Beale, the origin of Memphis Blues, is a several-blocks-long street located on Memphis’s west side, within walking distance of the Mississippi River. Experiencing Beale with optimal effect will take simple planning, but even if you drop by for some ribs and a beer and listen to only one set from the local musicians, the experience will be well worthwhile.
Plan the visit around a B.B. King performance. B.B. King actually has a blues bar on Beale and performs there twice a year. Call to secure tickets for the next scheduled performance. Though King does an annual concert tour to various venues around the country, seeing him perform in an intimate and familiar setting is invaluable.
Arrive on Beale by midafternoon. Several blocks of the street are closed during the evenings, but there are parking facilities around the street’s perimeter. There is a nominal fee to park.
Take a casual stroll along a walkway down to the Mississippi. The River Walk in Memphis includes well-kept lawns, manicured gardens and sculpture art. The walk covers several miles.
Return to Beale and locate the Dyers marquis on the south side of the street. Dyers offers world-renowned deep-fried hamburgers, some of the best in the country. In general, a visit to Beale is not beneficial for the health conscious.
Opt instead to visit any one of the number of rib joints located along the street. All are extremely competitive. Prices are generally affordable.
Stroll the street and witness the several street performers positioned throughout. Horse-drawn carriages similar to those in New York's Central Park will take riders along the street for a fee.
Visit a smaller dive or juke joint before attending B.B.’s performance. There are a few along Beale that appear plain and seedy on the outside. Having a drink inside hearkens back to a time when all the bars appeared this way, before the fame and neon.
Stop in B.B.’s gift shop located adjacent to his bar. Although the standard fare is on display, look for unique alternatives to the T-shirts and shot glasses. In particular are the autographed guitar picks--inexpensive and a great conversation starter. Attend the show.
Stay at the B.B. King’s Bar until closing. Regulate late alcohol consumption so as to fully experience the evening. If the bar gets too crowded after the performance, change the plans and bar-hop for awhile.
