Overview
Memphis, Tennessee, a soulful city of 620,000, hides an offbeat allure where quirky museums, secret music haunts, and historic oddities draw adventurous travelers beyond Beale Street’s blues, attracting over 11 million visitors yearly. Founded in 1819 as a river port, this vibrant hub sits 250 miles southwest of Nashville and 210 miles north of Jackson, Mississippi, cradled by the Mississippi River and Wolf River. Beyond Elvis and barbecue, Memphis offers eccentric gems like a museum of metal art, a hidden speakeasy in a former pawn shop, and vibrant street art in the South Main Arts District. It’s an offbeat Southern playground where Delta blues, civil rights history, and quirky creativity collide, perfect for those craving unique adventures over tourist staples.
Top Attractions (Metal, Murals & The King!)
Metal Museum
A riverside museum with 3,000 metal artifacts, from quirky blacksmith sculptures to historic Civil War relics.
South Main Arts District Murals
Discover colorful street art where Delta culture and civil rights themes paint the historic city walls.
Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum
Located on Beale Street, this museum has 5,000 artifacts, including vintage jukeboxes and quirky Elvis outfits.
The Green Beetle
A hidden speakeasy serving Prohibition-era cocktails with a quirky, 1939 pawn shop vibe.
Elmwood Cemetery
A historic 1852 cemetery covering 80 acres, known for its Confederate ghosts and quirky Victorian mausoleums.
Memphis Pyramid
A 321-foot glass structure, formerly an arena, now a quirky Bass Pro Shops with a giant indoor swamp.
Unique Stories & Facts (Pyramids, Angels & Speakeasies!)
- Metal Marvels: An 1880s wrought-iron gate at the Metal Museum was forged by an enslaved blacksmith, Philip Simmons, and still stands today.
- Pyramid Oddity: The 1991 Pyramid, once a failed sports arena, now houses a 100-foot-tall indoor cypress swamp complete with live alligators.
- Speakeasy Secret: The Green Beetle, one of the city's oldest taverns, actually served bootleg whiskey during the Prohibition era and is now a quirky cocktail hideout.
- Cemetery Lore: An 1866 "weeping angel" statue in Elmwood Cemetery is the subject of a local legend that claims it cries real tears for the Confederate dead.
Best Travel Seasons (When to Visit Memphis!)
Spring (Mar-May)
Mild weather (55-75°F) and blooming riverbanks make this the ideal season for exploring murals and taking cemetery strolls.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Warm temperatures (80-90°F) bring the city's music festival season to its peak. This is the busiest time, so book speakeasy reservations early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Pleasantly cool weather (60-80°F) and beautiful fall colors create the perfect atmosphere for Pyramid visits and art tours.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Chilly days (40-60°F) are perfect for enjoying cozy bars and the city's many unique indoor museums.
Popular Activities (Beyond Beale Street!)
- Metal Touring: Explore the Metal Museum to see quirky blacksmith art and historic Civil War cannons on the riverfront.
- Mural Strolling: Wander through the South Main Arts District, where murals tell the stories of the Delta blues and the civil rights movement.
- Music Browse: Dive into the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum to see vintage jukeboxes and Elvis’s quirky jumpsuits, which spark pure joy.
- Speakeasy Sipping: Slip into The Green Beetle for classic cocktails in a historic, 1939 pawn shop hideout.
- Cemetery Wandering: Stroll through Elmwood Cemetery to see quirky Victorian tombs and hauntingly beautiful angel statues.
- Pyramid Exploring: Visit the Memphis Pyramid to shop in a massive indoor swamp, complete with giant fish tanks and live alligators.
Casinos Nearby (~30 Miles)
For gaming, head across the river to **Southland Casino Racing** in West Memphis, AR (10 miles), a huge complex with 2,400 slots and a quirky live greyhound racing track. A bit farther south is the **Horseshoe Casino** in Tunica, MS (30 miles), a major Delta gaming hub.
Oddities Nearby (~20 Miles - Memphis's Quirky Side!)
South Main’s Giant Guitar Mural
An oversized tribute to the city's blues heritage, this iconic piece of Delta art is a must-see for music lovers.
Pyramid’s Indoor Alligator
A quirky feature of the Bass Pro Shops, where live alligators swim in the massive indoor swamp and retail jungle.
Elmwood’s Weeping Angel
A beautiful 1866 statue that is the subject of local ghost tales, which claim that its stone eyes cry real tears.
Metal Museum’s Slave Gate
A premier city oddity, this 1880s ironwork gate showcases the incredible and quirky craftsmanship of an enslaved artist.
Haunted Tourism Nearby (~20 Miles - Ghosts of the Delta!)
