![]() ![]() Downtown Renaissance:įor a long time, Beale Street, with its blues temperament and bustling live music venues, was one of a very few portions of downtown Memphis not in a state of near-abandonment. When it comes to rock and soul, no city can match Memphis home to Elvis Presley's Graceland, Stax Museum of American Soul Music and the Smithsonian-curated Rock 'n' Soul Museum, Memphis is a must-visit destination of fans of American music. The Beale Street Music Festival (during Memphis in May) features a delightful, eclectic mix of big-name stars performing side-by-side with local acts. Historic, world-famous Beale Street boasts the apt nickname "Home of the Blues," and even on weeknights you'll hear timeless blues refrains drifting in the air around this district. While Nashville lays claim to the auspicious title "Music City" further to the east, the reality is that Memphis lays claim to two original forms of American music - rock 'n' roll and the blues - and offers a grittier but equally rich history of grass roots music that's engrained into the fabric of the city's present day state. One insider tip: when you order at just about any barbecue joint, you'll be asked whether you want it "wet" or "dry?" Wet means anointed in delicious sauces, dry means rubbed with spices before cooking. There's no shortage of hole-in-the-wall joints that offer budget dining that can't be matched anywhere in the country. The city's love affair with this culinary form, though, is best evidenced by the near-infinite array of barbecue stands and smokehouses strewn throughout the city. Memphis in May, one of the largest and most vibrant festivals in the South, is host to the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, widely known as the largest competition of its kind in the world, and affectionately called the Superbowl of Swine by barbecue fans. Memphis is best known as one of a handful of pinnacles of barbecue. Hot Tips: What to wear to dinner in Memphis? Think snappy casual for most restaurants - nice jeans paired with a jacket for men, a cute dress or jeans and a pretty top for women.īe Sure to Sample: The pulled pork nachos at Central Avenue they're worth every calorie and fat gram.įive of Memphis's most unique features and characteristics. D owntown's offerings vary from the historic, Arcade to the opulent, Chez Philippe and the the latest offering from the culinary dream team of Andrew Ticer and Michael Hudman, Catherine & Mary's.Ĭaution: Parking in Midtown is super-tricky find a spot on the street and then look for 'The Roo' to take you around the neighborhood. Go all-out with a meal at Restaurant Iris or Sweet Grass, or start with small plates at Bari, Local on the Square, or the Young Avenue Deli, depending on your mood. The Overton Square and Cooper-Young neighborhoods in Midtown are a must-hit for bar- and restaurant-hopping. While barbecue is king in Memphis, the city offers loads of chic local eateries steered by the confident hands of some of the country's best young chefs. Hot Tips: Best chance to have your child named honorary duckmaster at the Peabody is to arrive early, and to be engaging the best child-led duck marches are those with kids who are a bit of a ham. Whether staying for business or pleasure, downtown or anywhere else, a car is essential for exploring Memphis.Ĭaution: Most downtown hotels are crowded and loud during the annual Beale Street Music Fest, the first weekend of May if you want to stay near the action, indulge at the Peabody, Madison or River Inn.Īvoid: Any hotel with the name 'airport' in it, unless convenience and noise aren't issues for you. ![]() Business travelers with appointments further afield will want to stay on the city's east side with easy proximity to FedEx world headquarters and International Paper. The main advantage to staying downtown is the ability to walk to Beale Street's live music clubs and sights such as the Cotton Museum, the Mississippi River and the must-visit National Civil Rights Museum. ![]() Downtown Memphis offers a full array of hotel choices including the venerable Peabody, the slick Westin Beale Street and the budget-friendly Hampton Inn Beale. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |