Arkansas

Ribs and BBQ, the Pyramid, the mighty Mississippi, Sun Studios, Beale St...the list goes on for a while as to why you need to experience Memphis. This culturally rich city has somehow found a way to preserve it's one of a kind charm of yesteryear.

Many states and cities claim the best BBQ (Texas, North Carolina, Kansas City, among others), and the subject is up for debate. But when it comes to ribs, Memphis takes the cake, And this place is the best! You can get them drenched in wet BBQ sauce, but I recommend the way Memphis made them Many states and cities claim the best BBQ (Texas, North Carolina, Kansas City, among others), and the subject is up for debate. But when it comes to ribs, Memphis takes the cake, And this place is the best! You can get them drenched in wet BBQ sauce, but I recommend the way Memphis made them famous, dry rub.… see moresee less

Fabulous place and I don't even eat meat! The atmosphere here is incredible--loud and crowded and fun. All kinds of bizarre memorabilia on the walls, too!

Chicken cracklins are fried by hand at Kim’s. It’s every Jewish boy’s dream.

Not only the home of famous blues pioneer Muddy Waters, the cabin also served as a juke joint where Waters entertained farm hands from the area.

Clarksdale, Miss., is the home of the blues. This museum is dedicated to celebrating the history and heritage of the music and the famous musicians who have taken the stage in Clarksdale.

It all started in Clarksdale, the ground zero of blue music. Some of the best blues musicians perform here. Oh, and Morgan Freeman, Academy-Award winner and Mississippi native, is a co-owner. It's a bigger commercial place, but still cool.

Held annually in mid-April, the Juke Joint Festival is three full days of blues and barbecue. A must go.

Made by Mr. Eugene Hick’s Sr., himself since 1960. Hick’s works alone in his kitchen to keep his recipe secret. The tamales are gut bombs, the size of small cigars, sold by the dozen. Bring your Pepto.