Let’s hit the road for a short but lively cruise along U.S. Highway 70, stretching about 13 miles from the quieter suburbs of Lakeland all the way into the energetic heart of Memphis, Tennessee. Starting out at the intersection with Canada Road in Lakeland, we ease onto Highway 70 heading southwest — this stretch is locally known as Summer Avenue once we get into Memphis proper, but it stays true to its classic U.S. Highway feel the whole way.
As we pull out of Lakeland, the scenery transitions quickly from open suburban corners and light retail spots to the bustling streets of Bartlett, one of Memphis’s largest suburbs. Here, we cross the intersection with TN-177, better known as Germantown Road — a major north-south route that connects this area to the dense retail corridor around Wolfchase Galleria. If you’re ever up for a pit stop, the Wolfchase area is packed with shopping centers, restaurants, and big-box stores just a stone’s throw from our route.
Continuing southwest on Summer Avenue, U.S. 70 teams up with U.S. Highways 64 and 79 as it cuts deeper into the Memphis metro. It’s a classic Memphis artery — lined with a quirky blend of older strip malls, locally owned shops, auto garages, and the occasional vintage neon sign reminding us that Summer Avenue has long been a backbone for east-west travel in this part of the city. The road winds through a mix of residential pockets and commercial blocks, giving a real taste of Memphis’s urban sprawl before we reach the interchange with Interstate 40. From here, drivers can head west straight into downtown Memphis or connect eastward back toward Nashville and beyond.
Whether you’re commuting, exploring the retro charm of Summer Avenue’s antique stores, or just enjoying a simple point-to-point drive, this short segment of U.S. Highway 70 packs plenty of local color into just over a dozen miles.
🗺️ Route Map
0 Comments