Blues, BBQ, & Black History
February is Black History Month, and this city is arguably the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement, a pivotal period in Black history. Memphis, Tennessee is home to the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel. Sadly, one of the countries darkest moments, the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., occurred at this motel. Although this is a dark stain of the past, the museum is a beacon of light that shows the road from despair to triumph.
Memphis, Tennessee
The city’s NBA team motto is “Grit and Grind”, and that’s the perfect description of the Civil Rights Movement. These black leaders undoubtedly had grit, and please believe, they never stopped the grind. Outside of celebrating black history, the city has a personality like you’ve never experienced before. Around every corner, you’ll find BBQ so good that’ll make you wanna slap ya Mama, down home Blues that’ll speak to the depth your soul, and views of the Mississippi that will take your breath away. This February, book a flight, “Root for everybody Black” (shout out to Issa Rae), and let’s look at the road to black excellence in Memphis, Tennessee.
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National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel
The National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel is a bucket list history item for travelers and historians alike. Between slavery, boycotts, assassinations, and the fight to defeat “separate but equal”, this is the nation’s story of the Civil Rights Movement. No other place can you get a look at the last few hours of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life before he was assassinated. Guests can literally look inside Dr. King’s hotel room, which is frozen in time, from the fatal day of April 4, 1968. The museum has preserved the room from that exact moment. Not only can you see inside, but you are also able to stand directly on the same balcony where the civil rights leader stood before his life was tragically snatched from him. Dr. King’s hotel room is the last exhibit in the museum, but before you get to him, there are countless amazing exhibits and artifacts from other events and leaders of the Civil Rights Movement. Plan for about a 2-hour self-guided tour. Be sure to check out the Birmingham Freedom Bus Riders and Greensboro Lunch Counter Sit-in interactive exhibits. Sure to leave you with chills, these exhibits will take you back in time. This is the history of the movement. This is Black history. This is the story of the people. This is why Black Lives Matter.
Memphis Mentions
After your history lesson, treat yourself to a date with the city. The “Home of the Blues” has so much to offer; we guarantee you’ve never had a date like this before. Below we’ve listed a handful of restaurants, attractions, and experiences worth mentioning. Note: The suggestions listed below are just a mere fraction of what Memphis to offer. These “Memphis Mentions” are just starting points.
“Put Some South in your Mouth” with the Best Meal on Beale.
Blues City Café
Memphis’ main attraction is most notably, the famous Beale Street. It’s like New Orleans’ Bourbon Street’s, little brother. Beale is the hot spot in Memphis for all live music, mouthwatering food, and ultimate entertainment. Just like Bourbon Street in New Orleans, Beale offers to-go alcoholic drinks and practices the “open-container law”. Patrons can freely take their drink from one bar or venue to the next; all while strolling and people watching along the street. You’re going to work up an appetite, and we suggest none other than the Best Meal on Beale, Blue’s City Café. You get a two-for-one special with this spot. They’ve offer live music and a taste of the dirty south all in one. Known for their Gumbo fries (Yes, they have actually matched Gumbo and fries together, and it is a joyful union that is built to last.) fried seafood, and Memphis style BBQ, you’ll be licking your fingers in a food coma in no time. This might want to be your last stop before ending the night. After this rich taste of the south in ya mouth, you’re gonna be ready to head back to the house.
Sweet Treat: Memphis Style
“We didn’t invent the snow cone, just the snow cone supreme.” And supreme it is, indeed. Located in a neighborhood near Beale, you’ll find the sweetest spot in Memphis, Jerry’s Snow Cone. Open since 1960, Jerry’s has been serving their supreme snow cones to crowds on a daily basis. This cash-only spot is a local favorite and hidden gem of the city. With hundreds of snow cone flavors, you’re bound to find a flavor that’s your jam. If you haven’t noticed already, Memphis likes to pair savory tastes together. Jerry’s Snow Cone Supreme is the love child of a snow cone and ice cream. The line can get long, but if you’re a foodie, you know that’s a GOOD sign. You’ve got the time, so stay in line. Don’t forget to make it supreme, and top it off with that sweet Memphis Cream.
Memphis-Mississippi Connection
Located in a pyramid (You read that correctly. I said pyramid. There is a PYRAMID in Memphis, Tennessee. ) will you find the most breathtaking bird’s-eye view of where Memphis and the Mississippi River connect. This 103- room lodge that’s located in a Bass Pro Shop, that’s designed in the shape of a pyramid, is the only place you can have a top-notch aerial view of Tennessee and the Mississippi River. Go 300 feet in the air with a 3–5 minute elevator ride to the top of the pyramid, and have dinner and drinks at The Lookout. This restaurant serves five star cuisine and old fashioned Tennessee whiskeys; all paired with beautiful sunset views of the mighty Mississippi River. If you’re not afraid of heights, we implore you to step outside on the clear plexiglass floor as you overlook the river. Don’t look down, though. Like Tupac said, #YaGottaKeepYaHeadUp
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