Exploring the Musical Heritage of Memphis, Tennessee

When in Memphis, focus on the musical heritage of this incredible city. The following are some of the absolute musts to stop by, visit, dance, sing, drink and eat at — because that’s precisely what you should be doing in Memphis, Tennessee. 

Wild Bills 

Wild Bill’s is the quintessential juke joint in the Vollintine Evergreen Distinct. It is a small, intimate, open kitchen serving chicken wings and ice-cold beer (you can bring your own spirits for a small fee.) Wild Bills is as authentic as it gets, playing traditional blues in an unstuffy dive bar atmosphere. In addition, the joint serves as a Delta Blues museum during the day.

Beale Street 

For a real Beale Street experience, head for Rum Boogie Café and Mr. Handy’s Blues Hall. These interconnected bars are two of the oldest juke joints in Memphis, where you’ll find artwork of iconic musicians all over the walls, a blues performer every night and Cajun barbecue served until late. 

Paula & Raiford’s Disco

Raiford’s is a legendary two-story downtown nightclub renowned for its mixed crowd, handprints, fog machines, disco balls and lights on the wall. It’s a loud, sweaty, thumping and fantastic time. The disco has always been staffed by members of the Raiford family: aunts and uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

National Civil Rights Museum 

The National Civil Rights Museum should not be skipped on any trip to Memphis. It is located at the historic Lorraine Motel, where civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated. The museum provides a powerful and comprehensive overview of the American Civil Rights Movement from slavery to the present. The Museum is steadfast in its mission to chronicle the American civil rights movement, examine today's global civil and human rights issues, provoke thoughtful debate and serve as a catalyst for positive social change. Through its interactive and immersive historical and contemporary exhibits, the museum examines civil and human rights issues from both then and now.

The Second Line: A Cajun joint with attitude as evidenced by the general ambiance and some menu items, such as fancy-ass coleslaw. The Second Line doesn't believe in reservations, so that the wait can be up to two hours on a weekend night, but nobody seems to care. Cozy up to the bar and wait in anticipation for Creole delights like fried gulf shrimp or the fried Mississippi catfish. Don't pass on the barbecued-shrimp starter. 

Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous: Memphis is the pork barbecue mecca of the world. For over 70 years, the Vergos family has been serving their signature dry rub ribs in a basement through a downtown alley across from the Peabody Hotel.

Bardog Tavern: A neighborhood establishment in the heart of downtown Memphis that has excellent food, a late-night kitchen and lots of fun per minute fueled by a hot jukebox and cold drinks.