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A Self Guided Walking Tour of Brews, Blues and BBQ in Memphis
5.0
1 Rating
Memphis
Explore Memphis' best beats, BBQ, and brews on a self-guided walking tour. Discover historic sites, vibrant culture, and hidden gems at your own pace.
Duration:
2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Memphis Central Station - Begin your tour outside Central Station Memphis, a vintage trolley station in the historical South Main Arts District, known for its impressive transformation from a train station to a hotel.
- Earnestine & Hazel’s - Pass by Earnestine & Hazel’s, a renowned establishment with a colorful history, serving as a church, dry goods store, pharmacy, and even a notorious brothel before becoming a reputable club.
- The Arcade Restaurant - Stroll past The Arcade Restaurant, a historic diner known for its retro charm and delicious fare, offering a glimpse into Memphis’ culinary heritage.
- 1866 Memphis Historic Marker - As you explore the downtown area, catch a glimpse of the 1866 Memphis Historic Marker, commemorating significant events in the city’s past.
- Lorraine Motel - Pass by the Lorraine Motel, a landmark with profound historical significance as the site of Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, now preserved as the National Civil Rights Museum.
- National Civil Rights Museum - Lorraine Motel - Pass by the National Civil Rights Museum, housed in the former Lorraine Motel. This museum offers powerful exhibits and insights into the Civil Rights Movement.
- Blues Hall of Fame Museum - Catch a glimpse of the Blues Hall of Fame Museum, showcasing exhibits highlighting the rich history and cultural significance of blues music in Memphis.
- I am a Man Mural - Take in the impressive “I am a Man” mural, reflecting the city’s history and the struggles faced by African Americans, as you explore the vibrant streets of Memphis.
- Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken - Pass by Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken, a beloved institution known for its mouthwatering fried chicken, adds to the tour’s culinary delights.
- African Americans from Memphis - Catch a glimpse of the African Americans from Memphis mural, celebrating the contributions and achievements of African Americans in the city’s history.
- The Orpheum Theatre - Pass by the iconic Orpheum Theatre, a historic venue known for its grand architecture and cultural significance in the performing arts scene of Memphis.
- Beale Street Entertainment District - Explore the vibrant Beale Street Entertainment District, known as the home of the blues, lined with bars, clubs, and live music venues.
- Silky O’Sullivan’s - Pass by Silky O’Sullivan’s, a popular establishment known for its lively atmosphere and unique attractions, including the “beware Irish diving goats.”
- The Peabody Memphis - See The Peabody Memphis, a luxurious hotel steeped in history and elegance, as you soak in the sights of downtown Memphis.
- General Washburn’s Escape Alley - Walk through General Washburn’s Escape Alley, one of the many hidden alleys in Memphis with intriguing names and stories waiting to be discovered.
- Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous - Pass by Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous, a renowned restaurant known for its mouthwatering barbecue and inviting ambiance, adding to the culinary delights of the tour.
- Sterick Building - Pass by the Sterick Building, an architectural gem that once dominated the Memphis skyline, offering insights into the city’s historic architecture.
- Court Square Park - Catch a glimpse of Court Square Park, a serene oasis in the heart of downtown Memphis, offering a tranquil retreat amidst the urban hustle and bustle.
- Memphis City Hall - Pass by Memphis City Hall, a historic landmark with distinctive architecture, serving as the seat of government for the city of Memphis.
- Tennessee Welcome Center - Pass by the Tennessee Welcome Center, a hub for visitors to gather information and resources about exploring the state’s attractions and destinations.
- Memphis Pyramid - End your tour near The Pyramid, an iconic landmark overlooking the Mississippi River that symbolizes Memphis’ rich cultural heritage and vibrant spirit.
What's Included
- Unlimited use of the tour before and after booking date
- Self-guided GPS tour for flexibility
- Directions to the starting point
What's Not Included
- Smartphone and headphones
- Food and drink
Additional Information
Are you looking for a way to see Memphis without joining a tour group? On this self-guided tour, you’ll discover where to find the best beats, BBQ and brews in town.
Many visitors to Bluff City think of its historic woes in the 1970s and 1980s, during the height of the Civil Rights Movement, when the inner city was rife with riots and looting. But Memphis is on the rebound, and on this walking tour, I’ll share how the city is reclaiming its spot as the cultural hub of the Delta blues, brews, and BBQ.
You’ll walk from Central Station Memphis, through the downtown area and the historical Beale Street Entertainment District, home of the Blues.
Along the way, Phil, a tour producer and working actor, will show you opulent theatres, skyscrapers, churches, and monuments, including Orpheum Theatre, The Peabody Memphis Hotel, Tennessee Club and the National Civil Rights Museum.
- Please bring your own smartphone and headphones
Location
Memphis Central Station
South Main Street
The tour begins at Memphis Central Station, which is accessible via trolley or walking at the corner of South Main Street and St. Paul Avenue.
You can always put this address into your GPS as well: 545 S Main St, Memphis, TN 38103, which will lead you to the first stop.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(1 Rating)
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Elwitz23
May 12, 2024
Fun walk about that allows for spontaneity - What a fun and spontaneous walking tour of the city. We loved the information and finding off the beaten path sights. I will say, we only did about 1/2 the tour in about 4 hours because of all the stops we made along the way - a snack at Gus’, a drink and goat sighting on Beale Street, watching the ducks at the Peabody…. Easy to stop and pick up where you leave off. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
