How to Plan Your Memphis: Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour of Beale Street

Are you a music lover planning a trip to Memphis? If so, you can’t miss a visit to Beale Street, the birthplace of blues music. The best way to explore the sites, legends, and haunting history of Beale Street is through a self-guided audio walking tour that you can take at your own pace. In this guide, we’ll give you step-by-step instructions on how to plan your Memphis: Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour of Beale Street.

Experience

The Memphis: Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour of Beale Street allows you to explore one of the most significant cultural sites in the world, where blues legends such as Elvis Presley, BB King, and W.C. Handy made history. You’ll get to experience the best of Beale Street, including the entertainment, dining, and live shows.

Highlights

The Memphis: Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour of Beale Street has the following highlights:

• Explore Beale Street sites and haunted history stories
• Go at your own pace: pause anytime to stop for a drink, go anytime
• The tour never expires: take it anytime and as many times as you like
• After the on-location tour, listen anytime using the virtual tour
• Professional narration and music production for a spooky experience

Full Description

The Memphis: Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour of Beale Street is a location-aware tour that you can take at your own pace using the tour app. The tour never expires, so you can take it anytime and as many times as you like. After taking the tour on location, you can also listen to the remote version anytime to relive the tour. The tour is professionally narrated and infused with music to set the mood. From the historic street to the tales of the legends that tore it up and made music history, you’ll learn all about the iconic figures who made Beale Street famous. You’ll hear about Elvis Presley, BB King, The Father of Blues W.C. Handy, The Mayor of Beale Street Rudy Williams, and many others. Along the way, the tour will take you to the best spots to eat, drink, and take in a live show. You’ll get an immersive experience of the culture and history of this iconic street.

How to Book

To book your Memphis: Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour of Beale Street, go to book the tour here. Follow the instructions to make payment and receive your tour confirmation.

Book Your Tour Now

With this guide, you now know how to plan your Memphis: Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour of Beale Street. Follow the steps we’ve provided to book your tour and experience the best of Beale Street, including its haunting history, legendary music, and entertaining shows. Don’t forget to bring your headphones and enjoy your tour!

Memphis: Frequently Asked Questions

If you are planning a visit to Memphis, Tennessee, or even considering moving to this historic city, this FAQ guide will provide insight into some commonly asked questions about Memphis.

1. What is the history of Memphis?

Memphis has a rich history, with its beginnings dating back to 1819. It was named after the ancient capital of Egypt, on the Nile River, because it was located on the Mississippi River, another prominent waterway. Memphis became a major cotton trading center and had one of the largest slave markets in the South before the Civil War. During the Civil Rights Movement, Memphis played a crucial role with the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. at the Lorraine Motel, which is now a national historic site.

2. What is the weather like in Memphis?

Memphis is located in the southeastern part of the United States, and it has a humid subtropical climate. Summers are humid and hot, with average temperatures in the upper 80s and low 90s Fahrenheit. Winters are mild, with temperatures typically ranging from the upper 30s to the mid-50s. Spring and fall are pleasant, with mild temperatures and less humidity.

3. What are some of the top tourist attractions in Memphis?

Memphis has a variety of attractions catering to different interests, including:

• Graceland: Elvis Presley’s mansion and former home.
• Beale Street: A historic street known for its blues music, food, and nightlife.
• National Civil Rights Museum: Located at the Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, the museum tells the story of the American civil rights movement.
• Sun Studio: Known as the “birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll,” this studio was where musicians like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis made their first recordings.
• The Memphis Zoo: With over 3,500 animals, this zoo is known for its giant pandas, polar bears, and African elephants.
• Stax Museum of American Soul Music: Paying tribute to the Stax Records label and the music it produced, this museum showcases the history of soul music.

4. What is the food like in Memphis?

Memphis is known for its barbecue, and there are several famous barbecue restaurants in the city, including Central BBQ, Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous, and Corky’s BBQ. In addition to barbecue, Memphis also has a thriving food scene with a variety of cuisines, such as Southern comfort food, Vietnamese, and Italian.

5. What is the music scene like in Memphis?

Memphis has a storied music history, particularly in blues, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll. Beale Street is the epicenter of the city’s music scene, with live music pouring out of bars and clubs into the street every night. In addition to Beale Street, there are other music venues in Memphis, such as the Levitt Shell, Minglewood Hall, and the Orpheum Theatre.

6. What are some annual events that take place in Memphis?

Memphis has a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, including:

• The Beale Street Music Festival: A three-day music festival that takes place each May during Memphis in May International Festival.
• The Memphis Film Festival: A festival dedicated to showcasing independent films, held each April.
• The Memphis Music and Heritage Festival: A Labor Day weekend event celebrating the city’s music and cultural heritage.
• The Southern Heritage Classic: A college football game between Tennessee State University and Jackson State University, held annually in September.

