A Self Guided Walking Tour of Brews, Blues and BBQ in Memphis

Explore Memphis’s Musical, Culinary, and Civil Rights Landmarks at Your Own Pace

This self-guided walking tour of Memphis, offered at $14.99 per person, provides a flexible way to experience the city’s legendary blues music, mouthwatering BBQ, and lively brew scene. With an approximate duration of 2 to 2.5 hours, the tour suits those who prefer to explore independently while still gaining in-depth insights into Memphis’s cultural fabric.

Beginning at Central Station Memphis, the tour guides visitors through the South Main Arts District, downtown Memphis, and the Beale Street Entertainment District. The tour is particularly well-suited for visitors who want a rundown of Memphis’s historic and musical highlights without joining a large group.

A key advantage is the self-guided GPS format, allowing exploration at a comfortable pace, with unlimited use before and after booking. This flexibility makes it ideal for those with busy schedules or multiple short visits. However, travelers should remember to bring their smartphone and headphones, as these are not included.

Key Points

• Self-guided tour with GPS navigation allows flexible exploration
• Starts at Central Station Memphis and ends near The Pyramid for easy access
• Focuses on blues music, historic sites, Civil Rights landmarks, and culinary delights
• Priced at $14.99 per person with most bookings 16 days in advance
• Lasts approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, ideal for a leisurely walk through downtown Memphis
• Includes key landmarks like Orpheum Theatre, National Civil Rights Museum, and Beale Street

Starting Point: The Historic Central Station Memphis

The tour begins outside Central Station Memphis, a vintage trolley station in the South Main Arts District. This beautifully restored building, once a train station, now functions as a hotel, setting an atmospheric tone for your exploration. From here, the route unfolds through Memphis’s lively downtown, emphasizing the area’s transformation and cultural revival.

This starting point is accessible and provides clear directions for those arriving via public transportation or car. The location’s historic charm offers an immediate taste of Memphis’s heritage, setting the scene for visits to notable landmarks along the way.

Visiting Earnestine & Hazel’s: Memphis’s Colorful Past

A highlight of the tour is Earnestine & Hazel’s, a legendary local spot with a colorful history. Originally functioning as a church, dry goods store, pharmacy, and even a clandestine brothel, this hotel has evolved into a beloved nightclub. Its storied past makes it a fascinating stop that captures Memphis’s layered history.

While the tour passes by rather than enters, the exterior and history shared provide context about the city’s eclectic heritage. Visitors might find it interesting that this venue has been a part of Memphis’s story for decades, blending the city’s social and cultural narratives.

Historic Downtown Memphis and The Arcade Restaurant

Next, the route includes The Arcade Restaurant, a Memphis institution with retro charm and delicious dishes. Known for its vintage decor and classic American fare, it offers a glimpse into Memphis’s culinary past. This stop is perfect for anyone interested in local food traditions and nostalgic dining atmospheres.

As the tour continues, it also features a Memphis Historic Marker from 1866, which commemorates significant moments in the city’s history. These markers enhance understanding of Memphis’s development over time, adding educational value to the walk.

Civil Rights Landmarks: Lorraine Motel and National Civil Rights Museum

A poignant part of the tour involves passing by the Lorraine Motel, the site where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. Now preserved as the National Civil Rights Museum, this site offers powerful exhibits that detail the Civil Rights Movement’s struggles and victories.

The tour emphasizes the importance of this museum, housed in the original Lorraine Motel building. Visitors gain a respectful understanding of Memphis’s role in civil rights history, making this a meaningful stop that underscores the city’s social significance.

Blues Heritage: The Blues Hall of Fame and Beale Street

Memphis’s reputation as the birthplace of blues music is highlighted through a glimpse of the Blues Hall of Fame Museum along the route. This venue showcases exhibits celebrating Memphis’s musical heritage and the genre’s impact on American culture.

The route then leads into the Beale Street Entertainment District, famous for its lively atmosphere and live music venues. Known as the heart of blues, Beale Street is lined with bars, clubs, and street performers, which give visitors a taste of Memphis’s musical soul.

