By Jeanni Ritchie
Memphis doesn’t ease you in—it surrounds you. With every neon glow, smoky plate of barbecue, and live riff drifting out onto the street, the city pulses with energy. It’s a destination where history and rhythm intertwine, and where every turn seems to reveal another story waiting to be told.
A City of Meaning and Music
On the way to Beale Street, one unexpected stop brought deeper reflection. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital stands as a beacon of hope in Memphis—a place where lives are saved and families are given a fighting chance. Passing by, the hospital’s impact was impossible to ignore. For anyone who has lost a child or walked alongside one through illness, its presence feels sacred. Instead of sorrow, there was space to celebrate the good St. Jude continues to bring to the world—a reminder that Memphis isn’t only about music, but about miracles.
Of course, Memphis is music at its core. Beale Street is the beating heart, where live bands spill out from every doorway and the sidewalks themselves seem to vibrate. At Blues City Café, FreeWorld carried on its legendary Sunday-night residency, blending classics from the Beatles and Steely Dan with their own soulful originals. Across the street, Rum Boogie Café kept the crowd moving with the Ty Nash Experience, mixing blues, rock, and even a little Lynyrd Skynyrd, played courtesy of my Free Bird tee! It was the kind of night that reminds you why Memphis has earned its reputation as the birthplace of the blues.
Exploring Memphis by Day
Daylight hours in Memphis offer a different kind of music: the rhythm of history. At Sun Studio, visitors stand before the very microphone where Elvis, Johnny Cash, and B.B. King once recorded, and hear the fabled “Million Dollar Quartet” jam session that changed music forever. Just blocks away, the Edge Motor Museum celebrates America’s love affair with speed, pairing muscle cars with stories from the open road. I was reminded once again that I still can’t drive 55!
Memphis also tells harder truths. The city carries the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s final days, the sanitation worker strike, and the civil rights movement. On the Memphis Mojo Tour with Backbeat Tours, music and history ride together, weaving tales of Elvis, Otis Redding, and gospel roots alongside pivotal moments in America’s story.
Flavors of the City
Memphis feeds both body and soul. From cajun garlic shrimp and potatoes at Blues City Café to the famed ribs at Rendezvous—tucked away in a downtown alley—dining is part of the adventure. Local spots like South of Beale and Hive Bagel & Deli showcase the city’s evolving culinary scene, while riverboat dinner cruises pair smoky Memphis barbecue with sweeping views of the Mississippi.
Where to Stay
Memphis accommodations are as colorful as its culture. Hotel Indigo buzzes with energy, while the boutique Hotel Napoleon offers a historic backdrop and a quiet sense of luxury. And then there’s The Peabody Memphis—a true Southern icon. Known for its “Duck March,” where the hotel’s resident ducks waddle through the grand lobby daily at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., the Peabody is a blend of tradition, charm, and modern hospitality. From rooftop parties to opulent guest rooms adorned with duck-themed details, it feels like stepping into a storybook version of Southern life.
The Lasting Impression
Memphis is a city that surprises. It sings, it teaches, it remembers, and it celebrates. It’s where music history lives on every corner, where museums preserve voices that shaped the nation, and where hope shines through places like St. Jude.
Walking its streets, listening to its songs, and tasting its flavors is like stepping into a living, breathing soundtrack. Memphis doesn’t just entertain—it leaves an imprint on the heart.
Where to Eat
• Blues City Café – Cajun garlic shrimp, tamales, and ribs with live music next door.
• Rendezvous – Famous for its alleyway entrance and iconic sausage-and-cheese plate.
• South of Beale – A modern gastropub with creative small plates.
• Hive Bagel & Deli – Local favorite for breakfast and quick bites.
• Memphis Riverboats Dinner Cruise – Barbecue with a side of Mississippi River views.
Where to Stay
• The Peabody Memphis – Iconic Southern hotel, known for its daily “Duck March.”
• Hotel Indigo – Stylish, music-themed boutique stay in the heart of downtown.
• Hotel Napoleon – A historic boutique hotel with elegant, modern touches.
Where to Go
• Beale Street – The soul of Memphis nightlife, packed with live blues and neon lights.
• Sun Studio – Legendary birthplace of rock ’n’ roll.
• Edge Motor Museum – A sleek collection of classic and muscle cars.
• National Civil Rights Museum – Located at the Lorraine Motel, honoring Dr. King’s legacy.
• St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital – A quiet, humbling reminder of hope and healing.
• Backbeat Mojo Tour – A rolling mix of music, stories, and Memphis history.
My next visit to Memphis will be coordinated with a show at the Orpheum Theatre. They have the best Broadway lineup this season!
