Beale Street Entertainment District — Attraction in Memphis

This was great, the history is so powerful and a touch magical, the sound of live music all around that fills the air as does the smell of amazing BBQ, great souvenir shops, passionate old school mom and pop record shops, classic soda jerk and ice cream shops. Being able to walk down the strip that such famous artists, musicians, record producers, sound engineers is such a rewarding feeling. Especially knowing the fact that the King Elvis Presley used to hang out here to listen to the music. With that said, it's overshadowed by drug addicts and homeless people who are in every corner asking for money. You don't feel safe which prevents you from truly enjoying how beautiful this area can be. Now, this is only 4 blocks of an "entertainment district", there is literally nothing else around this area besides the FedEx arena. Other than that, you are confined to these 4 blocks. I saw one police officer who was in his car adjacent to the "district" in his police Ford Explorer on his phone while there were drug addicts asking for money, aggressively walking and talking to themselves, or just jumping out of corners unexpectedly. I truly thought I was in the Bronx on Fordham Road. That's how bad it was.

Not sure what it's like at night where all there is are the street lights, but thank god we arrived at dusk and left to not find out.

Sad to see the amount of drug addicts, unfortunately that overshadows the beautiful history of this place, you can't enjoy the history of the musical history beauty if you're worried about...

Holey Moley. What a rough hell hole. Avoid!!

On our road trip, we decided - against all advice of locals in Nashville - to call in to Memphis, specifically Beale Street to assess if we should explore further.

Upon getting close to Memphis, we noticed that the traffic was non existent. And I mean, nothing on the road. Get closer to the city and Beale Street and it's like a ghost town. Really bizarre. Then, you get closer and closer before you arrive at Beale Street and realise why. When we pulled up at around 2pm, it was deserted, other than the druggies and drifters begging for cash. We got approached within 45 seconds of exiting our car by a rough looking guy asking for change. He gave us some wild rambling story and then got to the brass tacks of wanting cash. Sorry, we don't carry any and he went off grumbling.

That set the tone.

Walking up and down Beale Street feels like taking your life into your own hands. It's rough, the buildings are scruffy and dirty, the streets are full of crazies and the whole place just has an unsafe feeling to it.

For context, I'm now in Downtown St Louis and this place is also rough but I feel ok here and we walk around the toughest parts with no bother. Memphis is a hell hole and you can see why.

Do not go here with your family. Leave it to the drunks and drug addicts. Shocking place which I will never ever return to, even if I was paid to do so. Never felt as unsafe in my life and I'm from a working class upbringing in some pretty suspect...

Okay just a heads up. Beale Street was great it does remind you of a calmer Bourbon Street to a point. After a certain time of evening new regulations and restrictions kick in. Barricades are put up on the public walkway and street. Big signs that tell you no firearms allowed. No one under 21 allowed on to the public streets. You will be searched as well for weapons. You will also be required to pay $5 to enter into the public streets. This is not a lie this is not made up This is 100% correct. How do I feel about it? I noticed almost no teenagers at all. No packs of kids randomly walking and wondering. It kept a riffraff in general down due to the fact you had to pay to get into a public roadway. There were police everywhere literally everywhere. They were in battalions, paired up, horseback and patrol vehicles. You feel very safe on Beale Street. I would absolutely recommend going to Alfred's bar and grill. Fantastic entertainment. Reasonably priced food in huge portions. The food was very flavorful! Spent approximately $50 with tip for two complete meals. The place was great when it comes to ice cold air conditioning! Plenty of fans to help dissipate the cigarette smoke. Felt safe and was never bothered by any other customers while there eating. Watched an amazing performance by Garry and Elaine Wesley ...