"Home of the Blues"

Above, Silky O'Sullivan's.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Here's a vacation idea for you.

Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee is another attraction to see in Memphis besides Elvis Presley's Graceland mansion.

Above, some historic buildings are being renovated at left.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In 1966, Beale Street was declared the "Home of the Blues" by an act of Congress.

Here's what Memphistravel.com says of Beale Street:

In the heart of downtown Memphis with three blocks of nightclubs, restaurants and retail shops, the Beale Street entertainment district is a melting pot of delta blues, jazz, rock 'n' roll, R&B and gospel. With cold beer and hot music, Beale Street is one of the coolest places in Memphis. 

Today, all you need to do is take a stroll down Beale Street’s neon row and you’ll hear music spilling out of clubs and restaurants like Rum Boogie Café, B.B. King’s, Silky O’Sullivan’s or the Hard Rock Café. Beale Street is serious about its music, and jam sessions at many of these clubs tend to go deep into the night. For a good time, grab a drink, soak up the sounds and throw a few bucks in the tip jar for the Beale Street Flippers.

Above, the famous B.B. King's Blues Club.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I visited Beale Street in 2001, and it definitely was not a disappointment.  Beale Street is essentially a three-block section of downtown Memphis of nightclubs, restaurants and retail shops.  It is called "a melting pot of delta blues, jazz, rock 'n' roll, R&B and gospel" music.

Above, another view of Beale Street.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more about Beale Street, go here.