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Experience Memphis Like a Local
Award-winning blogger and 35+ year resident’s picks to do, see, and eat
“I’ve been to the Venice boardwalk and the Sunset Strip in L.A.,” the visitor sitting to my left said. “I’ve walked the Miracle Mile in Chicago. I’ve hit the nightlife in Miami Beach. But none of those places compare to Memphis, man. You know why?”
“Memphis has soul,” he said with a big smile. “Soul like no place I’ve ever encountered.”
Memphis has soul. In three words, he summed up my city better than any marketing firm ever has.
But what does that mean? “Memphis has soul.” If I had 10,000 words I couldn’t describe it. All I can tell you is this: Come visit and see for yourself what I mean.
I’ve lived in Memphis since 1987. Since 2004 I’ve written a blog about Memphis that has won multiple awards. In this post I’m going to show you why Memphis has soul — not by telling you, but by inviting you to experience the places I know and love.
Where to stay
I strongly recommend you get a hotel or AirBNB Downtown. It’s one of the few truly walkable parts of the city and the only walkable area with abundant lodging.
Most of the attractions I discuss below are Downtown. I’ll make sure to point out those that are not Downtown or not walkable.
Before we start: A spelling note
We spell it “BBQ” in Memphis. Not “barbecue.” The AP Stylebook may disagree, but good old Southern common sense outranks a stylebook.
Attractions and restaurants
Central BBQ
There’s not a bad choice on the menu, but Central is best known for its pulled pork BBQ nachos. The smoked chicken wings are perennial award winners. A hidden gem on the menu is the portobello mushroom sandwich.
eatcbq.com | 147 E. Butler
