Looking for recordings from the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s? Look no further, especially for vintage blues, soul and R&B, along with newer music on tape and CD. You will also find some unusual souvenir items here, such as the bricks from the original Stax recording studio. If you are in Memphis on Labor Day (the first Monday in September), check out the Shangri-La Shindig, one of the best parties in town.
If you're looking for designer duds on a budget, visit Celery Ladies Upscale Resale. This consignment shop carries brands such as Prada, Jimmy Choo, J.Crew, and Kate Spade. You'll find a selection of beautiful, shoes, handbags and apparel for a fraction of their original cost. The selection is well-curated, featuring only items that are currently in style. So if you feel like revamping your closet without spending too much, this is the place to come to.
Remaining much the same as it was when it opened in 1876, A. Schwab's is the kind of store where farmers would have gone every six months to stock up on supplies. The sacks of flour and seed have been replaced with Elvis souvenirs and voodoo accessories, but the wooden floors still squeak under your feet, while the dusty tables hold overalls and an eclectic assortment of merchandise. Not always open in the evening when Beale Street is crowded, this store alone is worth a daytime visit.
Burke's has been on the Memphis scene for over 125 years, and it is still a favorite, especially when John Grisham pays a visit to sign his latest best-seller. Though not as large as the super-stores, it features a carefully selected assortment of new books, as well as first editions and "previously loved" volumes. This is the kind of shop book lovers will browse for hours. Burke's is now creating a presence online as well, with collectible and autographed copies available to those who prefer to browse the Web.
Maggie's Pharm is the go-to destination for natural products for the body and home in Memphis. They have an assortment of essential oils, herbs, spices, candles, and other items that are hard to find. Whether you're looking for medicinal herbs, or luxurious, natural bath products, you'll find what you're looking for at this store. It's a great place to go for gifts, or just to experience some amazing scents!
Whether you're looking for a poodle skirt from the 1950s or a lava lamp from the 1970s, this exciting shop is the place to start. Both kitsch and designer goods from the past century are featured in this store, which stands by itself on Central Avenue near the Mid-South Fairgrounds. The best finds at Flashback are the European Deco items from the first half of the 1900s. You really never know what you might find, and that's a lot of the fun.
This location is the original Mr. Peanut, complete with glasses and cane. Look for him in the window of this shop along the trolley line—he's been here since 1951, when the shop opened. Inside, you will find peanuts in every form you can imagine—in chocolate candy, peanut brittle, in the shell—as well as in some forms you have probably never encountered. You can also buy other kinds of nuts at The Peanut Shoppe, from pecans to pistachios. If you are not in the mood for nuts, try some of the popcorn from the old-time movie popcorn machine.
Catering to folks on their way to and from the nightclubs on Beale Street, the crowded, eclectic little shop, Strange Cargo, carries gifts and souvenirs with an adult slant. This is a good place to buy humorous cards to send to friends at home. You can also find gag gift items here, as well as T-shirts with messages that might make some people blush. If you bring the kids, you might have some explaining to do.
This funky shop on Beale Street has all the CDs and cassettes by the great blues and jazz artists who made the Memphis music scene great, such as B.B King and Rufus Thomas. Memphis Music is also a good place to buy blues-related souvenirs, posters, T-shirts and more. Be sure to go all the way to the back of the store, where some great, unusual items can be found. So if you are looking for a quirky gift for a friend, this is the place to shop.
Remaining much the same as it was when it opened in 1876, A. Schwab's is the kind of store where farmers would have gone every six months to stock up on supplies. The sacks of flour and seed have been replaced with Elvis souvenirs and voodoo accessories, but the wooden floors still squeak under your feet, while the dusty tables hold overalls and an eclectic assortment of merchandise. Not always open in the evening when Beale Street is crowded, this store alone is worth a daytime visit.
If you are the person who loves to pick up fresh local food stuff, then Memphis Farmers Market is a must visit. Open on every Saturday, in the months from April to November, Memphis Farmers Market brings to you several producers and fresh produce to take with you. From fresh vegetables and fruits to the stalls of local artisans selling art, this farmer's market has many things to offer. Apart from shopping, the Memphis Farmers Market is a venue for several cultural events and festivals like live music performances and other activities. So, whether you want to shop or you want to experience the local lifestyle, Memphis Farmers Market is a must visit.
Professionals and students can shop here from a wide-ranging inventory of 25,000 items, including sketchbooks, easels, acrylics and kits for kids. The knowledgeable staff members, many of whom are artists and art students, can help customers find the right tools for the job. The center also has a large variety of materials suitable for business presentations. Additionally, there is a full-service custom frame shop that handles oversize dry mounting and shadow boxes.