Beale Street Historic District
You can’t talk about Memphis without mentioning Beale Street. This iconic entertainment hub in Downtown Memphis is World-Famous as the Home of the Blues. Here you’ll find live music jamming out of nearly every storefront into the streets nearly every night of the week. From gritty hole-in-the-wall joints to classy live music venues, Beale Street’s dining and nightlife options are unrivaled. Indulge in sizzling barbecue ribs and catfish at Blues City Cafe, savor soulful Southern classics under the vintage marquee signs at B.B. King’s Blues Club, or follow the sound of rhythmic drumbeats into Rum Boogie Cafe’s dueling pianos bar. Simply walking along the street and taking in the intoxicating energy and melodies is an attraction in itself.
South Main Historic District
Formerly an epicenter of culture and thriving commerce during the late 1800s, South Main in Downtown Memphis has been wonderfully revitalized in recent decades. The neighborhood’s renovated industrial buildings and warehouses have been transformed into a vibrant destination overflowing with art galleries, lofts, small businesses, restaurants, and even live music joints like the Lafayette Music Room. Discover the area’s creative spirit during the last Friday of the month during the South Main Trolley Tour, when local artisans and crafters open their studios and galleries to visitors. Neighboring the rejuvenated South Main area is the South Main Book Juggler, a local bookshop that’s been an institution in Memphis since 1976.
Cooper-Young Historic District
Just east of Downtown you’ll discover the Cooper-Young Historic District, Memphis’s own bohemian village. Undeniably the city’s hippest and most artistic neighborhood, Cooper-Young is a hotspot for locally-owned shops, eateries, coffee houses, and bars. Begin your visit with a coffee and pastry at the laid-back Otherlands Coffee Bar before meandering through the funky boutique shops. For an iconic Memphis meal, stop at The Beauty Shop for a Tangy pit-smoked chicken ‘n ribs alongside a local craft brew. Or make a pilgrimage to Kwik Chek for what many herald as the best fried chicken in Memphis. Keep an eye out for the area’s ever-changing vibrant murals and street art. Don’t miss the events in Cooper-Young each month, including food truck rallies and markets full of local vendors.
Overton Square Entertainment District
Just a stone’s throw from Cooper-Young, the Overton Square Entertainment District is the perfect destination for a fun night out in Memphis. This area was originally developed in the 1970s as a neighborhood commercial hub. After decades of decline, this Midtown hotspot has been revived and transformed into Memphis’s premier restaurant and nightlife destination. Along the square’s walkable streets you’ll find happening bars with outdoor patios, eclectic boutiques and artisanal shops, and acclaimed restaurants like Babalu Tapas & Tacos serving up contemporary Mexican-inspired fare. A wide range of events also take over the square throughout the year from concerts to outdoor movie nights. For a multiplex movie experience, check out what’s playing at Overton Square’s Malco Theatres cinema.
Victorian Village
Not far from Overton Square and Beale Street lies Victorian Village, one of Memphis’s most beautiful and historic neighborhoods. Streets are lined with gorgeous turn-of-the-century Victorian mansions and Queen Anne-style homes adorned with ornate woodwork and elaborate gingerbread trim. It’s quite a sight to behold and a popular stop for guided home tours. But Victorian Village is more than just eye candy – there are plenty of locally-owned boutiques and businesses scattered amongst the mansions as well as beloved casual eateries like The Impressed Cafe. Take a stroll along Idlewild Street and Central Avenue to admire the well-preserved historic homes and perhaps glimpse the inspiration behind many of Memphis’s grand mansions and charming bungalows.
Broad Avenue Arts District
A trendy stretch of Broad Avenue in Memphis’s Binghampton neighborhood has been revitalized into a lively Arts District celebrating the creative community. The booming district is packed with studios, galleries, restaurants, cafés, and boutiques practically overflowing with local works of art. Come with an empty stomach to explore the district’s acclaimed culinary offerings like sweet and savory crepes at the casual French-inspired Blue Plate Cafe or modern-Mediterranean fare at the upscale Westy’s. Don’t forget to fuel up with a signature latte from the Avenue Coffee mobile coffee trailer. You’ll want some energy for ducking in and out of the assortment of antique shops and indie art houses that line the street. Make sure to time your visit for one of the district’s popular events like the Broad Ave Art Walk each last Friday of the month.
Harbor Town
Located on a peninsula along the Mississippi River just north of Downtown, the upscale Harbor Town neighborhood has a distinct coastal New England vibe that feels right at home in landlocked Memphis. The area’s charming streets are lined with colorful row houses, boutique shops, and hipster-approved cafés. It’s the perfect stop on a sunny afternoon for a light bite on the patio at Miss Cordelia’s Grocery or Java Cabana. Perhaps the neighborhood’s most notable attribute is the scenic Riverfront Park overlooking the “Mighty Mississippi.” It’s an ideal spot to watch the sunset behind the iconic Hernando de Soto Bridge with the Downtown skyline in view. Sports lovers will also want to catch the Memphis Redbirds, the city’s minor league baseball team, playing at AutoZone Park, Harbor Town’s crown jewel stadium.
East Memphis
One of Memphis’s largest neighborhoods, East Memphis is an upscale suburban district decidedly separate from the hip, urban vibe of Midtown. You won’t find hazy blues joints on every corner here. Instead, East Memphis is the place to go for world-class shopping and dining. Hit up the sunny, palm tree-lined grounds of the Shops of Laurelwood to visit chic clothing boutiques, home stores, and artisan jewelers before fueling up with lunch at the lively Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar or the popular English pub Boscos Squared. In the evenings, East Memphis really turns up the glitz and glam at high-end dining destinations like Interim Restaurant & Bar and Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. Don’t sleep on this district’s nightlife either, such as the popular Cheers of Memphis dance club frequented by locals and visitors alike.
Book a Bus With Us
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