Amazing and formative experience. there are some elements that were a little heavy but its expected…read moreespecially since its attatched to the hotel where the MLK assassination occured. What I liked is that it did not only focus on that ... but also traced the history of the civil rights movement in America from the time of the chattel slave trade to current day. PROTIP: there is so much information and so much to see... I suggest you give yourself at least 2 hours when visiting. I made the mistake of going 1.5 hrs before i had to b at the airport and was only able to see the 1st building and even then i felt that i had to rush through towards the end of my time there. The exhibits, sculptures, pieces, and installations were well done and keep you engaged the entire time.

Only Love and Light can conquer their opposites." MLK, 1963…read more Ok that fateful day in 1968. The shots rang out. Who knows why? But for all the wrong reasons we can see the legacy that Martin Luther King left behind. They have dedicated this place to his legacy. Let's go inside the museum. The legacy of his life is outlined here. The strife of the world. This is living history. The vision that he had and what he has done. The quiet proof and all that happened here. The car the way life was set all those days ago. The museum outlines historic events in a difficult way and time when the world was involved in much change. This is a must see..... when you come to Memphis. The mystery and myth of love and light can be seen here . The value is something you cannot put a price on . Freedom! For all! You will learn something here. This self proclaimed leader will shake you . Bring tissues and at least two hours to see the museum. The parking is on street for best results. Again, living history. The speaker box outside on the side walk outlines the "day of." Love and light are what he left.

Reading Kyle's five-star review months ago was the first time I knew about the Center For Southern…read moreFolklore and I was intrigued, but for some reason it was put on the back burner, until I realized the Mayan Apocalypse is approaching. From their website, I found out a girls Jookin' contest would be held at the center one Friday evening and decided to see it for myself, having heard about the style from a dance show (no, it's not Dancing With The Stars). I didn't realize Jookin' was Memphis-born and most dancers are males. Despite starting almost an hour later than scheduled and being slightly disorganized (understandably, as an amateur contest), it was a fun event with a great community feel. As far as my inexperienced eyes could tell, some girls have the potential to "make it" in the Jookin' world. As a first-timer, I found the layout of this place a little confusing. The Jookin' contest was held in the hall, which is at the end of the hallway if you enter from the Belz Museum (another gem!) entrance off Main Street and you will also find a refreshment concession there, but that's not where they sell the peach cobbler raved by a previous reviewer, at least not that evening. The peach cobbler (which unfortunately did not impress me), along with gifts, works of art, a limited selection of food and drinks (including beers), is sold at the store off Main Street two doors down from the Belz entrance. The store is also where they normally host live-music events. As soon as I stepped inside the colorful, funky store, I was sold, so I dragged the hubby there the very next evening for the Deering & Down performance, despite knowing very little about them (yes, we had been living under a rock). As a music venue the store holds about 40 seats -- including a few tables and a few rows of seats -- plus some standing room. It's casual and intimate, setting the stage for an enjoyable evening. But it turned out to be more than enjoyable. It was exhilarating thanks to the knockout performance by the duo (plus special guests) who rocked their hearts out for almost three hours non-stop. Live music doesn't get much better than this! The ticket prices are very very affordable ( a mere $5 for Deering & Down!). The crowd is a mix of locals and out-of-towners. In fact, a business woman from NYC at the table next to ours also went to see the Jookin' contest like I did the night before and was thoroughly impressed. In short, you owe yourself a visit! If the world still stands after tomorrow.

Today was not my first time at the Center for Southern Folklore. I love their music festival…read more It's free and features a ton of local talent. Actually, I saw John Paul Keith & the 145's for the first time there & feel in love with their music, instantly. In addition to the festival, the Center has some unique gifts. They sell everything from t-shirts, postors, local art, local food (Rendezvous spicy popcorn, ugly mug coffee & sometimes - when you're lucky - local honey), and random, quirky souvenirs. I ventured to here for their brown bag lunch & music today. It's a great opportunity to check out someone new (to me). The inside of the store has a funky design; plenty of bright colors. There's a stage with colorful screen doors as a backdrop. It gives the audience a feeling of watching someone strumming the guitar on their front porch. It's just missing the rocking chairs. They sell beer, so you can have a cold one while listening to some down home music. Also, they have cobbler & a couple of southern inspired sundaes, like pecan pie. Yum!

