Tennessee is made up of a conglomeration of small towns and big cities. It’s a fascinating little state, long and lean, carried by the hard work of farmers and the contemporary edge of tech and expanding business in Nashville and Knoxville. Still, the Volunteer State has managed to balance its slow modernization with a solid bit of hometown charm. Memphis, the gem to the state’s west, is perhaps one of the most impressive examples of Tennessee’s delicate balance between the old and the new, and it’s recently made news with USA Today. Beale Street is now considered one of the top 60 things to do in America before you die. Curious why? Well, we’ll show you.

Jive667 - Flickr
The city of Memphis has long been a westside hot spot in Tennessee. It's the official home of the blues, a musical city that sits alongside the grand Mississippi River, and the adopted hometown of Elvis Presley.
Thomas Hawk - Flickr
It's Beale Street, however, that attracts tourists in droves. Graceland may be one of the most popular private homes to visit in the nation, but Beale Street offers free experiences for folks of all ages.
Beale Street - Wikipedia
All down "America's Most Iconic Street," you'll find live music, decadent eateries and lively bars. There's even an app that focuses completely on Beale Street, and it provides up-to-date event tips and tricks as well as historical information.
Beale Street - Wikipedia
The street itself stretches from East Street to the Mississippi River, and it's roughly 1.8 miles long. Here, you can see how Beale Street presented in 1974...

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Chames Richards - Flickr
...and eleven years later, in 1985.
Thomas Hawk - Flickr
Beale Street is constantly evolving. There's always something new to experience — a new show or a new eatery — and yet there's an inexplicable sense of tradition. Come and eat barbecue and grab a beer and tap your foot along to some twangy country music. It's not hard to find a bit of heart in Tennessee.
Charley1965 - Flickr
Come for the blues clubs and come for the restaurants, come for the outdoor concerts and the festivals and the sense of community that gives Memphis a certain spark. It's a city unlike any other.
Heath Cajandig - Flickr
Have you been to Memphis? Will you be visiting Beale Street anytime soon? Leave your local tips and tricks in the comments below!

If you’re looking for more fun ways to experience Tennessee, then you have to check out the cinnamon roll pancakes at Brother Juniper’s. 

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Beale Street, Beale St, Memphis, TN, USA