7. What are some of the best neighborhoods to live in Memphis?

Memphis has several great neighborhoods to live in, depending on what you’re looking for. Some popular neighborhoods include:

• Midtown: A hip and eclectic area with a mix of older homes and apartments, as well as newer development.
• Downtown: The heart of the city with a mix of skyscrapers, lofts, and historic buildings.
• East Memphis: A more suburban area with shopping centers, restaurants, and residential neighborhoods.

8. How is the transportation system in Memphis?

Memphis has several transportation options, including a bus system run by the Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA), as well as ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft. Memphis also has a trolley system that runs downtown, along with bike-sharing programs like Explore Bike Share.

9. What are some notable colleges and universities in Memphis?

Memphis is home to several colleges and universities, including:

• University of Memphis: A public research university with over 20,000 students.
• Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law: The law school at the University of Memphis.
• Rhodes College: A private liberal arts college with a picturesque campus in Midtown Memphis.
• Christian Brothers University: A private Catholic university with a focus on science, engineering, and technology.
• LeMoyne-Owen College: A historically Black college with over 1,000 students.

10. How safe is Memphis?

Like any major city, Memphis has areas with higher crime rates than others. It’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions, especially when in unfamiliar neighborhoods. However, Memphis is actively working on reducing crime rates, and many neighborhoods are safe and welcoming. It is also advisable to check the Memphis Police Department’s website for the most recent crime statistics.

The Bottom Line

Memphis is a city steeped in history and culture, with a vibrant music and food scene. Whether you’re planning a visit or thinking about moving to the area, it’s important to understand what the city has to offer. This guide should provide a starting point for answering some common questions about Memphis.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Memphis: A Comprehensive Guide

Memphis, Tennessee is a city rich in culture and history. As a tourist, you’ll have plenty of options on how to spend your time. Whether you’re into music, food, or history, Memphis has something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll give you a comprehensive look at the top things to do in Memphis as a tourist.

1. Visit Graceland – Home of Elvis Presley

No trip to Memphis is complete without visiting Graceland. The iconic, white-columned mansion was Elvis Presley’s home, and it’s now a museum where you can see all sorts of artifacts of his life. You can take a tour of the mansion itself and see its decorations, his favorite things, and even his cars. You can visit his gravesite as well. There are also exhibits on his music, movies, and life.

2. Stroll Through Beale Street

Beale Street is a must-visit destination in Memphis. It’s known for its vibrant nightlife scene, blues music, and soul food restaurants. You can explore the street in the daytime or evening. During the day, there are plenty of interesting shops and places to eat. As night falls, the neon lights come on, and the music begins to play. You can hear live music on the street and in the clubs.

3. Walk Along the Mississippi River

The Mississippi River is a massive, scenic river that winds through Memphis. You can take a walk along the Mississippi River, starting at the Beale Street Landing, and explore the Riverfront Promenade. You can watch the riverboats go by, and on a clear day, see the Arkansas hills in the distance.

4. Visit the National Civil Rights Museum

The National Civil Rights Museum is located at the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968. The museum is a comprehensive look at the civil rights movement in America from slavery to the present. You can explore exhibits on slave trading, segregation, and the efforts to change racial inequality. You can also see the balcony where MLK was assassinated.

5. Experience the Food Scene

Memphis has a unique and delicious food scene. You can try the famous Memphis barbecue and fried chicken, alongside southern classics like mac and cheese and cornbread. You can visit places like The Rendezvous, Central BBQ, and Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken to taste the local specialties.

6. See the Stax Museum of American Soul Music

The Stax Museum of American Soul Music is a mecca for music lovers. It tells the story of Stax Records, which was founded in Memphis and became one of the most influential record labels in soul music history. You can see exhibits featuring artists like Isaac Hayes, Otis Redding, and Booker T. and the MGs. There’s also a recording studio where you can record your own music.

7. Explore Overton Park

Overton Park is a scenic park in Memphis that’s perfect for a relaxing afternoon. It’s home to the Memphis Zoo, the Brooks Museum of Art, and the Levitt Shell Amphitheatre. You can take a picnic and enjoy the green space or visit any one of its attractions.

8. Visit the Sun Studio

The Sun Studio is the place where some of the biggest names in music had their start, including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis. You can take a guided tour of the studio and see the famous recording booth where musicians recorded their hits. There’s also a gift shop with unique souvenirs.

Book Your Tour Now

Memphis offers tourists a wealth of activities, from exploring music history to experiencing the food scene. With so much to see and do, you won’t run out of things to do in Memphis. Whether you’re visiting for a few days or a week, you can take advantage of the opportunities and soak up the local culture.