We explored Crosstown Concourse this weekend when we visiting my brother in law in Memphis, and…read moreCrosstown Arts was a highlight for sure! Crosstown Arts is a free gallery within the Concourse that features temporary exhibits. When we visited, we were blown away by an exhibit: "Give a Damn! Music + Activism at Stax Records." The exhibit featured artifacts (including Isaac Hayes's office desk and outfits worn on stage by Stax artists like Johnnie Taylor and Isaac Hayes), music, rare photos, and original artwork created by Shelby County middle school students. It was interesting and of great local interest! A very well laid out exhibit. If we lived in Memphis, I'd certainly make it a point to read up about their exhibits as they open and to visit any of those that interested me! Wonderful visit!

I've visited a few exhibitions (Walking Eyes, Inform, etc,) here and I really enjoy the space. It's…read morelarge enough that you can enjoy the art during a busy opening reception but small enough to have an intimate feel. I can't wait to see the Young Collectors Memphis Contemporary Art Show there this weekend! https://www.facebook.com/events/1691049884502867/

I really have enjoyed the variety of shows that have been held here over the past 5 years. The…read moreexpansion has been great.

My wife and I absolutely love the orpheum. We try to catch any show that might interest us. It was…read moreour anniversary. My wife got us tickets to see Gary Owen because she knows how much I love seeing him. The show was absolutely great and she picked some very good seats. I did feel like he cut the show just a little short. There's always that one drunk person that wants to yell out from the crowd. I think it was starting to irritating. What can you say about the orpheum? That hasn't already been said. It's a very nice historical place. The only reason I don't give it 5 stars. Is because like everyone else, they take advantage of people on concessions. I realized back in the day. This is the way places made their money. It's a little different these days. They make plenty of money on the shows. My other small complaint is the seating. Although its way better than Minglewood Hall, the seats are just too close together. I'm a big fella, and it's just very uncomfortable. Overall, they put on great shows and the place is very nice. I definitely wouldn't let the small things stop you from going.

My spouse and I came here while we were in Memphis. For anyone who is interested in American…read morehistory, especially in the south. This is one spot you will want to check out as this was a house that was used during the underground railroad that runway slaves would come as a safe spot to hide before running off to the northern states. If you are in the area I would highly recommend visited it. [Review #722] (20th Review of 2024)

Stopped here last week and the business profile stated Open Now hours, but the museum grounds and…read morebathrooms in back are in seriously disrepair. Wish we would have had the opportunity to take the tour but this place was closed and I suspect not currently in operation. There are a lot of nice murals in the area, be safe while driving around this area due to horse carriage businesses. Grind City Brewing is nearby, as well. Hope to visit when the Slave Haven museum and tour is open again.

I accidentally ended up at this spot, I was actually supposed to be at Blues City Cafe, and I'm so…read moreglad I did! The atmosphere was welcoming, lively, and full of great energy. I sat at the bar, and my bartender did not miss a beat. Even though I was dining alone, she continued to check on me and made sure I was taken care of throughout the evening. I got to enjoy two different bands, and both were amazing! However, the final performance was definitely my favorite. Her voice was both soothing and powerful, and when she started singing Tina Turner, all I could do was smile. What an incredible performance! Now, let's talk about the ribs! They were delicious, full of flavor and literally falling off the bone. The baked beans were good, although they didn't blow me away. The green beans, however, were a miss for me. I think they were trying to do too much with them; sometimes simple is better. Overall, I had a wonderful experience. The live music, atmosphere, and those ribs made this accidental stop well worth it. I'm definitely glad I ended up here, and I would absolutely recommend checking this place out, especially if you enjoy live music and good barbecue!

I stopped here for food and drinks when I was in Memphis for a night. It's definitely super…read moretouristy, but hey! I was a tourist. There was a $10 cover which I was told goes to support the band. The restaurant seems to be pretty big. It looks like it's 2 stories. I sat at the main bar on the first floor. Service was terrible. The bartender was very inattentive and acted like she had a giant chip on her shoulder. I ordered the ribs and a local draft lager. The food and drinks were very good. I was hoping for a Memphis dry rub, but they were doused in bbq sauce. The ribs weren't as good as what you can probably find at other places in Memphis, but they had good flavor. The baked beans were very sweet and watery. The coleslaw was great. The live band was amazing. That night it was the BB King All-Stars. They played a wide variety of musical genres spanning several decades. One song was so good, I was brought to tears. Overall, I had a decent time. The live band saved the night for me. I went on a slow Tuesday night in September, so there really wasn't much open on Beale St to choose from.