- Elmwood Cemetery:** The ghosts of Confederate soldiers are said to appear at night, with lanterns flickering near their 1852 graves.
- Orpheum Theatre (Downtown):** The ghost of a young girl named Mary is said to haunt the balcony of this opulent 1928 stage.
- Earnestine & Hazel’s (South Main):** A former brothel turned dive bar where the jukebox is said to play ghostly tunes on its own.
Local Events & Festivals (Memphis's Offbeat Calendar!)
- Memphis in May Beale Street Music Festival:** A massive festival in Tom Lee Park celebrating blues and rock with quirky riverfront vibes.
- South Main Art Trolley Tour (Monthly):** On the last Friday of the month, the neighborhood comes alive with open galleries and an artsy night market quirk.
- Cooper-Young Festival (September):** A huge street fair in Midtown that celebrates local music, indie crafts, and quirky vendors.
- RiverArtsFest (October):** A juried art festival on the riverfront that showcases street art and unique Delta crafts with a vibrant, quirky feel.
Lodging Options (From Posh Stays to Wooded Sites)
Luxury: The Peabody Memphis
(Downtown) A landmark hotel offering historic elegance and the quirky, world-famous daily duck parade. (From $250/night).
Mid-Range: Guest House at Graceland
A hotel offering fun, Elvis-themed decor and quirky comfort right next to the Graceland mansion. (From $150/night).
Budget: Comfort Inn Downtown
A reliable hotel offering simple, affordable riverfront stays for budget travelers. (From $90/night).
Camping: T.O. Fuller State Park
(South Memphis, 10 mi) A beautiful state park offering shady, wooded campsites for an easy escape. (From $20/night).
Dining (Local Cuisine Highlights – Ribs, Chicken & More!)
The Rendezvous
(Downtown) A legendary BBQ joint in a basement alley, famous for its signature charcoal-broiled dry-rub ribs since 1948.
Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken
(South Main) A beloved spot known for its crispy, spicy hot chicken with a secret family recipe.
The Arcade Restaurant
(Downtown) The city's oldest diner (since 1902) with a quirky, retro vibe, once a favorite of Elvis Presley.
Beauty Shop
(Cooper-Young) A quirky restaurant set in a former 1950s beauty salon, serving creative dishes like fried egg sandwiches.
Travel Tips
- What to Pack: For a fall visit (September), pack shorts and light layers for 65-85°F weather. Bring comfortable walking shoes for Beale Street.
- Safety First: Stick to well-lit areas at night and be aware of your surroundings in crowded tourist zones like South Main and Beale Street.
- Accessibility: Downtown is walkable, but many attractions are spread out. Check MATA bus and trolley routes for accessibility options.
Nearby Destinations Within 20 Miles (Explore the Delta!)
- Germantown (15 miles): A charming, upscale suburb with historic homes and beautiful parks.
- West Memphis, AR (10 miles):** Just across the river, home to the Southland Casino and great views of the Mississippi.
- Collierville (20 miles): Known for its beautiful, historic town square and a quieter, more relaxed pace.
- Southaven, MS (10 miles): A bustling suburb with large outlet malls and a variety of Southern eats.
Recommended Duration of Stay
4-5 Days: The Ideal Offbeat Itinerary.** This provides enough time to explore the unique museums, hunt for murals, and dive into the city's quirky and haunted haunts.
Target Travelers
- Art Enthusiasts: From the vibrant South Main murals to the unique sculptures at the Metal Museum.
- History Buffs: Explore the haunted Elmwood Cemetery, civil rights relics, and the city's rich musical past.
- Families: The giant Pyramid’s indoor swamp and the many music exhibits offer fun for all ages.
- Adventure Seekers: Hunt for hidden speakeasies and take ghost tours of the city's famously haunted landmarks.
Destination Joke
Because even its pyramids shop for bass!
Listen to Our Podcast Episode!
"Memphis, TN: Offbeat Blues Quirk" - Your 7-minute audio journey to the city's hidden gems!
Your Memphis, TN Offbeat Guide!
Ready to explore the Home of the Blues' weird side? This guide is your ticket to Memphis's best quirky museums, vibrant street art, secret speakeasies, and must-try local eats beyond the tourist traps.
Ebook Coming Soon!What's Your Memphis Vibe?
Answer to find your perfect offbeat adventure!
Families will love the quirky pyramids, Art Enthusiasts will explore the murals, and Adventure Seekers will hunt for speakeasies!
Music lovers will dive into the history at the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, while foodies will make a pilgrimage for world-class barbecue!
Thrill-seekers will enjoy a ghost hunt at Elmwood Cemetery, while art lovers will be inspired by the vibrant riverfront murals!