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Whilst there’s no doubt that Memphis is a go-to destination for travellers, there a number of cool and quirky neighbourhoods around the city that should be top of intrepid travellers’ must-see lists.

Bursting with history and new life, and filled with great places to eat and drink, below are some of the coolest neighbourhoods in Memphis that travellers may not know about, but that are sure worth the visit:

  • Cooper-Young is one of Memphis’ most vibrant neighbourhoods, with a storied history of art, music, and markets. See century-old buildings that are now filled with eclectic stores which sell rare vinyl, vintage clothes and antiques. Here, Johnny Cash recorded his first album in the basement of the Galloway Church, and this seriously cool neighbourhood also hosts the state’s largest art festival, that is the Cooper Young Street Festival. The annual festival is a true celebration of the life, arts, music and history of Memphis.
  • Crosstown  is a lively arts district that is centred around the old Sears Crosstown building. The once abandoned Crosstown Concourse is now filled with dozens of newly opened restaurants, along with the Railgarten which was once an overgrown yard, and now operates as an adult playground offering a tiki bar, ice cream parlour, diners, and a sandbox for live music
  • South Main Arts District is a shining example of Memphis downtown’ revitalisation. Here, you’ll experience an authentic blend of dining, shopping, history, nightlife and a range of create-class residents. This specific neighbourhood is also home to National Civil Rights Museum, Blues Hall of Fame, the iconic Gus’s World Famous Hot & Spicy Fried Chicken and the Orpheum Theatre. This specific district also hosts a monthly Trolley Night, which brings together district galleries, restaurants, shops and live performances in one big block party.
  • Victorian Village – step back in time and stroll down the famous Adams Avenue, where you’ll find a line of mansions that were once home to wealthy Memphians in the mid-to-late 1800s. Kick off your adventure by visiting Sunrise and experience the Rooster biscuit sammie, filled with fried chicken, pickle and Tabasco honey. Afterwards, take a tour of the Woodruff-Fontaine House Museum and Mallory-Neely House, and finish off the day by enjoying a Mollie’s Spirit or Sage Advice at the Mollie Fontaine Lounge.

Topping numerous travel lists this year including Frommer’s Best Places to go in 2019, Memphis is an increasingly popular destination.

Memphis Tourism has also reported that the city drew a record 11.8 million visitors in 2018, a figure that is expected to grow this year.