# Uncovering the Essence of Memphis: A Local’s Handbook to Grind City
In the last ten years, I’ve had the joy of visiting Memphis 16 times, with each journey revealing new dimensions. When my sister Kate and her husband Will relocated here from Los Angeles, many were uncertain. “Isn’t that the deep south?” “What else is there apart from Graceland?” folks would inquire. However, Memphis, frequently misjudged by outsiders, is a city that shatters assumptions. It might not have the gloss of Nashville, but that’s what makes it captivating. Memphis is unrefined, authentic, and brimming with history, culture, and innovation.
With its profound musical heritage and significant contribution to the Civil Rights Movement, Memphis is a city with character. It’s where entire music genres—rock ‘n’ roll, soul, and blues—originated. While countless visitors are drawn in by the BBQ and the action on Beale Street, there’s an abundance of other wonders to discover. Throughout the years, I’ve experienced Memphis through a local’s lens, thanks to my sister and her husband, who are always chasing the city’s latest events. Together, we’ve created this guide to help you savor the essence of Memphis, beyond the tourist attractions.
## **Getting Acquainted: Exploring Memphis’ Layers**
Before plunging into the local favorites, it’s vital to appreciate Memphis’ rich tapestry of history. The city encompasses layers of Civil War heritage, music icons, and civil rights landmarks, all infused with a rugged allure. To orient yourself, kick off with a few essential tours and museums.
### **Backbeat Tours**
Ditch the cliché double-decker buses. Backbeat Tours presents a distinctive exploration of Memphis, merging history with music. The guides, often musicians themselves, animate the city’s narrative with live performances at pivotal historical locations. From crooning Elvis songs in front of Lauderdale Courts to commemorating the 1968 sanitation workers strike at I AM A MAN Plaza, this tour is as enjoyable as it is educational.
### **Ride the Classic Streetcars**
Memphis’ classic streetcars provide a delightful way to navigate the city. These beautifully restored vehicles, gathered from various parts of the globe, offer a glimpse into local life as they meander through downtown. For just $1 a ride, you can board the Main Street Line or the Riverfront Loop, making it an entertaining and budget-friendly way to explore the city.
## **Museums & Music History: The Pulse of Memphis**
Memphis is home to several of the country’s most significant museums, many highlighting civil rights and music history. These stops are essential for anyone wanting to grasp the city’s spirit.
### **National Civil Rights Museum**
Situated in the Lorraine Motel, the site of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, the National Civil Rights Museum is a powerful and crucial destination. It spans five centuries of African American history, from slavery to the Civil Rights Movement and beyond. This deeply poignant experience ignites essential dialogues about race and justice in America.
### **Stax Museum of American Soul Music**
Stax Records is where soul music was born, propelling icons like Otis Redding and Isaac Hayes into stardom. The museum, located on the original grounds of Stax Records, is the only one globally dedicated to American soul music. Featuring interactive displays and memorabilia, it’s a must-see for any music aficionado.
### **Sun Studio & Other Music Museums**
As the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll, Memphis boasts Sun Studio, the iconic recording venue where Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis made their first recordings. Additional noteworthy music museums include the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum and the Blues Hall of Fame.
## **Music Venues & Dive Bars: Where the Locals Gather**
Memphis is celebrated for its live music scene, and while Beale Street is the most renowned location, there are numerous other spots where locals convene to enjoy fantastic music and a vibrant atmosphere.
### **Best of Beale Street**
Beale Street is where legends like W.C. Handy and B.B. King began their journeys. Although it’s a hotspot for tourists, some local treasures are worth discovering. A. Schwab, a general store with a soda fountain, is a delightful stop, while Ghost River Tap Room provides a more relaxed ambiance away from the throngs.
### **Hernando’s Hide-A-Way**
A legendary venue where Elvis once performed, Hernando’s Hide-A-Way is a nostalgic nod to Memphis’ rockabilly origins. With live music and inventive cocktails, it’s a must-visit for anyone hoping to immerse themselves in the city’s musical legacy.
### **Wild Bill’s Juke Joint**
For a genuinely authentic Memphis experience, make your way to Wild Bill’s Juke Joint. This dive bar is beloved by locals, featuring live blues in an intimate atmosphere. It’s away from the hustle and bustle.