Iconic Memphis Landmarks: The Orpheum Theatre and The Peabody Memphis

The tour includes The Orpheum Theatre, a grand venue known for its stunning architecture and historical significance in Memphis’s performing arts scene. Passing this venue offers a visual reminder of the city’s vibrant cultural life.

Plus, The Peabody Memphis, a historic luxury hotel, stands out as a symbol of Memphis’s elegance and history. The sight of this iconic hotel enriches the downtown landscape, connecting visitors to the city’s past glamour.

The Lively Atmosphere of Silky O’Sullivan’s and General Washburn’s Escape Alley

Further along, Silky O’Sullivan’s provides a lively atmosphere with its unique attraction of “beware Irish diving goats” and a welcoming vibe. This bar adds a fun and distinctive touch to the Memphis experience.

The tour also features exploring General Washburn’s Escape Alley, one of Memphis’s many secretive alleys with intriguing stories. These hidden passages add a sense of discovery, showcasing Memphis’s layered urban fabric.

The Pyramid and Other Downtown Highlights

The tour concludes near The Pyramid, a towering landmark overlooking the Mississippi River. This structure has become a symbol of Memphis’s ongoing evolution and cultural pride.

Other notable stops include Court Square Park, a peaceful green space amid the city’s hustle, and Memphis City Hall, an architecturally interesting government building. These spots round out a rundown of Memphis’s historic and civic life.

Practical Details: Logistics, Booking, and Accessibility

The self-guided tour begins at Memphis Central Station and ends at The Pyramid, both easily accessible locations. The tour operates daily from 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM, providing flexibility for different schedules.

Participants need to bring their smartphone and headphones, as these are not included. The tour offers unlimited use before and after the booked date, allowing users to explore at their own pace without time pressure.

The experience is private, with only your group participating, and service animals are allowed. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with confirmation received upon booking and options for cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Who Will Most Enjoy This Memphis Self-Guided Tour?

This tour appeals to those interested in Memphis’s musical, civil rights, and culinary scenes, offering an immersive experience at their own pace. It is perfect for travelers who prefer flexibility, want to learn about the city’s history and culture without large groups, and enjoy discovering local stories through guided narration.

While no food or drinks are included, the route passes by several notable eateries and bars, making it easy to explore culinary options alongside sightseeing. The price point of $14.99 offers good value for a curated, rundown of Memphis’s highlights.

Final Thoughts on Memphis’s Brews, Blues, and BBQ Experience

This self-guided walking tour provides a practical and enriching way to experience Memphis’s core attractions. From historic landmarks like The Peabody and the Civil Rights Museum to the vibrant Beale Street, the route covers the city’s most iconic sites.

The flexibility of the GPS-based format, combined with detailed directions and the ability to explore at leisure, makes this tour suitable for independent travelers or small groups. It balances educational content with entertainment, highlighting Memphis’s musical roots and civil rights history.

While it does not include food or drinks, the stops along the way invite exploration of local eateries, allowing visitors to enjoy genuine Memphis flavors afterward. The tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Memphis that is accessible, affordable, and tailored to active explorers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, the tour is accessible for most travelers and is suitable for families, especially those interested in Memphis’s history and culture.

Do I need to book in advance?
It is recommended to book around 16 days ahead, as this tour is popular and can fill up quickly.

What should I bring on the tour?
Participants need to bring their smartphone and headphones to use the GPS-guided directions.

Can I start and stop the tour at any time?
Yes, the unlimited use allows for flexible starting and stopping points, and you can explore at your own pace.

Are there any physical requirements?
The tour involves walking through downtown Memphis, so comfortable shoes are advised.

What landmarks does the tour include?
Highlights include Central Station, Earnestine & Hazel’s, The Arcade Restaurant, Civil Rights landmarks, Beale Street, The Orpheum Theatre, The Peabody, and The Pyramid.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
The data does not specify accessibility details, so travelers should plan accordingly for walking distances and urban terrain.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of a self-guided GPS format, diverse stops covering music, history, and food, and the affordable price make this tour a practical choice for exploring Memphis independently.

Where does the tour end?
The tour concludes at The Pyramid, providing easy access for further exploration or transportation options.