U.S. Highway 64 is a comfortable, straightforward route connecting big-city energy with timeless rural scenery.
4:47 Interstate 269 Interchange
8:35 Oakland
13:29 Somerville
20:18 Whiteville
🗺️ Route Map
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