The "Brews, Blues, and BBQ Tour" in Memphis offers a unique way to experience the city’s vibrant culture. Blending craft beer, iconic blues music, and mouthwatering barbecue, this self-guided exploration captivates both locals and visitors. With a flexible route and insightful commentary, the tour provides an unforgettable taste of Memphis’ distinct flavors and sounds. Whether you’re a seasoned local or a first-time traveler, this highly-rated experience is sure to leave you craving more.

Good To Know

  • This self-guided walking tour offers an informative exploration of Memphis, highlighting the city’s rich history, craft beer scene, blues music legacy, and renowned barbecue culture.

  • The tour starts at the iconic Memphis Central Station, guiding participants through vibrant downtown streets and showcasing the city’s architectural and historical significance.

  • Visitors can enjoy Memphis’ craft beer scene, sampling unique ales and lagers from renowned brewpubs while learning about the industry’s evolution in the city.

  • The tour leads guests down Beale Street, the center of blues culture, offering insights into the impact of legendary musicians and the evolution of the genre.

  • The tour culminates in a visit to the Great American Pyramid after guiding participants through the key features of authentic Memphis barbecue, including ribs, pulled pork, brisket, and chicken.

Tour Overview

The Brews, Blues, and BBQ Tour is a self-guided walking experience that takes visitors through the heart of Memphis.

Starting at the Memphis Central Station, the tour winds its way to the iconic Great American Pyramid. Available year-round, the tour offers flexibility with unlimited use before and after the booking date.

Participants will need a smartphone and headphones to access the GPS-enabled tour content. While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is stroller-friendly and near public transportation, making it accessible to most travelers.

With a 4.8-star rating, the tour provides an informative and flexible way to explore Memphis’ iconic sights and flavors.

Exploring Memphis Central Station

Visitors begin the Brews, Blues, and BBQ Tour at the iconic Memphis Central Station. This grand 1914 Beaux-Arts style building serves as the starting point for the self-guided walking experience.

Adorned with stunning architectural features, the station provides an impressive introduction to the city’s rich history. Guests can explore the restored waiting rooms and platforms, imagining the hustle and bustle of past railway travelers.

From this central location, the tour route leads participants through the vibrant streets of downtown Memphis, inviting them to discover the local brew houses, blues clubs, and barbecue joints that give the city its distinctive flavor.

Delving Into the City’s Craft Beer Scene

What better place to begin exploring Memphis’ craft beer scene than at one of the city’s renowned brewpubs?

The tour guide leads you to a local favorite, where you’ll sample an array of unique ales and lagers. From hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts, the tasting offers a tantalizing introduction to the city’s vibrant brewing culture.

As you sip and savor, the guide shares insights into the history and evolution of Memphis’ craft beer movement, highlighting how local entrepreneurs have revitalized the industry.

This stop whets your appetite for the flavorful adventures that await as you continue the Brews, Blues, and BBQ tour.

Taking in the Blues Music Legacy

Leaving the craft beer scene behind, the tour now immerses visitors in the rich blues music legacy that has defined Memphis for generations.

Strolling down Beale Street, the epicenter of blues culture, participants discover iconic venues like the Blue Note and Rum Boogie Cafe where legends like B.B. King and Muddy Waters once performed.

The tour highlights the impact of Memphis’ blues musicians, tracing the genre’s evolution from the Mississippi Delta to its worldwide popularity.

Immersed in the soulful rhythms and stories, travelers gain a deeper appreciation for the city’s musical heritage that continues to inspire artists today.

Indulging in Authentic Memphis Barbecue

As the tour progresses, participants indulge in the authentic flavors of Memphis barbecue, a local culinary tradition celebrated worldwide. The tour guides visitors to some of the city’s most renowned barbecue joints, where they can savor the smoky, tangy, and succulent meats that have made Memphis a mecca for barbecue enthusiasts. To enhance the experience, the tour provides a helpful table outlining the key features of authentic Memphis barbecue:

Protein Sauce Sides Ambiance
Ribs Tangy Slaw Casual
Pulled Pork Spicy Beans Lively
Brisket Sweet Fries Laidback
Chicken Mustard Cornbread Welcoming

Visiting the Great American Pyramid

The tour culminates at the iconic Great American Pyramid, a towering landmark that dominates the Memphis skyline.

Visitors are awestruck by the sheer size and unique architectural design of this massive structure. Originally built as a sports arena, the Pyramid now houses various attractions, including an observation deck with panoramic views of the city.

Participants can explore the Pyramid’s interior exhibits and shops, learning about its history and significance to the local community.

The tour provides a fitting finale, allowing guests to fully enjoy the vibrant culture and landmarks that define Memphis.

Accessibility and Participation Details

Is the Brews, Blues, and BBQ Tour wheelchair accessible? No, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s stroller accessible.

Service animals are allowed, and the tour is located near public transportation. Most travelers can participate in this self-guided walking tour.

The tour requires a personal smartphone and headphones to experience the GPS-enabled content.

While the tour may not be accessible to all, the flexibility to explore at one’s own pace and the unlimited use of the tour before and after the booking date make it an enjoyable option for many visitors to Memphis.

Booking, Cancellation, and Traveler Feedback

According to the information provided, the Brews, Blues, and BBQ Tour starts at $11.99 per person with a lowest price guarantee.

Travelers can also enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience. The tour confirmation is received at the time of booking, ensuring a private experience for the group.

Based on 4 reviews with a 4.8 rating, the tour has received positive feedback, with travelers appreciating the informative content and flexibility to explore at their own pace.

The reviews highlight the insights into Memphis history and local dining options, making this self-guided tour an attractive option for visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions, as it’s designed for most travelers to participate in. Children are welcome, though the tour may not be suitable for very young kids due to the walking distance.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour does not allow participants to bring their own food and drinks. The tour experience is designed to showcase local Memphis breweries, blues venues, and BBQ restaurants along the walking route. Bringing outside items is not permitted.

Is There an Option to Have a Guided Tour Instead?

No, the tour is self-guided and doesn’t offer a guided option. However, participants can explore Memphis at their own pace using the GPS-enabled tour features and enjoy the flexibility to stop and explore along the way.

Do I Need to Download Any Special Apps to Participate?

Yes, you’ll need to download a special GPS-enabled tour app to participate in this self-guided walking tour. The app provides the tour experience and allows you to explore at your own pace.

Can I Bring My Own Transportation, Like a Bike, for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t provide transportation, so you can bring your own bike to explore at your own pace. However, the tour route may not be optimized for biking, so walking is recommended for the best experience.

The Sum Up

The "Brews, Blues, and BBQ Tour" provides an exceptional opportunity to take in the vibrant culture of Memphis. Blending craft beer, iconic blues music, and mouthwatering barbecue, this self-guided exploration captivates both locals and visitors. With a flexible route and insightful commentary, the tour offers an unforgettable experience that showcases the unique flavors and sounds that make Memphis a truly memorable destination.