What to Do on Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee

If you've ever thought about visiting Memphis, Tennessee then you've probably heard the advice from locals and other visitors that you must visit Beale Street. But what should you do once you get there? Here's a few ideas for your next visit.

Visit A. Schwab and buy souvenirs.

Visiting A. Schwab is a great idea during the day or at night. Established in 1876, A. Schwab is the oldest store on Beale Street, and the last remaining original business. If you are looking for a bit of history this is the place you need to visit. Plus, it's just fun. The shop is a dry goods store that is a mix of crazy items and souvenirs. Their motto is "If you can't find it at Schwab's, you're probably better off without it.

A. Schwab is located at 163 Beale Street and is open Monday through Saturday 9 am - 5 pm.

There are several other locations on Beale Street where you can shop and buy one of a kind souvenirs. Check out Alley Katz Gift Emporium at 156 Beale St., open 7 days a week 10 am - 11 pm. Also make sure to visit Blues City General Store at 144 Beale Street, open 7 days a week from 9 am - 1 am.

Visit the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum.

The Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum offers exhibits created by the Smithsonian Institution about the birth of rock and soul music. Visit the exhibit to learn about the musical pioneers who overcame all barriers to play their music. You can stroll through the museum at your own pace checking out all seven galleries. For a tour plan to spend 1.5 to 2 hours in the museum. The Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum is located at 191 Beale Street, Suite 100, on the Plaza of FedEx Forum. Open daily 10 am - 7 pm with last admission at 6:15 pm. Admission costs $10 for adults and $7 for ages 5 - 17.

Tour tour W.C. Handy's home.

The W.C. Handy House & Museum offers visitors a glimpse into the life of the "Old Beale Street." This home of the "Father of the Blues" is a small house full of artifacts and memorabilia from the beginnings of Handy's life. A tour through the house only takes 20 minutes, so make sure you check out the nearby W.C. Handy Part with a statue of Handy and the brass notes located along Beale Street to see the achievements of Memphis musicians like Handy.

W.C. Handy's home is located at 352 Beale. Hours of operation are Tue - Sat 10 am - 5 pm (June-August) and 11 pm - 4 pm (Sept-May). Admission costs $3 for adults and $2 for youth.

Take a tour with Backbeat Tours.

Backbeat tours is located on Beale Street and offers one-of-a-kind tours to learn about the history of music in Memphis. You will hear Memphis music performed live on your vintage tour bus as your ride through parts of Memphis. Tours start on Beale Street and last 1.5 to 2.5 hours.

Backbeat Tours is located at 140 Beale Street and open daily 9 am to 6 pm. Reservations are recommended.

Eat, drink, and listen to music.

This sums up the Beale Street experience. Beale Street is a nationally recognized entertainment district. In 1977 it was officially declared Home of the Blues by Congress (it has been a National Historic Landmark since 1966). There are many different restaurants along Beale Street that offer delicious food, drinks, and music.

At night you can't help but listen to music, as it follows you along the street. Beale Street is closed to cars at night so feel free to bounce across the street from one bar and restaurant to another. Check out street performers playing for tips, and make sure you catch the Beale Street Flippers who perform acrobatic tricks on the street.

Whatever you do, remember to have a good time!