The Rockabilly Tour

The Rockabilly Tour

To set the vibe - we’ve taken the time to curate a playlist as you go through our self-guided Rockabilly Tour! Check it out here on Spotify. The Rockabilly Tour takes you from McNairy County, up to Jackson, TN, back southwest to Memphis, TN, and wraps up in Tupelo, MS! Start where you please but we’d love to have you hang out with us in McNairy County.

McNairy County possesses a simple yet inviting hometown kind of charm. We have a unique history here with the State Line Mob, Buford Pusser, lots of Civil War History on the Old Monterey Trail, and The Latta Building. Go hiking at Big Hill Pond or check out Shiloh Military National Park. There are so many wonderful places to visit in our county and we’d love to tell you more about them at our Cultural and Visitor’s Center at 205 W. Court Ave., Selmer, TN.

Start your weekend in McNairy County!

Explore the streets of Selmer and the McNairy County Trail of Music Legends - the trail begins at the county’s Cultural and Visitor’s Center (aka The Latta Building)! It’ll lead you through downtown to Dixie Park. We have multiple Rockabilly Murals painted by local artist Brian Tull, great coffee at both Brickhaven Coffee and Moody Cat, and plenty of unique stores to shop in like The In, Byond Beleaf Apothecary, KG Gifts, Mammy’s Soap Co., and Shiloh Rose Boutique. After shopping till you drop -  grab a southern staple, the slugburger, from The Corner Cafe. I personally prefer my slugburgers with an obscene amount of mustard; it’s part of the experience… for me anyways.

Continuing on with the more historical side of town, the Latta Building has a ton of history. It was not only a car dealership from the 30’s but at night turned into a community hub. Carl Perkins - yes, the Rockabilly legend- played here at 19. It’s also the same place he met the famed Elvis Presley. I’d also like to note the art deco floors are original and possibly my favorite thing about the place. Arts in McNairy typically has a local art exhibit on display! 

Then stop on into the McNairy County Historical Museum to get in touch with local history. By this time you’re probably ready to grab some dinner. Hop on over to Adamsville, TN to eat at Kokomo’s Diner and stop by the Buford Pusser Museum and Home (check their hours before going - I think it changes time to time). Kokomo’s is worth the slight detour - the diner is 50’s themed and serves shakes, burgers, and malts. You’ll feel transported back in time. El Palomino is also a great option if you’re looking for live music! Try their taco basket while you’re there - you won’t regret it. 

We have plenty of Airbnb’s to offer local guests. Matter of fact, there’s even a list of them under the Relax and Stay tab of our website. Enjoy the rest of your evening with us, get a good night’s rest, and grab breakfast at The Snack Shack before you head to Jackson. If it’s Saturday, I recommend the Chocolate Biscuits and Gravy (another southeastern staple) and maybe even taking a trip to Big Hill Pond State Park and the Tennessee Law Enforcement Memorial at the Justice Center if you want to hang out with us a little while longer!

Day 2: Jackson, TN

Let’s start our day at the International Rock-a-Billy Hall of Fame and Museum but don’t forget to stop at Ada’s Country Store in Bethel Springs, TN while on your way to Jackson! There’s something there for everyone from natural remedies, herbs, jams, jellies, and the food is amazing. I’m a big fan of their brisket sandwich, personally.  Okay, back to business… You’ll receive Guided Tours of Oil Portraits, Stained Glass, Murals, and watch videos detailing the history of the genre. 

My personal favorite lunch spot in Jackson is Brook Shaw’s Old Country Store. The restaurant hosts a buffet and a gift and ice cream shop. It’s located in the Casey Jones Village - there you can also tour the Home & Railroad Museum and The Farm. Play mini-golf, pick flowers, walk through the muscadine vine tunnel, and play yard games. 

After lunch, go to the Carnegie Center of Arts and History then the Rusty’s TV & Movie Car Museum. If you’re still up for it, Jackson has plenty of local places to go shopping like The Lost Reserve, the Jackson Farmer’s Market, Jackson’s Hub City Flea Market, and The Columns.

End your day listening to live music at places like Hub City Brewing, Jackson’s AMP, and the Downtown Tavern! Once it’s time to head back and rest, stay at the Magnolia Manor and Chapel. It’s a charming Bed and Breakfast located in Humboldt that offers curated suites, yard games, free wifi, and a beautiful courtyard to relax in. 

Day 3: Memphis, TN

Time to hop on 40 and scoot on over to Memphis! You can’t miss lunch and a malt at The Arcade. Make sure to check out the Memphis Rock N’ Roll Walking Tour before heading over to the Memphis Music Hall of Fame and the Memphis Rock and Soul Museum. 

Before heading over to Beale Street for some invigorating night life, explore Midtown! There you’ll find places like the Hattiloo Theater or Playhouse on the Square. Don’t forget to pop in places like Shangri-La Records or Maggie’s Pharm. While on Beale, check out B.B. King’s Blues Club or go to W.C. Handy Park to watch a live concert. You’ll also have the opportunity to get down in the Rum Boogie Cafe. 

Needless to say, there are endless opportunities to find amazing artists, an immense amount of history, and good music in Memphis. 

Day 4: Tupelo, MS

You can’t forget Tupelo when talking about Rockabilly. Visit Elvis’ birthplace, the chapel he attended, and immerse yourself in the history of Elvis’ life. Once you’ve made it through the museum, take a walk to the Elvis Presley Park and view the commemorative statues of Elvis while walking the same paths he did. 

Take a walk downtown after leaving the park and stop into the Tupelo Hardware Store, where Elvis’ mother bought his first guitar. Listen to local acts at places like the New Amsterdam Deli or DownUnder then stop into the Queen Bee’s Meadery or Blue Canoe. Blue Canoe is the place often referred to as, “the place to stop before you hit it big”. Artists like Sturgill Simpson, Leon Bridges, Tyler Childers, Mandolin Orange (a personal favorite… okay, so are most of the people I’m listing.), and American Aquarium have all played there. The walls are riddled with memories and names of artists and the atmosphere is as electric as it is inviting. 

If you’re looking for a more novelty-type place to stay after a few drinks downtown, check out Hotel Tupelo after getting dinner at Vanelli’s; if they have gnocchi al keftedes as their special just trust me and order it immediately.  Hotel Tupelo is a boutique hotel located in the Fairpark District. It’s dog-friendly, has a restaurant and bar, has complimentary bikes, and a fitness center. 

Tupelo comes to life at night with the sounds of live music ringing through the streets and there are plenty of places to get out and enjoy yourself!

We sincerely hope you enjoy our Rockabilly Tour and would love to have you visit McNairy County. We host plenty of festivals across the county throughout the year, have events like First Friday, and offer beautiful places to visit and stay. Come have a slugburger with us at the Corner Cafe and check out what we have to offer!