Wonderful museum! Whether you're knowledgeable in cotton history or not, still a very cool place to…read morevisit!

" A Must See In Memphis "…read more The Cotton Museum is a must see wen you are in Memphis, TN. Most people only want to see and think of music when they come to Memphis. But the Cotton industry is a huge historical story on how the city of Memphis grew over the years. Seeing this Museum will answer most of your questions about the cotton Industry. The have videos, and many displays for you to see, walk around , touch, and wonder about.

Ok! Let's get our happy on!…read moreLet's go and see Sun Records ! All the great independent musicians that walked through that door, it's remarkable! This is a huge milestone and achievement. The tour is about one hour long, parking on the street. Let's go learn. Josh was GREAT!

I'm so excited I was finally able to scratch a visit to Sun Studios off of my Memphis to-do list…read more For music history lovers it's one of the most iconic places to make a pilgrimage to stand where some of the greats stood as they recorded hit songs that have remained relevant more than 80 years later. You can't reserve tours online and are available on a first come first serve basis and take place at the half hour mark. I arrived at about 12:15 and despite the 12:30 tour being removed as available for the tour board the employee at the front kindly let me slide into the 12:30 tour group. It's a small building but A LOT of history and memorabilia are packed into the building . The guided tour begins on the second floor where there is a small single room with musuem exhibits and items from the early days of Sun Records. After spending time here you'll be taken back downstairs to spend time in the actual recording studio. In total the tour lasted about 45 minutes and you were able to linger at the end without feeling rushed to take photos with THE microphone and soak in the energy of the space. If you're any kind of music lover you can't miss this building where so much pop culture and music history was made.

Beautiful and free! We went to take a walk around the tulip garden and also to see the "Black…read moreArtists in America" exhibit before it leaves. The tulips were soooo pretty and the art was great. Several pieces moved me deeply. Love the creativity. We got there just after opening. Easy to find parking and after we did our check-in, we were free to roam at our own pace. Visited the cafe and got a yummy iced matcha latte. Very peaceful, beautiful grounds. Well kept. We will definitely be back. Can't wait to see what other art exhibits come and go. All the staff were very friendly and helpful as well. Definitely worth the visit.

Simply love coming out to the Dixon Gardens and Museum!! The tulips are blooming a d they are…read morestunning. The hostess is always nice and kind. Entrance is free but memberships are available. I took a walk to see more than 40,000 tulips. Bring your family or friends. Have a picnic on the lawn. Great place to relax and chill. I will return for sure! I had a wonderful experience! Two or rather ten thumbs up!

Beale Street was created in 1841 by Robertson Topp and was originally known as Beale Avenue (named…read moreafter a forgotten military hero). The central part of Beale was known as "the underworld" and was mostly inhabited by saloons and brothels which attracted musicians and artists until the 1870s when Memphis fell victim to the yellow fever epidemic. The population dwindled so severely that Memphis lost its city charter in 1879. After the yellow fever epidemic, black Memphis businessman Robert Church bought land around Beale Street. It proved to be a good investment because it led to him become the first black millionaire in the South. In 1890, The Grand Opera House, now known as The Orpheum, was renovated. In 1899, Church paid the city to create Church Park at the corner of 4th and Beale. It became a recreational and cultural center. Speakers in the Church Park Auditorium include Woodrow Wilson, Booker T. Washington, and Franklin D. Roosevelt. From the 1920s to the 1940s, Louis Armstrong, Muddy Waters, Albert King, Memphis Minnie, B. B. King, Rufus Thomas, Rosco Gordon and other blues and jazz legends played on Beale Street and helped develop the style known as Memphis Blues. On December 15, 1977, Beale Street was officially declared the "Home of the Blues" by an act of Congress.

More than a century ago, music began pouring into Memphis. Musicians of all races & backgrounds…read morecame together for the love of music and created a sound that changed the cultural complexion of the world forever. America's music exploded out of Memphis. Today, the Memphis Music Hall of Fame honors many of the greatest musicians of all time, who created this city's musical legacy. Memphis Minnie, Willie Mitchell, Sam Phillips, Elvis Presley, Otis Redding, The Staple Singers, Rufus Thomas, Nat D. Williams, ZZ Top are just some of the inductees.